How do I prepare for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE exam?

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Are you struggling with the Analytical Writing section of the GRE? Or have you just started preparing for the GRE? It can be a difficult and confusing process but it doesn't have to be. With these tips on GRE preparation for beginners, you can excel and succeed in the GRE.

As the GRE is a computer-based test, the Analytical Writing section will be completed using a word processor created by ETS, the offical GRE test makers.

The word processor is used to type responses and has features such as insert and delete text, cut and paste and undoing any writing mistakes. There are no grammar or spelling checkers so make sure you're spelling and writing grammatically and correctly.

The Analytical Writing section has changed as of September 2023. You now 30 minutes to complete the Analytical Writing section, and it has only one part: the "Analyze an Issue" task.

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The Analytical Writing section focuses on your ability to think critically and write analytically, though this section doesn't test you on specific knowledge. It assesses the following:

• Understanding and supporting complex ideas

• Providing focused responses to prompts

• Maintaining a cohesive discussion

• Using elements of written English appropriately

The Analytical Writing section is very different than the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections as there is no right or wrong answer. You're required to think critically and you need a level of persuasive writing skills that a graduate school will be looking for.

You can prepare for the "Analyze an Issue" task by doing the following:

• Practice persuasive writing

• Prepare to present focused responses to the writing task

• Practice writing your opinions on a topic

• Evaluate the topic and think critically to respond appropriately

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Now you know what you need to study, but where can you find study resources? There are so many study materials to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Carefully choose your study materials, as they will be the base for your preparation for the test.

Paid study materials

• Official GRE Powerprep which includes the "Plus Online" practice test materials

• Yocket Prep diagnostic test

• Kaplan GRE prep course

Free study materials

• Official GRE sample issue task with strategies and sample essay response

• Official GRE pool of issue topics

• Kaplan essay issue practice prompts

• Official GRE Powerprep practice test

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The scoring for the Analytical Writing section is different compared to the Verbal and Quantitative sections. The scoring is between 0 and 6 with half point increments. Each score is given depending on the quality and writing of the response to the 'Analyze an Issue' task.

Score 6: Outstanding

• Shares "a clear and insightful" opinion on the issue task

• Articulates your opinion by writing persuasive reasons/examples

• Analyzes and connects ideas in a focused and organized manner

• Uses vocabulary and sentences effectively to convey ideas concisely

• Shows a high level of understanding of writing in English (grammar, punctuation, etc.) but there may be minor errors

Score 5: Strong

• Shares a clear and thorough opinion on the issue task

• Articulates your opinion by writing using sound logic and well-considered reasons/examples

• Analyzes and connects ideas in an organized and appropriate manner

• Uses vocabulary and sentences appropriately to convey ideas clearly

• Shows a standard level of understanding of writing in English (grammar, punctuation, etc.) but there may be minor errors

Score 4: Adequate

• Shares a clear opinion on the issue task

• Articulates your opinion by writing using relevant reasons/examples

• Understands and connects ideas that are adequately focused and organized

• Shows sufficient use of language to demonstrate ideas with adequate understanding

• Shows sufficient use of conventions of writing in English but there may be some errors

Score 3: Limited (one or more of the following)

• "Vague or limited" in addressing the written task and inefficient in presenting or developing an opinion

• Weak arguments on your opinion and limited use of examples/reasons, or relying too much on claims with no evidence

• Unorganized and unfocused in your response to the task

• Problems evident in structure and language use, resulting in lack of clarity

• Major errors present or consistent minor errors in grammar, use of language, or mechanics that may disrupt the meaning of the text response

Score 2: Seriously Flawed (one or more of the following)

• Very limited and vague in addressing the written task and inefficient in presenting or developing an opinion

• Provides few or none of relevant reasons/examples in supporting in your argument

• The writing is very unorganized and unfocused

• Language and sentence structures present major problems that frequently and negatively impact the meaning of the text response

• Major problems in grammar, use of language, or mechanics that interfere with the clarity of your argument

Score 1: Fundamentally Deficient (one or more of the following)

• "Little or no evidence" of comprehending the task or developing a focused response (eg. too vague, too short, etc.)

• "Severe" issues in language and sentence structures that frequently interrupt the meaning of the text response

• Usage, mechanics, or grammar that cause incoherence and major problems with the written response

Score 0

• Fails to address the task and follow instructions

• Response is off topic or written in a foreign language

• Response may also have random characters or be completely illegible

The "Analyze an Issue" task is a question that requires an essay response. Given a real topic and instructions, a student has written the following essay response:

Sample topic

As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate.

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 and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Sample essay response

There is no current proof that advancing technology will deteriorate the ability of humans to think. On the contrary, advancements in technology have advanced our vast knowledge in many fields, opening opportunities for further understanding and achievement. For example, the problem of debilitating illnesses and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease is slowly being solved by technological advancements in stem cell research.

The future ability to grow new brain cells and the possibility of reversing the onset of Alzheimer’s is now becoming a reality. This shows our initiative as humans to better our health and demonstrates the greater ability of humans to think. One aspect where the ability of humans may initially be seen as an example of deteriorating minds is the use of the internet and cell phones. In the past, humans had to seek out information in many different environments and aspects of life. Now humans can sit in a chair, type anything into a computer, and get an answer.

Our reliance on this type of technology can be detrimental if not regulated and regularly substituted for other information sources, such as human interactions and hands-on learning. I think if humans understand that we should not have such a reliance on computer technology, we as a species will advance further by utilizing the opportunity of computer technology as well as other sources of information outside of a computer. Supplementing our knowledge with internet access is surely a way for technology to solve problems while continually advancing the human race.

The Analytical Writing section requires some unique study tips to succeed. These tips on GRE preparation for beginners will help you prepare a strong response to the task.

1. Manage your time. This section is only 30 minutes.

2. Use the topic as your guide to respond and write your essay.

3. Practice test conditions by timing yourself. Give yourself enough time to review any spelling or grammar errors.

4. Draw on real-world examples in your response.

5. Avoid using first-person style in your writing.

6. Try not to spend too much time trying to make your point. Instead, be direct and concise.

7. Consider both sides of an argument when addressing the topic.

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Put these tips on GRE preparation for beginners to work! As you get ready for the Analytical Writing section: