The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GRE tests your ability to think critically and articulate your ideas clearly. While many focus on the verbal and quantitative sections, excelling in analytical writing can give your GRE score an extra edge and showcase your academic and professional potential. Here are five expert strategies to help you craft compelling essays and achieve your target score.
1. Understand the Task Inside Out
The AWA section consists of two tasks:
- Analyze an Issue: You need to present your perspective on a given topic, supporting it with evidence and reasoning.
- Analyze an Argument: You must critique the logic of an argument, identifying flaws and assumptions without inserting your own opinion.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the GRE’s scoring criteria, focusing on clarity, coherence, and critical thinking. Knowing what the test scorers are looking for can guide your writing approach.
2. Plan Before You Write
A well-structured essay begins with a clear plan. Spend 3–5 minutes brainstorming ideas and outlining your response.
- For the Issue task, identify your stance and list examples to support your argument.
- For the Argument task, pinpoint logical flaws, unstated assumptions, and missing evidence.
Pro Tip: Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion to ensure clarity and logical flow.
3. Use Specific Examples
Generic statements weaken your essay. Support your points with specific, relevant examples from:
- History
- Science
- Literature
- Personal or professional experience
Pro Tip: Examples don’t have to be overly detailed but should clearly illustrate your argument or critique.
4. Master Formal and Concise Writing
The GRE values formal and concise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon, casual language, or lengthy sentences.
- Use transition words like however, furthermore, and in contrast to improve readability.
- Avoid repetition by varying your sentence structure and vocabulary.
Pro Tip: Leave time for proofreading to catch grammar errors, typos, or awkward phrasing that might lower your score.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Consistent practice is the key to mastering the AWA section.
- Review sample essays scored by ETS to understand what distinguishes high-scoring responses.
- Write responses to different prompts under timed conditions to simulate test day.
- Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or GRE preparation programs.
Pro Tip: Analyze your practice essays for weaknesses in argument development, structure, and clarity, and refine your approach with each attempt.
Bonus Tips for Success
- Time Management: Allocate 25 minutes to write and 5 minutes to review.
- Focus on the Argument Task: Many test-takers find this task trickier, so give it extra practice.
- Stay Calm: Confidence is critical on test day. A calm mind will help you organize thoughts effectively.
Conclusion
Excelling in the GRE Analytical Writing section requires a mix of strategy, practice, and clear thinking. At TRICEF, we specialize in comprehensive GRE preparation, including expert guidance on the AWA section. Our tailored training helps you develop critical thinking and writing skills to craft high-scoring essays with confidence.
Take the first step toward achieving your dream GRE score. Visit us at TRICEF today and let us guide you toward success!