For this prompt, test-takers are provided a brief passage describing a topic of general interest. Test-takers must either agree or disagree with the topic and write a persuasive essay using evidence to justify their reasoning.

GRE 'Analyze an Issue' Task

For this task, test-takers are provided a brief passage where the author is trying to make a case for some course of action or interpretation of events. The test-taker must then evaluate the argument and formulate an essay that addresses the logical soundness of the argument, using evidence to back up their points.

GRE 'Analyze an Argument' Task

Grinnell College

The first section to appear on the GRE. This section tests the test-taker's ability to compose a logical argument based on the given prompt. The section contains two different prompts to each be completed within 30 minutes.

GRE Analytical Writing Section

ETS (n.d.). GRE® General Test Structure. https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/structure/

GRE structure and sections

GRE Analytical Writing Tasks

Both analytical writing sections are scored out of 6 points with 0.5 point increments. Essay scores are based on the test-taker's ability to logically assemble evidence to back up their position as well as their control of grammar and similar writing mechanics such as spelling. The lowest score an essay completed in comprehensible English can receive is a 0.5.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After