GRE Analytical Writing Section Overview | Syllabus, Examples & More
Last Updated :
21 Aug, 2025
The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a vital part of the GRE, assessing your ability to think critically and write analytically. Aiming for a GRE Analytical Writing score above 4.5 is crucial if you're targeting top universities. The updated format features just one task: Analyze an Issue, giving you 30 minutes to write a concise, well-structured essay.
To excel, focus on writing between 500 and 600 words across 4 to 5 paragraphs, ensuring clarity and adherence to the GRE Analytical Writing word limit. Reviewing GRE Analytical Writing examples and GRE Analytical Writing PDFs can provide essential practice and insight, helping you achieve a strong score and boost your overall GRE performance.
GRE Analytical Writing Section
The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) now exclusively features the Analyze an Issue task. This section is designed to evaluate your critical thinking and analytical writing abilities. Unlike other sections, there is no fixed pattern for GRE AWA topics, making it essential to familiarize yourself with a wide range of issues. Staying updated on the latest GRE exam pattern is crucial to understanding the recent changes in this section.
Common GRE AWA Topics
The following are some frequently encountered themes for the GRE Analyze an Issue task:
| Topic Category | Sample Topics |
|---|
| Technology and Society | The impact of technology on society, the role of the internet in shaping modern culture. |
| Education | The importance of standardized testing, the value of a liberal arts education. |
| Arts | The relevance of art in contemporary society, government funding for the arts. |
| Intellectual Endeavours | The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, the value of curiosity-driven research. |
| Government and Power | The role of government in society, the balance of power between different branches of government. |
| Cities | The challenges of urbanization, the importance of sustainable city planning. |
| Philosophy | The role of ethics in decision-making, the relevance of ancient philosophical ideas in modern times. |
GRE Analytical Writing Topics PDF
Unlock your potential for success in the GRE with our comprehensive GRE Analytical Writing PDF guide. Designed to help you excel in the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), this resource offers essential insights and strategies to master the GRE essay tasks. The GRE AWA section assesses your ability to think critically, develop well-structured arguments, and express your ideas clearly and effectively.
Our PDF guide includes detailed explanations of the GRE Analytical Writing format, tips for crafting compelling essays, and sample prompts with high-scoring responses. Whether you're aiming for a top score or simply looking to improve your writing skills, this PDF provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the GRE Analytical Writing section. Download now to start your journey towards GRE success!
GRE Analytical Writing PDF- Free DOWNLOAD!!!!
Important GRE Issue Essay Format are as follows:
GRE AWA Essay: Essential Tips for Success
The GRE AWA essay on an issue should be approximately 500-600 words in length, focusing on topics of general interest that can be analyzed from multiple perspectives. Remember, there are no absolute correct answers in the GRE AWA; instead, the test evaluates your critical thinking skills and your ability to present a well-reasoned argument. The GRE Analyze an Issue task challenges you to take a stance on a given topic, providing compelling reasons and evidence to support your position.
Before you begin writing, carefully review the instructions and plan your response. Instructions typically fall into the following categories:
- Agree/Disagree with a Statement: Explain why you agree or disagree with the given statement, considering different perspectives that may support or challenge the statement.
- Position on a Recommendation: Articulate your stance on the provided recommendation, backing it up with reasons and examples.
- Extent of Agreement/Disagreement: Craft a response that discusses the extent to which you agree or disagree with a given claim.
- Balanced Argument: Write a response that discusses both sides of the argument, then explain your position.
- Consequences of a Policy: Discuss the consequences of a policy and how they influenced your decision.
Tips for Writing a Strong GRE Issue Essay
To excel in the GRE Issue Essay, consider the following tips:
- Practice Regularly: Start by practicing writing GRE Issue Essays. Writing at least three essays will help you manage your time, familiarize yourself with different prompts, and understand the factual support needed for a strong argument.
- Pick One Side: Choose one side of the argument to support. Avoid trying to argue both sides, as this can weaken your essay and make your position unclear. The examiners assess your ability to defend your chosen stance effectively.
- Use Relevant Examples: Provide relevant examples to bolster your argument. Use examples from diverse fields such as business, arts, or history, but ensure they serve to support your essay rather than dominate it.
- Follow a Structured Pattern: Organize your essay in a clear, structured manner. A well-structured essay not only provides clarity to the reader but also helps to increase your GRE AWA score.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you'll improve your ability to write a compelling GRE AWA essay, enhancing your chances of achieving a high score. Incorporate these strategies into your preparation to present clear, well-supported arguments that will impress GRE examiners.
GRE Analytical Writing Samples
Here are some examples of high-quality GRE Analytical Writing essays for the "Analyze an Issue" task. These examples illustrate how to effectively develop and present arguments, supporting a high score in the GRE AWA section:
Example 1: Technology and Society
Prompt: "Technology has made our lives easier but has also made us more isolated from each other."
Essay: In today’s fast-paced world, technology undeniably simplifies many aspects of life, from communication to information access. However, it also contributes to a sense of isolation. For instance, while social media platforms facilitate instant communication, they often replace face-to-face interactions with impersonal digital exchanges. This shift can lead to superficial relationships and a lack of genuine human connection. Moreover, the rise of remote work, enabled by technology, has reduced daily interpersonal interactions, potentially weakening social bonds. Nonetheless, technology also fosters global connections and allows for virtual communities that can provide support and shared experiences. Balancing the benefits of technology with its potential to isolate individuals is crucial for maintaining meaningful personal connections.
Example 2: Education
Prompt: "A college education should emphasize practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge."
Essay: The debate between practical skills and theoretical knowledge in higher education is crucial for preparing students for the workforce. Advocates for practical skills argue that such training equips students with job-ready abilities, making them more competitive in the job market. For instance, courses in coding, data analysis, and project management directly align with industry demands and provide tangible benefits. Conversely, theoretical knowledge fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are also essential in any profession. For example, understanding foundational theories in economics or psychology can enhance analytical abilities and adaptability. A balanced approach, integrating both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, ensures that students are well-rounded and prepared for diverse challenges.
Example 3: Government and Power
Prompt: "Governments should prioritize economic development over environmental protection."
Essay: The debate over whether governments should prioritize economic development or environmental protection is complex and multifaceted. Economic development fosters job creation, infrastructure improvement, and overall societal prosperity. For example, industrial growth often leads to higher employment rates and improved living standards. However, prioritizing economic growth at the expense of environmental protection can lead to long-term damage, such as climate change and loss of biodiversity. Sustainable development practices, which balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, are crucial. For instance, investing in green technologies can stimulate economic growth while preserving natural resources. Hence, a strategic approach that integrates both priorities is essential for achieving long-term prosperity and ecological balance.
GRE Analytical Writing Score
GRE scores will be accessible on the official ETS website within 8-10 days following the exam date. The Analytical Writing GRE score falls between 0 and 6.0. Valid for five years, candidates must submit or send their additional score reports to their chosen institutions within this timeframe for a successful admission process. Now, let's explore the criteria ETS considers when evaluating your AWA essays.
Here’s a brief table summarizing the GRE AWA score and its corresponding explanation:
| GRE AWA Score | Explanation |
|---|
| 6.0 – Outstanding | Clear identification and deep analysis of key features; well-organized ideas with logical connections; strong language control with few to no errors. |
| 5.0 – Strong | Thoughtful analysis with clear identification of important features; logical idea development with minor flaws; good control of language and syntax. |
| 4.0 – Adequate | Identifies main features with satisfactory analysis; organized ideas but may miss connections; sufficient language control with some flaws. |
| 3.0 – Limited | Limited analysis and poor organization; minimal support for critique; imprecise language with frequent errors. |
| 2.0 – Seriously Flawed | No clear understanding or analysis; disorganized with irrelevant evidence; serious language, grammar, and structural issues. |
| 1.0 – Fundamentally Deficient | Lacks understanding and organization; severe errors in grammar and sentence structure; incoherent response. |
| 0.0 – Unscorable | Off-topic, non-English, copied, random characters, or no response. |
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