The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. The exam is designed to assess a test taker’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. While the multiple choice sections assess reasoning abilities, the analytical writing portion of the GRE provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills in crafting arguments and analyzing issues. This section of the GRE, which consists of two separately timed essays, carries significant weight in graduate admissions decisions. Given its importance, prospective graduate students often seek practice, feedback, and review to improve their analytical writing performance on the GRE.
The analytical writing section consists of two writing tasks – analyze an issue and analyze an argument. In the issue task, test takers receive a statement presenting a particular issue and specific instructions on how to respond to that issue. Applicants must discuss the complexities of the issue and present their perspective on the issue. For the argument task, test takers are given a short paragraph presenting an argument and specific directions on how to evaluate and analyze the argument. Applicants must discuss the argument’s structural aspects, assumptions, implications, and assess whether the argument reaches reasonable conclusions based on the evidence and reasoning provided. Both essays are scored on a scale of 0-6 by multiple graders. The average score from the two essays will be the GRE analytical writing measure reported to graduate programs.
To perform well on these writing tasks, prospective graduate students should hone their skills in developing logical, well-structured analyses and evaluate arguments by identifying assumptions and conclusions. Practicing sample essays and receiving feedback from experts can help test takers strengthen these critical thinking and composition abilities. Many GRE prep companies offer extensive libraries of practice essay prompts along with detailed scoring rubrics that outline what graders look for in high-scoring responses. Reviewing model responses that earned high marks can aid in understanding what constitutes a strong analytical writing sample. Some companies also provide both peer and expert essay reviews to help diagnose writing weaknesses and highlight areas for improvement. This targeted feedback enables applicants to pinpoint and then focus study on their specific deficiencies.
Studying the scoring rubrics alone is also valuable preparation for the GRE analytical writing section. The ETS, which administers the GRE, provides scoring rubrics that guide graders in evaluating each essay aspect. These rubrics judge writing quality based on elements such as mastery of language skills including grammar and punctuation, communicative ability, analytical reasoning and critical thinking ability, and responsiveness to the instructions and context of the task. By analyzing scoring rubrics, test takers know where graders will focus their assessment. This knowledge allows writers to concentrate energy on developing well-reasoned analyses, constructing cohesive multi-paragraph responses, and closely following the directive provided for each essay prompt type. Those who already grasp how graders evaluate writing performance enter the test with strategic advantages.
Practicing under timed conditions is also essential for the GRE analytical writing portion since each essay must be completed with only 30 minutes allotted. Without simulated testing experiences that impose strict timing, writers may struggle on the actual exam when the pressure is on. Many review companies offer online practice exams that precisely mimic official GRE testing conditions, replicating the digital essay interface, strict timers, and automatic submission process. By taking full-length practice analytical writing sections under real GRE conditions several times, writers gain experience managing their time while composing high-quality responses. They learn how to plan and structure their essays within the limited time constraints, avoid last-minute rushing, and deploy their analytical skills under pressure. The benefits of this kind of practice are invaluable for improving performance and gaining confidence to tackle the actual timed GRE essays.
In addition to practicing sample prompts, studying rubrics, and taking timed practice exams, comprehensive GRE essay reviews can synthesize learning. Many prep companies provide post-exam evaluations of every timed practice essay submitted. Expert graders mimic the official scoring process by assigning grades according to each scoring criterion. They also provide detailed diagnostic comments explaining strengths evidenced, weaknesses displayed, and targeted advice for boosting the next essay attempt. Compiling feedback across multiple practice essays reveals patterns of consistent errors or neglected aspects. This big-picture review process empowers test takers to recognize their precise developmental needs. They can then focus remedial work on just the areas demonstrated as deficiencies rather than assuming weaknesses.
Cumulative practice and detailed reviews from experienced graders allow writers to progressively refine their analytical skills through an evidence-based learning process. By thoughtfully implementing expert guidance over numerous essays under timed conditions, prospective graduate students gain full command over demonstrating their critical thinking through clear, nuanced, and responsive analytical writing. The payoff comes on test day, as writers enter with assurance that persistence and guidance has equipped them with the ability to perform at their very best on the GRE analytical writing tasks. Ultimately then, comprehensive practice with review is what empowers applicants to effectively showcase their qualifications and maximize admissions potential through a superbly executed GRE essay performance.
Andrew Stroud