Welcome to this guide where we break down one of the GRE Analyze an Issue prompts: “The best way to understand contemporary culture is to analyze the trends of its youth.” This essay topic raises important questions about how cultural shifts are reflected through younger generations.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to approach this GRE issue essay, present a sample perfect-scoring response (Score: 6), and explain why it works so well. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Prompt
This GRE issue task invites you to consider whether studying youth behavior is the most effective way to understand modern culture. It assumes that youth trends—whether in music, fashion, activism, or technology—are reflective of broader societal dynamics.
Your response should present a clear position and thoughtfully examine both the strengths and limitations of this assumption.
Arguments in Favor
- Youth lead cultural change: Young people often initiate and popularize social movements, music genres, and technological adoption (e.g., TikTok, climate activism).
- They are early adopters: Youth are often the first to embrace new ideas, making them strong indicators of where culture is heading.
- They represent the future: As future leaders, understanding their beliefs gives insight into what norms may prevail.
Arguments Against
- Youth are not monolithic: They vary by geography, socioeconomics, and background—making generalizations tricky.
- They don’t represent the whole: Older generations contribute significantly to cultural institutions, traditions, and values.
- The prompt may oversimplify: It assumes youth only reflect culture, not actively shape it—which discounts their agency.
Sample GRE Essay (Score: 6)
Title: The Importance of Analyzing Youth Trends in Understanding Contemporary Culture
Essay:
Contemporary culture is a constantly evolving entity, shaped by a multitude of factors such as technology, globalization, and social norms. In order to fully comprehend the complexities of modern society, it is essential to analyze the trends of its youth. I strongly agree that studying the behaviors, attitudes, and preferences of young people is the most effective way to understand contemporary culture. In this essay, I will provide evidence to support my position and also address potential counterarguments.
Firstly, youth trends are a reflection of the current state of society. The younger generation is often at the forefront of change, challenging traditional beliefs and pushing boundaries. By studying their values and actions, we can gain insight into the issues that are important to them and how these issues are shaping contemporary culture. For instance, the rise of youth-led movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter has brought crucial conversations about gender equality and racial justice to the forefront of societal discourse. These movements have not only influenced the perspectives of young people but have also sparked important changes in wider society.
Moreover, studying youth trends can provide a glimpse into the future of contemporary culture. As the youth of today will become the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow, their beliefs and behaviors will shape the direction of society. By understanding their values and aspirations, we can anticipate potential changes and adapt accordingly. For example, the increasing focus on sustainability and environmentalism among young people has already led to significant changes in consumer behavior and business practices. This trend is likely to continue and will have a significant impact on contemporary culture in the years to come.
On the other hand, some may argue that analyzing youth trends is not an accurate representation of contemporary culture as a whole. They may argue that young people are a small percentage of the population and their trends may not reflect the beliefs and behaviors of the majority. While this is a valid point, it is important to note that youth trends often have a ripple effect on wider society. The influence of young people can be seen in popular culture, fashion, and even politics. Therefore, studying their trends can provide valuable insights into the direction of contemporary culture.
In conclusion, understanding contemporary culture is a complex and multi-faceted task. However, analyzing the trends of its youth is a crucial aspect of this process. Youth trends offer a reflection of current societal issues and can also provide a glimpse into the future. While there may be some limitations to this approach, the impact of young people on contemporary culture cannot be ignored. As the saying goes, “the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”, and it is essential that we pay attention to their trends in order to truly understand and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of modern society.
Why This Essay Earns a Perfect Score
This response demonstrates everything ETS looks for in a top-scoring essay:
- Clear position: The thesis is strong and consistent throughout.
- Structured argument: Two well-developed body paragraphs support the claim.
- Relevant examples: Real-world events like Black Lives Matter add credibility and specificity.
- Acknowledges counterarguments: The writer recognizes opposing views and refutes them effectively.
- Polished conclusion: The ending reinforces the thesis and adds a memorable quote.
Key Takeaways for Your GRE Issue Essay
- State your position clearly in the intro and thesis
- Use specific, real-world examples to support your claims
- Consider and respond to counterarguments
- Maintain logical flow and structure throughout
- Conclude with impact