What does GRE Analytical Writing test?
According to ETS, the task assesses critical thinking and analytical writing: your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, build an argument, and sustain a focused, coherent discussion. No specialized knowledge is assessed. Analytical Writing (opens in a new tab)
The task tests whether you can think critically about a general-interest issue and express your thinking clearly in writing: persuasively defend your position for an academic audience—the GRE raters trained to apply the scoring guide’s criteria. Analyze an Issue (opens in a new tab)
On the score report, Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments; the two reasoning sections are scored from 130 to 170. Receive and send your scores (opens in a new tab)
In the score
One score is reported for Analytical Writing. The essay is evaluated holistically on a six-point scale based on its overall quality in relation to the task. It also receives an e-rater score, from ETS software that identifies features associated with writing proficiency. Understand your score (opens in a new tab)
The score calculation, in the GRE guideWhat does the task look like?
One 30-minute Analyze an Issue task: the prompt states a view on an issue, and an instruction tells you how to respond. Evaluate the issue, consider its complexity, and build an argument supported by reasons and examples—in a basic word processor with no spellcheck or grammar checker. Analytical Writing (opens in a new tab)
- The topica claim that can be debated from several angles
- The instructionsone of the six that ETS publishes
- L’essaiyour position, supported by reasons and examples
- The scorefrom 0 to 6, based on overall quality
Each prompt is followed by one of the six instructions ETS publishes. They may look similar, but they ask for different things; ETS emphasizes that your essay must address the central issue according to the specific instruction. Analyze an Issue (opens in a new tab)
This page’s example
A claim
Explain the extent to which you agree, considering cases where the claim holds and where it does not.
Type 2
A recommendation
Explain the extent to which you agree, describing situations where adopting the claim would or would not be advantageous.
Type 3
A claim and its objections
Take a position and respond to the strongest reasons and examples that could be raised against it.
Type 4
Two viewpoints
Say which view is closer to your own, addressing both.
Type 5
A claim and its reason
Explain the extent to which you agree with the claim and the reason behind it.
Type 6
A policy
Give your opinion on the proposed measure, considering the consequences of implementing it.
Analytical Writing always opens the test; the four reasoning sections follow in variable order. Test structure (opens in a new tab)
A sample prompt, with a possible outline
An Upsilar-written issue prompt in ETS format, with an instruction of the “A claim” type. Sketch your plan, then compare it with the sample below, which applies the strategy that follows.
Most work suffers more from being rushed than from being delayed.
Write a response in which you state how far you agree or disagree with the statement and give your reasons. Support your position by examining cases in which the statement holds and cases in which it does not, and explain how those cases affect your view.
One possible approach, step by step
- Read the instructions as closely as the claim. It asks to what extent you agree and asks you to consider both cases where the claim holds and where it does not. You can take a firm position as long as you also consider counterexamples and explain how they affect your reasoning. Clarify two terms: “most,” which allows exceptions, and “suffers”—are you comparing the quality of work or the consequences of doing it?
- Prendre position, then qualify it. I agree in part. Cutting corners is costly when an error is hard to fix—a bridge, a diagnosis, a legal judgment. But delay can cost more when time is part of the work itself—an emergency room, a weather alert, a newspaper on a day of crisis. The deciding criterion is the cost of an error compared with the cost of waiting.
- Save a few minutes to proofread. One paragraph for each idea—rushing, delay, and the deciding criterion—then a conclusion that returns to the criterion. Finally, proofread: without spellcheck, you have to catch obvious errors yourself.
Key takeaways
A clear position, nuanced with specific cases and resolved by a criterion: the prompt determines how far to discuss the issue.
What strategy should you use for Analytical Writing?
A three-step Upsilar strategy based on ETS’s published advice for the Analyze an Issue task.
Read the instructions as closely as the claim.
Each prompt comes with one of six instructions, and ETS emphasizes that the essay must address the central issue according to that specific instruction. Identify what it asks for—cases, objections, two viewpoints, or consequences—before brainstorming.
Prendre position, then qualify it.
Choose the position you will defend, then identify supporting reasons and real or hypothetical examples, as ETS recommends. Next, consider what an opposing view would say and explain where your position stops holding.
Save a few minutes to proofread.
Use as many paragraphs as needed, one for each group of ideas: ETS does not require a fixed structure. Then proofread for obvious errors, since there is no spellcheck.
The pitfall to avoid
Looking for the right position. There is none: ETS says that no position is correct. Raters evaluate how well you follow the prompt and develop your argument, not the opinion you defend.
How can you review an essay with a concrete checklist?
This Upsilar working checklist complements ETS’s criteria and advice. It does not assign points or turn self-assessment into an official score. Use it on a complete essay, then choose one priority revision instead of rewriting everything without a diagnosis.
- The promptDid I address every requested operation: conditions, an objection, two viewpoints, a reason, or consequences? Underline where the essay answers each one.
- Your positionCan my thesis be summarized in one sentence that takes a real position? A qualification should clarify that position, not erase it.
- The reasoningAfter each example, did I explain why it supports the argument? An anecdote does not prove the connection on its own.
- L’objectionDid I identify a serious objection and respond without denying the problem? A limitation or condition may be a stronger response than an absolute rejection.
- The progressionDoes each paragraph add a step? If two paragraphs only say that the measure is useful, distinguish them or combine them.
- LanguageDo pronouns have clear referents, verbs have subjects, and transitions express the right relationship? First fix anything that changes or obscures your reasoning.
The following example shows a revision that clarifies the reasoning, using an Upsilar practice prompt. Its instruction was written for this learning activity; it is not an official ETS prompt. It does not replace the guide’s original prompt or practice writing a full essay within the time limit.
Local museums should keep a public record of changes they make to the descriptions of displayed objects.
Assess this proposal by explaining possible benefits, drawbacks, and the conditions under which you would support it.
One possible approach, step by step
- An opening that is too general. “Keeping a record would improve trust because visitors would understand the museum better.” The benefit is stated, but no reasoning explains what visitors would understand.
- A more specific version. “If a label changes after new evidence alters an object’s estimated age, a public note would show that the museum is correcting its interpretation rather than silently replacing an earlier claim. Visitors could then see why the revision was justified.” The hypothetical example connects observable information to an interpretation of the change.
- An objection to address. Not every punctuation correction needs a long explanation. You can argue for a detailed record of changes in meaning and a summary note for purely editorial changes.
- A limitation to explain. A record can document a decision without exposing sensitive donor information. This distinction clarifies the policy you support instead of abandoning transparency altogether.
Key takeaways
When reviewing, look for the sentence that connects the example to the conclusion. If it is missing, add that connection before polishing the vocabulary.
To extend this exercise, compare two drafts of a complete essay; each revision addresses a specific weakness in the argument. Annotated GRE essay example: develop an argument and address an objection
Before your next essay, review the prompt as well. An excellent paragraph about an objection is not enough if the task asked about the reason behind a claim and you did not examine it. Analyze an Issue: tailor your GRE essay plan to the prompt
How much time do you have for the essay?
The task at a glance
30 min
One task, according to ETS
Thirty minutes to consider the prompt, make an outline, and write the essay: ETS recommends leaving time for each step. The clock keeps running during any unscheduled break. Test-taking tips (opens in a new tab)
Errors
ETS says an occasional typo, spelling, or grammar error does not affect the score; serious and repeated errors do, because they make the essay less effective. That is why you should save a few minutes to proofread. Test-taking tips (opens in a new tab)
The score calculation, in the GRE guideAnalytical Writing FAQs
Is there a right position to defend?
No. Raters are not looking for a “right” answer; ETS says no position is correct. They evaluate how you follow the prompt and develop your argument.
Is spellcheck available?
No. You type the essay in a basic word processor developed by ETS, with insert, delete, cut-and-paste, and undo functions. There is no spellcheck or grammar checker.
Can you see the prompts in advance?
In a sense, yes: ETS publishes the pool of prompts from which yours will be selected and recommends practicing with them. Essays are later reviewed by analysts using similarity-detection software and by experts.
Do schools see the essay?
They can: ETS makes essays from the test dates you choose to send, along with your photo, available to score recipients in the ETS Data Manager.