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Hi All, I really need help with my issue essay skills- I got a 3.5 on my last GRE AWA section :upset: . Any feedback on this practice issue essay would be greatly appreciated!! "It is primarily through our identification with social groups that we define ourselves. 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." Ask a person to describe himself. His answer will most likely be that he is a member of “X” religious group, lives in “X” country, holds political views of “X” political group and engages in “X” activity. Often people define themselves based on their behaviors and beliefs and will associate with the social groups that they share those common behaviors and philosophies with. Therefore, people primarily define themselves based on the combination of social groups they belong to. One of the primary components of a person’s self concept is his daily activities and rituals. Religion is one of the facets of a person’s life that dictates his daily activities and behavior and therefore is relevant to his identity. Whether he is part of a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or even an atheist group, by claiming he is a constituent, he subscribes to certain beliefs and practices and it is likely that these practices are a major part of his life. Therefore, for example, often times a Jewish person will define himself first and foremost as a “Jew” because the laws of Judaism pervade all aspects of a Jew’s life and therefore is highly pertinent to his identity. Additionally, people will frequently describe themselves as associating with a particular political group. For example, you will often hear people naming themselves “Conservative” or “a Liberal.” This is because a major part of a person’s identity is their worldview and societal beliefs. For instance, a person who says they are liberal is defining himself as someone who wants society to function with greater equality. One of the reasons someone will call themselves a part of a certain political group is that it is easier to define oneself as part of that group than to start listing all of his beliefs separately. While there are certainly differences between individuals in social groups and no group can truly define every nuance of a person (for example you may have a Christian democrat who also defines himself as a passionate dancer), the most precise and easy self-definition is achieved through identification with certain social groups.