How to Prepare for the GRE Analytical Writing Section

The analytical writing section of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) tests your writing skills. You may not have written essays in the style required for the GRE since high school. Refreshing these writing skills will help you get the best score possible on the GRE analytical writing section.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Practice tests
• GRE word processing software
• Scratch paper
• GRE study guide

1. Learn about the different essay types. The GRE analytical writing section is divided into two timed essays: the point-of-view essay and the argument analysis essay.

2. The essay choices presented in the GRE analytical writing section are selected from a pool of essay topics. The GRE Web site maintains a "Pool of Argument Topics" and a "Pool of Issue Topics." Use these lists to become familiar with potential topics.

3. Download the special word processing software used by the GRE for the analytical writing section. This is a free software program found at the GRE Web site.

4. Practice using this special word processing software so that you will be comfortable using it during the test.

5. Take practice tests and write sample essays to become familiar with each essay type found in the GRE analytical writing section.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a GRE study guide. These guides have sample essay topics and answers as well as some writing tips.
• Take time selecting your topic on test day. Make sure you can make a compelling argument before you start writing.
• Make a brief outline of paragraph topics before writing to help keep you on track. Do not spend too much time on the outline though; remember the essays are timed.