GRE Analytical Writing

Posted on May 26, 2010 by GRE Tutor

The analytical writing Measure consists of two timed essay sections. The first is what (ETS) calls and “issue” essay. You’ll be shown two essay topics – each of sentence or paragraph that expresses an opinion on an issue of general interest. You must choose one of the two topics. You then have 45 minutes to plan and write an essay that communicates your own view on the issue. Whether you agree or disagree with the opinion on the screen is irrelevant: What matters is that you support your view with relevant examples and statements.

The second of the two writing tasks is the “Argument” essay. This time, you will be shown a paragraph that argues a certain point. You will then be given 30 minutes to assess that argument’s logic. As with the “issue” essay, it won’t matter whether you agree with that you see on the screen.

How the computer-based essays are administered?

At the start of the computer-based Analytical writing section, you will be given a brief tutorial on how to use the word processor. If you aren’t comfortable with complex word processing programs, don’t worry. The program you’ll use on the GRE is quite simple, as the only commands you’ll use are cut, paste, and undo. You’ll be well acquainted with the program’s commands by the time you start writing.

The four basic principles of GRE analytical writing

GRE writing is a simple, two stage process: First you decide what you want to say about a topic, and then you figure out how to say it, if your writing style isn’t clear, your ideas won’t come across, no matter how brilliant they are. Good GRE English is not only grammatical but also clear and concise, and by using some basic principles, you’ll be able to express your ideas clearly and effectively in both of your essays.

Your control of language is important

Writing that is grammatical concise, direct, and presuasive displays the “superior control of language” (as the test makers term it) that earns top GRE writing Assessment. To achieve effective GRE style in your essays, you should pay attention to the following points.

Grammar

Your writing must follow the rules of standard written English. If you’re not confident of your mastery of grammar, brush up before the test.

Diction

Diction means word choice. For example, do you use the words affect and effect correctly? Be careful with such commonly confused words as precede/ proceed. principal. principle, whose/ who’s, and stationary/ Stationery.

Syntax

Syntax refers to sentence structure. Do you construct your sentences so that your ideas are clear and understandable? Do you vary your sentence structure, sometimes using simple sentences and other times using sentences with clauses and phrases?