The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a critical step for students aspiring to join graduate programs worldwide. Among its three sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) often garners particular attention. This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Despite its importance, it can be challenging for many test-takers. This blog post will delve into the significance of the AWA section, how it is evaluated, and provide practical tips and strategies to excel in this crucial component of the GRE.

Understanding the AWA Section

The AWA section comprises two tasks: the Issue Task and the Argument Task. Each task is designed to measure different aspects of your writing and analytical abilities.

• Issue Task: You are presented with a statement on a topic of general interest. Your task is to write an essay discussing your perspective on the issue, providing reasons and examples to support your position. You have 30 minutes to complete this task.
• Argument Task: You are given a brief argument that you must critique. Your goal is to evaluate the argument’s logical soundness, pointing out any weaknesses or assumptions. This task also has a 30-minute time limit.

The Importance of the AWA Section

While the AWA section may not seem as daunting as the Verbal and Quantitative sections, it plays a crucial role in the GRE for several reasons:

• Critical Thinking: The AWA tasks require you to analyze complex issues and arguments critically. This skill is essential for success in graduate school, where you will be expected to evaluate research and contribute original ideas.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital in any academic or professional setting. The AWA assesses your ability to express ideas coherently and persuasively, which is crucial for academic writing, presentations, and discussions.
• Holistic Evaluation: Many graduate programs use GRE scores as part of a holistic evaluation process. A strong AWA score can enhance your application by demonstrating your analytical and writing skills.

How the AWA is Evaluated

The AWA essays are scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Each essay is evaluated by at least one trained human grader and an e-rater, a computerized program developed by ETS. The final score for each essay is the average of these scores. If there is a significant discrepancy between the human grader and the e-rater, a second human grader will evaluate the essay.

Graders look for several key elements in your essays:

• Clarity and Coherence: Your essay should have a clear and logical structure, with well-organized paragraphs and smooth transitions between ideas.
• Critical Analysis: You should demonstrate an ability to analyze the prompt critically, providing insightful observations and avoiding superficial responses.
• Support and Development: Your arguments should be supported by relevant examples and evidence. Avoid making unsupported claims.
• Language and Style: Use varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and formal academic language. Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and typos.

Tips to Excel in the AWA Section

1. Understand the Prompt: Carefully read the prompt and ensure you fully understand the task before you start writing. For the Issue Task, determine your stance and jot down reasons and examples to support your position. For the Argument Task, identify the argument’s conclusion, evidence, and any underlying assumptions.
2. Plan Your Response: Take a few minutes to outline your essay before you begin writing. A well-structured outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure your essay has a clear and logical flow.
3. Stay Focused and Relevant: Stick to the topic and avoid straying off course. Make sure each paragraph contributes to your overall argument or analysis. For the Issue Task, address the prompt directly and support your position with relevant examples. For the Argument Task, focus on evaluating the argument’s logic rather than providing your opinion on the topic.
4. Develop Strong Paragraphs: Each paragraph should have a clear main idea, supported by relevant examples and evidence. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting details and examples.
5. Use Clear and Precise Language: Avoid vague or ambiguous language. Use specific terms and examples to illustrate your points. Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and typos, as these can detract from your overall score.
6. Practice Timed Writing: Practice writing essays under timed conditions to get used to the 30-minute time limit for each task. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual test.
7. Review and Revise: If time permits, review your essay for any errors or areas that could be improved. Check for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Make any necessary revisions to ensure your essay is polished and well-organized.
8. Use Transition Words and Phrases: Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. This will make your essay easier to read and understand.
9. Familiarize Yourself with Scoring Criteria: Review the scoring criteria for the AWA section to understand what graders are looking for. This will help you tailor your writing to meet these criteria and maximize your score.
10. Read Sample Essays: Review sample essays to understand what a high-scoring essay looks like. Analyze the structure, language, and development of these essays to gain insights into effective writing strategies.

Mastering the AWA section of the GRE requires practice, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of what graders are looking for. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, planning your responses, and honing your writing skills, you can excel in the AWA section and boost your overall GRE performance. Remember, strong analytical and writing skills are not only crucial for the GRE but also for your future academic and professional endeavors. With consistent effort and dedication, you can achieve your target score and set yourself up for success in graduate school and beyond.