GRE Analytical Writing Section
The GRE always begins with the Analytical Writing Section. In this test section, you must write two separate essays. E.T.S. (the test maker) calls the first essay Analyze an Issue Task (the Issue essay). The second of the two essays is Analyze an ArgumentTask (the Argument essay).
You get 30 minutes to complete the Issue essay, which always comes first, and 30 minutes to complete the Argument essay. For both essays, you must analyze a topic and compose your essay using a basic word processing program. However, because the two essays require you to complete different tasks, it is important to read the directions for each essay.
For the Issue essay, you are given a topic which expresses a given opinion or idea about something of general interest. In your essay, you must express your own view, indicating whether you agree or disagree with the statement. It doesn’t matter which side you take. What matters is how well you support your view with relevant examples and clear arguments.
For the Argument essay, you must critique the persuasiveness and logic of an argument. Whether you agree or disagree with the argument doesn’t matter. Again, what matters is that you support your position with convincing arguments and examples.
Most test takers find the most difficult part of the GRE Analytical Writing Section to be the limited time they have to think about, outline, write, and proofread their essays. But don’t worry. Your inlingua GRE instructor is ready to share valuable tips and strategies to help make the Analytical Writing Section a snap.