Analytical Writing in GRE: Structuring Essays for High Scores

Introduction: Set the Stage

Both tasks in the GRE Analytical Writing section require a clear and concise introduction to your essay. The introduction should:

• Introduce the topic or argument: Clearly state the issue or argument at hand. For the Issue task, briefly mention the statement and indicate your position. For the Argument task, paraphrase the argument you are analyzing.
• Present your thesis: For the Issue task, your thesis should outline your position on the issue and briefly mention the main points you will discuss. In the Argument task, your thesis should summarize the main flaws or strengths in the argument that you will analyze.
• Outline the structure: Indicate the main points or areas you will cover in your essay, setting the reader's expectations for how your argument or analysis will unfold.

Example for the Issue Task:
"The claim that 'government should invest in alternative energy sources instead of fossil fuels' is a significant one in today’s world. In this essay, I will argue that alternative energy investment is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and energy security."

Example for the Argument Task:
"The argument that 'increasing the price of public transportation will reduce traffic congestion' is flawed due to assumptions about commuter behavior, the availability of alternatives, and the lack of supporting evidence. This essay will examine these weaknesses and suggest ways to strengthen the argument."

Body Paragraphs: Develop Your Argument

The body of your essay should be composed of several paragraphs, each focusing on a single main point. Here's how to approach this:

• Start with a clear topic sentence: Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. This helps the reader follow your argument or analysis.
• Provide evidence and reasoning: For the Issue task, support your claims with logical reasoning, examples, or evidence. For the Argument task, identify specific flaws in the argument and explain why these are significant.
• Consider counterarguments: In the Issue task, it’s beneficial to acknowledge counterarguments and explain why they do not undermine your position. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and consider different perspectives.
• Use transitions: Smoothly transition between paragraphs to ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next.

Example for the Issue Task:
"One of the key reasons for investing in alternative energy sources is environmental sustainability. Fossil fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change and environmental degradation. By shifting to renewable energy, governments can reduce their carbon footprint and promote cleaner air and water."

Example for the Argument Task:
"The argument assumes that increasing public transportation prices will automatically lead to reduced traffic congestion. However, this overlooks the possibility that higher prices may discourage people from using public transport, leading to more private car use and worsening congestion. Without evidence to support this assumption, the argument is weak."

Conclusion: Summarize and Reinforce

The conclusion is your opportunity to reinforce your thesis and main points. It should:

• Summarize your main points: Briefly restate the key arguments or analysis from the body of your essay.
• Reiterate your thesis: Reinforce your position or evaluation in light of the discussion presented in the body.
• End with a strong closing statement: Finish your essay with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a call to action (for the Issue task) or a final assessment of the argument (for the Argument task).

Example for the Issue Task:
"In conclusion, investing in alternative energy sources is not only a matter of environmental responsibility but also of economic and security interests. By transitioning to renewables, governments can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future."

Example for the Argument Task:
"In summary, the argument that increasing public transportation prices will reduce congestion is flawed due to unsupported assumptions and a lack of evidence. To strengthen the argument, more data on commuter behavior and alternative measures should be considered."

Review and Revise: The Final Step

Before submitting your essays, take a few minutes to review and revise:

• Check for clarity and coherence: Ensure that your essay is easy to follow and that each paragraph contributes to your overall argument or analysis.
• Correct grammatical and spelling errors: Small mistakes can detract from the quality of your writing, so make sure your essay is polished.
• Confirm adherence to the prompt: Double-check that you’ve fully addressed the specific instructions for each task.