Things You'll Need:
- GRE study guide
- GMAT study guide
- internet
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Step 1
The test will give you a choice between two topic statements. Usually the statements are short and either make a sweeping generalization or take a particular stance on an issue (hence the name!). Your task is to choose one statement and explain whether you agree or disagree and why. Remember that the GRE and GMAT test makers allow schools to read your essays.
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Step 2
The topics are broad enough that you won't need specialized knowledge to write on them successfully. Before you begin your response, take a few minutes to jot down the position you take, points you want to make, examples, and a rough outline of the order. Think about good transitions from paragraph to paragraph, as they will help your score.
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Step 3
The position you take doesn't influence your score, so rather than writing for the side you naturally agree with, write for the side that lends itself to a fuller essay. Sometimes you can find more and better examples for the side that you wouldn't normally take. GRE and GMAT Issue Essays with high scores are well developed and use good transitions
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Step 4
A good essay will have a *short* introduction that states the position you take, 2 or 3 paragraphs in the body that explain your position with *examples*, and a conclusion.
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Step 5
Examples are essential for a good score. They can be real life, hypothetical, or made up as long as they are believable and relevant. Essay graders are looking at how you use the examples to argue your position.
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Step 6
Remember to watch the clock so you have enough time to write. Give yourself two minutes to proof read. If you run out of time while you are typing the body of the essay, it is better to finish the sentence you are on and write a short conclusion, rather than try to cram all your ideas in. Short essays that end with a conclusion score higher than essays that start getting disorganized and crazy at the end.
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Step 7
The pool of issue topics can be found on the test makers' web sites. The GRE topics can be found at gre.org and the GMAT topics at mba.com. Practice writing a few before the big day (and use a timer) so that you are more prepared and relaxed.
