GRE Sample Essay 8

It is more harmful to compromise one’s own beliefs than to adhere to them.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Response

Our thoughts and experiences shape our beliefs. Beliefs are at the core of our character as our actions stem from them. It nurtures our ability to adhere to and abide by it. Its foundation shakes when we compromise it.

During our course of life, we need to make decisions. The better, the best. Difficult decisions test the faith we have in our belief system. The lenses through which we see things differ from person to person. For example, one could be a supporter of right-wing politics and believe in ideas such as protectionism, nativism, neo-nationalism, social stratification, etc. Due to their belief in these ideas, their leaning is towards right-wing politics. There could be a person with an opposing point of view with liberal ideas such as globalization, social equality, secularisation, decentralization, etc. Their leaning is rooted in their belief in these liberal ideas.

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A right-wing supporter living in a country where the incumbent government is leftist will test her belief system. She witnesses that the ideas which she supports are not being implemented; in fact the exact opposite of that is happening. Whether to remain quiet and endure the situation without doing anything about it or to support what you believe in is the ultimate question.

In difficult situations, it is easier to make compromises- beliefs, liking, and choices. Although difficult, it is more harmful to compromise one’s own beliefs than to adhere to them. In the above-said example, it could be harmful to lead protests against the incumbent leftist government but it is more harmful to shun your belief system and live in a country that is far from what you expect and want it to be.

During the American Civil War (1861- 1865), the then-American president Abraham Lincoln proposed and enforced liberal reforms in major parts of the South. Slavery was abolished and this had repercussions that transpired into a civil war. The prevailing system was turned around making people of the South insecure about their position in the social and political hierarchy by granting equal rights to black people. If it was not for the ethos and beliefs of Abraham Lincoln, such changes could not have been made which had led towards creating a more egalitarian society in America.

Speeches and success stories have one thing in common. They both emphasize doing what one believes in. Not compromising your beliefs under the pressure of society, peers, and family is difficult but adhering to them helps you lead a more contented life. It grants inner peace which is negligible as compared to the discomfort that might come from adhering to them. During times of distress, one could feel inclined towards taking the easier path and conform or crumble under pressure but a little courage can make all the difference. It is more harmful to compromise one’s own beliefs than to adhere to them. Following your beliefs requires practice and courage.

GRE Essay Score

This article scores a 4.5 because:

The article presents a thoughtful analysis of the given argument with cogent reasons. The analysis is supported with relevant examples wherever needed, thus conveying the central idea effectively. The article does a satisfactory job of explaining the crux of the analysis. The article points out the bias in terms of employment, showing an in-depth understanding of the argument and issue at hand. For more topics, visit: GRE Essay Topics with Answers

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