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College students should base their choice of a field of study on the availability of jobs in that field. (7%)

answer

163

question

The effectiveness of a country's leaders is best measured by examining the well-being of that country's citizens. (6%)

answer

http://stupidgre.blogspot.com/2012/03/another-gre-essay.html

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Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student's field of study. (5%)

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167 Pros: - Broaden horizons - Many students choose a field of study without having experienced anything beyond the fundamentals in any other field - Exposure to and experience of different modes of thinking and varying skill sets - Interdisciplinary collaboration increasingly common Cons: - There are some who are truly brilliant in one field - Payoff- lack of specialization - May be extraneous in vocation-oriented courses such as nursing and accounting

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A nation should require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college. (3%)

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78 Pros: - Increased fundamentals - Easier logistics - Ensure the same background upon entering college Cons: - There is no end to building 'better fundamentals' - Individuals must learn to specialize - Companies are not looking for jack-of-all-trades - Not everyone enters college- should learn specialization in high school - Foster individual thinking while the brain is still developing Conclusion: National curriculum is beneficial, but only up to a certain point. Current societal trends in duration of education suggest that this point is earlier than the time at which students enter college.

question

Educators should find out what students want included in the curriculum and then offer it to them. (3%)

answer

http://www.testbig.com/gmatgre-essays/educators-should-find-out-what-students-want-included-curriculum-and-then-offer-it

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Government officials should rely on their own judgment rather than unquestioningly carry out the will of the people they serve (3%)

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118

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Knowing about the past cannot help people to make important decisions today. (3%)

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127

question

All college and university students would benefit from spending at least one semester studying in a foreign country. (3%)

answer

http://www.essayforum.com/writing-feedback-3/spending-semester-foreign-university-issue-essay-40340/

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Nations should pass laws to preserve any remaining wilderness areas in their natural state. (3%)

answer

http://testbig.com/gmatgre-essays/nations-should-pass-laws-preserve-any-remaining-wilderness-areas-their-natural-sta-25

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The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones. (2%)

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57

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It is no longer possible for a society to regard any living man or woman as a hero. (2%)

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233

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Claim: Imagination is a more valuable asset than experience. Reason: People who lack experience are free to imagine what is possible without the constraints of established habits and attitudes. (2%)

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236

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In any profession business, politics, education, government, those in power should step down after five years. (2%)

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143

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We can learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own. (2%)

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74

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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. (2%)

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232

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People's behavior is largely determined by forces not of their own making. (1%)

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166

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Formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than set them free. (1%)

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200

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Governments should offer college and university education free of charge to all students. (1%)

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126

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Teachers' salaries should be based on their students' academic performance. (1%)

answer

http://www.testbig.com/gmatgre-essays/teachers-salaries-should-be-based-their-students-academic-performance-0

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As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible, but more complex and mysterious. (1%)

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12

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Governments should not fund any scientific research whose consequences are unclear. (1%)

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117

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Competition for high grades seriously limits the quality of learning at all levels of education. (1%)

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128

question

Educators should teach facts only after their students have studied the ideas, trends, and concepts that help explain those facts. (1%)

answer

http://www.testbig.com/gmatgre-essays/educators-should-teach-facts-only-after-their-students-have-studied-ideas-trends-and

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Young people should be encouraged to pursue long-term, realistic goals rather than seek immediate fame and recognition. (1%)

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159

question

Nations should suspend government funding for the arts when significant numbers of their citizens are hungry or unemployed. (1%)

answer

http://www.testbig.com/gmatgre-essays/nations-should-suspend-government-funding-arts-when-significant-numbers-their

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All parents should be required to volunteer time to their children's schools. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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To be an effective leader, a public official must maintain the highest ethical and moral standards. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Critical judgment of work in any given field has little value unless it comes from someone who is an expert in that field. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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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. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The best test of an argument is the argument's ability to convince someone with an opposing viewpoint. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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To understand the most important characteristics of a society, one must study its major cities. (1%)

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Pro: -Expand the definition of 'major city' to 'center of human activity' -To understand humans, must observe all their interactions -Cities capture the tone of the majority -Cities are frequently the center of political and economic activity Con: -Not enough- may only reflect one side of society -Examine its laws -Traditions, beliefs, religion -Age of globalization- major cities all resemble one another?

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Scandals are useful because they focus our attention on problems in ways that no speaker or reformer ever could. (1%)

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Pros: - Raise public awareness- perhaps not focus attention, but bring into the public eye, because they are more easily accessible and frequently accessed - E.g. milk scandal - health Cons: - Form of entertainment - Root issue is frequently lost behind sensationalization - Political scandals- doctored, focus on negatives and putting down the other party (Obama vs. Romney) - In the unlikely event that they focus attention on a problem, they usually offer little solution.

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Claim: Governments must ensure that their major cities receive the financial support they need in order to thrive. Reason: It is primarily in cities that a nation's cultural traditions are preserved and generated. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Some people believe that government funding of the arts is necessary to ensure that the arts can flourish and be available to all people. Others believe that government funding of the arts threatens the integrity of the arts. (1%)

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Pro: - Art needs money - Consumer society is providing less and less of this required monetary support - It is better to allow the arts to develop in an imbalanced manner than to suppress it entirely - The presence of art inspires new art, e.g. Russian underground literary movements Con: - Due to scarcity of resources, government must be selective in its funding - This leads to the promotion of certain types of art over others, thus threatening its integrity - E.g. propaganda in Soviet Russia Conclusion: Within modern society, government funding is necessary for the monetary survival of the arts. However, such action inevitably shapes the direction of popular art forms. Thus whilst funding is necessary, it can not always be viewed as purely beneficial.

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In any field of endeavor, it is impossible to make a significant contribution without first being strongly influenced by past achievements within that field. (1%)

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Pros: - Even the most radical breakthroughs in science result from questioning—and sometimes subverting—past achievements. - Einstein had to understand Newtonian physics in order to describe why the theory broke down Cons: - Not 'impossible' - Copernicus- instead of being influenced by common belief, pursued new methodologies (scientific method) Result: In many fields, so much it has already been done that, in order not to imitate the past, it is necessary to be cognizant of and thus influenced by the past. Even in the past, many of the most radical breakthroughs arose through investigating and subverting established theories and conventions. However, it is possible to make a significant contribution without being strongly guided by past achievements.

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The well-being of a society is enhanced when many of its people question authority. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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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. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Laws should be flexible enough to take account of various circumstances, times, and places. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The luxuries and conveniences of contemporary life prevent people from developing into truly strong and independent individuals. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important contributions. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Society should make efforts to save endangered species only if the potential extinction of those species is the result of human activities.

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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In any situation, progress requires discussion among people who have contrasting points of view. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Society should identify those children who have special talents and provide training for them at an early age to develop their talents. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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It is primarily through our identification with social groups that we define ourselves. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Students should always question what they are taught instead of accepting it passively. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The increasingly rapid pace of life today causes more problems than it solves. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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If a goal is worthy, then any means taken to attain it are justifiable. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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In order for any work of art for example, a film, a novel, a poem, or a song to have merit, it must be understandable to most people. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

Many important discoveries or creations are accidental: it is usually while seeking the answer to one question that we come across the answer to another. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Learning is primarily a matter of personal discipline; students cannot be motivated by school or college alone. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Scientists and other researchers should focus their research on areas that are likely to benefit the greatest number of people. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Politicians should pursue common ground and reasonable consensus rather than elusive ideals. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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People should undertake risky action only after they have carefully considered its consequences. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Leaders are created by the demands that are placed on them. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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There is little justification for society to make extraordinary efforts, especially at a great cost in money and jobs, to save endangered animal or plant species. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The human mind will always be superior to machines because machines are only tools of human minds. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Every individual in a society has a responsibility to obey just laws and to disobey and resist unjust laws. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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People who are the most deeply committed to an idea or policy are also the most critical of it. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Some people believe it is often necessary, even desirable, for political leaders to withhold information from the public. Others believe that the public has a right to be fully informed. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Colleges and universities should require all faculty to spend time working outside the academic world in professions relevant to the courses they teach. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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The most effective way to understand contemporary culture is to analyze the trends of its youth. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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People's attitudes are determined more by their immediate situation or surroundings than by society as a whole. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Claim: Any piece of information referred to as a fact should be mistrusted, since it may well be proven in the future. Reason: Much of the information that people assume is factual actually turns out to be inaccurate. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Claim: Many problems of modern society cannot be solved by laws and the legal system. Reason: Laws cannot change what is in people's hearts or minds. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

The primary goal of technological advancement should be to increase people's efficiency so that they have more leisure time. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Unfortunately, in contemporary society, creating an appealing image has become more important than the reality or truth behind that image. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

Although innovations such as video, computers, and the Internet seem to offer schools improved methods for instructing students, these technologies all too often distract from real learning. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

The best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Any leader who is quickly and easily influenced by shifts in popular opinion will accomplish little. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

It is primarily in cities that a nation's cultural traditions are generated and preserved. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

When old buildings stand on ground that modern planners feel could be better used for modern purposes, modern development should be given precedence over the preservation of historic buildings. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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Some people believe that corporations have a responsibility to promote the well-being of the societies and environments in which they operate. Others believe that the only responsibility of corporations, provided they operate within the law, is to make as much money as possible. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

Claim: Researchers should not limit their investigations to only those areas in which they expect to discover something that has an immediate, practical application. Reason: It is impossible to predict the outcome of a line of research with any certainty. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

Some people believe that our ever-increasing use of technology significantly reduces our opportunities for human interaction. Other people believe that technology provides us with new and better ways to communicate and connect with one another. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

It is more harmful to compromise one's own beliefs than to adhere to them. (1%)

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Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

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No field of study can advance significantly unless it incorporates knowledge and experience from outside that field. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

True success can be measured primarily in terms of the goals one sets for oneself. (1%)

answer

Introduction: Body: Concession: Conclusion:

question

In any field—business, politics, education, government—those in power should step down after five years. Reason: The surest path to success for any enterprise is revitalization through new leadership.

answer

Pros: - Sometimes is necessary to change leadership- when current leadership is stagnating or ineffectual - Successful in current government - Forced change often useful, as people have tendency to get stuck in a rut Cons: - Great successes by new leaders are often more strongly felt because they are more revolutionary - Does not mean that there are no great successes by current leaders. Slow but steady progress - Emphasis on immediately visible change - Lack of experience, loss of previous experience - Not a 'sure' path - Extreme visionaries are few and far between E.g. Steve Jobs

question

Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed.

answer

Responsibility vs. logistical/legal issues Responsibility to who? The students? Society? Pros: - Students unable to foresee - dissatisfied COS majors - Able, have necessary experience Cons: - Measure of success?

question

Nations should pass laws to preserve any remaining wilderness areas in their natural state, even if these areas could be developed for economic gain.

answer

Pros: - Nature is not a renewable resource - Effects of deforestation are pervasive Cons: - Easier said than done, especially for developing nations - Any nation, in order to support its economy, is obligated to utilize some portion of its natural resources. It would therefore not make sense to restrict underdeveloped economies to the insufficient resources current available to them by imposing conversationalist laws on all remaining wilderness areas.

question

Governments should offer a free university education to any student who has been admitted to a university but who cannot afford the tuition.

answer

Pros: - Increasing education of the poor - Equal opportunity - Education is a right and benefits society as a whole - Example of poor people who have been successful / great academics? Cons: - Better to address the root problem of poverty - Eg. give free primary school education - Too ideological- difficult to implement such legislation - Insufficient funds - Where to draw the line? Risk of people exploiting loophole to gain free education - Wait until later - Only further increasing gap between the wealthy and the poor, favoring the very people who appear to have abused their privileged positions.

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