The GRE analytical writing section is the foremost component of the test which candidates have to face. Earlier, this section included 2 tasks: analyse an issue and analyse an argument. However, effective 22nd September 2023, it now only comprises one task- analyse an issue. Test takers are required to demonstrate skills like critical thinking, deep reasoning, and writing skills to perform better.
In this blog, we have discussed the GRE analytical writing section, which will help you understand its pattern, structure, prompts, marking system, and preparation tips.
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What is the GRE Analytical Writing Section?
Analytical writing is the first section of the GRE test, which involves test takers writing a short-to-mid long-form essay on a given topic. It measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills by prompting them to articulate complex ideas, construct arguments, and form a cohesive discussion on the given topic. Test takers are not required to have specific content knowledge to attempt this section because the topic can vary.
Importance of Analytical Writing Section in the GRE
- The total GRE score does not count the analytical writing section score.
- The score of the GRE analytical writing section is reported separately alongside the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections.
- It may feel like the GRE analytical writing section is not that important, but it is, especially for writing-oriented and research-based courses where students and researchers are supposed to write papers and theses.
- A high AW score can set applicants apart and help them provide scholarships and assistantships in some universities.
- Strong writing skills help in coursework and professional communication.
GRE Analytical Writing Pattern & Format
- The analytical writing section in the GRE general test consists of one ‘analyse an issue’ task.
- Test takers have 30 minutes of time to complete the section.
- This ‘analyse an issue’ task requires test takers to present their opinions and instructions on how to respond.
- The topic provided to write about can be related to a wide range of subjects such as humanities, sciences, social sciences, arts, etc.
- The AW section aims to assess the persuasive writing skills that they have developed throughout their education.
What is the ‘Analyse an Issue’ Task in the AW Section of the GRE Test?
- In the ‘analyse an issue’ task of the GRE analytical writing section, test takers will be provided with a topic of general interest on which they have to express their thoughts clearly.
- The topic would make a claim that is applicable from various perspectives and applied to several situations.
- The test taker’s objective is to determine the position that they want to develop, along with the main reasons and examples they could use to support that position.
- Before starting to write on an issue, test takers must think critically and reasonably.
Sample GRE Analytical Writing ‘Analyse an Issue’ Topics
Below, we have provided some of the sample ‘analyse an issue’ topics for the GRE test takers.
Teachers’ salaries should be based on their students’ academic performance.
Write a response inwhich you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.
Society should make efforts to save endangered species only if the potential extinction of those species is the result of human activities.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.
College students should base their choice of a field of study on the availability of jobs in that field.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.
Governments should offer college and university education free of charge to all students.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
What to do After Getting the ‘Analyse an Issue’ Topic?
- Each issue topic consists of a statement or statement followed by task instructions that guide test takers on how to respond.
- The task instructions can vary depending on the topic, which might include
- Writing a response in which test takers can discuss the extent to which they agree or disagree with the statement.
- Writing a response in which test takers can discuss the extent to which they agree or disagree with the recommendation
- Writing a response in which test takers can discuss the extent to which they agree or disagree with the claim.
- Writing a response in which test takers can discuss the points which more closely align with their own position
- Writing a response in which test takers can discuss their views on the policy
- It is important to address the central issue according to the specific instructions.
- After going through the issue topic along with its task instructions, test takers must understand the context of the writing, which includes the purpose and audience.
- The purpose is to determine how well they can develop compelling arguments and their own position on the issue.
- The audience consists of GRE raters who are not looking for the right answer.
- They are very concerned with the skills with which test takers address the specific instructions and articulate the arguments.
How Should Test Takers Plan their Response?
After understanding the task instructions, purpose and audience of the topic, test takers can follow the steps below to plan their response.
- Read the specific instructions, claim, recommendation, and statement carefully.
- Relate the claims or instructions with your own ideas, experiences or events that you have read and observed in your life.
- Decide what position you want to take and defend
- Think about compelling reasons, examples, and evidence to support your position.
What are the Successful Responses?
- It should be noted that there is no right or wrong answer.
- The issue task is meant to evaluate persuasive writing skills.
- The most successful responses are those which dive deeper into the complexities of the claim, follow the specific task instructions, and effectively communicate the arguments.
- Below, we have provided a table outlining the score points and the corresponding response types, ranging from weak to outstanding.
| Score | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Off-topic | No evidence of an attempt to address the assigned topic |
| 1 | Fundamentally Deficient | Fundamental deficiencies in analytical writing- irrelevant evidence, poor organisation, lack of clear analysis |
| 2 | Seriously Flawed | Demonstrate serious weaknesses in analytical writing |
| 3 | Limited | Some competence in addressing the specific task directions |
| 4 | Adequate | Conveys meaning with acceptable clarity |
| 5 | Strong | Generally thoughtful, well-developed analysis |
| 6 | Outstanding | Well-articulated analysis of the issue |
GRE Analytical Writing Measure Scoring
- The reported GRE AW score ranges from 0-6 in half-point increments.
- For each score level, the overall quality of analytical writing was demonstrated.
- Below, we have tabulated the score ranges in half-point increments, along with their corresponding interpretation.
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0 | Analytical writing skills cannot be evaluated because the response does not address any part of the task |
| 1 and 0.5 | The writing is flawed; the content is confusing or irrelevant to the assigned task |
| 2 and 1.5 | Serious lack of analysis, development, and organisation |
| 3 and 2.5 | Limited analysis and development in the writing, along with poor organisation and sentence structure |
| 4 and 3.5 | Competent analysis of ideas in addressing specific task directions. Acceptable clarity |
| 5 and 4.5 | Thoughtful analysis of complex ideas develops and supports main points with logical reasons |
| 6 and 5.5 | In-depth analysis of complex ideas develops and supports main points with logically compelling reasons |
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The GRE analytical writing section aims to assess how well test takers are able to produce their position on the given topic. These topics form the basic component of the ‘analyse an issue’ task, where they have to articulate strong opinions and ideas either in favour or against the statement.
These opinions should be supported by examples and evidence that must showcase the critical thinking and reasoning skills of the test takers. There is no need for test takers to have a particular subject knowledge to write about the provided topic.
FAQs
How to write GRE analytical writing essays?
Before proceeding to write on the essay topic in the GRE AW section, test takers must familiarise themselves with the intention and audience of the topic by reading the task instructions.
Task directions help candidates frame their position on the topic by prompting them to brainstorm their viewpoints with real-life examples and evidence.
Is the analytical writing section important in the GRE?
Although the AW section scores are not included in the total GRE score, universities may consider them for certain purposes, such as awarding scholarships and assistantships or assessing candidates’ writing abilities for humanities and writing-based coursework.
What is the word limit of the GRE analytical writing essay?
There is no prescribed word limit for the GRE analytical writing essay. However, it is recommended to stick to around 500-700 words.
What is a good GRE analytical writing score?
The aim of attempting the GRE analytical writing section is to present the thoughts and ideas on a given topic clearly, with the support of examples and evidence. Achieving a score between 4.5 and 6 demonstrates this ability of the test takers strongly and is considered good.
What is the time duration of the analytical writing section in the GRE?
The ‘analyse an issue’ task of the GRE analytical writing section takes around 30 minutes to complete.
