How to Approach the GRE Analytical Writing Prompt: A Step-by-Step Guide

published on 30 December 2022
GRE Analytical Writing
GRE Analytical Writing

The GRE Analytical Writing section is designed to measure a test taker's ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, as well as to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. The section consists of two tasks: a "present your perspective on an issue" task and an "analyze an argument" task. Both tasks require a test taker to clearly articulate and support his or her ideas.

So, how can a test taker approach the GRE Analytical Writing prompt in order to write a strong essay

Here is a step-by-step guide for approaching the GRE Analytical Writing prompt:

Step 1: Read the prompt carefully and understand the task. Make sure to pay attention to the specific instructions and requirements of the task. For example, the "present your perspective on an issue" task requires a test taker to present his or her perspective on a given issue, while the "analyze an argument" task requires a test taker to analyze and evaluate a given argument.

Step 2: Plan and organize your essay. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. This can help to ensure that your essay is well-structured and flows logically.

Step 3: Write the introduction. The introduction should provide an overview of the main points of the essay and should clearly state the main argument or perspective.

Step 4: Write the body of the essay. The body of the essay should contain the main points and supporting details of the argument or perspective. It's important to use specific examples to support the main points and to use clear and concise language.

Step 5: Write the conclusion. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the main argument or perspective. It's also a good idea to end the essay with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement.

Step 6: Revise and edit the essay. After writing the first draft, take a few minutes to revise and edit the essay for grammar, mechanics, and overall clarity.

In conclusion, approaching the GRE Analytical Writing prompt requires careful reading and understanding of the task, planning and organising the essay, writing a clear and well-supported argument, and revising and editing the essay. By following these steps, a test taker can increase his or her chances of success on this important section of the test.

To complement the above steps, you can use Examly's analytical writing service, Writing Genie, to help you get better at writing for the GRE. Writing Genie makes use of our expert GRE tutors to review your analytical writing skills and provide detailed feedback within hours. Get your first analytical writing piece reviewed for FREE here: https://examly.ai/writing-gre/

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