GRE Analytical Writing

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course is designed to help students prepare for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE.

Objective: Score well on the Analytical Writing test.

The GRE analytical writing assessment includes two 30-minute essay sections, one where you must analyze an argument, and one where you must analyze an issue. The argument essay tests your ability to find fault with an argument and present an alternative position. The issue-analysis essay presents you with pros and cons on an issue and asks you to select a position and support it.

Your score will be based on how well you critique or analyze the argument or issue; how well you develop and support your ideas; how well-organized you make your arguments; and how well you use syntax and grammar. In general, graduate school admission officers place more importance on the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE, so you should spend more time preparing for those sections.

You have 30 minutes to complete each essay. You should first spend three to five minutes brainstorming, jotting down ideas and preparing a rough outline. Spend the next 20 to 22 minutes writing the essay, and if at all possible, save five minutes at the end to review and proofread. You want to make sure your introductory paragraph relates to the rest of the essay and you’ve presented your arguments clearly. Also check for grammatical and typographical errors.

Test-takers generally have time to write about 350-word essays. You should begin with an introductory paragraph stating your thesis, follow with three or four paragraphs of supporting arguments and examples, and wrap up with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes your ideas and ties them back to the introduction.

A few suggestions can help improve your analytical writing score:

• Use a lot of transition words, such as "for example," "consequently," and "however."

• Be specific when supporting your arguments. You can also briefly acknowledge the opposing viewpoint.

• Don’t use big words unnecessarily. They give the impression that you’re trying to use a fancy vocabulary to hide a weak argument.

• Use correct grammar.

• Use sentences of varying length. This technique shows you are a good writer.