GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Analytical Writing Syllabus

Analytical Writing 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 in GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Analyze an Issue Task

   4 topics

   • Understanding the Issue Prompt
     • Reading the specific instruction variant
     • Taking and defending a clear position
   • Developing a Thesis and Position
     • Stating a defensible claim
     • Acknowledging complexity and counterviews
   • Supporting with Reasons and Examples
     • Relevant evidence and illustration
     • Logical development of each point
   • Essay Organization
     • Introduction, body, and conclusion structure
     • Coherent transitions between paragraphs
2. 2

   Analyze an Argument Task (Legacy and Concepts)

   4 topics

   • Identifying the Argument's Structure
     • Locating conclusion and premises
     • Recognizing unstated assumptions
   • Evaluating Logical Flaws
     • Causation versus correlation errors
     • Unwarranted generalizations and weak analogies
   • Critiquing Evidence
     • Questioning relevance and sufficiency
     • Identifying alternative explanations
   • Following the Specific Task Instruction
     • Addressing what the prompt actually asks
3. 3

   Scoring and Evaluation Criteria

   3 topics

   • The 0 to 6 Holistic Scale
     • Score-level descriptors
     • Half-point reporting
   • Human and e-rater Scoring
     • How scores are combined
   • Critical Thinking and Clarity Weighting
     • Quality of reasoning over essay length
     • Control of standard written English
4. 4

   Writing Mechanics and Style

   3 topics

   • Grammar and Sentence Structure
     • Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency
     • Avoiding run-ons and fragments
   • Vocabulary and Precision
     • Word choice and concision
   • Time Management in 30 Minutes
     • Planning, drafting, and revising phases

Analytical Writing flashcards for GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

20 of 52 cards from the Analytical Writing deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the single essay task on the current GRE Analytical Writing (AWA) section?

   The 'Analyze an Issue' task, in which you take and defend a position on a general issue of broad interest.

2. How much time are you given to complete the GRE Analyze an Issue essay?

   30 minutes.

3. What is the purpose of the Issue prompt in GRE AWA?

   It presents a claim or opinion on a topic and asks you to take a position, supporting it with reasons and examples.

4. When reading an Issue prompt, what must you identify before writing?

   The central claim, the specific task instruction, and any conditions or perspectives you must address.

5. In GRE AWA, what is a 'thesis' in an Issue essay?

   A clear, arguable statement of your overall position on the issue that the rest of the essay supports.

6. Where should the thesis typically appear in a GRE Issue essay?

   In the introduction, usually as the final sentence, so the reader knows your position immediately.

7. What makes a strong GRE Issue thesis rather than a weak one?

   It takes a clear, specific, arguable position rather than being vague, neutral, or merely restating the prompt.

8. Is it acceptable to take a qualified or nuanced position on a GRE Issue essay?

   Yes; acknowledging conditions under which the claim does or does not hold is acceptable and often rewarded if defended logically.

9. What two kinds of support are required to develop a GRE Issue essay?

   Reasons (logical explanations for your position) and examples (concrete evidence illustrating those reasons).

10. What types of examples can effectively support a GRE Issue essay?

    Relevant examples from history, current events, literature, science, personal experience, or hypothetical scenarios.

11. Why are specific, well-developed examples preferred over many shallow ones in GRE AWA?

    Depth of development demonstrates critical thinking; a few fully explained examples support the thesis better than a list of unexplained ones.

12. What is the standard organizational structure of a high-scoring GRE essay?

    An introduction with a thesis, several focused body paragraphs each developing one idea, and a conclusion.

13. What is the role of a body paragraph in a GRE Issue essay?

    To develop one main reason or example that supports the thesis, with clear topic sentence, explanation, and analysis.

14. Why should each GRE body paragraph begin with a topic sentence?

    It signals the paragraph's main point and connects it to the thesis, improving clarity and logical flow.

15. What is the function of the conclusion in a GRE essay?

    To restate the position, synthesize the main reasons, and reinforce the essay's overall argument without introducing new evidence.

16. What are transitional words used for in GRE essays?

    To connect ideas and show logical relationships (e.g., 'however', 'therefore', 'for example'), improving coherence and flow.

17. When analyzing an argument's structure, what are the two core components to identify?

    The conclusion (the main claim) and the premises/evidence offered to support it.

18. What are unstated 'assumptions' in an argument?

    Unstated beliefs the argument takes for granted and must be true for the conclusion to follow from the premises.

19. In argument analysis, what is the relationship between assumptions and an argument's validity?

    If a required assumption is unwarranted or false, the argument's logic breaks down and the conclusion is unsupported.

20. What is a logical flaw (fallacy) in an argument?

    An error in reasoning that weakens the link between premises and conclusion.

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