The GRE Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to think critically, communicate complex ideas clearly, and support arguments with logical reasoning. It includes two separately timed tasks:

1. Analyze an Issue – You’ll be asked to take a position on a given topic of general interest. Your goal is to present a compelling argument backed by reasoning and examples.
2. Analyze an Argument – You’ll critique someone else’s argument, highlighting flaws in logic or unsupported assumptions. You are not to agree or disagree, but to evaluate its reasoning.

Each task must be completed in 30 minutes, testing both your analytical thinking and your ability to write quickly and coherently.

Learn More From The Official ETS Source Here.

Your essays are scored holistically by trained graders and a computer program. They are rated on a scale of 0 to 6 (in half-point increments), and the two essay scores are averaged for your final AWA score.

Graders evaluate essays based on:

• Clarity and Strength of Argument – Are your ideas logical and persuasive?
• Development and Support – Do you use concrete examples and develop your points thoroughly?
• Organization – Is your essay structured with clear transitions and a logical flow?‍
• Language Use – Are grammar, vocabulary, and sentence variety used effectively?

Scoring Breakdown:

A solid structure is the foundation of a high-scoring GRE essay. Following a consistent outline not only ensures clarity for the reader but also helps you stay organized under time pressure.

Issue Essay Template:

1. Introduction – Restate the prompt in your own words and clearly state your position.
2. Body Paragraph 1 – Present your strongest point in favor of your position, with a real-world example.
3. Body Paragraph 2 – Provide another compelling reason, supported by a different example.
4. Body Paragraph 3 – (Optional) Address a potential counterargument and refute it.
5. Conclusion – Summarize your argument and reinforce why your position is valid.

Argument Essay Template:

1. Introduction – Briefly summarize the argument and assert that it contains logical flaws.
2. Body Paragraph 1 – Identify a key flaw and explain why it weakens the argument.
3. Body Paragraph 2 – Explore another flawed assumption or unsupported evidence.
4. Body Paragraph 3 – Offer alternative explanations or data that could affect the conclusion.
5. Conclusion – Recap the weaknesses and suggest what additional evidence would strengthen the argument.

Learn More From Official GRE Source here.

‍Prompt: "The best way to prepare young people for leadership is by instilling cooperation, not competition."

Sample Essay:

In today’s rapidly evolving world, leadership is more than directing others — it is about inspiring collaboration, embracing diversity, and motivating teams toward shared goals. While competition can foster drive and determination, instilling cooperation in young people is ultimately the superior way to prepare them for future leadership roles in government, industry, or any other field.

First and foremost, effective leadership depends on collaboration. No modern leader operates in a vacuum. Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln, who, during the U.S. Civil War, famously appointed political rivals to his cabinet. His “team of rivals” worked together through compromise, respect, and shared purpose — a testament to the power of cooperation. Lincoln's inclusive leadership style helped preserve the Union and reshape the future of the nation. Had he relied solely on competitive instincts, this outcome may not have been possible.

Moreover, in corporate environments, leaders who foster cooperation create high-performing teams. Companies like Google and Apple have flourished not because of cutthroat internal competition, but because they emphasize innovation through shared learning and collaboration. In such workplaces, leaders are expected to nurture talent, align people toward a mission, and resolve conflicts — all of which demand strong cooperative skills. Competition, when unchecked, can lead to toxicity and undermine morale, making long-term leadership unsustainable.

Some argue that competition motivates individuals to excel and builds resilience. While this may be true to some extent, it is also a natural human tendency that emerges without being taught. Cooperation, on the other hand, often needs to be intentionally cultivated. Children are naturally inclined to compete — in sports, in school, and even in family settings. However, teaching them to listen, compromise, and work with others lays the groundwork for emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making — all essential leadership traits.

In conclusion, while competition can offer short-term gains, it is cooperation that builds the skills necessary for enduring leadership. By encouraging collaboration from an early age, we equip future leaders to navigate complexity, foster inclusive environments, and lead with empathy. In the boardroom, the courtroom, or the classroom, it is cooperation — not competition — that truly shapes leaders who drive positive change.

Writing a high-scoring GRE essay is as much about avoiding common pitfalls as it is about showcasing strengths. Here are some mistakes that can significantly lower your score—and how to steer clear of them:

1. Lack of a Clear Thesis

A vague or missing thesis statement can confuse the reader and make your essay seem directionless. Always clearly state your position in the introduction so your argument has a strong foundation.

2. Weak or Generic Examples

Generalized or hypothetical examples fail to demonstrate deep understanding. Instead, use specific, concrete illustrations from history, science, current events, or personal experience. EverTutor’s “Review a GRE Question” feature can help you learn how to build stronger examples by uploading real prompts for analysis.

3. Ignoring Counterarguments

Especially in the Issue Task, not acknowledging opposing views can make your argument appear one-sided. Demonstrating that you understand and can refute alternative perspectives shows analytical depth and maturity.

4. Repetition

Avoid restating the same point in different words. Each paragraph should introduce a new idea or build upon the last one. Use EverTutor’s AI-powered essay feedback to detect redundancy and enhance content clarity.

5. Overuse of Complex Vocabulary

Using big words doesn’t always equate to better writing. If used incorrectly, they can confuse readers and lower your credibility. EverTutor’s Vocab Path is a powerful tool to build vocabulary meaningfully—using mnemonics, contextual usage, recall training, and personalized learning based on your memory patterns.

Practicing for the GRE Analytical Writing section requires a strategic, consistent approach that mirrors actual exam conditions. Here's how to prepare effectively:

1. Use Official ETS AWA Prompts
   Start by practicing with real prompts from the ETS AWA topic pool. These reflect the actual tasks you'll see on test day and are the best resource for realistic practice.
2. Practice Under Timed Conditions
   Set a timer for 30 minutes per essay to simulate test conditions. This helps you manage your time, plan quickly, and write efficiently.
3. Use a Structured Essay Template
   Follow a consistent format for both the Issue and Argument essays. A solid structure ensures your response is organized, coherent, and easier to follow.
4. Analyze High-Scoring Essay Samples
   Review sample essays that received scores of 5.0–6.0. Pay attention to how they introduce arguments, use specific examples, and maintain logical flow.‍
5. Self-Evaluate with the Official Rubric
   Grade your essays using the official GRE AWA scoring rubric. Look at criteria such as idea clarity, logical reasoning, development of points, organization, and language use. Consider swapping essays with a peer for mutual feedback.