GRE Analyze an Issue is the only task in the Analytical Writing (AWA) section of the GRE. In this task, you need to write an essay that shows your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, and you get 30 minutes to complete your essay.
In the GRE Analyze an Issue task, you are given a statement or opinion. You must agree or disagree with it and clearly explain your reasons. The goal is to show how well you can build a logical argument, support complex ideas, and express your thoughts clearly in writing.
GRE Analyze an Issue
The GRE Analyze an Issue question presents a scenario with a statement or opinion about a specific topic. You need to write a response that follows the given instructions. Your essay should directly address the statement or claim and develop your ideas based on what the prompt asks.
Refer to the table below to see the different types of instructions and what each one requires you to do.
| Instruction | Description |
|---|---|
| Agree or disagree with the statement | Explain the reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with the statement provided in the question. |
| Agree or disagree with the recommendation | Specify reasons behind agreeing or disagreeing with the recommendation while analyzing it. |
| Agree or disagree with the claim | Provide reasons and justifications to support a particular claim. |
| Select a viewpoint that closely aligns with your perception | Pick two views from the given choices and explain those with proper reasons. |
| Agree/disagree with a claim and its basis | Agree or disagree with the claim as well as the basis. |
| Explain views on a policy | Take a stand for policy and explain that. |
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GRE Analytical WritingGRE Analyze an Issue Topics
The GRE Analytical Writing section includes one “Analyze an Issue” essay task. Analyze an issue essay prompts are based on common topics, as listed in the table below:
| Question Type | Essay Topics |
|---|---|
| Agree or Disagree With a Statement | Politics |
| Society | |
| Government | |
| Logic | |
| Workplace | |
| Agree or Disagree With a Recommendation | Government |
| Education System | |
| Science | |
| Agree or Disagree With a Claim | Education |
| Profession | |
| Law | |
| State and nation | |
| Which view aligns with own perception | Politics |
| Arts | |
| Science | |
| CSR | |
| Agree or Disagree With a Claim and Its Basis | Education |
| Current events | |
| Explain Your Views on a Policy | Government |
| Business | |
| Education | |
| Politics |
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GRE Pattern & SyllabusGRE Analyze an Issue: Answer Structure
Maintaining a proper word limit and structure will help you achieve a good GRE AWA score. The following instructions can help the GRE candidate to write a scoring essay:
- 4–6 paragraphs: 100–150 words in each paragraph.
- To-the-point introduction, introducing what you are going to write in the next paragraphs.
- A Thesis statement at the end of the introduction denoting the main factors in one line.
- Make it engaging content so that the examiner can find it interesting to read.
- First body paragraph with the reason behind agreeing or disagreeing with examples and reasons.
- Second body paragraph with detailed discussion behind the decision – Be specific and stick to the stand.
- Introduce more examples in the third body paragraph.
- Link the contents of each paragraph with the next paragraph and relate it to the thesis.
- Conclude the essay with a short conclusion.
GRE Analyze an Issue: Answer Length
ETS has not set any official rule for the word count of the GRE Analyze an Issue essay. However, it’s best to write around 4–6 paragraphs or roughly 500–700 words. Writing much more than that can be difficult within the 30-minute time limit.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0 to 6, with half-point increments (like 4.5 or 5.5).
- Most top universities usually look for an AWA score of 4.0 or higher.
- Focus on writing clearly and logically, rather than making the essay too long.
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GRE ScoresGRE Analyze an Issue Essay Examples
The best way to prepare for the GRE Analyze an Issue task is by studying sample essays. Sample papers of GRE AWA contain different types of topics. It also shows you how to properly structure an analysis issue GRE sample.
GRE AWA Practice Test
Taking practice tests regularly will help you understand the question format and topics. You can get GRE AWA Practice Papers from the official website or other verified resources. Here are some GRE AWA practice papers and solutions in PDF for you to understand the format better.
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Understanding of the GRE analyze an issue task is important for a successful admission process. To get admission to the top-ranked universities, a higher AWA score is required. You can check the sample papers of the GRE AWA for Analyze an Issue task, and construct your essay properly.
FAQs
Ques. What are some common mistakes to avoid in an Analyze an Issue essay?
Ques. What is the Analyze an Issue task?
Ques. How much time should I spend on each Analyze an Issue essay?
Ques. What are some tips for writing an effective Analyze an Issue essay?
Ques. What is the scoring rubric for the Analyze an Issue task?
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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