The analytical writing assessment (AWA) section of the GRE exam requires test takers to write two essays – one analysis of an issue and one analysis of an argument. This high-stakes writing test carries significant weight, as graduate admissions committees will be reviewing your essays closely to evaluate your critical thinking and communication skills. Scoring highly on the AWA is important for your overall application.
The good news is there are strategies and techniques you can learn to help you write stronger GRE issue and argument essays within the strict time limits. With practice applying the methods outlined in this article, you can feel confident and prepared to take on the writing challenges of the GRE.
GRE Essay Structure
Both the issue essay and argument essay should follow a similar structure to ensure your response is coherent and fully addresses the prompts. Your essays should have:
Introduction paragraph: State the issue or argument and your overall stance. Indicate the key points you will make in support of your position.
Body paragraphs: Have 2-3 body paragraphs where you present your analyses and supporting examples/evidence. Each new idea or piece of evidence should get its own paragraph.
Conclusion paragraph: Restate your overall stance and convey the importance/implications of your arguments. You may also suggest further questions for consideration.
Sticking to this basic structure allows your essay to have clear organization and flow from introduction to conclusion. Use transition words when moving between paragraphs to guide the reader.
Issue Essay Approach
For the issue essay, you will be given a statement or topic related to a complex issue and asked to consider multiple perspectives on that issue. Your job is to evaluate the complexities and present a reasoned analysis. Some tips:
Clearly define the key aspects of the issue and how people could perceive it differently. Explain potential pros and cons of differing viewpoints.
Select the most compelling perspective as your stance but acknowledge limitations or weaknesses in that perspective as well. Show you consider multiple sides.
Cite relevant examples, facts, and statistics to support your analyses wherever possible. Hypothetical scenarios can also strengthen arguments.
Address counterarguments and alternate perspectives in a respectful, thoughtful manner rather than dismissing them. Consider objections and provide rebuttals.
Maintain an objective, analytical tone. Avoid emotional, biased language that could undermine your credibility. Remain focused on reason and evidence.
Argument Essay Approach
The argument essay presents you with a short passage stating a position on an issue along with specific evidence, conclusions, and assumptions. Your task is to dissect and analyze the overall logic and reasoning of the argument. Some recommended strategies:
Identify the conclusion being made and separate it from the reasoning and evidence presented. Highlight what is being used to support the conclusion.
Determine if the evidence, facts, or reasoning are sufficient and relevant to logically proving or disproving the conclusion. Note any logical fallacies or gaps.
Consider additional evidence or perspectives that could strengthen or weaken the argument. Propose alternatives to better support the conclusion if needed.
Avoid directly stating you agree or disagree with the conclusion. Keep your analysis focused on the reasoning and analytical flaws or strengths you identify.
Use transition terms like “Although, furthermore” to connect ideas and show relationships between different elements of the argument.
Pacing and Time Management
With only 30 minutes per essay, strong time management is crucial. Here are some tips:
Quickly analyze the prompt and formulate an outline of your major points before starting to write.
Set a timer and break each essay into checkpoints – 7 minutes for the intro, 15 for the body, 7 for the conclusion as an example.
Write concisely and get straight to the analysis without unnecessary introductory fluff. Every sentence must advance your point.
Prioritize quality over quantity. Two well-developed, evidence-based paragraphs are better than four that are rushed or superficial.
Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread for errors in spelling, grammar, logic flow, and readability. Small errors can hurt your score.
Practice timed essays with real prompts until you feel confident. Do not try new strategies on test day without practice runs.
Conclusion
The GRE AWA section tests important critical thinking and communication abilities valued by graduate programs. With focused preparation applying the structure, approach, and time-management strategies outlined here, you can feel ready to excel on test day. Be sure to practice often with practice prompts. With disciplined revision of your sample essays, your analytical writing skills will greatly improve prior to taking the live GRE exam. Following this advice can lead to higher scores that boost your graduate admissions profile.