Analytical Writing Issue Topics as Awkward Conversation Starters

Unashamedly copied from the publicly-available pool of issue topics for the analytical writing section of the GRE® General Test.

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The surest indicator of a great nation is represented not by the achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists, but by the general welfare of its people.

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In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important contributions.

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The luxuries and conveniences of contemporary life prevent people from developing into truly strong and independent individuals.

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Governments should offer college and university education free of charge to all students.

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The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.

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Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development.

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Claim: The best way to understand the character of a society is to examine the character of the men and women that the society chooses as its heroes or its role models.

Reason: Heroes and role models reveal a society's highest ideals.

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Laws should be flexible enough to take account of various circumstances, times, and places.

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Some people believe that college students should consider only their own talents and interests when choosing a field of study. Others believe that college students should base their choice of a field of study on the availability of jobs in that field.

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Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the future.

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The well-being of a society is enhanced when many of its people question authority.

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Formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than set them free.

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Yoko Ono was the only good thing about John Lennon.

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Some people believe that in order to be effective, political leaders must yield to public opinion and abandon principle for the sake of compromise. Others believe that the most essential quality of an effective leader is the ability to remain consistently committed to particular principles and objectives.

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Educational institutions should actively encourage their students to choose fields of study that will prepare them for lucrative careers.

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A nation should require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college.

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Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student's field of study.