The GRE Revised General Test includes two types of analytical writing tasks – the Issue Task and the Argument Task. Test takers must complete one Issue essay and one Argument essay within a total time limit of 30 minutes for the two essays. Both essay types evaluate your ability to clearly express complex ideas, construct sound arguments supported by reasoning and examples, and control the elements of standard written English. While the tasks differ in their structure and focus, understanding the key elements of each is critical for performing well on the GRE Analytical Writing section.
Issue Task
The Issue Task presents you with a specific issue statement or statements and instructions on how to respond. You are asked to present, support, and develop your own perspective on the issue through discussion and examples. There is no right or wrong answer – raters are focused on how well you address the specific instructions and communicate your ideas rather than your specific position. Here are some key points about the Issue Task:
The prompt will provide your perspective on an issue or discuss an issue from a neutral position. You will then need to explore the complexities of the issue through the development of your own informed perspective.
You should aim to take a clear stance on the issue while also considering different views and complexities. Simply agreeing or disagreeing without critical analysis is too simplistic.
Effective responses use specific, relevant examples and facts to shed light on different angles of the issue, recognizing counterarguments exist. You don’t have to cover every perspective but acknowledge limitations of your position.
Well-organized essays will clearly state your position, develop your perspective through logical progression of ideas, and draw a conclusion linked to your thesis. Paragraph breaks are recommended to structure your response.
Make sure to directly address the specific instructions provided, such as discussing the challenges related to an issue or how certain policies could address it rather than how certain parties have discussed it. Stay focused on the prompt.
As with any essay, control of grammar, mechanics, usage, and style are critical, so proofread your response carefully before time is called.
Argument Task
The Argument Task presents you with a short argument passage and instructions to critique the argument’s structure, assumptions, and conclusions. Your goal is not to present your own perspective but to evaluate the reasoning and evidence used to support the stated argument. Key aspects of the Argument Task include:
Carefully read the passage to fully understand the stated argument, its scope, and its chain of reasoning. You may need to reread the prompt multiple times to grasp the argument.
Successful responses clearly explain what the argument is concluding, how it is structured to reach those conclusions, and where weaknesses may exist in the presenting evidence or drawing connections between ideas.
Begin by briefly restating the argument’s conclusion and main reasoning. This helps establish you understand the argument before critiquing it.
Your evaluation should focus specifically on identifying and explaining reasoning flaws, questionable assumptions, gaps in evidence, alternative viewpoints or counterarguments that are not addressed, and places where the logic breaks down or connections do not necessarily follow.
When critiquing, always identify specific lines, phrases or reasons cited by the argument rather than generalizing. Concrete examples are more compelling and demonstrate close reading.
While stating your own views on the overall issue is not assessed, you can suggest additional research, information, or perspectives that could strengthen the argument if those speculations help explain weaknesses. Do not insert too many novel claims.
Organization is again key – evaluation of the argument should logically flow from a restatement of the argument to identified weaknesses in reasoning, evidence, assumptions, or structure. Paragraph breaks are effective.
Final conclusions should summarize your critique of how and why the argument lacks logical or evidentiary support rather than simply restating your individual points.
Understanding the differences in emphasis and structure between the Issue and Argument tasks is vital for success on the GRE Analytical Writing section. With practice at dissecting arguments, developing your own perspectives, and logically organizing complex reasoning in a clear written format, test takers can feel prepared to perform well on either style of prompt. While no single response will demonstrate perfection, approaching each type of analytical writing task methodically using the provided guidelines covers the key competencies graduate programs seek. Committing to honing your critical thinking and communication abilities through varied writing practice can help you enter your graduate admissions process from a position of strength.