Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills through two essays.
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GRE General Test — key terms, tricks & tips
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Verbal Reasoning
Measures ability to analyze written material and recognize word relationships.
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Quantitative Reasoning
Measures ability to understand, interpret, and apply quantitative information.
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Section-Level Adaptive
Difficulty of the second section depends on performance in the first section.
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Unscored Section
An experimental section used for testing new questions, not counted in score.
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Research Section
An optional, identified section at the end, used for ETS research, not scored.
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Score Scale (Verbal/Quant)
130-170, in 1-point increments.
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Score Scale (AWA)
0-6, in half-point increments.
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GRE Exam Structure & Scoring
Remember the GRE sections with 'A Very Quick Understanding' – AWA, Verbal, Quantitative, Unscored (and Research).
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GRE Exam Structure & Scoring
The GRE General Test is section-level adaptive, meaning your performance on the first Verbal Reasoning section determines the difficulty of the second Verbal Reasoning section, and the same applies to Quantitative Reasoning. This adaptivity does NOT occur question by question within a section.
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GRE Exam Structure & Scoring
Assuming the second section of Verbal or Quant will be easier if you found the first one hard; it will likely be of similar or slightly lower difficulty, but you still need to focus.
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GRE Exam Structure & Scoring
Spending too much time trying to identify the unscored section; all sections should be treated as if they count.
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GRE Exam Structure & Scoring
Not understanding the scoring scale, particularly that AWA is scored differently and separately from Verbal and Quant.
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Diagnostic Test
Initial full-length practice test to assess strengths and weaknesses.
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Study Plan
A structured schedule outlining topics, resources, and practice tests.
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Official Resources
Study materials published by ETS, the GRE test maker.
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Unofficial Resources
Study materials from third-party companies, supplementing official ones.
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Active Recall
Retrieving information from memory, like flashcards or self-quizzing.
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Spaced Repetition
Reviewing material at increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
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Time Management
Strategically allocating time during both study and the actual exam.
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Strategic Study Planning & Resources
To remember the key steps of a study plan: 'Assess, Plan, Study, Practice, Review' – APSPR! Think of it like an 'Aspiring' GRE score!
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Strategic Study Planning & Resources
ETS PowerPrep Online practice tests are the most accurate representation of the actual GRE General Test experience and should be utilized strategically throughout your study plan.
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Strategic Study Planning & Resources
Only studying content without practicing actual GRE-style questions.
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Strategic Study Planning & Resources
Taking practice tests without thoroughly reviewing and analyzing the results.
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Strategic Study Planning & Resources
Neglecting the Analytical Writing section until the last minute.
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Main Idea
The central point or argument of a passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Supporting Details
Facts, examples, and explanations that back up the main idea.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Topic Sentence
A sentence stating the main idea of a paragraph.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Distractor
An incorrect answer choice designed to mislead test-takers.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Scope
The breadth or range of a passage's subject matter.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Explicit Information
Information directly stated in the text.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Paraphrase
Restating text in different words while retaining meaning.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Main Idea & Detail Questions
Think 'MID': Main Idea is the 'ID' of the passage; Details 'D'emonstrate it.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Main Idea & Detail Questions
ETS states that Reading Comprehension questions assess your ability to 'understand the meaning of individual words and sentences,' 'understand the meaning of entire passages,' and 'distinguish between major and minor points.' For main idea questions, look for answer choices that summarize the passage's primary purpose or argument.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Main Idea & Detail Questions
Choosing an answer that is too narrow, representing only a detail, not the main idea.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Main Idea & Detail Questions
Selecting an answer that introduces outside information or contradicts the passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Main Idea & Detail Questions
Relying on memory for detail questions instead of re-reading the relevant text.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Inference
A conclusion logically deduced from evidence, not explicitly stated.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Implication
Something suggested or hinted at, but not directly expressed.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Assumption
An unstated premise necessary for an argument's conclusion.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Logical Leap
Moving from stated facts to an unstated, but supported, conclusion.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Correlation
A relationship between two variables, not necessarily cause and effect.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Causation
A relationship where one event directly causes another.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Inference & Logic Questions
INFER: I = Interpret, N = Not Stated, F = Find Evidence, E = Eliminate, R = Right Answer (Must Be True).
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Inference & Logic Questions
ETS states that questions in this category 'test your ability to comprehend and interpret the passage's meaning, purpose, and implications.' Keywords to spot include 'infer,' 'imply,' 'suggest,' 'most likely,' 'assumption,' 'strengthen,' or 'weaken.'
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Inference & Logic Questions
Over-inferring: Making conclusions that go beyond what the passage supports, introducing outside knowledge or speculation.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Inference & Logic Questions
Confusing inference with detail: Choosing an answer that is directly stated in the passage, rather than logically implied.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Reading Comprehension: Inference & Logic Questions
Misinterpreting scope: Selecting an answer that is true in general but not supported by the specific context of the passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion (TC)
Questions requiring selection of words to complete the meaning of a passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Context Clues
Words or phrases in a sentence that provide hints about the meaning of a blank.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Connotation
The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word, beyond its literal meaning.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Denotation
The literal or dictionary definition of a word.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Single-Blank Question
A TC question with one blank to fill from five answer choices.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Multiple-Blank Question
A TC question with two or three blanks, each with three answer choices.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Logical Coherence
The quality of a text being clear, consistent, and making sense as a whole.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion: Single & Multiple Blanks
P.A.S.S. the TC: Predict, Analyze, Substitute, Select. Predict your own word. Analyze clues. Substitute options. Select the best fit.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion: Single & Multiple Blanks
ETS states that Text Completion questions measure your ability to understand the meaning of a passage and select appropriate words to complete it. Keywords to spot include conjunctions like 'although,' 'however,' 'therefore,' and 'because,' which signal relationships between ideas.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion: Single & Multiple Blanks
Choosing a word based solely on its sound or a partial understanding of the sentence.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion: Single & Multiple Blanks
Ignoring the overall tone or subtle shifts in meaning within the passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Text Completion: Single & Multiple Blanks
For multiple blanks, selecting words for each blank independently without ensuring they work together logically.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence
A question type requiring two words that create equivalent sentences.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Synonym Pair
Two words that have the same or very similar meanings in a specific context.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
Think 'SE' for 'Same Effect.' You need two words that have the Same Effect on the sentence's meaning.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
On the GRE, Sentence Equivalence questions require you to select two choices that, when inserted into the blank, produce sentences alike in meaning. These two correct answers will always be distinct words, not just different forms of the same word. Focus on the overall meaning of the sentence, not just isolated synonyms.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
Choosing two words that are synonyms but don't fit the sentence's context.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
Selecting only one correct answer instead of two.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
Picking words that are related but not true synonyms in the given context (e.g., 'hot' and 'warm' are related but not equivalent in all contexts).
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary & Context Clues
Ignoring context clues and relying solely on general vocabulary knowledge.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Reading
An active approach to reading, often involving skimming and targeted searching.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Author's Tone
The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Logical Flow
The coherent and sensible progression of ideas in a text.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Transitional Words
Words or phrases that connect ideas and show relationships.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Pacing
Managing time effectively to complete all questions.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
For tricky words, remember 'C.L.U.E.S.': Context, Look for definitions, Understand synonyms/antonyms, Examine examples, Structure of sentence.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
On the GRE, pay close attention to extreme language in answer choices (e.g., 'always,' 'never,' 'all,' 'only'). These are often incorrect, as GRE passages rarely make such absolute claims.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
Spending too much time on a single difficult question, sacrificing easier points later.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
Reading passively without actively looking for answers or understanding the author's purpose.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
Ignoring transitional words and phrases, which can lead to misinterpreting the logical flow.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Strategic Approaches to GRE Verbal Reasoning
Choosing an answer based on outside knowledge rather than what is explicitly stated or strongly implied in the passage.
Verbal Reasoning Fundamentals
Integer
Whole numbers and their negative counterparts.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Rational Number
Can be expressed as a fraction a/b (b≠0).
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Irrational Number
Cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Prime Number
Natural number >1 with only 1 and itself as factors.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Composite Number
Natural number >1 that is not prime.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Factor
An integer that divides another integer evenly.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Multiple
A number that can be divided by another number without remainder.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
PEMDAS/BODMAS
Order of operations: Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Mult/Div, Add/Sub.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Number Properties & Operations
PEMDAS: 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' helps you remember Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Number Properties & Operations
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests your ability to identify and apply properties of integers, including divisibility, prime numbers, odd and even integers, and positive and negative integers. Pay close attention to keywords like 'integer,' 'positive,' or 'even' as they define the scope of possible answers.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Number Properties & Operations
Confusing negative signs in multiplication/division (e.g., -2 * -3 = -6 instead of 6).
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Number Properties & Operations
Incorrectly applying the order of operations, especially with addition/subtraction or multiplication/division when they appear together.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Number Properties & Operations
Assuming all numbers are integers unless specified; remember fractions and decimals are also numbers.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Equation
A statement that two expressions are equal.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Inequality
A statement comparing two expressions that are not equal.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Variable
A symbol representing an unknown quantity.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Function
A relation where each input has exactly one output.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Domain
The set of all possible input values for a function.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Range
The set of all possible output values for a function.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Quadratic Formula
Formula to solve ax^2+bx+c=0: x = [-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)] / 2a.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Algebra: Equations, Inequalities & Functions
INEQUALITY: 'I N'ever EQualize when I 'G'et 'A'ngry and 'T'urn 'Y'ellow (multiply/divide by negative) - remember to FLIP the sign!
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Algebra: Equations, Inequalities & Functions
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section often tests your ability to solve linear and quadratic equations, manipulate inequalities (including compound inequalities), and evaluate functions. Pay close attention to the specific constraints given in word problems, as these frequently dictate the use of inequalities or limit the domain/range of a function.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Algebra: Equations, Inequalities & Functions
Forgetting to reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Algebra: Equations, Inequalities & Functions
Incorrectly applying the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) when evaluating expressions or functions.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Algebra: Equations, Inequalities & Functions
Assuming only one solution for quadratic equations; always check for two possible roots.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Perimeter
The total distance around a 2D shape.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Area
The amount of surface a 2D shape covers.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Volume
The amount of space a 3D object occupies.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Hypotenuse
The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Pythagorean Theorem
a² + b² = c² for right triangles.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Transversal
A line intersecting two or more other lines.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Circumference
The perimeter of a circle.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Geometry: Shapes, Angles & Measurements
For the Pythagorean Theorem (a² + b² = c²), remember: 'A Big Cat's Tail' – A for 'a', B for 'b', C for 'c', and the 'tail' reminds you of squaring!
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Geometry: Shapes, Angles & Measurements
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section often includes geometry problems that require you to combine multiple concepts, such as finding the area of a shaded region within a larger figure, or calculating the volume of a solid after a dimension has changed. Always pay close attention to units and ensure your answer matches the requested unit (e.g., square feet vs. cubic feet). Keywords like 'area,' 'perimeter,' 'volume,' 'angle,' 'parallel,' and 'perpendicular' are direct indicators of geometry questions.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Geometry: Shapes, Angles & Measurements
Confusing perimeter with area, or area with volume.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Geometry: Shapes, Angles & Measurements
Incorrectly applying formulas, especially for circles (using diameter instead of radius, or vice versa).
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Geometry: Shapes, Angles & Measurements
Forgetting that the sum of angles in a triangle is 180 degrees, or misidentifying the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Mean
The average of a set of numbers.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Median
The middle value in an ordered data set.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Mode
The most frequent value in a data set.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Standard Deviation
Measures the average distance from the mean.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Probability
The likelihood of an event occurring.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Independent Events
Events where the outcome of one does not affect the other.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Mutually Exclusive Events
Events that cannot both happen at the same time.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability
Mean is Average (MA), Median is Middle (MM), Mode is Most (MO). Think of 'M&M's' for the middle and 'MO' for the most!
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section often tests your ability to interpret data from various graph types, including bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs (pie charts), and box-and-whisker plots. Pay close attention to the labels, scales, and units on all axes and legends to avoid misinterpretation.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability
Confusing mean, median, and mode, especially when calculating the median for an even number of data points.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability
Misinterpreting graph scales or labels, leading to incorrect data extraction.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability
Forgetting that probability values must always be between 0 and 1, inclusive.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Strategic Plugging In
Substituting specific values into variables to test conditions or simplify problems.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Working Backward
Starting with the answer choices and performing operations to see which one fits the question.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Estimation
Approximating values to quickly eliminate answer choices or verify reasonableness.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Data Sufficiency
A question type where you determine if given statements provide enough info to answer a question.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Quantitative Comparison
A question type where you compare two quantities (A and B) to determine their relationship.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Trap Answer
An incorrect answer choice designed to look plausible due to common errors or misinterpretations.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Deconstruction
Breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Advanced Quantitative Problem Solving
GRE's 'STRATEGY' for success: S-Simplify, T-Test values, R-Re-read, A-Avoid traps, T-Think logically, E-Estimate, G-Go back (work backward), Y-Yes/No (for Data Sufficiency).
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Advanced Quantitative Problem Solving
ETS frequently tests your ability to identify the most efficient solution method. Look for opportunities to use estimation or to plug in numbers, especially when algebraic solutions seem overly complex or time-consuming. Remember that 'cannot be determined' is a valid answer choice in Quantitative Comparison when the relationship between quantities changes based on values. For Data Sufficiency, focus on sufficiency, not on solving.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Advanced Quantitative Problem Solving
Jumping straight to calculations without fully understanding the question or identifying the most efficient strategy.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Advanced Quantitative Problem Solving
Falling for 'trap' answer choices that result from common calculation errors or misinterpretations of keywords (e.g., 'at least', 'not').
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Advanced Quantitative Problem Solving
Spending too much time on a single difficult problem when you could move on and return to it later if time permits.
Quantitative Reasoning Essentials
Issue Statement
The debatable claim or topic presented in the prompt.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Specific Instructions
Directives that guide how to approach and argue the issue.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Directive Verbs
Action words in instructions, e.g., 'discuss,' 'explain,' 'consider.'
Analytical Writing Mastery
Nuance
Subtle distinctions or variations in meaning; acknowledging complexity.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Preliminary Stance
Your initial decision to agree, disagree, or qualify the statement.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Qualifier
A word or phrase that limits or modifies the meaning of a statement.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Debatable
Open to discussion or argument; not having a single obvious answer.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Issue: Deconstructing the Prompt
ISSUE: I-Identify the claim, S-Scope, S-Specific instructions, U-Understand directives, E-Establish stance.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Issue: Deconstructing the Prompt
ETS specifies that your essay must 'present a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and convey meaning skillfully.' This means not just stating your opinion, but thoroughly exploring the complexities of the issue as defined by the prompt's instructions.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Issue: Deconstructing the Prompt
Misinterpreting key terms in the Issue Statement, leading to an off-topic argument.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Issue: Deconstructing the Prompt
Ignoring specific directives in the instructions, resulting in an incomplete response.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Issue: Deconstructing the Prompt
Taking an overly simplistic 'agree' or 'disagree' stance when the prompt calls for nuance.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Thesis Statement
The main argument or position your essay will defend.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Counterargument
An argument that opposes your main thesis or a point.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Rebuttal
The response to a counterargument, refuting or weakening it.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Cohesion
The logical connection and flow between sentences and paragraphs.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Evidence
Facts, examples, or data used to support a claim.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Assertion
A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Crafting a Coherent Argument for Analyze an Issue
TREES: Thesis, Reasons, Examples, Exceptions (counterarguments), Summary. Use TREES to remember the key components of a strong Issue essay!
Analytical Writing Mastery
Crafting a Coherent Argument for Analyze an Issue
ETS expects you to present a 'well-developed, well-supported analysis' of the issue. Look for keywords like 'extent,' 'agree or disagree,' or 'consider the implications' to guide your approach to the prompt.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Crafting a Coherent Argument for Analyze an Issue
Taking an overly simplistic 'agree/disagree' stance without exploring complexity.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Crafting a Coherent Argument for Analyze an Issue
Using vague generalizations instead of specific, relevant examples.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Crafting a Coherent Argument for Analyze an Issue
Failing to address counterarguments, making your argument seem one-sided.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Argument
A set of statements where some (premises) support another (conclusion).
Analytical Writing Mastery
Conclusion
The main claim or point the author wants to prove.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Premise
A statement offered as evidence or reason to support a conclusion.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Logical Fallacy
An error in reasoning that makes an argument unsound.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Post Hoc Fallacy
Assuming causation because one event followed another.
Analytical Writing Mastery
False Analogy
Comparing two dissimilar things as if they are alike.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Generalization
Drawing a broad conclusion from limited evidence.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Identifying Flaws & Assumptions
F.L.A.W.S. - Find the Fallacies, Look for Assumptions, Analyze the Weaknesses, Scrutinize the Evidence.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Identifying Flaws & Assumptions
The GRE Argument task explicitly asks you to 'discuss what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking' and 'what evidence would be needed to evaluate the argument.' Focus on these keywords to guide your analysis.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Identifying Flaws & Assumptions
Arguing against the conclusion instead of analyzing the reasoning.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Identifying Flaws & Assumptions
Simply listing flaws without explaining *why* they weaken the argument.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Identifying Flaws & Assumptions
Introducing outside information not present in the prompt.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Logical Flaw
A defect in reasoning that weakens an argument's conclusion.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Critique
A detailed analysis and assessment of something, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Coherence
The quality of being logical and consistent, forming a unified whole.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Elaboration
Adding more detail or explanation to a point.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
Think 'FLAWS': Focus on Flaws, Link to Conclusion, Analyze Assumptions, Write Clearly, Suggest Strengthening.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
ETS states that a high-scoring Argument essay 'identifies and analyzes the argument's most important features and assesses their implications for the argument's soundness.' Focus on the *implications* of the flaws, not just listing them.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
Simply agreeing or disagreeing with the argument's conclusion instead of analyzing its logical structure.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
Listing flaws without explaining *why* they are flaws or *how* they weaken the argument.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
Introducing new information or evidence not present in the original argument.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Analyze an Argument: Structuring Your Critique
Failing to clearly state a thesis that outlines the scope of your critique.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Prompt Analysis
Thoroughly understanding the essay question and its requirements.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Outlining
Creating a structured plan for your essay's main points and support.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Self-Assessment
Evaluating your own work to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Feedback Integration
Applying received critiques to improve future performance.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Argument Essay
Critiquing the logical soundness of a given argument.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Timed Practice: Optimizing Your AWA Essays
PACE Your AWA: Plan, Analyze, Compose, Edit! Remember to use all parts of your 30 minutes wisely.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Timed Practice: Optimizing Your AWA Essays
For the Analytical Writing section, ETS assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas, examine claims and accompanying evidence, sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion, and control the elements of standard written English.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Timed Practice: Optimizing Your AWA Essays
Spending too much time outlining or brainstorming, leaving insufficient time for writing the full essay.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Timed Practice: Optimizing Your AWA Essays
Jumping straight into writing without a clear plan, leading to disorganized and unfocused arguments.
Analytical Writing Mastery
Timed Practice: Optimizing Your AWA Essays
Neglecting to save time for a final review, resulting in avoidable grammatical errors or unclear sentences.
Analytical Writing Mastery