GRE analyze an issue task tests the candidate’s writing ability through an essay. Candidates are provided with a topic of general interest, they need to write the essay based on their personal experiences, relevant examples, and pieces of evidence. This GRE analyze an issue task asks if a goal is worthy, should people go to any extent to attain it. Candidates will get similar topics in GRE writing practice papers.

Topic: If a goal is worthy, then any means taken to attain it are justifiable.

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.

Answer:

Having goals is one of the first and foremost priorities of a person. Focusing on which, everyone has to plan his or her life and follow the steps to achieve the same. Goals serve as a mental visualization and motivation which makes a man do hard work to achieve success. As one works towards the goals, certain actions and steps are taken to ensure attaining the said goals. A goal is generally celebrated if it is achieved by abiding by all the legal, and social rules and norms. I will personally not agree with the statement since it means even partaking in illegal or unsocial activities.

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Moving forward, let's take the examples into consideration that will explicitly declaim my reasoning. Think of a weekday morning road traffic. What if an office-going professional, in the spree of going to his workplace, violates the rules because being punctual is his goal? No doubt that he is not only risking his life but also putting others under stress too. In other words, neglecting rules by individuals will lead to random disarray and this is the last thing needed for any society.

Reaching the target at the cost of others will pose questions on the values of that person. Therefore, it is needless to say that, no matter what, it is important for any individual not to deviate from the moral code of conduct. Let's take an example of an examination in school. Why are the exams being held just to test knowledge that students have learned throughout the year? If a student wants to set a goal of a higher percentile then obviously he has to do persistent and relentlessly hard work for the examination. Now, what is the motto for that student? To get a higher percentile in examinations. If the student’s sole desire is to excel in academics, then he/she will study hard to achieve that position. But if that student is only concerned about the image then the goal can also be achieved by cheating. Now, will our ethics allow it? Absolutely no, because we categorized this as unjustifiable. Only justifiable means are permitted towards a worthy goal.

Hence, a worthy goal will be praised by people only if it is accomplished without overcoming moral standards. Even society will respect it because the ways through which it is accomplished is compatible with laws. In the example in which the student is cheating in an exam, the student is accomplishing his worthy goals but can never justify the means through which it is accomplished. One must take into consideration the steps or actions taken to attain the goal in pursuing a worthy goal. He or she should ask the questions to themselves. Who do the goals benefit? Who is the person affected in the path of pursuing this goal? How does it affect others?

It should be noted that both reaching the goal and the route followed to reach the goal are equally important. Hence, it is incorrect to take any means to attain a goal, even if it is worthy. One must take into consideration the means taken to attain a goal as it can potentially compromise moral values that are considered inherently good.