The GRE General Test's Analytical Writing section consists of one 30-minute "Analyze an Issue" essay. You must evaluate a statement, develop a position, and support your argument with reasons and examples.

Below is a categorized, numbered list of 100 GRE-style Issue Essay topics for preparation. These are practice themes and questions, not verbatim official ETS prompts.

1. Education and Academic Learning

1. The purpose of education

2. The importance of higher education

3. Standardized testing versus academic ability

4. The value of a university degree

5. The role of teachers in student success

6. Practical knowledge versus theoretical knowledge

7. Creativity versus memorization in education

8. Government funding for universities

9. Online learning versus traditional classrooms

10. Specialization versus interdisciplinary education

2. Science and Scientific Research

11. The importance of scientific progress

12. Government restrictions on scientific research

13. Basic research versus applied research

14. Scientific discoveries and social responsibility

15. Scientific innovation versus ethical considerations

16. Government funding for fundamental research

17. Scientific collaboration versus individual achievement

18. The role of uncertainty in scientific progress

19. Scientific expertise in public decision-making

20. Scientific research for public welfare versus commercial profit

3. Technology and Artificial Intelligence

21. Technology and human progress

22. Artificial intelligence versus human intelligence

23. Automation and employment

24. Technology and personal privacy

25. Social media and social relationships

26. Technological advancement versus traditional values

27. The ethical responsibilities of technology companies

28. Artificial intelligence in education

29. Government regulation of emerging technologies

30. Technology and human dependency

4. Government, Politics, and Leadership

31. Government responsibility for public welfare

32. Individual freedom versus government authority

33. Democracy and effective governance

34. Leadership through cooperation versus competition

35. The importance of political experience

36. Public opinion versus expert judgment

37. Government transparency and accountability

38. National security versus civil liberties

39. The role of citizens in political decisions

40. Political compromise versus strong principles

5. Society and Social Development

41. Individual interests versus collective interests

42. Social equality versus individual achievement

43. Tradition versus social progress

44. The importance of cultural diversity

45. Social responsibility and personal freedom

46. Equality of opportunity versus equality of outcomes

47. Social change through individuals versus institutions

48. The influence of public opinion on social behavior

49. The role of education in reducing inequality

50. Social stability versus rapid reform

6. Ethics, Morality, and Human Values

51. Moral principles versus practical consequences

52. Honesty versus personal advantage

53. Ethical leadership and public trust

54. Individual rights versus collective responsibilities

55. Moral values and cultural differences

56. The ethical limits of scientific experimentation

57. Justice versus mercy in punishment

58. Personal responsibility versus social circumstances

59. Ethical conduct in professional life

60. Universal moral principles versus situational ethics

7. Environment and Sustainable Development

61. Economic growth versus environmental protection

62. Government responsibility for climate action

63. Renewable energy versus conventional energy

64. Environmental conservation versus industrialization

65. Individual responsibility for environmental protection

66. Scientific solutions to environmental problems

67. Sustainable development and economic priorities

68. Biodiversity protection versus human development

69. International cooperation on environmental issues

70. The responsibilities of present generations toward future generations

8. Arts, Culture, and Literature

71. The importance of art in society

72. Artistic freedom versus social responsibility

73. Government funding for arts and culture

74. Traditional culture versus modern culture

75. Literature as a reflection of society

76. Artistic creativity versus technical skill

77. The value of historical monuments and cultural heritage

78. Popular entertainment versus serious artistic expression

79. The influence of art on moral values

80. Cultural preservation versus globalization

9. Economics, Business, and Employment

81. Economic growth versus social equality

82. Competition versus cooperation in business

83. Government intervention in the economy

84. Wealth accumulation versus social responsibility

85. Corporate profit versus ethical responsibility

86. Entrepreneurship versus traditional employment

87. Economic success versus personal happiness

88. Professional specialization versus career flexibility

89. Individual merit versus equal opportunity in employment

90. Globalization and economic development

10. Personal Development, Success, and Human Behavior

91. Hard work versus natural talent

92. Success through cooperation versus competition

93. Personal ambition versus social responsibility

94. Learning through failure versus success

95. Experience versus formal education

96. Creativity versus discipline

97. Individual judgment versus expert advice

98. Risk-taking versus careful planning

99. Personal happiness versus professional achievement

100. Adaptability versus consistency in achieving success

Official ETS GRE Issue Topic Pool

ETS publishes the complete pool of Issue tasks from which actual GRE Analytical Writing topics are selected. These include specific claims and task instructions.

ETS Official GRE Analytical Writing Issue Topic Pool (PDF)

Preparation recommendation: For each topic above, practice developing a clear thesis, two or three supporting arguments, relevant examples, and a counterargument. Then write full essays under the official 30-minute time limit.