GRE Analytical Writing — The Issue Task & How to Score 5+

GRE Analytical Writing is one 30-minute task: "Analyze an Issue." You are given a statement on a general topic and must build and support your own position on it. It is scored separately from 0 to 6 in half-point steps by a trained rater and AI.

The task tests clear, reasoned argument in English — not specialised knowledge — so a well-structured, well-supported essay scores highly regardless of the topic.

What the raters reward

• A clear position on the issue, stated early and maintained throughout.
• Well-developed reasons and specific, relevant examples (not vague generalities).
• Logical organisation — each paragraph advancing one idea with clear transitions.
• Strong control of English — varied sentences and precise word choice, with few errors.

A structure that works

1. Introduction — restate the issue in your own words and state your position clearly.
2. Body 1 — your strongest reason, developed with a specific example.
3. Body 2 — a second reason, or address the strongest opposing view and answer it.
4. Body 3 (optional) — a further reason or a nuanced concession that strengthens your case.
5. Conclusion — restate your position and why it holds; keep two minutes to proofread.

Common mistakes

• Sitting on the fence instead of taking a clear position.
• Listing reasons without developing any of them with a real example.
• Writing a long essay with weak structure — length is not the goal, clarity is.
• Leaving no time to proofread, so avoidable errors lower the language score.

Frequently asked questions