GRE Analyze an Issue

Introduction

The GRE Analytical Writing section may seem intimidating at first, but it’s really just an opportunity for you to showcase your critical thinking and writing skills. It consists of two tasks: the "Analyse an Issue" and "Analyse an Argument" tasks. These tasks are designed to test your ability to think clearly and communicate your ideas in a well-organized manner. You’ll be asked to write two essays in total, each within a 30-minute time frame. While the "Analyse an Issue" task focuses on presenting your opinion on a specific topic, the "Analyse an Argument" task asks you to critique the logical soundness of an argument.

This section doesn’t count toward your overall GRE score, but don’t underestimate its importance. Graduate schools look at your Analytical Writing score to gauge how well you can handle the writing challenges that will come your way in a graduate program. A well-written essay demonstrates to the admissions committee that you can think critically and communicate your ideas effectively—a skill that's crucial in both academia and the professional world.

Importance of the "Analyse an Issue" Task

So, why is the "Analyse an Issue" task such a big deal? Aside from being a significant portion of the GRE Analytical Writing section, it’s your chance to demonstrate your ability to craft a persuasive argument. Being able to take a stance on a complex issue, provide reasoning, and support your viewpoint with relevant examples isn’t just useful for the GRE—it’s a skill you’ll need in almost any graduate program.

When you’re preparing for this task, think about it as a mini-essay that requires not only your opinion but also your ability to present it logically and clearly. Admissions committees place value on this skill because it shows that you can contribute to discussions, write papers, and present ideas in a structured, thoughtful way.

Statistical Insights:

On average, test-takers score around a 3.6 on the Analytical Writing section. While this may seem like a modest score, remember that writing is a skill that improves with practice. (gre.blog.targettestprep.com)

To give you an idea of how scoring works, a 4.0 will place you in the 54th percentile, meaning you’re performing better than half of the test-takers. But if you’re aiming higher, scoring a 5.0 puts you in the 91st percentile. (testmasters.net)

Keep in mind that different programs have different expectations for your score. Top-tier schools might prefer scores above a 4.5, while other programs may accept a 3.5 or higher. It’s important to check the requirements for the programs you're interested in so you can aim for the score that will make your application stand out. (gre.blog.targettestprep.com)

Here's a humanized and engaging version of the Understanding the "Analyse an Issue" Task section:

Understanding the "Analyse an Issue" Task

Before you dive into preparing for the GRE Analytical Writing section, it’s important to understand exactly what the "Analyse an Issue" task is asking you to do. At first glance, it might seem like just another essay, but this task is designed to assess how well you can take a stance on a given topic and defend your position with logical reasoning and examples.

Task Description

The "Analyse an Issue" task presents you with a short statement or claim on a broad topic. Your job is to evaluate the issue, take a position, and support your viewpoint with well-reasoned arguments and relevant examples. The challenge? You only have 30 minutes to organize your thoughts, draft a coherent essay, and proofread it before time runs out!

Here’s what to expect when tackling this task:

• You will receive a prompt that presents a statement about a general topic. The topics can range from education and technology to philosophy and government policies.
• You must take a clear stance. Do you agree or disagree? Do you partially agree? The key is to commit to a perspective and defend it logically.
• Your essay should be well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs that support your argument, and a strong conclusion.
• You can use real-world examples, historical references, or personal experiences to strengthen your argument.

Example Prompt:
"Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development."

 Scoring Criteria

Now, let’s talk about how your essay will be graded. The GRE Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your essay is evaluated based on the following factors:

Effective Strategies for Preparation

Success in the "Analyse an Issue" task isn’t about memorizing essays, it’s about understanding the structure, practicing with real topics, and developing a clear argument under time constraints. Here are some key strategies to help you prepare effectively.

Familiarizing with Sample Topics

Before you start writing, get comfortable with the kinds of topics that appear in the GRE Analytical Writing section. The GRE issue prompts cover a variety of themes, such as:

Education: "A nation should require all of its students to study the same curriculum until they enter college."

Technology: "The widespread use of technology in everyday life leads to more problems than solutions."

Government & Society: "Governments should fund public services instead of the arts."

Philosophy & Ethics: "People who achieve great success have often made sacrifices in their personal lives."

Developing a Structured Approach

A well-structured essay is key to scoring high on the GRE. Here’s a simple framework you can use to organize your response.

Introduction Example Opening for an Essay on Technology:

 "Technology has transformed every aspect of modern life, from communication to healthcare. While some argue that technological advancements create more problems than solutions, I strongly disagree. This essay will explore how technology enhances productivity, improves healthcare, and fosters global connections."

Body Paragraphs Example Body Paragraph on Technology & Productivity:
"One key reason why technology is beneficial is that it significantly enhances workplace productivity. For example, project management tools like Trello and Slack allow businesses to streamline communication, reducing delays and improving efficiency. A study by McKinsey & Company found that organizations using digital collaboration tools reported a 20% increase in productivity. These advancements demonstrate that rather than creating problems, technology facilitates better work environments."

Conclusion Example Conclusion:
"In conclusion, technology has proven to be a powerful force for progress, enhancing productivity, healthcare, and global communication. While challenges exist, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. As we continue to innovate, embracing technology responsibly will lead to even greater societal advancements."

Practicing with Sample Essays

Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Here’s how you can build confidence before test day:

• Write at least 5-10 full essays using official GRE prompts.
• Time yourself (30 minutes per essay) to simulate real test conditions.
• Compare your essays with high-scoring samples from ETS to identify areas for improvement.
• Get feedback from teachers, peers, or online GRE forums.

Time Management Techniques

Writing a well-organized essay in just 30 minutes can feel overwhelming, but with the right time management strategies, you can plan effectively, write efficiently, and leave time for review. Here’s how to make every minute count.

Allocating Time for Planning (5-7 Minutes)

Many test-takers make the mistake of diving straight into writing, only to realize halfway through that their argument lacks clarity or structure. Spending a few minutes planning your essay can save you from last-minute scrambling and improve your overall score.

How to Plan Efficiently:

Step 1: Understand the Prompt (1-2 minutes)

Step 2: Outline Your Key Points (3-4 minutes)

Step 3: Plan a Strong Introduction & Conclusion (1 minute)

Leaving Time for Review (3-5 Minutes)

Even the best writers make mistakes under time pressure. Setting aside a few minutes at the end ensures you can catch errors and refine your writing.

 What to Check During Your Review:

Grammar & Spelling – Fix typos, punctuation errors, or awkward phrasing.
Logical Flow – Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
Clarity of Argument – Make sure your stance is clear and well-supported.
Conciseness – Remove unnecessary words to keep sentences direct and impactful.

Time Breakdown Summary:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Misinterpreting the prompt and writing off-topic
• Failing to take a clear stance or switching positions mid-essay
• Weak or vague examples that don’t strongly support the argument
• Poor organization and lack of logical flow between paragraphs
• Excessively long or overly complex sentences that reduce clarity
• Running out of time due to poor planning and leaving the essay incomplete
• Ignoring grammar and spelling errors, which affect readability
• Lack of variety in sentence structure, making the essay monotonous
• Repeating the same ideas instead of developing deeper arguments
• Skipping the review phase, leading to avoidable mistakes

Some Example Questions from real-time GRE 

• A nation should require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college.
• Technology has made children less creative than they were in the past.
• Governments should not fund any scientific research whose results do not directly benefit the people.
• The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.
• Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed.
• It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics.
• We can learn more from people whose views we disagree with than from those whose views we share.
• Competition is always better than cooperation in preparing students for the real world.
• In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important contributions.
• The primary goal of technological advancement should be to increase people’s efficiency so that they have more leisure time.

Conclusion

The GRE Analytical Writing section isn’t just about natural writing talent—it’s a skill that can be improved with practice. Studies show that consistent writing practice can improve essay scores by 1-2 points, making a significant difference in percentile rankings. According to ETS data, test-takers who practice with official prompts and self-review their essays tend to score above the 80th percentile in Analytical Writing. This proves that structured preparation, time management, and focused improvement can lead to exceptional results.

If your first few attempts don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged! Every essay you write strengthens your ability to analyse, argue, and articulate ideas effectively. Keep practicing, refine your structure, and embrace the process—your GRE score and academic future will thank you for it!

Common FAQs

How is the "Analyse an Issue" task different from "Analyse an Argument"?

The Issue task requires you to take a stance, while the Argument task evaluates a given argument.

Can I partially agree with the prompt instead of taking a strict stance?

Yes, but ensure your position is clear and well-supported.

Are personal examples allowed in the GRE Issue essay?

Yes, but real-world, historical, or academic examples carry more weight.

How many paragraphs should my essay have?

Ideally, 4-5 paragraphs (Introduction, 2-3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion).

Does handwriting matter if I take the GRE on paper?

Yes, it should be legible, but clarity of ideas is more important.

How important is vocabulary in the GRE Issue task?

A strong argument matters more than complex vocabulary. Clarity is key!