How to Prepare for the GRE Issue Essay

The issue essay question on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) will present you with two topics from which to choose. You will have to take a position on one of these topics and defend it. Follow these steps to prepare yourself for the issue essay portion of the exam.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Become familiar with the GRE issue essay pool of topics. This can be found online at the GRE Web site.

2. Take your time in selecting the topic on which to write. Make sure to pick the topic you feel strongest about and can most easily defend.

3. Write a brief outline of your paragraph topics before writing to help keep you focused. The GRE issue essay is timed so don't spend too much time on this step.

4. Write the main body of the GRE issue essay first. Save the introduction and conclusion for the last 15 or 20 minutes during revision time. This will allow you to review your main points for inclusion in the opening and closing paragraphs.

5. Use signal words as you write. Including words such as "furthermore" or "in contrast" will make the grader's job easier and reflect better on you as a writer.

Tips & Warnings

• Get in some writing practice using the GRE pool of issue topics or other topics found in study guides.
• The computer-based GRE uses its own word processing software for the issue and argument essays which can be downloaded at the GRE Web site. Become familiar with the software.

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