GRE Analytical Writing Topics
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of GRE® presents you with two separate, but complementary writing tasks:
- Analyze an Issue
- Analyze an Argument
Analyze an Issue Task
The 'issue' task presents an opinion on a topic of general interest, which is followed by specific instructions on how to respond to that issue. The 'issue' task assesses your ability to think critically, while also evaluating your skills at clearly expressing your thoughts about the topic, in writing. Each topic in the ‘Issue Task’ makes a claim that can be discussed from several different perspectives and applied to diverse situations or conditions. You are required to present a compelling case to justify your own position or stand on the issue.What is important for you to understand is that unlike the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, there is no right answer in the AWA section. In fact, as far as the raters are concerned, there is not even a pre-defined correct position to take. You will be assessed only on the skill and logic with which you address the specific topics while sticking to the instructions. The raters evaluate your ability to articulate and develop an argument to support your evaluation of the issue.
Sample Issue Task
In order to understand the ‘issue task’ better, let us consider a sample issue task and its response. The following is a sample issue task that you might see on the test:The best way to teach - whether as an educator, employer, or a parent - is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement, and explain the reasoning for the position taken. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
Essay:
The recommendation presents a view that I would agree is successful most of the time, but one that I cannot fully support due to the “all or nothing” impression it gives. Certainly, as an educator, I agree completely that the best way to elicit a positive response from students is to make use of their positive energy and then encourage actions that you would like to see repeated. It is human nature that we all want to be accepted and achieve on some level, and when people in authority provide feedback that we have done something well, the drive to repeat the action that was praised is bound to be particularly strong. This blanket statement would obviously pay dividends in situations in which a teacher desires to have students repeat a particular behavior. For example, if an educator is attempting to teach students proper classroom etiquette, it would be appropriate to openly praise a student who raises his or her hand when wishing to speak or address the class. In such cases, the teacher may also help shape positive behavioral traits by ignoring a student who is trying to interject without approval from the teacher.
In fact, the decision to ignore students who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior of this type could work very well in this situation, as the stakes are not very high and the intended outcome can likely be achieved by such a method. However, it is important to note here, that this tactic would only be effective in such a “low-stakes” situation, as when a student speaks without raising her hand first, and not situations involving grave moral turpitude. As we will discuss below, ignoring a student who hits another student, or engages in more serious misbehavior, would not be effective or prudent. To expand on this point, it is important for teachers to be careful when working with the latter type of students, only ignoring negative actions that are not serious.
Take for instance, a student, whose only misdemeanor involves engaging in casual conversation with fellow classmates when the class is in progress. This student might not be presenting much of a problem and may be simply seeking attention. Ignoring the student might, in fact, be the best solution. Now assume the negative action involves stealing or the bullying of a fellow student. To ignore these negative actions would be absurd and negligent. Now you are not only allowing a problem to persist, one that could potentially lead to much bigger and more dangerous issues, but also subliminally sending out the message that it is alright for the student to engage in such type of behavior, without any fear of retribution. In a more serious situation, addressing the negative actions quickly and properly could stop the problem it in its tracks. It is for reasons like this, that I do not advocate the idea that a teacher can be successful by simply ignoring negative actions. I do, however, greatly support the idea that the central focus of teaching should be to build on, and encourage positive actions. Perhaps a better way to phrase the statement would be to say, “The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones that are not debilitating to the decorum of the classroom, or to the safety of any individual”.
Thus, in the original statement, there are indeed some good intentions, and there could be a lot of merit in adopting its basic principles. Data proves that positive support can substantially increase motivation and the desire among students to contribute to positive achievements. In fact, most studies of teaching efficacy indicate that praising positive actions and ignoring negative ones can create a more stable and efficient classroom. It needs to be stressed, however, that this tool is only effective at certain levels of misbehavior. As mentioned above, when the behavior is precipitated by feelings of revenge, power or total self-worthlessness, this methodology will likely not work. It is likely to be very successful, however, when the driving cause behind the action is simple attention-seeking behavior.
In many of these instances, if the teacher demonstrates clearly that inappropriate behavior does not result in getting the kind of attention the student seeks, they are more likely to seek the right sort of attention by behaving in accordance with basic classroom etiquette. Should the student choose this path, then the ignoring has worked and when the positive behavior is exhibited, then the teacher can utilize the first part of the theory and support or praise this behavior. Now it is much more likely to be repeated. If the student does not choose this path and instead, chooses to raise his/her aggravating actions to a higher level that presents a more serious issue, then ignoring alone cannot work and other methods must be employed. In conclusion, one can acknowledge that the statement does indeed mean well, but does have its share of potential flaws, if followed in entirety.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement, and explain the reasoning for the position taken. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
Essay:
The recommendation presents a view that I would agree is successful most of the time, but one that I cannot fully support due to the “all or nothing” impression it gives. Certainly, as an educator, I agree completely that the best way to elicit a positive response from students is to make use of their positive energy and then encourage actions that you would like to see repeated. It is human nature that we all want to be accepted and achieve on some level, and when people in authority provide feedback that we have done something well, the drive to repeat the action that was praised is bound to be particularly strong. This blanket statement would obviously pay dividends in situations in which a teacher desires to have students repeat a particular behavior. For example, if an educator is attempting to teach students proper classroom etiquette, it would be appropriate to openly praise a student who raises his or her hand when wishing to speak or address the class. In such cases, the teacher may also help shape positive behavioral traits by ignoring a student who is trying to interject without approval from the teacher.
In fact, the decision to ignore students who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior of this type could work very well in this situation, as the stakes are not very high and the intended outcome can likely be achieved by such a method. However, it is important to note here, that this tactic would only be effective in such a “low-stakes” situation, as when a student speaks without raising her hand first, and not situations involving grave moral turpitude. As we will discuss below, ignoring a student who hits another student, or engages in more serious misbehavior, would not be effective or prudent. To expand on this point, it is important for teachers to be careful when working with the latter type of students, only ignoring negative actions that are not serious.
Take for instance, a student, whose only misdemeanor involves engaging in casual conversation with fellow classmates when the class is in progress. This student might not be presenting much of a problem and may be simply seeking attention. Ignoring the student might, in fact, be the best solution. Now assume the negative action involves stealing or the bullying of a fellow student. To ignore these negative actions would be absurd and negligent. Now you are not only allowing a problem to persist, one that could potentially lead to much bigger and more dangerous issues, but also subliminally sending out the message that it is alright for the student to engage in such type of behavior, without any fear of retribution. In a more serious situation, addressing the negative actions quickly and properly could stop the problem it in its tracks. It is for reasons like this, that I do not advocate the idea that a teacher can be successful by simply ignoring negative actions. I do, however, greatly support the idea that the central focus of teaching should be to build on, and encourage positive actions. Perhaps a better way to phrase the statement would be to say, “The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones that are not debilitating to the decorum of the classroom, or to the safety of any individual”.
Thus, in the original statement, there are indeed some good intentions, and there could be a lot of merit in adopting its basic principles. Data proves that positive support can substantially increase motivation and the desire among students to contribute to positive achievements. In fact, most studies of teaching efficacy indicate that praising positive actions and ignoring negative ones can create a more stable and efficient classroom. It needs to be stressed, however, that this tool is only effective at certain levels of misbehavior. As mentioned above, when the behavior is precipitated by feelings of revenge, power or total self-worthlessness, this methodology will likely not work. It is likely to be very successful, however, when the driving cause behind the action is simple attention-seeking behavior.
In many of these instances, if the teacher demonstrates clearly that inappropriate behavior does not result in getting the kind of attention the student seeks, they are more likely to seek the right sort of attention by behaving in accordance with basic classroom etiquette. Should the student choose this path, then the ignoring has worked and when the positive behavior is exhibited, then the teacher can utilize the first part of the theory and support or praise this behavior. Now it is much more likely to be repeated. If the student does not choose this path and instead, chooses to raise his/her aggravating actions to a higher level that presents a more serious issue, then ignoring alone cannot work and other methods must be employed. In conclusion, one can acknowledge that the statement does indeed mean well, but does have its share of potential flaws, if followed in entirety.
As you have seen in this sample issue task response, you have been asked to discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the given statement. While your response may vary from strong agreement to strong disagreement or qualified agreement to qualified disagreement, you must explain the reasoning behind your response and consider how the statement might or might not hold true. The essay above, rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing with the statement, presents an insightful position by providing examples and evidence to support the argument. The writer, throughout the essay, conveys ideas fluently using effective vocabulary and sentence variety, providing a solid reasoning for his views on the matter.
It is therefore clear, that the issue task tests your ability to think critically about a given topic and your ability to express your thoughts clearly in writing.
Analyze an Issue Task
The argument task evaluates your ability to understand, analyze and assess arguments according to specific instructions and express your evaluation clearly in writing. An argument task consists of a brief passage in which the author makes a case for some course of action or interpretation of events by presenting claims supported by reasons and evidence to back any claims made. The task at hand in the argument essay is to discuss the logical soundness of the argument, instead of agreeing or disagreeing with the position it presents. This requires a critical examination of the author’s line of reasoning and use of evidence.The Argument task requires you to demonstrate your critical thinking, perceptive reading, and analytical writing skills.
Sample Argument Task
Let us have a look at a sample argument task. Following is a sample argument task that you might see on the test.In surveys Mason City residents rank water sports (swimming, boating and fishing) among their favorite recreational activities. The Mason River flowing through the city is rarely used for these pursuits, however, and the city park department devotes little of its budget to maintaining riverside recreational facilities. For years there have been complaints from residents about the quality of the river's water and the river's smell. In response, the state has recently announced plans to clean up the Mason River. The use of the river for water sports is therefore sure to increase. The city government should, for that reason, devote more money in this year's budget to riverside recreational facilities.
Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument. Be sure to explain how the argument depends on the assumptions and what the implications are if the assumptions prove unwarranted.
Sample argument essay:
While it may be true that the Mason City government ought to devote more money to riverside recreational facilities, this author's argument does not make a cogent case for increased resources based on river use. It is easy to understand why city residents would want a cleaner river, but this argument is rife with holes and assumptions, and thus, not strong enough to lead to increased funding.
Citing surveys of city residents, the author reports the residents' love of water sports. The scope and validity of that survey, however, are not entirely clear. For example, the survey could have asked residents if they preferred using the river for water sports or would rather like to see a hydroelectric dam built instead. The sample may not have been representative of the entire city's residents, asking only those residents who live upon the river. The survey may have been 10 pages long, with 2 questions dedicated to river sports. We just do not know. Unless the survey is fully representative, valid, and reliable, it can not be used to effectively back the author's argument.
Additionally, the author implies that residents do not use the river for swimming, boating, and fishing, despite their professed interest, because the water is polluted and smelly. While a polluted, smelly river would likely cut down on river sports, a concrete connection between the resident's lack of river use and the river's current state is not effectively made. Though there have been complaints, we do not know if there have been numerous complaints from a wide range of people, or perhaps from one or two individuals who made numerous complaints. To strengthen his/her argument, the author would benefit from implementing a normalized survey asking a wide range of residents why they do not currently use the river.
Building upon the implication that residents do not use the river due to the quality of the river's water and the smell, the author suggests that a river clean-up drive will result in its increased usage for recreational activities. If the river's water quality and smell result from problems which can be cleaned, this may be true. For example, if the decreased water quality and aroma is caused by pollution by factories along the river, this conceivably could be remedied. But if the quality and aroma results from the natural mineral deposits in the water or surrounding rock, this may not be true. There are some bodies of water which emit a strong smell of sulphur due to the geography of the area. This is not something likely to be affected by a clean-up. Consequently, a river clean up may have no impact upon river usage. Regardless of whether the river's quality is able to be improved or not, the author does not effectively show a connection between water quality and river usage.
A clean, beautiful, safe river often adds to a city's property values, leads to increased tourism and revenue from those who come to take advantage of the river, and a better overall quality of life for residents. For these reasons, the government may decide to invest in improving riverside recreational facilities. However, this author's argument is not likely to significantly persuade the city government to allocate increased funding for the same. This sample argument essay follows the task directions and gives a clear picture by specifically detailing the impact that different pieces of evidence would have on the argument. The variation in sentence structure, use of effective vocabulary, and precise analysis of facts presented by the test taker, make this essay an insightful one.
Timing and Time Management
You are allotted 30 minutes for each essay. Writing a 500-word essay within 30 minutes might seem to be a daunting task. However, writing an essay, and a good one, within 30 minutes is possible if you know how to manage your time efficiently.
| Time Allocation | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2 mins | Understand the topic as well as the instructions |
| 4 mins | Jot down the notes |
| 2 mins | Organise your ideas |
| 20 mins | Write your essay |
| 2 mins | Proof read |
We hope you found this article helpful, and you now have a good idea of what is expected from the test taker in the issue task and the argument task.To know more about how to score in the essay section, click here.
Want to find out how you can get a 4.0 and above on your AWA? Download the exclusive AdmitEDGE guide now!
Aditya Kardile
GRE Score : 330
( V : 160 | Q : 170)
Each and every topic is covered in the program. I did not refer to any other books apart from the material provided by quant and verbal guides and the official guide. They give us feedback after every test and tell us our where we need to improve.
Apoorva Saxena
GRE Score : 329
( V : 159 | Q : 170)
GREedge was my first experience of online coaching. And due to their very methodical approach, it was great one. They were thorough, they were very much involved and they monitored my performance minutely. It actually proved the best of both worlds.
Divya Murali
GRE Score : 334
( V : 164 | Q : 170)
I took the GREedge one month online course and it was of great use to me. It has lessons on each topic and also practice sessions. At the end there is also full length tests available for practice. Nothing beats Wordbot for vocab building!
Priyanka Sundaram
GRE Score : 307
( V : 149 | Q : 158)
I was inspired and motivated throughout the program and this helped me to reduce the tension at the last moment. I owe my success entirely to GREEdge. They made me realise my true potential and I am always grateful for it. Thank you GREedge!
Rishikesh Mishra
GRE Score : 309
( V : 149 | Q : 160)
I think GREedge is the best. I have scored 309 marks in GRE with the help of GREedge.I took the one-month study plan of GREedge and it proved to be very useful. GREedge provides you a perfect interface for learning and then testing your skills.
Chirag Venkateshan
GRE Score : 310
( V : 150 | Q : 160)
This two-month long program was worth every penny because of the Personal SFAs assigned to me, the detailed schedule, WordBot, and exhaustive analysis of my performance as compared previously successful student. That was a game changer!
Pulkit Verma
GRE Score : 325
( V : 155 | Q : 170)
What I really liked about GRE Edge was their SFAs (Student Facilitator and Analysts). Every student is assigned two SFAs when they enroll for the program and they help in keeping track of your progress during the preparations.
Uruba Andaleeb
GRE Score : 307
( V : 150 | Q : 157)
GREedge made GRE way simpler! With so many materials available to prepare for GRE, it was so confusing for me. But GREedge gave me a proper direction, and it was an amazing experience. I would recommend this program to any GRE aspirant.
Rahul Reddy
GRE Score : 320
( V : 156 | Q : 164)
Opening the GREedge learning tracker excited me every day. It's because it is designed in such a way that it engages students in it and urges them to complete their tasks daily and regularly. It was systematic and personalized. Good work design team :)
Abishek Surya
GRE Score : 310
( V : 155 | Q : 155)
I never felt alone with GREedge. It was fascinating to see my trainers be as passionate about my ambitions and goals as much as I am! It’s like they’ve got your back, and they want to make it happen for you. I did not have to feel stressed about it.
Comments