Gre analytical Writing issue essay Topic 101

GRE Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Topic - 130 
"The depth of knowledge to be gained from books is much richer and broader than what can be 
learned from direct experience." 
GRE AWA Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Sample 
Solution - 130 
Books are a vast source of knowledge. They give detailed information about the history, 
geography, science, literature, religion and social trends of different places all over the world. 
They give descriptions of other planets which is difficult for a common man to acquire through 
direct experience. Although, the significance of books can not be undermined, learning through 
direct experience has its own importance. 
While books can guide us in dealing with people of different psychologies, it is first hand 
experience that makes us truly successful at it. For instance, there are many well qualified 
parents who are not half as good as the teachers of their tiny tots, when it comes to teaching. The 
teachers not only apply their training for the job but also keep learning through their direct 
dealings with so many kids, year after year. Without experience, even the over qualified can not 
do justice to a job. 
The importance of learning-by-doing is reflected in almost all the subjects being studied at 
school. Though there are text books for knowledge and guidance, one must practice mathematics 
to actually solve the problems. Similarly, all the reading of text can not make a child well 
conversant in languages unless practice through conversation is done. If books are sources of 
facts and theories in science subjects, then an equal emphasis is laid upon experiments. This is 
for the simple reason that direct experience has a more lasting effect. Besides, it becomes easy to 
accept and relate to different established laws, when one verifies them practically. 
The science and social science exhibitions held annually, further strengthen the fact that learning 
by direct experience plays a vital role in consolidating the acquired knowledge. Thus, these 
exhibitions include various projects in the form of static models, working models, displays, 
activities and even experiments. In addition to this, students are taken to public service centers 
like banks, hospitals, railway stations, etc. to give first hand experience 
Above and beyond this, tours and expeditions are organized in the form of educational trips to 
familiarize students with different states/countries in order to develop in them a better 
understanding of those places, their weather, people and their culture. 
Identically, although there are plenty of well written books on various computer languages and 
software available, it is practically impossible to retain and apply that knowledge without the 
direct experience of working on a computer. In the same fashion, one may gather various text 
books on rules and regulations and techniques to play different sports like cricket, hockey, chess, 

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and badminton, but the actual learning can take place only after the direct experience of playing 
the sport itself. A doctor or lawyer may study a lot through text books to gain knowledge, but it 
is through real life experience of treating the patient or prosecuting a criminal, that they gain 
expertise. 
Thus, it can be concluded that though books are a rich source of knowledge and guidance on a 
wide range of subjects, learning through direct experience is vital for our day to day life. 

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