GRE Analytical Writing: Top Strategies to Score High
Learn effective strategies to tackle GRE Analytical Writing tasks. Improve your essay structure, argument analysis, and writing style to maximize your score.
The GRE Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. This section consists of two tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. Here are key strategies to excel in both.
1. Understand the Task Types
Before writing, be clear about the expectations:
- Analyze an Issue: Present your perspective and support it with reasoning and examples.
- Analyze an Argument: Critique the logic of a given argument, identifying assumptions and flaws.
2. Plan Before You Write
Spend 3-5 minutes outlining your essay:
- Identify key points you want to make
- Organize supporting examples logically
- Plan introduction and conclusion
Pro Tip: A clear structure makes your essay easier to follow and earns higher scores.
3. Write Clear and Concise Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on one main idea:
- Start with a topic sentence
- Provide supporting evidence
- Link ideas with transitional phrases
4. Critically Evaluate Arguments
When analyzing an argument:
- Identify assumptions and weaknesses
- Suggest alternative explanations
- Avoid personal opinions — focus on logic
5. Use Effective Language
Pay attention to:
- Precise vocabulary
- Varied sentence structure
- Formal and academic tone
6. Practice Timed Writing
Both tasks are time-limited. Practice writing essays in 30 minutes to improve speed and clarity.
7. Review and Revise
If time permits, quickly review your essay for:
- Grammar and spelling errors
- Logical flow and coherence
- Consistency in argumentation
By following these strategies and practicing consistently, you can improve your Analytical Writing score and confidently tackle any GRE essay task.