Introduction
The GRE analytical writing section, also known as the GRE essay task, requires test takers to write two essays within a limited time frame. One essay requires test takers to take a position on an issue of importance while the other asks them to evaluate an argument. Due to the high-stakes nature of the GRE, many examinees choose to prepare for this section using GRE essay writing books. There are a variety of highly-rated books on the market that aim to improve writing skills, teach strategies and provide sample essays for both GRE essay types. This article will explore some of the top-rated and most popular GRE essay writing books to help test takers choose preparation materials that suit their needs and learning style.
Top GRE Essay Writing Books
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test (Educational Testing Service)
Published by the same organization that administers the GRE, The Official Guide provides three real past GRE tasks with point-by-point analyses by GRE readers. It explains scoring rubrics and common mistakes made by test takers. The book also includes writing strategies, time management tips and exercises to improve analytical and organizational skills. As the official source, it precisely mirrors the real exam format. Some find the writing advice and drills overly generic.
Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides (Manhattan Prep)
Manhattan Prep is well known for high-quality GRE prep books across multiple sections. For the essay portion, they offer two highly rated guides – Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guide: Analytical Writing and Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guide: Sentence Completion & Essay. Both aim to demystify the analytical writing tasks by breaking down scoring, outlining step-by-step approaches and providing hundreds of practice problems with detailed explanations. Test takers praise the books for their clear explanations and helpful frameworks. A potential downside is that sample essays could feel formulaic for some.
Cracking the GRE (Princeton Review)
Now in its 3rd edition, Cracking the GRE covers all GRE areas in depth. For the writing section, it explains scoring rubrics and includes strategies for time management, outlining responses and integrating sources into essays. There are drill sets for vocabulary, sentence structure and Logic Tree diagrams. Additionally, it provides full sample responses and analyses for four Argument and four Issue tasks. Many find the writing strategies and advice to be practical and easy to understand. Some criticism notes that practice sets could have more explanation of grader perspective.
The PowerScore GRE Critical Reasoning Bible (PowerScore)
PowerScore is another top GRE prep brand and their Critical Reasoning Bible zeroes in specifically on the Argument essay task. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Argument essay structure, common issue types and scoring criteria. Readers learn how to diagram, analyze and critique argument structures using PowerScore’s unique RSAs (Reasoned Analysis of the Situation) approach. There are 130 practice Argument tasks with fully explained sample essays. Test takers remark that this approach greatly improved their analytical abilities for this particular essay type. Length can make it less suitable as a stand-alone guide.
GRE Writing Expert (Magoosh)
Available in both print and digital formats, Magoosh’s GRE Writing Expert contains over 50 scored sample Issue and Argument essays with thorough analyses from experienced graders. Each analysis highlights grader perspectives, common mistakes and suggestions for improvement. The book also features writing templates, strategies, time-management advice and drills to enhance proficiency in areas like structure, grammar and transitions. Readers appreciate the real essay samples and insights into grader mindsets. Downsides include potentially boring writing exercises and lack of comprehensive strategy chapters.
Other Highly Rated GRE Essay Books
GRE Verbal Workbook (Kaplan): Includes vocabulary drills and hundreds of reading comp and writing practice questions.
GRE Reading Comprehension & Essays (Manhattan Prep): Targeted guide for the RC section plus GRE essay strategies and samples.
501 GRE Questions (Learning Express): Offers practice writing responses and explanations for both essay types.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test with CD-ROM (ETS): Previous edition of the official guide also useful for drills and explanations.
How to Prepare for the GRE Analytical Writing (Test Prep Books): Provides templates, strategies and over 40 sample essays analyzed by experts.
Conclusion
There are many excellent GRE essay preparation books that approach writing instruction in different ways based on learning style preferences. Test takers should determine their individual needs to choose materials that supplement online practice well and strengthen targeted areas of weakness. Books from Manhattan Prep, PowerScore, Princeton Review and Magoosh are highly rated options. Ultimately, the key is to practice analyzing issues, deconstructing arguments and crafting high-scoring responses using a variety of sources.