The GRE Analytical Writing section is designed to assess critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It consists of two tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. Each task requires a well-structured essay that demonstrates your ability to articulate complex ideas, support your arguments with evidence, and convey your thoughts clearly and effectively. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the GRE Analytical Writing section, including detailed strategies for each task, tips for effective writing, and insights into what graders look for.
Understanding the GRE Analytical Writing Section
Overview of the Analytical Writing Section
The GRE Analytical Writing section is the first section of the GRE test. It consists of two separately timed tasks:
- Analyze an Issue: Requires you to present your perspective on a given issue.
- Analyze an Argument: Requires you to critique an argument presented in a short passage.
Each task is allotted 30 minutes, and you are required to write essays that are clear, coherent, and well-structured. The section aims to assess your ability to think critically, express your ideas effectively, and support your arguments with relevant examples and reasoning.
Scoring of the Analytical Writing Section
Scores for the Analytical Writing section range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Each essay is scored by at least one trained human grader and an e-rater (a computerized program developed by ETS). If there is a significant discrepancy between the two scores, a second human grader evaluates the essay.
The scoring criteria include:
- Clarity and coherence: The ability to present ideas clearly and logically.
- Analytical ability: The ability to understand and analyze the given task.
- Support and development: The ability to support ideas with relevant examples and reasoning.
- Language use: The ability to use standard written English, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
Analyze an Issue Task
Understanding the Task
The Analyze an Issue task presents a statement on a general topic and asks you to discuss your perspective on the issue. You are required to construct a well-reasoned argument supporting your position, using relevant examples and evidence.
The task assesses your ability to:
- Develop a position on a given issue.
- Organize and present your ideas logically.
- Support your argument with relevant reasons and examples.
- Write in a clear and effective manner.
Strategies for the Analyze an Issue Task
Understanding the Prompt
The prompt for the Analyze an Issue task consists of two parts:
- Issue Statement: Presents a topic or statement to discuss.
- Specific Instructions: Provides guidance on how to approach the issue.
For example:
- Issue Statement: “To understand the most important characteristics of a society, one must study its major cities.”
- Specific Instructions: “Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement. Provide reasons and examples to support your position.”
Planning Your Response
- Analyze the Prompt: Carefully read the issue statement and specific instructions. Identify the key points and consider different perspectives.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Generate ideas and examples that support your position. Think about relevant experiences, historical events, and logical arguments.
- Outline Your Essay: Create a brief outline to organize your ideas. A typical structure includes an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Writing the Essay
- Introduction: Introduce the issue and state your position clearly. Provide a brief overview of the reasons supporting your position.
- Body Paragraphs: Develop each reason in a separate paragraph. Start with a topic sentence, provide supporting evidence, and explain how it relates to your position.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your position. Emphasize the significance of your argument and suggest broader implications.
Example Essay
Prompt: “To understand the most important characteristics of a society, one must study its major cities.”
Response: “Major cities are often seen as the epitome of a society’s culture, economy, and social dynamics. They serve as hubs of innovation, diversity, and progress. However, understanding the most important characteristics of a society requires a broader perspective that includes both urban and rural areas. While cities provide a snapshot of a society’s achievements and challenges, rural areas offer insights into its traditions, values, and grassroots realities.
Cities are melting pots of cultures and ideas. They attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. For instance, New York City is renowned for its cultural diversity, with neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Harlem showcasing a blend of traditions and lifestyles. This cultural amalgamation reflects the society’s openness and adaptability, essential characteristics in a globalized world.
Moreover, major cities drive economic growth and innovation. Silicon Valley, a region in the San Francisco Bay Area, exemplifies this role. It is home to numerous tech giants and startups, making it a global center for technological advancements. The economic dynamism of cities like Silicon Valley highlights the society’s commitment to progress and development.
However, focusing solely on major cities can present a skewed understanding of a society. Rural areas, often overlooked, are equally important in shaping a society’s identity. They preserve cultural heritage and traditional values, providing a counterbalance to the rapid changes in urban centers. For example, rural Japan maintains its ancient traditions and community-oriented lifestyle, reflecting the society’s deep-rooted respect for history and collective well-being.
Furthermore, rural areas play a crucial role in a nation’s economy through agriculture and resource management. The agricultural heartlands of the United States, such as the Midwest, are vital for food production and sustainability. Understanding these regions is essential to grasp the society’s dependence on and relationship with natural resources.
In conclusion, while major cities are vital in understanding the important characteristics of a society, they are not the sole indicators. A comprehensive understanding requires examining both urban and rural areas, recognizing the interplay between innovation and tradition, and appreciating the diverse facets of societal identity. By considering the contributions of both cities and rural areas, one can gain a more holistic view of a society’s true nature.”
Analyze an Argument Task
Understanding the Task
The Analyze an Argument task presents a short argument that you are required to critique. You must evaluate the argument’s logic, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and discuss how the argument could be improved. Unlike the Analyze an Issue task, you do not present your own perspective on the topic but instead focus on analyzing the given argument.
The task assesses your ability to:
- Understand and evaluate an argument’s logic.
- Identify assumptions, evidence, and reasoning used in the argument.
- Discuss how well the evidence supports the argument.
- Suggest ways to strengthen or weaken the argument.
Strategies for the Analyze an Argument Task
Understanding the Prompt
The prompt for the Analyze an Argument task consists of an argument and specific instructions. The argument typically includes a conclusion supported by reasons and evidence.
For example: “Argument: The following appeared in a memo from a restaurant manager. ‘In the past two years, we have seen an increase in customers who visit our restaurant for lunch during weekdays. This increase is due to the new office building that opened nearby. To accommodate the growing number of customers, we should expand our lunch menu and increase our staff.'”
Planning Your Response
- Analyze the Argument: Carefully read the argument and specific instructions. Identify the main conclusion, supporting reasons, and evidence. Look for assumptions and logical flaws.
- Brainstorm Points: Generate points that highlight the argument’s strengths and weaknesses. Think about missing information, alternative explanations, and ways to improve the argument.
- Outline Your Essay: Create a brief outline to organize your points. A typical structure includes an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Writing the Essay
- Introduction: Summarize the argument and state that you will evaluate its logic and evidence.
- Body Paragraphs: Discuss each point in a separate paragraph. Identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and suggest improvements. Use examples to illustrate your points.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate the importance of critically evaluating arguments.
Example Essay
Prompt: “The following appeared in a memo from a restaurant manager. ‘In the past two years, we have seen an increase in customers who visit our restaurant for lunch during weekdays. This increase is due to the new office building that opened nearby. To accommodate the growing number of customers, we should expand our lunch menu and increase our staff.'”
Response: “In the memo, the restaurant manager attributes the increase in weekday lunch customers to the opening of a nearby office building and suggests expanding the lunch menu and increasing staff to accommodate this growth. While the argument seems logical at first glance, it is based on several assumptions that require further scrutiny.
First, the manager assumes that the increase in customers is solely due to the new office building. However, no evidence is provided to support this claim. It is possible that other factors, such as a recent marketing campaign, improved food quality, or changes in competitors’ operations, contributed to the rise in customer numbers. To strengthen the argument, the manager should provide data linking the increase in customers directly to the new office building, such as customer surveys or demographic analyses.
Second, the argument assumes that the current trend of increased customers will continue. The manager suggests expanding the menu and staff based on recent growth, but there is no guarantee that this trend will persist. Economic fluctuations, changes in the local workforce, or shifts in customer preferences could affect future customer numbers. To make a more informed decision, the manager should analyze long-term trends and consider potential future changes in the customer base.
Third, the manager assumes that expanding the lunch menu and increasing staff are the best solutions to accommodate the growing number of customers. However, without additional information, it is difficult to determine whether these measures will effectively address the issue. For example, the restaurant may already have a diverse menu that satisfies customer preferences, making an expansion unnecessary. Similarly, increasing staff without assessing current staffing efficiency could lead to unnecessary expenses. Conducting a thorough needs assessment, including customer feedback and staff performance evaluations, would provide a clearer basis for these decisions.
Furthermore, the argument does not consider potential challenges and costs associated with expanding the menu and staff. Increasing the menu offerings may require additional kitchen space, equipment, and training for the staff, which could strain the restaurant’s resources. Hiring more staff involves recruitment, training, and payroll expenses. The manager should weigh these costs against the anticipated benefits and explore alternative solutions, such as optimizing existing operations or implementing reservation systems to manage peak times.
In conclusion, while the manager’s argument has some merit, it is based on several unverified assumptions and lacks sufficient evidence. To make a well-informed decision, the manager should provide data linking the increase in customers to the new office building, analyze long-term trends, and conduct a needs assessment to determine the most effective solutions. By addressing these weaknesses, the manager can develop a more robust strategy to accommodate the growing number of lunch customers.”
Effective Writing Techniques for GRE Analytical Writing
Clarity and Coherence
- Clear Thesis Statement: Ensure your thesis statement clearly outlines your position or main points. It should guide the reader through your argument.
- Logical Organization: Structure your essay logically with clear transitions between paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea.
- Concise Language: Use concise and precise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences that may confuse the reader.
Supporting Evidence
- Relevant Examples: Use relevant examples to support your arguments. Examples can be drawn from personal experiences, historical events, or hypothetical scenarios.
- Detailed Explanations: Provide detailed explanations for how your examples support your arguments. Explain the significance of each example.
- Address Counterarguments: Consider and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your position. Acknowledge alternative perspectives and explain why your argument remains valid.
Grammar and Syntax
- Grammar: Ensure your writing is free of grammatical errors. Common issues include subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and proper use of articles.
- Sentence Structure: Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader interest. Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Vocabulary: Use appropriate vocabulary to convey your ideas. Avoid using complex words unnecessarily, but don’t shy away from using specific terms that accurately express your thoughts.
Time Management
- Planning: Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing. Outline your main points and examples.
- Writing: Allocate time to write each section of your essay. Ensure you have enough time to develop your arguments fully.
- Reviewing: Reserve a few minutes at the end to review your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.
Practice and Improvement
Regular Practice
- Practice Prompts: Use official GRE practice prompts to familiarize yourself with the types of issues and arguments you may encounter.
- Timed Writing: Practice writing essays within the 30-minute time limit to build your ability to articulate your thoughts quickly and effectively.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or online forums. Use the feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Analyzing High-Scoring Essays
- Sample Essays: Review high-scoring sample essays to understand what graders look for. Pay attention to the structure, clarity, and depth of analysis.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare your essays with high-scoring samples to identify differences in content and style.
- Imitate Strategies: Incorporate effective strategies from high-scoring essays into your own writing. Focus on developing clear thesis statements, well-supported arguments, and logical organization.
Continuous Improvement
- Track Progress: Keep track of your practice essays and scores. Identify patterns in your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set Goals: Set specific goals for each practice session, such as improving clarity, using more examples, or addressing counterarguments.
- Refine Techniques: Continuously refine your writing techniques based on feedback and self-assessment. Focus on areas that need improvement while maintaining your strengths.