GRE Issue Essay Prompts: Types, Examples, and Prep

Definition: You are given a statement and you must decide whether you agree or disagree with it. This is the simplest form of GRE Issue Essay prompt.
Frequency: Agree/disagree prompts are by far the most common.
Structure/cues: The directions are straightforward: you write about whether you agree or disagree.
Example prompt (ETS public pool): 'Governments should place few with any restrictions on scientific research and development.' The directions specify: agree or disagree; you write a five-paragraph essay.
Note: The prompts come from ETS's public pool PDF; the video will link to it.
How to approach (brief): Expect to write a $5\text{-paragraph}$ essay; we'll discuss ins and outs later.

Definition: You are given two opposing viewpoints; you must choose one side to argue for.
Structure: Similar to type 1 in that you pick a side and argue it, but you must identify the opposing viewpoint as part of the prompt.
Example prompt (ETS): 'Some people believe that the purpose of education is to free the mind and the spirit, but others believe that formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than set them free.' Directions require you to choose a side.
Frequency: Opposing viewpoints prompts are rarer than agree/disagree prompts.

Definition: These prompts are notorious for being odd or tedious; they combine a claim with one or more reasons.
Common format: A claim is given (for example, a policy or stance) followed by a reason that supports the claim.
Example (from transcript): The claim: 'When planning courses, educators should take into account the interest and suggestions of their students,' and a reason that follows: 'Students are more motivated to learn when they’re interested in what they’re studying.'
Difficulty: Not typically difficult; they’re weird because the structure is different and less familiar.
Preparation note: The main issue is how to organize a coherent five-paragraph essay when you’re given a claim and a reason; the speaker promises to cover organization later.

Good news: There are three prompt types; the easiest and most common is the agree/disagree prompt (Type 1).
The opposing viewpoints and claim–reason prompts are rarer, but they do appear; you should prepare for them as part of a comprehensive prep.
Probability perspective: You’re unlikely to encounter claim–reason or opposing viewpoints prompts, but you should not rely on that; preparation helps.
Overall takeaway: The agree/disagree type is the most common and the easiest to tackle.

The prompts come from ETS’s public pool (a downloadable PDF).
The video notes that all prompts are in that ETS PDF and that a link will be provided.
Key benefit: Understanding the exact wording and directions helps you identify the required approach quickly.

The video emphasizes that you’ll learn to attack these prompts by going through a series; practice will build confidence in organizing and writing under time.
Summary: Start by recognizing the prompt type, then apply the standard approach for that type; there are three types, with Type 1 being the most common and easiest to handle.