How To Get A High GRE Essay Score: 8 Easy But No-Nonsense Tips
Contents
The GRE essay is the Analytical Writing section of the exam. Since September 22, 2023, it has been one 30-minute "Analyze an Issue" task; the Argument essay was dropped. Analytical Writing always comes first, before the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Your essay is scored on a 0 to 6 scale in half-point increments.
Good ideas alone won't earn a top score. Your essay also needs a clear structure and a logical flow that is easy to follow.
5 Expert Tips To Follow For A Well-Organized GRE Essay
- Avoid using fillers and making your essay too wordy.
A strong GRE essay is direct. Cut filler words and phrases that bloat your paragraphs.
Keep each paragraph focused on one point, in roughly 4 to 7 sentences. Aim for a strong argument, not a long, meandering essay.
Related Topic: GRE Test Scores, Good, Average and Range of GRE Score
- Position your thesis in an easy-to-spot location.
Ideally, that's at the end of your introductory paragraph. Your essay is scored holistically, on its overall quality, so make your position easy for the reader to find.
- Reserve two minutes (at most) to proofread your essay.
Read for flow first. Add transitions where the essay feels choppy.
Then check spelling and grammar yourself: the GRE's basic word processor has no spellchecker or grammar checker. Many errors can lower your score.
Related Topic: GRE Test: Introduction, Subjects, Requirements, Test Dates, GRE Scores & Benefits
- Steer clear of using slang or clichés.
Words such as "cool," "awesome," "kinda" and "you know" don't belong in a GRE essay, which should be formal. Avoid "I believe" and "I think" too, and use first-person pronouns only when a personal experience supports your thesis.
- Create each of your paragraphs with a purpose.
Every paragraph should earn its place. The first introduces the issue and your position, the body paragraphs give your supporting reasons and examples, and the last sums up your main idea.
Use transitions to guide readers from one point to the next.
3 Tips To Increase Your GRE AWA Score- Earn That Extra Point!
With good time management, a reliable structure and practice, you can score high on the essay. These 3 tips can help you add an extra 0.5 or 1 point.
- Create a forceful tone.
Don't sound wishy-washy. Write with confidence and limit hedges like "perhaps," "maybe" or "might be."
As part of your prep, read scholarly and business articles to get used to their style.
Related Topic: GRE Practice Tests
- Use the third-person point of view.
Phrases such as "I think" or "I believe" make you sound less sure of yourself, so keep the focus on the points you assert. If you use a personal experience as support, first-person pronouns are fine.
- Utilize imposing transition words and phrases.
A strong essay guides readers from one paragraph to the next without losing the thread of its argument. Simple transitions like "first," "second" and "finally" are better than none.
As your practice continues, vary your transitions and avoid clichés.
Practice with real prompts from ETS's published Issue topic pool, and these tips can help you earn a strong Analytical Writing score.
