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GRE AWA Scoring Guide | |||
AWA Score | Label | Percentile | School Reaction |
6.0 | Outstanding | 91 | "Good Enough!" |
5.5 | 77 | ||
5.0 | Strong | 57 | "Good Enough!" |
4.5 | 38 | ||
4.0 | Adquate | 20 | "Probably Fine!" |
3.5 | 10 | "Umm, less fine..." | |
3.0 | Limited | 6 | |
2.5 | 4 | ||
2.0 | Seriously Flawed | 3 | "Who wrote the application essays?" |
1.5 | 3 | ||
1.0 | Fimdamentally Defficient | 3 | |
0.0 | No Score | 0 |
Issue Essay Structure | |
Essay Structure | Description |
1. Introduction | Write an introduction explaining in your own words what the issue is about. Try to generate interest in the topic. End your paragraph with a thesis statement |
2. Main body | Write 3 paragraphs to support your position. Each paragraph should introduce one point, explain it, and try to give a specific example. Use transitions. |
3. Qualification | Qualify (moderate) your position 80-20 i.e. but, however |
4. Conclusion | Draw the essay back to your thesis. Avoid repetition of language. I repeat, avoid repeating. Find something general to say that makes it clear that you have finished. |
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The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is designed to assess your ability to think critically and express your ideas in a clear and well-structured manner. In this article, we'll explore how the GRE AWA section is scored, what the scorers are looking for, and provide examples of essays that received different scores.
The GRE AWA section consists of two tasks: the Issue task and the Argument task. Each task is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your scores on the two tasks are then averaged to give you an overall AWA score, which also ranges from 0 to 6.
Here's how the scoring is typically interpreted:
- 6.0: Outstanding - A top-tier essay that effectively and insightfully addresses the topic and demonstrates strong critical thinking and writing skills.
- 5.5: Strong - A well-crafted essay that effectively addresses the topic and displays sound critical thinking and writing abilities.
- 5.0: Competent - A competent essay that adequately addresses the topic and shows reasonable critical thinking and writing skills.
- 4.5: Adequate - An adequate essay that addresses the topic but may lack depth in critical thinking or writing.
- 4.0: Limited - A limited essay that may have difficulty addressing the topic or may lack coherence and organization.
- 3.5: Weak - A weak essay that minimally addresses the topic and shows limited critical thinking and writing skills.
- 3.0: Poor - A poor essay that fails to address the topic and lacks clear organization and critical thinking.
- 2.5 and below: Very Poor - A very poor essay that is incoherent, irrelevant, or completely off-topic.
Scorers evaluate your essays based on the following criteria:
Is your essay well-organized and easy to follow? Are ideas connected logically and coherently?
Do you demonstrate strong analytical and reasoning skills in your response? Are your arguments well-founded?
Do you provide relevant evidence and examples to support your arguments? Are they well-explained and effectively integrated into your essay?
Is your writing clear, concise, and free from major grammatical and syntactical errors? Do you use language effectively to convey your ideas?
Did you accurately and comprehensively address the topic? Did you show a clear understanding of the issue or argument presented?
Here are two sample essays for each task, along with their corresponding scores:
Essay 1 (score: 5.5):.
In our fast-paced world, where multitasking is the norm, it's easy to overlook the value of leisurely, in-depth exploration. Some may argue that instant access to information through technology has made deep learning unnecessary, but that's not the case. Deep learning enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. For instance, reading an entire book allows readers to grasp the author's nuances, recognize the subtleties in character development, and form a well-informed opinion. Shallow learning, on the other hand, often leads to superficial understanding. The pursuit of deep knowledge is essential in our information-saturated society.
Technology has revolutionized how we learn and access information. In today's world, we can quickly find answers to our questions online, making deep learning unnecessary. Who needs to spend hours reading books when they can get answers instantly? The value of deep learning has diminished in the age of technology.
Essay 1 (score: 6.0):.
The argument presented in the passage is flawed due to several critical assumptions. Firstly, it assumes that an increase in sales of the medication is solely due to the advertising campaign. It ignores other factors that could have contributed to the rise in sales, such as increased demand for the product due to seasonal illness. Secondly, the argument assumes that the increase in revenue directly correlates with improved health outcomes. However, it provides no evidence to support this claim. A more rigorous analysis, including a comprehensive study, is required to establish any causal relationship. Therefore, the argument is unpersuasive and unconvincing.
The argument posits that the advertising campaign is the sole reason for the increased sales of the medication and that this increase will lead to improved health outcomes. However, these claims are unsupported by evidence. The argument fails to consider other factors contributing to sales and lacks data to establish a clear causal relationship between increased sales and health outcomes. Therefore, the argument is unconvincing and should be substantiated with more comprehensive research.
Scoring well on the GRE AWA section requires strong critical thinking, clear writing, and the ability to address the topic effectively. To achieve a high score, practice is essential. Reviewing sample essays and understanding what scorers are looking for can help you improve your writing and analytical skills, ultimately leading to a better AWA score on test day.
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This Article is intended to help you brainstorm and begin writing your personal statement essay and all the other college essays. This is a key step to write persuasive college essays
The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a vital part of the GRE, assessing your ability to think critically and write analytically. Aiming for a GRE Analytical Writing score above 4.5 is crucial if you’re targeting top universities. The updated format features just one task: Analyze an Issue , giving you 30 minutes to write a concise, well-structured essay.
To excel, focus on writing between 500 and 600 words across 4 to 5 paragraphs, ensuring clarity and adherence to the GRE Analytical Writing word limit . Reviewing GRE Analytical Writing examples and GRE Analytical Writing PDFs can provide essential practice and insight, helping you achieve a strong score and boost your overall GRE performance.
Table of Content
Gre analytical writing pdf, gre issue essay format, gre analytical writing samples, gre analytical writing score.
The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) now exclusively features the Analyze an Issue task. This section is designed to evaluate your critical thinking and analytical writing abilities. Unlike other sections, there is no fixed pattern for GRE AWA topics , making it essential to familiarize yourself with a wide range of issues. Staying updated on the latest GRE exam pattern is crucial to understanding the recent changes in this section.
The following are some frequently encountered themes for the GRE Analyze an Issue task:
The impact of technology on society, the role of the internet in shaping modern culture. | |
The importance of standardized testing, the value of a liberal arts education. | |
The relevance of art in contemporary society, government funding for the arts. | |
The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, the value of curiosity-driven research. | |
The role of government in society, the balance of power between different branches of government. | |
The challenges of urbanization, the importance of sustainable city planning. | |
The role of ethics in decision-making, the relevance of ancient philosophical ideas in modern times. |
Unlock your potential for success in the GRE with our comprehensive GRE Analytical Writing PDF guide. Designed to help you excel in the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), this resource offers essential insights and strategies to master the GRE essay tasks. The GRE AWA section assesses your ability to think critically, develop well-structured arguments, and express your ideas clearly and effectively.
Our PDF guide includes detailed explanations of the GRE Analytical Writing format, tips for crafting compelling essays, and sample prompts with high-scoring responses. Whether you’re aiming for a top score or simply looking to improve your writing skills, this PDF provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the GRE Analytical Writing section. Download now to start your journey towards GRE success!
GRE Analytical Writing PDF- Free DOWNLOAD!!!!
Important GRE Issue Essay Format are as follows:
The GRE AWA essay on an issue should be approximately 500-600 words in length, focusing on topics of general interest that can be analyzed from multiple perspectives. Remember, there are no absolute correct answers in the GRE AWA ; instead, the test evaluates your critical thinking skills and your ability to present a well-reasoned argument. The GRE Analyze an Issue task challenges you to take a stance on a given topic, providing compelling reasons and evidence to support your position.
Before you begin writing, carefully review the instructions and plan your response. Instructions typically fall into the following categories:
To excel in the GRE Issue Essay , consider the following tips:
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll improve your ability to write a compelling GRE AWA essay , enhancing your chances of achieving a high score. Incorporate these strategies into your preparation to present clear, well-supported arguments that will impress GRE examiners.
Here are some examples of high-quality GRE Analytical Writing essays for the “Analyze an Issue” task. These examples illustrate how to effectively develop and present arguments, supporting a high score in the GRE AWA section:
Prompt: “Technology has made our lives easier but has also made us more isolated from each other.”
Essay: In today’s fast-paced world, technology undeniably simplifies many aspects of life, from communication to information access. However, it also contributes to a sense of isolation. For instance, while social media platforms facilitate instant communication, they often replace face-to-face interactions with impersonal digital exchanges. This shift can lead to superficial relationships and a lack of genuine human connection. Moreover, the rise of remote work, enabled by technology, has reduced daily interpersonal interactions, potentially weakening social bonds. Nonetheless, technology also fosters global connections and allows for virtual communities that can provide support and shared experiences. Balancing the benefits of technology with its potential to isolate individuals is crucial for maintaining meaningful personal connections.
Prompt: “A college education should emphasize practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge.”
Essay: The debate between practical skills and theoretical knowledge in higher education is crucial for preparing students for the workforce. Advocates for practical skills argue that such training equips students with job-ready abilities, making them more competitive in the job market. For instance, courses in coding, data analysis, and project management directly align with industry demands and provide tangible benefits. Conversely, theoretical knowledge fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are also essential in any profession. For example, understanding foundational theories in economics or psychology can enhance analytical abilities and adaptability. A balanced approach, integrating both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, ensures that students are well-rounded and prepared for diverse challenges.
Prompt: “Governments should prioritize economic development over environmental protection.”
Essay: The debate over whether governments should prioritize economic development or environmental protection is complex and multifaceted. Economic development fosters job creation, infrastructure improvement, and overall societal prosperity. For example, industrial growth often leads to higher employment rates and improved living standards. However, prioritizing economic growth at the expense of environmental protection can lead to long-term damage, such as climate change and loss of biodiversity. Sustainable development practices, which balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, are crucial. For instance, investing in green technologies can stimulate economic growth while preserving natural resources. Hence, a strategic approach that integrates both priorities is essential for achieving long-term prosperity and ecological balance.
GRE scores will be accessible on the official ETS website within 8-10 days following the exam date. The Analytical Writing GRE score falls between 0 and 6.0. Valid for five years, candidates must submit or send their additional score reports to their chosen institutions within this timeframe for a successful admission process. Now, let’s explore the criteria ETS considers when evaluating your AWA essays.
Here’s a brief table summarizing the GRE AWA score and its corresponding explanation:
Clear identification and deep analysis of key features; well-organized ideas with logical connections; strong language control with few to no errors. | |
Thoughtful analysis with clear identification of important features; logical idea development with minor flaws; good control of language and syntax. | |
Identifies main features with satisfactory analysis; organized ideas but may miss connections; sufficient language control with some flaws. | |
Limited analysis and poor organization; minimal support for critique; imprecise language with frequent errors. | |
No clear understanding or analysis; disorganized with irrelevant evidence; serious language, grammar, and structural issues. | |
Lacks understanding and organization; severe errors in grammar and sentence structure; incoherent response. | |
Off-topic, non-English, copied, random characters, or no response. |
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How to write analytical writing in gre.
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE includes a 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task. In this task, you are given a statement or opinion on a particular topic along with guidelines for your response. Your goal is to assess the issue, explore its various aspects, and construct a well-reasoned argument supported by relevant examples and explanations.
A score of 3.5 in GRE Analytical Writing is considered below average. Top-ranked universities generally look for higher scores, typically 4.0 or above, to meet their competitive admissions standards.
For the GRE Analytical Writing section, it’s recommended that your essay be between 500 and 600 words. Aiming for this word count ensures that you have enough space to develop your arguments fully while adhering to the GRE Analytical Writing guidelines. Keeping within this range helps demonstrate a well-structured, coherent argument and allows for a thorough analysis of the issue. Properly managing your word count is crucial for scoring well on the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment.
A GRE AWA score of 6 to 5 means the candidate has proper writing skills. The average AWA cutoff for US universities ranges from 4.5 and above. The average AWA score in GRE is 3.5.
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The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is the first section that you’ll encounter in the GRE exam. Most tend to neglect the AWA essay section while preparing for the exam thinking it is not as consequential as the other GRE sections. However, the GRE AWA score plays an essential role in determining your eligibility, especially if you are planning to apply for a research-oriented program abroad.
Through the course of this article, we’ll provide information on the score level descriptions, GRE AWA score averages, the percentiles, the ways to improve the scores and more.
The AWA section consists of two tasks — Analyze an Argument and Analyze an Issue — that intends to measure your ability to think critically, analyze a given prompt and reason through writing. Your performance in the AWA section is an indicator of how well you can express your thoughts in the English language, which is necessary for the masters and doctoral courses. Now, let’s take a look at the two tasks:
AWA scoring is done in two parts, let us learn more about the same. The two tasks in the AWA section of GRE are first scored by one trained rater. These evaluators are trained to provide scores on the basis of the overall quality of your essay. Once that score is given, a computerized program developed by ETS scores your essay. These e-raters are capable of identifying features of the essay pertaining to your writing proficiency. After that, the ETS considers the average of these two scores to give the final score. If there is a mismatch between the scores, another trained rater re-evaluates the essays, and the ETS provides a final score based on the average of the scores provided by the human raters.
Though the GRE Analytical Writing comprises two writing tasks, scores are reported in a combined form, as it is more reliable than reporting separate scores for each task. The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0-6 with half-point increment and doesn’t not contribute to the overall GRE score .
If you are looking for a more comprehensive breakdown of scores, given below are the different score levels and the criteria for the same.
Score 6-5.5
Score 5-4.5
Score 4-3.5
Scores 3-2.5
Scores 2-1.5
Scores 1-0.5
The field of study that you’re interested in pursuing is one of the important factors that affect the average GRE scores. Each higher education field asks for a separate AWA cut off during the admission process. Generally, the engineering and the science programs tend to have lower AWA score cut-offs, compared to those in arts, social sciences.
Given below is a table that highlights the GRE AWA score averages for different fields of study.
Business | 3.4 |
Arts and Humanities | 4.0 |
Physical Sciences | 3.4 |
Education | 3.6 |
Life Sciences | 3.7 |
Engineering | 3.2 |
Social Sciences | 3.9 |
Other Fields | 3.6 |
Just like the average scores, it is imperative that you are well-acquainted with the GRE AWA score percentiles. Your score percentiles tell you how well you have performed in the section compared to other candidates. The higher the GRE AWA percentile, the better your performance is.
To avoid further confusions, here’s a table of AWA percentiles (data is taken from the official GRE website).
0 | – |
0.5 | – |
1 | – |
1.5 | 1 |
2 | 2 |
2.5 | 8 |
3 | 18 |
3.5 | 42 |
4 | 60 |
4.5 | 82 |
5 | 93 |
5.5 | 98 |
6.0 | 99 |
If you check the table, you can see no percentile ranks are available for the scores from 0.5 to 1.0. This indicates that no candidates have scored below 1.5 in the analytical writing section.
Here are some tips to improve your Analytical writing section scores:
We hope now you are well aware of the GRE AWA scores and tips to improve them. So keep the above information in mind and start practising.
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GRE AWA Scores - Quick Quiz
Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of the GRE
First round in an interview for ABC company is an aptitude test which contain 20 questions. Barry took the first round and he got a total of 17 points in the test. In the test each correct answer will be worth 2 points and each wrong answer will yield a -1 point and blank answer yields nothing.
Number of questions he answered correctly | 15 |
With the number of opportunities booming up in the field of Data Science, many data scientists are seen to move from one company to another, changing jobs several times in their career. However, DataBox Inc is well known in the industry for high employee retention rates. DataBox credits its success in retaining employees to its informal and non-hierarchical organisational structure.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports DataBox’s explanation of its success in high retention rates?
Shashi’s __________ diction is unambiguous; he picks his words with pristine devotion and articulates them in way as though every syllable needed private attention.
Your score is
The average score is 14%
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A GRE AWA percentile of 93 means you’ve performed better than 93% of other test takers.
The maximum score you can achieve is 6.
The AWA cut off requirement changes based on the field of study you choose. The average AWA GRE cut-off for humanities stream is 4.0.
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The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GRE is designed to test your ability to analyse and evaluate complex arguments and communicate your ideas effectively in writing
To score high on the AWA section, it's important to have a good understanding of what the graders are looking for and to practice writing sample essays.
In this article, we will explore some GRE AWA sample essays to help you score high on this challenging section of the test.
The writing tasks on the GRE are essential components of the test that assess your analytical and writing skills. The two writing tasks are the Analyse an Issue essay and the Analyse an Argument essay. Both tasks require you to think critically and write persuasively, with the goal of demonstrating your ability to analyse complex topics, develop a clear and compelling thesis, and support your arguments with evidence and examples.
Also read: Differences between the GRE and GMAT
The GRE Issue Essay requires you to write an essay that takes a position on a given issue and supports it with evidence and reasoning.
You are provided with a brief quotation or statement on a social, political, or cultural topic and are asked to develop a response that presents a clear and compelling position on the issue.
The goal of this essay is to assess your ability to analyse complex topics, develop a position, and support it with clear and compelling evidence.
Also read: GRE results and score chart 2024?
Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the future.
While it is certainly important for governments to address the immediate problems facing their citizens, it is equally important to plan for the future. Anticipating and preparing for future problems is the hallmark of effective leadership, and it is essential for governments to consider the long-term implications of their policies and actions.
To be sure, there are many pressing issues that require immediate attention, from healthcare and education to environmental protection and economic development. However, if governments focus solely on these issues without considering the long-term consequences of their decisions, they risk creating even more problems in the future.
For example, if a government invests heavily in fossil fuels to meet immediate energy needs without considering the long-term impact on the environment, it may exacerbate the problem of climate change and create even greater challenges for future generations. Similarly, if a government neglects investing in education and workforce development in favor of short-term economic gains, it may find itself facing a shrinking and unskilled workforce in the future.
In short, governments must balance the need to address immediate problems with the need to plan for the future. By doing so, they can ensure that they are making decisions that benefit their citizens both now and in the years to come.
Also read: How to prepare for the online GRE exam
The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.
While positive reinforcement can certainly be a valuable teaching tool, it is not always the most effective approach. Ignoring negative actions may give students the impression that such behaviour is acceptable or even desirable, leading to further problems down the line.
Furthermore, negative actions often require immediate intervention and correction. If a student is engaging in disruptive behaviour, for example, ignoring it may only serve to undermine the learning environment and make it more difficult for other students to concentrate and engage with the material. In such cases, it may be necessary to provide clear and direct feedback in order to correct the behaviour and ensure that everyone in the classroom can benefit from a positive learning experience.
Positive reinforcement can be effective in certain contexts, but it is important to use it in combination with other teaching tools, such as clear expectations, consistent feedback, and appropriate consequences for negative behavior. By taking a comprehensive approach to teaching, instructors can create an environment in which positive actions are encouraged and negative actions are addressed in a constructive and effective manner.
Also Read: GRE Exam Dates and Fees in India
The GRE argument essay requires you to analyse and evaluate a given argument and then develop a response that critiques the argument and presents a more compelling alternative.
You are provided with a brief argument that presents a conclusion based on premises, and are asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, provide evidence to support their critique, and propose an alternative conclusion that is more logically sound.
The goal of this essay is to assess your ability to critically evaluate arguments and develop your own reasoned response
The following memorandum was sent by the principal of a high school to the school's teachers: 'Research has shown that the best way to improve student performance is to praise them for their effort, not their intelligence. Therefore, in all future assignments, please praise students for their effort rather than their intelligence.'
While praising students for their effort can certainly be a valuable motivational tool, it is not the only factor that contributes to academic success. The principal's memo oversimplifies the complex interplay between effort, intelligence, and achievement, and it may lead teachers to overlook other important factors that can influence student performance.
First and foremost, intelligence is a critical factor in academic success. While hard work and perseverance are certainly important, some students may simply have greater intellectual capacity than others. Praising students for their effort rather than their intelligence may inadvertently discourage those who are truly gifted from pursuing more challenging work and achieving their full potential.
Moreover, the principal's memo overlooks the fact that different students may respond differently to different types of praise. For some students, praise for their intelligence may be more effective in motivating them to continue working hard and striving for excellence. By imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to praise, the principal risks ignoring the individual needs and preferences of his or her students.
In conclusion, while praising students for their effort can be an effective motivational tool, it is not a panacea for improving academic performance. Teachers and principals must consider a range of factors, including intelligence, individual needs and preferences, and the specific demands of different assignments and assessments, in order to help their students achieve their full potential.
Also Read: How to Register for GRE Exam
The following article claims that technological advancements are making traditional skills and knowledge obsolete: 'As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, many traditional skills and forms of knowledge are becoming obsolete. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence means that many jobs that once required human expertise can now be performed by machines. In light of these developments, it is essential for individuals and organisations to prioritise technological skills and education in order to remain competitive in the job market.'
While it is certainly true that technological advancements are transforming the job market, it is a mistake to assume that traditional skills and knowledge are becoming obsolete. Rather, these skills and forms of knowledge are evolving alongside technological change, and they continue to play a vital role in many sectors of the economy.
For example, while artificial intelligence may be able to perform certain tasks more efficiently than humans, it cannot replicate the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential in many fields. Similarly, while automation may be able to streamline certain production processes, it cannot replace the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality control that are required in many areas of manufacturing.
Moreover, it is important to recognise that technological skills and knowledge are not the only factors that determine success in the job market. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are also essential in today's workplace, and they cannot be easily replaced by machines. In order to remain competitive, individuals and organizations must cultivate a diverse range of skills and knowledge, including both technical and soft skills.
In conclusion, while technological advancements are certainly transforming the job market, they are not making traditional skills and knowledge obsolete. Rather, these skills and forms of knowledge are evolving alongside technological change, and they continue to play a vital role in many sectors of the economy. By recognising the importance of a diverse range of skills and knowledge, individuals and organisations can position themselves for success in the 21st century job market.
The Analyse an issue and Analyse an argument writing tasks on the GRE can seem daunting, but with practice, preparation, and a solid understanding of the task requirements, you can score high on the exam. The sample essays provided here can serve as a valuable resource for understanding how to approach the writing tasks effectively. By analysing the structure, argumentation, and writing techniques of these essays, you can gain a better understanding of what makes a strong essay and develop your own skills accordingly.
How can I use the sample essays to improve my writing skills?
By analysing the structure, argumentation, and writing techniques of the sample essays, you can gain a better understanding of what makes a strong essay. They can then apply these techniques to your own writing practice.
Are the sample essays indicative of the types of prompts that will be on the actual GRE?
The sample essays provide a good idea of the type of prompts that you can expect to encounter on the GRE. However, it is important to note that the actual prompts may differ in content and tone.
How long should I spend analysing the sample essays?
The amount of time spent analysing the sample essays will depend on your needs and goals. However, it is recommended to spend enough time to thoroughly understand the structure, argumentation, and writing techniques used in the essays.
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Gre prep online guides and tips, 328 official gre essay topics to practice with.
ETS has published the complete pool of 328 GRE essay topics which will ever appear on the Analytical Writing section of the test. While these collections of prompts provide unparalleled Analytical Writing practice, some test takers may find the sheer number of possible essay topics to be a bit overwhelming.
In this article, we’ve assembled over 60 official GRE essay topics for both the Issue and Argument tasks and used them to illustrate the 14 different kinds of GRE writing prompts you could see on test day. With this expert analysis, you’ll know how to tackle any GRE essay prompt that comes your way.
feature image credit: Female Typing /used under CC BY 2.0 /Resized and cropped from original.
ETS has publicly listed all the essay topics that will ever appear on the GRE for both the Analyze an Issue and the Analyze an Argument Analytical Writing tasks.
There are 152 different possible GRE essay topics in the GRE Issue pool and 176 different GRE essay topics in the GRE Argument pool , which means it’s unlikely you’ll run out of official prompts to practice with. And while there’s only a 1/328 chance that one of the GRE writing prompts you practice with ends up being on the test, that’s still better odds than if you practiced with non-official prompts, especially if you end up using a lot of practice prompts.
Each set of GRE essay topics can further be broken down by the specific task you’re asked to complete in your answer . We’ll start by looking at the six different possible GRE Issue essay topics.
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Each Analyze an Issue essay topic “consists of an issue statement or statements followed by specific task instructions that tell you how to respond to the issue” (source: ETS ). The specific words used for the topics might be a little different on the test, but in general what you see in the GRE issue pool is what you’ll get.
ETS also warns test takers that there might be some mix-and-matching of different issues with different task instructions among the prompts , so don’t skip over the prompt if you recognize the issue; it’s possible that you’ll have written about the issue before in response to a different task.
The specifics of the task you’re asked to do differ depending on the prompt, but the core of all the Issue tasks is this one question: Do you agree or disagree with this (statement, view, claim, conclusion, recommendation, policy) and/or its basis?
There are 152 different pairings of issues and tasks in the GRE issue pool. Among these GRE essay topics, however, there are actually only six tasks you’ll be asked to perform , and not all tasks are equally common.
Below, we’ve analyzed these six GRE essay prompts. In addition to presenting each task as it will appear on the GRE , we’ve also determined the likelihood of the task showing up on the test and provided a sampling of the issues that you might see paired with the task.
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.
What they’re really asking : Explain your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with a given statement .
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 54/152 ( 35.5% )
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 they’re really asking : Explain your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with a recommendation for a course of action .
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 24/152 ( 15.8% )
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.
What they’re really asking : Explain your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with a claim .
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 25/152 ( 16.4% )
Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.
What they’re really asking : Explain which two views you most agree with and back it up with reasoning.
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 18/152 ( 11.8% )
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
What they’re really asking : Analyze an issue by explaining your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with not just the claim, but the reason on which the claim is based .
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 19/152 ( 12.5% )
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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.
What they’re really asking : Explain your stance on a policy .
Number of topics in the GRE issue pool on this task : 12/152 ( 7.9% )
For the Argument task on the GRE, you’ll be asked to read a short passage containing an argument and then analyze that argument according to instructions.
As with the Issue task, there might be some very slight variations in wording between the way the tasks are written on the test as compared to the way they are online , but for the most part what you see online is what will be on the GRE. Similarly, there may be some arguments that are repeated across prompts in the GRE Argument pool, but they’ll each be followed by a different task, so it’s important to read the entire essay prompt (including the task) before beginning your analysis .
There are some commonalities across all of the essay prompts on the GRE Argument pool page, even beyond the fact that every task asks you to look at some kind of argument and analyze it. Of the 176 possible Argument topics , there are just eight different tasks you’ll be asked to perform, and of those eight tasks, numbers 3, 4, 6, 8 below are all basically different ways of asking you to “evaluate this stance and explain why you’ve determined whether or not it has a reasonable basis.”
Below, we’ve presented each of the eight GRE writing prompts as they will appear on the exam, figured out how likely the task is to show up , and given some examples of arguments you might be asked to analyze.
Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how the evidence would weaken or strengthen the argument.
What they’re really asking : Discuss how different, specific evidence could weaken or strengthen the argument.
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 52/176 ( 29.5% )
Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument. Be sure to explain how the argument depends on these assumptions, and what the implications are for the argument if the assumptions prove unwarranted.
What they’re really asking : Discuss assumptions made in the argument and how the argument would be strengthened or weakened if the assumptions are wrong .
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 50/176 ( 28.4% )
Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.
What they’re really asking : Discuss the different, specific questions that would need to be answered to determine how reasonable the recommendation is.
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 24/176 ( 13.6% )
Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the advice and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the advice.
What they’re really asking : Discuss the different, specific questions needed to determine if the advice and the argument it’s based on are reasonable .
This task is pretty much the same as task 3; the main difference is in the way the prompt is worded (as advice vs. a recommendation being given).
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Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 2/176 ( 1.1% )
Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation is likely to have the predicted result. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.
What they’re really asking : Discuss specific questions and information that would be needed to show the recommendation would have the expected outcome .
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 21/176 ( 11.9% )
Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the prediction and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the prediction.
What they’re really asking : Discuss the specific questions that need to be answered to determine how reasonable the prediction and its basis are .
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 14/176 ( 8.0% )
Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.
What they’re really asking : Discuss alternative explanations that would reasonably explain the evidence discussed in the argument.
Number of topics in the GRE argument pool on this task : 11/176 ( 6.3% )
Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be addressed in order to decide whether the conclusion and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to the questions would help to evaluate the conclusion.
What they’re really asking : Discuss the specific questions that need to be answered to determine if the conclusion and its basis are reasonable .
No matter which of the GRE essay topics you encounter on test day, the following tips will help you prepare.
When you’re working on practice GRE writing prompts, make sure you stick to a strict 30-minute time limit for each Analytical Writing prompt.
If you need to build up to writing within this time limit, you can start out by giving yourself extra time and then working your way down to 30 minutes. However, try not to only practice with extra time , or you’ll be unprepared for the real GRE Analytical Writing essays.
To get the best practice for the computer-based GRE, you should write all your practice essays on a computer .
If possible, use the simple word processor in the PowerPrep Test Preview Tool or practice tests to do every practice essay. You’ll need to get used to the lack of spellcheck and familiar shortcuts or features of your own word processor that you might not realize how often you use, like select all, copy, cut, paste, or undo; it’s surprising to find how much not being able to use CTL+A to select all or CTL+V to paste can affect your writing and editing speed.
Even if you’re not writing about the GRE essay prompts given in PowerPrep, you can still use the text box and timer in the test preview tool or one of the practice tests to write practice essays on other prompts . Just be sure to save your essay into a separate document on your computer so you can go back and read and score it afterwards.
Once you’ve written your practice Issue and Argument essays, score them by using the essay rubrics and by comparing your writing to the sample essays ETS provides at each score point .
The rubrics for the Issue essay and the Argument essay are similar when it comes to the importance of clarity of writing and adherence to standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; they only really differ when it comes to assessing the specifics of the issue or argument analyses. You can try using the rubric yourself on your own essays and determine where on the rubric your essay fits; alternatively, you can see if you can find a GRE buddy who is willing to grade you and give you feedback based on the rubric, since it’s sometimes easier to be objective about someone else’s work.
While the rubrics are useful as guidelines for what to include in your essays, however, it can be difficult to envision what a perfect scoring essay might look like from the laundry list of qualities alone. That’s why the best way to learn what makes a difference between different essay scores is studying examples of high-scoring essays, analyzing what they do well, and finding the differences between them and lower-scoring essays on the same topic . We do this analysis for you in our articles on how to get a perfect 6 on the GRE Issue essay and Argument essay .
The object of grading your essays is not to feel bad that you didn’t live up to the ideals of a perfect essay score but instead to zero in on your weak spots so you can improve. Whether it’s disorganized writing, running out of time (and so not finishing your essay), insufficient analysis, or some other issue entirely, identify the main issues with your essay, then focus your practice on improving those areas.
Looking for more great advice to increase your GRE AWA score? Read our article on GRE essay tips and strategies .
Want to find out more about what’s on the essay rubrics? We have a complete guide to how the GRE essays are scored here .
Learn more about what’s on the GRE and what a good GRE score is .
Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel and fulfill their college and grad school dreams. View all posts by Laura Staffaroni
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GRE Essay LiveGradersm helps you to do just that. LiveGrader sm is a tool that we've developed to help you prepare for the GRE. All Princeton Review classroom, online, and tutoring students can submit their GRE essays which will then be graded by one of our GRE experts. Not only will our expert grader score your GRE essays, but he or she will ...
Give each aspect of your essay a score ranging from zero to six. Total all four scores and find the average. Now you have a sense of your writing score. Round scores up as follows: Round a score of 4.25 to 4.5 and a score of 3.75 to 4. Of course evaluating your own writing will be hard if you don't know what to look for, but this is a perfect ...
Now that you have the basics down, let's take a look at some more detailed strategies you can use to maximize your score on the GRE AWA Issue essay. 1. Be Organized. Even an impassioned, cogent response falls apart if it is not bundled into a proper essay format: An introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
ScoreItNow! ™ Online Writing Practice is designed to help you practice for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE ® General Test administered beginning on September 22, 2023. Using ETS's e-rater ® technology, the automated scoring system provides immediate essay scoring in a confidential, risk-free environment.. This service lets you: Respond to GRE Analytical Writing topics created and ...
The Analytical Writing measure of the GRE General Test administered before September 22, 2023, assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing skills by assessing your ability to: articulate and support complex ideas. construct and evaluate arguments. sustain a focused and coherent discussion. It doesn't assess specific content knowledge.
Here is what you need to know about the GRE AWA section (Analytical Writing Assessment). ... There are some other factors that play into the human grader's assessment of a GRE essay. Style is important; an essay with choppy sentences and unsophisticated vocabulary will be awarded a lower score, all other things being equal, than an essay with ...
Are these automated 'Free Online GRE AWA Essay Grader' things nonsense? So there is a site, that claims it's algorithm can give a semi-accurate measure of what you can expect to get for a response on the GRE. So I put the essay response I posted here: through the system, and it gave a 5.4. That seems to be nonsense to me, are these things ...
Instantly rate your GMAT AWA Essays on a scale of 6 using this free online tool. Rate your GMAT argument essays and test your GMAT AWA template before the actual test. Ensure your GMAT AWA template is the one which is well organized and suitable for a high target AWA score. This free essay grader scores your template for consistency of ...
Just to add to my earlier comment, there is a pool of essay questions from the actual test company (ETS) that they draw from for the GRE: Pool of Issue Topics and Pool of Argument Topics. In case you haven't seen it already. Yes!! MBACrystalball. Just found out about it from a GRE thread here on Reddit.
The reported Analytical Writing score ranges from 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The statements below describe, for each score level, the overall quality of analytical writing demonstrated. The test assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing skills (the ability to reason, assemble evidence to develop a position and communicate ...
5 Ways to Get Your AWA Essays Graded. ETS Score It Now! The ETS Score It Now, is a great feature available for you to get your essays graded. For a small amount of $13 dollars, the ETS Essay Grader will grade two of your essays. You can submit any two of your essay responses, and the software will get back to you with a graded score of your AWA.
If you are a long-essay fan and insist to pen a high scoring AWA essay on the GRE, you should write anywhere between 500-600 words. Don't ask us why. The research shows that's how it is, and if it true for a sample of 500 students, it must be true on a larger scale as well. A column chart with average word count for essays from 500 students
This subreddit is for discussion of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). If you're studying for the GRE, or can help people who are studying for the GRE, you're in the right place! ... General Question . Is there any free online grader or software that can accurately grade my AWA essay? And possibly show my grammatical mistakes. Share Sort by ...
Manage your time effectively and stick to your plan. Don't panic and rush through the essay prompts; take a deep breath and plan your response. Don't go off on tangents or introduce irrelevant information; stay focused on the prompt. Suggested: GRE AWA Sample Essays. 6 Tips to Ace the GRE AWA Section.
Don't waffle. You don't have time to argue both sides of an issue on the GRE issue essay. Even if you don't believe in the side you choose, you'll only have time to argue one side effectively. If you take a middle-of-the-road approach you won't sound as confident or clear. Remember, according to ETS, the "readers are evaluating the ...
For $20 dollars, the ETS ScoreItNow! Essay Grader will grade two of your essays. You also get six bonus topics (three for Analyze an Issue and three for Analyze an Argument) that can be submitted for scoring as well. While I have never used the service myself—nor, for that matter known anyone who has—I'm sure the score is pretty accurate.
Understanding the GRE AWA Section. Before we dive into the tips and sample essays, let's understand the structure of the GRE AWA section. AWA Section Overview. The GRE AWA section consists of two tasks: 1. The Argument Essay. In the Argument Essay, you are presented with an argument, and your task is to critically evaluate it.
See also Shorter GRE AWA Guide - How many words do I need for the essays? The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section on GRE consists of 2 parts: Analysis of an Issue Essay - 30 minutes. This writing assessment measures the test taker's ability to analyze the issue and take a position (agree or disagree) and state it convincingly with ...
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is designed to assess your ability to think critically and express your ideas in a clear and well-structured manner. In this article, we'll explore how the GRE AWA section is scored, what the scorers are looking for, and provide examples of essays that received different scores.
The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a vital part of the GRE, assessing your ability to think critically and write analytically. Aiming for a GRE Analytical Writing score above 4.5 is crucial if you're targeting top universities. The updated format features just one task: Analyze an Issue, giving you 30 minutes to write a concise, well-structured essay.
In GRE Analytical Writing, a score of 0.0-3.0 is considered low, a score of 3.5-4.0 is considered average, 4.5-5.0 is considered high, and a score between 5.5 and 6.0 is outstanding. A good GRE AWA score depends on the program the candidate is planning to take and its requirements. Below are a few of the common programs opted by candidates and ...
The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0-6 with half-point increment and doesn't not contribute to the overall GRE score . If you are looking for a more comprehensive breakdown of scores, given below are the different score levels and the criteria for the same. Score 6-5.5.
Conclusion. The Analyse an issue and Analyse an argument writing tasks on the GRE can seem daunting, but with practice, preparation, and a solid understanding of the task requirements, you can score high on the exam. The sample essays provided here can serve as a valuable resource for understanding how to approach the writing tasks effectively.
PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also feature 2,000 practice questions, official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays. Check out our 5-day free trial now: