acr

This is my first attempt, so I fear I may not meet what is generally expected. Candid remarks most appreciated. Thank you for taking time to read this! "A crucial test of character is whether one is able to adapt to changing social conventions without sacrificing one's principles." The world is changing at an exponential rate. Advancements in technology has brought the world closer and social conventions differ from one generation to another. For example, while it was not acceptable seventy years ago for a couple to kiss passionately in public, one hardly gives a second glance to such occurrences in today's world. Early twentieth century families were large, while contemporary households have fewer members. Adapting to changes in social stands without having to sacrifice one's principles is indeed a crucial test of character. The fear of being alienated is the largest factor which pushes a person towards change. A person who hasn't quite caught up with the times may fear that his peers may reject him. He's in a dilemma; whether to change and give up his cherished values, or to remain adamant and risk damaging relationships. For example a conservative woman may be cajoled by her friends for dressing somewhat old-fashioned. She may have to choose between switching to something more fashionable yet not in accordance with her principles. There are some people who resist the changes downright and stick to their principles without any deviations. A well known example is the Amish people. They have shunned technology and even electricity. The world may have changed, but when one enters the Amish county, he feels that he has gone back in time! hey may have come across tempting situations to adapt to the modern world, such as the availability better medical treatment and modern agricultural implements. Yet they continue to be firmly rooted in their principles. There are some who are weak-willed and change themselves to suit the current trends. Drug abuse and excessive drinking are rampant nowadays. They wouldn't have become a problem if people can clench to their values and just say 'no'. Many lives are ruined due to heinous drugs of all sort, while drunken driving is a major cause of road accidents and deaths. There are others who adapt to the changes without having to sacrifice their principles entirely. For instance a man who loathes smoking and smokers may have to adjust when he befriends a chronic smoker. He can choose to tolerated his friend's fiendish habit, but doesn't have to smoke himself. Hence I strongly feel that one must be able to adapt to changes without renouncing what he believes in. We must all learn to adapt and adjust to live harmoniously in today's world, but that does not mean simply discarding our principles. Striking the balance is no easy task - that is where the true test of character lies.

Hi, I'm taking the GRE in late October. Is it too late for fall '11? So far I haven't done much preparation, I have another two months left to prepare. Will that be sufficient time? I'm hoping for atleast a score of 1300. Any websites out there which act as good study aids? So far I've found MyGRETutor.com helpful, they've got a eight-week study plan based on their website. I'm pretty tempted to follow it. This will mean that I'll be heavily relying on the website. Is that a bad idea (have a mathematical background, but non-native english speaker)? My vocabulary needs a lot of improvement. In a nutshell, I just want to make use of the little time available to prepare as efficiently possible. I hope I'm not wasting anyone's time by asking mundane questions, thanks in advance for your help!