Master Gre Analytical Writing Example for Top Scores

The GRE Analytical Writing section can be daunting, but with a strategic approach, you can achieve a top score. This section assesses your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts coherently. You'll encounter two essays: the "Analyze an Issue" task and the "Analyze an Argument" task.

Understanding the GRE Analytical Writing Tasks

Analyze an Issue Task

This task requires you to present your perspective on a given issue. You'll need to explore the complexities of the issue, consider different viewpoints, and support your claims with relevant reasons and examples. The key is not to take a rigid stance but to demonstrate nuanced thinking.

What scorers look for:

• Clear thesis statement
• Well-developed arguments with supporting evidence
• Consideration of counterarguments and alternative perspectives
• Logical organization and flow
• Effective use of language, including precise vocabulary and varied sentence structure

Analyze an Argument Task

Here, you'll evaluate a given argument, identifying its assumptions, logical flaws, and the evidence (or lack thereof) used to support it. Your goal is to critique the argument's reasoning, not to agree or disagree with its conclusion.

What scorers look for:

• Identification of key assumptions
• Analysis of logical fallacies (e.g., hasty generalization, false cause, appeal to authority)
• Explanation of how the argument could be strengthened or weakened
• Clear and organized critique
• Precise language and sentence variety

Strategies for Success

Deconstruct the Prompt

Before you write a single word, take time to fully understand the prompt.

• For Issue tasks: Identify the core question or statement. What are the underlying tensions or opposing viewpoints?
• For Argument tasks: What is the conclusion the author is trying to reach? What evidence is provided? What assumptions are being made?

Brainstorming and Outlining

This is a crucial step that many students skip. A well-structured outline will save you time and ensure your essay is coherent.

For Issue tasks:

1. Brainstorm: Jot down ideas, examples, and potential arguments for and against the issue. Think about personal experiences, historical events, literature, or current affairs.
2. Choose a Stance: Decide on your main thesis. It doesn't have to be extreme; a nuanced position is often best.
3. Outline:

Introduction: Hook, background, thesis statement. Body Paragraph 1: First supporting point, evidence, explanation. Body Paragraph 2: Second supporting point, evidence, explanation. Body Paragraph 3 (Optional but recommended): Address a counterargument and refute it, or present another supporting point. * Conclusion: Restate thesis (in different words), summarize main points, offer a final thought.

For Argument tasks:

1. Identify the Conclusion: What is the main point the author wants you to accept?
2. Identify the Evidence: What facts, statistics, or examples are presented?
3. Identify the Assumptions: What unstated beliefs must be true for the argument to hold?
4. Identify Flaws: Where does the logic break down?
5. Outline:

Introduction: Briefly summarize the argument and state that you will analyze its flaws. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first major assumption or flaw, explaining why it weakens the argument. Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the second major assumption or flaw, providing specific examples. Body Paragraph 3: Discuss another flaw or suggest what evidence would be needed to strengthen the argument. * Conclusion: Briefly summarize the main weaknesses and restate that the argument is not convincing as it stands.

Crafting a Strong Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone. It should clearly introduce the topic and state your thesis.

• Issue Task Example: Instead of a generic opening, try to frame the issue with a brief, relevant anecdote or a thought-provoking question.
• Argument Task Example: Start by acknowledging the argument's goal but immediately signal your critical analysis.

Developing Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea that supports your thesis (Issue) or critiques a specific aspect of the argument (Argument).

• Topic Sentence: Clearly state the main point of the paragraph.
• Evidence/Examples: Provide concrete support. This can be historical facts, personal anecdotes (for Issue tasks), or logical reasoning.
• Explanation: Connect your evidence back to your topic sentence and your overall thesis/critique.
• Transitions: Use transition words and phrases (e.g., "furthermore," "however," "consequently," "in addition") to ensure smooth flow between paragraphs.

Writing a Powerful Conclusion

Your conclusion should provide a sense of closure.

• Issue Task: Reiterate your thesis in new words and summarize your main points without introducing new information. Offer a final, thoughtful reflection.
• Argument Task: Briefly restate the main flaws you identified and emphasize why the argument fails to persuade. You might suggest what would be needed to make it more robust.

Example Breakdown: Analyze an Issue Task

Prompt: "As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability to think critically and independently is diminishing."

Brainstorming:

• Agree: Over-reliance on GPS, spell-check, calculators; reduced memory recall; passive consumption of information.
• Disagree: Technology provides new tools for critical thinking (data analysis, research); increased access to diverse perspectives; challenges can foster innovation.
• Nuance: It's not the technology itself, but how we use it. Balance is key.

Thesis: While excessive reliance on technology can indeed erode certain critical thinking skills, technology also offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance and expand our capacity for independent thought when utilized thoughtfully.

Outline:

• Intro: Introduce the paradox of technology: a tool that can both empower and diminish. Thesis.
• Body 1 (Agree): Discuss how over-reliance on tools like spell-check or search engines can lead to a decline in basic cognitive skills and a passive approach to problem-solving. Example: Students not learning to spell or research thoroughly.
• Body 2 (Disagree): Counterpoint: Technology as a facilitator of critical thinking. Example: Data analysis software allowing deeper insights, online forums fostering debate and exposure to diverse ideas.
• Body 3 (Nuance/Solution): Emphasize intentional use. How educators and individuals can leverage technology for critical thinking development, not its detriment. Example: Using online resources for comparative analysis.
• Conclusion: Reiterate the dual nature of technology and the importance of mindful engagement for preserving and enhancing critical thinking.

Example Breakdown: Analyze an Argument Task

Argument: "The following appeared in a memorandum from the business manager of a television station: 'This past season, our late-night news program attracted fewer viewers than did the news programs of our two competing stations. To increase our audience share, we should therefore switch our focus from political news to celebrity gossip. After all, our competitors' programs, which feature more celebrity gossip, have attracted larger audiences.'"

Analysis:

• Conclusion: Switch focus from political news to celebrity gossip to increase audience share.
• Evidence: Competitors with more celebrity gossip have larger audiences. Our program attracted fewer viewers than competitors.
• Assumptions:

The only reason for competitors' larger audiences is celebrity gossip. Switching to celebrity gossip will automatically attract viewers. Audience share is the sole measure of success or desirability. The current audience for political news is not valuable or could be replaced. * The station has the capacity and expertise to produce compelling celebrity gossip content.

• Flaws: Correlation does not equal causation; oversimplification; ignores other factors (e.g., journalistic quality, time slots, marketing, audience demographics).

Outline:

• Intro: Summarize the memo's recommendation and state that the argument is unconvincing due to flawed reasoning.
• Body 1: Critique the assumption that celebrity gossip is the sole cause of higher viewership. The memo fails to consider other factors like the quality of reporting, the anchors, the time slot, or marketing strategies employed by competitors.
• Body 2: Challenge the leap from correlation to causation. Just because competitors feature more gossip and have more viewers doesn't mean the gossip caused the higher viewership. The argument doesn't provide evidence that the specific celebrity gossip content resonated, or that a similar switch would appeal to the current audience.
• Body 3: Question the assumption that audience share is the only metric. A station might prioritize in-depth political coverage for a specific demographic, even if it yields lower overall numbers. Furthermore, a sudden switch might alienate the existing political news audience. The memo also doesn't address the station's capability to produce quality gossip content.
• Conclusion: The argument is based on unsubstantiated assumptions and a flawed correlation. The station manager should conduct more thorough research into audience preferences and competitor strategies before making such a drastic programming change.

Refining Your Essays

• Vocabulary: Use precise and varied vocabulary. Avoid jargon, but don't shy away from sophisticated words when appropriate.
• Sentence Structure: Vary your sentence length and structure to keep the reader engaged. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Every word should serve a purpose. Eliminate redundancy and ensure your points are easy to understand.
• Proofreading: This is non-negotiable. Read your essay aloud to catch grammatical errors, typos, and awkward phrasing.

For students seeking to elevate their writing, EssayMatrix offers AI humanization and professional editing services that can help polish your GRE essays, ensuring they are clear, coherent, and impactful.

By understanding the tasks, employing strategic brainstorming and outlining, and meticulously crafting each section of your essay, you can approach the GRE Analytical Writing section with confidence and aim for your highest possible score.