GRE AWA tips

Strategy and Tips for the Computer-based

Refernce:ETS.org

Analytical Writing Section

Writing tasks will be displayed on the computer, and you must type your responses.
"Issue" Task

The "Issue" task gives you considerable latitude in the way you respond to the claim made about a given issue. Practice writing responses on several of the topics, keeping to the 45-minute time limit. To prepare for this task, try asking the following questions when reviewing the published list of "Issue" topics:

* What does the statement mean? What does it imply? What, precisely, is the central issue?
* Do I agree with all or with any part of the statement? Why or why not?
* Is the statement valid only in certain circumstances?
* Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the statement?
* If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
* What examples — either hypothetical or drawn from my reading or direct experience — could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?
* What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position? How should I acknowledge or defend against those views?

"Argument" Task

Because the "Argument" task is constrained by the line of reasoning in the argument presented to you, read and analyze the argument carefully. Practice writing responses to several of the topics within the 30-minute time limit. Try asking the following questions when reviewing the published list of "Argument" topics:

* What claims, conclusions, and underlying assumptions does the argument make?
* What alternative explanations and counterexamples can I think of?
* What additional evidence might weaken or strengthen the claims?
* What changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound?

Ref:ETS.ORG