Mastering the GRE Analytical Writing Section: Tips and Strategies

published on 30 December 2022
Mastering the GRE Analytical Writing Section
Mastering the GRE Analytical Writing Section

The GRE Analytical Writing section is designed to measure a test taker's ability to analyse and evaluate arguments, as well as to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. While the section can be intimidating, there are several strategies and tips that can help students master it.

First, it's important to understand the structure of the GRE Analytical Writing section. The section consists of two tasks: a "present your perspective on an issue" task and an "analyze an argument" task. The first task requires a test taker to present his or her perspective on a given issue, while the second task requires a test taker to analyze and evaluate a given argument. Both tasks require a test taker to clearly articulate and support his or her ideas.

One key strategy for success on the Analytical Writing section is to practice writing essays. The more practice a student gets, the more comfortable he or she will become with the structure and format of the tasks. It's also a good idea to review sample essays and the scoring criteria used by the graders to get a sense of what is expected.

Another strategy is to organise and plan before beginning to write. This can include brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, and identifying specific examples to support the main points of the essay. This can help to ensure that the essay is well-structured and flows logically.

It's also important to use clear and concise language and to avoid unnecessarily complex vocabulary or phrasing. Using simple and straightforward language can help to make the essay more easily understandable and more effective.

Additionally, it's important to pay attention to grammar and mechanics. While the graders are primarily concerned with the content of the essay, poor grammar and mechanics can be distracting and may detract from the overall quality of the essay.

Finally, it's essential to practice time management. The Analytical Writing section is allotted a total of 60 minutes, and it's important to allocate that time wisely. This may involve setting a specific amount of time to plan, write, and revise the essay.

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