GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Analyze an Issue Essay Questions and Answers

Question 1

A test-taker is responding to the prompt: "Claim: The most effective way to understand a society is to examine its scientific and technological innovations." The test-taker decides to argue against the claim by using only the example of ancient Rome, focusing entirely on its legal and political systems.
What is the primary weakness of this approach?

Accepted Answer

A single, narrowly-focused example is insufficient to address the complexity of the claim.

Answer

The example of ancient Rome is irrelevant to the prompt.

Answer

The essay should agree with the claim, as scientific progress is always the most important factor.

Answer

Historical examples are less persuasive than examples from current events.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a thesis statement in a GRE "Analyze an Issue" essay?

Accepted Answer

To articulate a clear, specific, and defensible position on the issue presented in the prompt.

Answer

To demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structure.

Answer

To summarize the arguments that both sides of the issue might make.

Answer

To provide a detailed list of the examples that will be discussed in the essay.

Question 3

A writer is planning an essay and wants to achieve a high score by demonstrating nuanced thinking. Which of the following strategies is most effective for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Qualifying the main argument by acknowledging a valid counterargument and then refuting it.

Answer

Arguing one side of the issue as forcefully as possible, ignoring any potential weaknesses in their own position.

Answer

Using only personal anecdotes as evidence to create an emotional connection with the grader.

Answer

Strictly following a five-paragraph structure with exactly three examples, regardless of the prompt.

Question 4

When selecting evidence for an "Analyze an Issue" essay, which of the following is the most important characteristic of the examples chosen?

Accepted Answer

They are directly relevant to the point being made and are explained thoroughly.

Answer

They are obscure facts that the grader is unlikely to know.

Answer

They are all from the same field, such as history or science, to show expertise.

Answer

They are primarily hypothetical scenarios about what could happen in the future.

Question 5

Which of the following actions is most likely to result in a low score on the "Analyze an Issue" essay?

Accepted Answer

Writing an essay that simply summarizes the prompt's issue without taking a clear position.

Answer

Spending the first 3-5 minutes brainstorming and creating an outline.

Answer

Using transitional phrases like "however" and "therefore" to connect ideas.

Answer

Concluding the essay by briefly restating the thesis and main points.

Question 6

A test-taker writes the following thesis statement in response to a prompt about government funding for the arts: "Government funding for the arts is a complicated topic with many pros and cons that are worth discussing." Why is this thesis considered weak for a GRE essay?

Accepted Answer

It fails to take a clear, arguable position on the issue.

Answer

It uses the first-person pronoun "I", which is not allowed.

Answer

It focuses on a controversial topic that should be avoided.

Answer

It is too long and contains too much detail for an introduction.