Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus

Analytical Writing Assessment syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Analytical Writing Assessment in Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Structure of the Analytical Writing Measure

   4 topics

   • The single Analyze an Issue task
     • 30-minute time allocation
     • Prompt formats and accompanying instructions
     • Removal of the Analyze an Argument task in the revised test
   • Scoring framework
     • 0 to 6 half-point scale
     • Human rater plus e-rater automated scoring
     • How resolution between scores is handled
   • Score reporting and percentiles
     • Separate reporting from Verbal and Quantitative
     • Interpreting writing percentile bands
   • Skills assessed by graders
     • Critical thinking and reasoning
     • Clarity and coherence of expression
     • Control of standard written English
2. 2

   Analysing the Issue Prompt

   4 topics

   • Decoding the claim and instruction set
     • Identifying the central claim
     • Reading the specific task instructions
     • Distinguishing instruction variants (extent of agreement, qualifications, etc.)
   • Taking and defending a position
     • Choosing a defensible stance
     • Acknowledging complexity and nuance
   • Generating reasons and examples
     • Relevant supporting evidence
     • Hypothetical versus concrete examples
   • Addressing counter-perspectives
     • Anticipating opposing views
     • Conceding and rebutting
3. 3

   Essay Construction and Style

   5 topics

   • Introduction and thesis statement
     • Framing the issue
     • Stating a clear, arguable thesis
   • Body paragraph development
     • Topic sentences and logical flow
     • Evidence integration and explanation
     • Transitions and cohesion
   • Conclusion
     • Synthesising the argument
     • Avoiding mere repetition
   • Sentence variety and word choice
     • Precision and concision
     • Avoiding wordiness and clichés
   • Grammar, mechanics and proofreading
     • Common errors to eliminate
     • Time-managed final review

Analytical Writing Assessment flashcards for Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

19 of 51 cards from the Analytical Writing Assessment deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. As of the current GRE format, how many essay tasks does the Analytical Writing Assessment contain, and what is it?

   One task: a single 'Analyze an Issue' essay. The 'Analyze an Argument' task was removed in the September 2023 revision.

2. How long are test-takers given to complete the GRE 'Analyze an Issue' task?

   30 minutes.

3. What is the purpose of the GRE 'Analyze an Issue' task?

   It presents a claim/statement of general interest and asks the writer to evaluate it and develop a reasoned position, supported with reasons and examples.

4. On the GRE Analytical Writing scale, what is the score range and the increment used?

   Scores range from $0$ to $6$ in half-point increments (i.e., $0, 0.5, 1.0, \ldots, 6.0$).

5. How is the final GRE Analytical Writing score determined from the raters?

   The essay is scored by one trained human rater and the e-rater computer program; their two scores are averaged. If they differ significantly, a second human rater scores it and the human average is used.

6. What does a GRE Analytical Writing score of 6 ('Outstanding') signify?

   It demonstrates insightful, in-depth analysis of the issue, cogent and well-articulated reasons/examples, superior organization, and skillful, fluent command of standard written English.

7. What does a GRE Analytical Writing score of 0 indicate?

   An off-topic response, a response written in a foreign language, a response that merely copies the prompt, or one that is illegible/nonverbal (a blank response receives 'No Score', NS).

8. On the GRE Analytical Writing scale, what level of competence does a score of 4 represent?

   'Adequate' — competent analysis of the issue with adequate organization and generally clear control of language, though with some flaws.

9. What is the role of the e-rater in GRE essay scoring?

   The e-rater is ETS's automated scoring engine that evaluates the essay; its score is averaged with a human rater's score to check for agreement and ensure scoring reliability.

10. What is the mean (average) GRE Analytical Writing score reported by ETS, approximately?

    Approximately $3.5$–$3.6$ on the $0$–$6$ scale.

11. A GRE Analytical Writing score of 4.5 corresponds to roughly what percentile rank?

    Roughly the 80th percentile — a score of $4.5$ means about 80% of test-takers scored at or below that level.

12. A GRE Analytical Writing score of 6.0 corresponds to approximately what percentile?

    The 99th percentile — only about 1% of test-takers achieve a perfect $6.0$.

13. What does a 'percentile rank' tell you about a GRE Analytical Writing score?

    It indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below that score; e.g., the 50th percentile means you scored higher than half of all test-takers.

14. Is the GRE Analytical Writing score reported as part of the combined 'total' GRE score?

    No. It is reported separately on the $0$–$6$ scale, independent of the Verbal and Quantitative scores (which are reported on a $130$–$170$ scale each).

15. Name the four core skills GRE graders assess in the Analytical Writing essay.

    (1) Articulating and supporting complex ideas, (2) constructing and evaluating arguments, (3) sustaining a focused and coherent discussion, and (4) command of standard written English.

16. When graders assess 'command of standard written English' in a GRE essay, what specifically are they judging?

    Grammar, usage, mechanics (spelling, punctuation, capitalization), sentence structure, and overall fluency/control of language.

17. Do GRE graders reward a particular position (agree vs. disagree) on the issue?

    No. Graders are neutral on the stance taken; they reward the quality of reasoning, support, and writing, not the conclusion reached.

18. How do GRE essay raters approach scoring — holistically or by counting errors?

    Holistically: they judge the overall quality of critical thinking and writing as a whole rather than tallying individual errors against a checklist.

19. What is the first step in 'decoding' a GRE Issue prompt before writing?

    Identify the central claim being made and the specific instruction set (task directive) that tells you how to respond to that claim.

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