The analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requires each student to write two essays. The Argument essay requires students to critique an argument. The Issue essay requires students to form an opinion on an issue of interest. Students must offer relevant reasons and examples to support their views on an issue. Each student has 45 minutes to compose an Issue essay.
Instructions
1. Compose an introduction to your essay. Use the introduction to introduce ideas, create interest and set the tone for the rest of the Issue essay. A well-organized introduction should foreshadow the main issues presented throughout the essay.
2. Make a valid point. Each sentence of the essay should convey a clear message. Provide a reason or example to support your point of view on the issue.
3. Write in clear, active voice sentences in which you identify the subject performing an action. For example, "The boy threw the ball." The boy (subject) threw (verb) the ball (object). In a passive sentence, the subject is acted upon by the object. For example, "The ball was thrown by the boy." Avoid passive constructions, as they may lead to confusing sentences.
4. Keep sentences short and concise; communicate your ideas effectively and in an organized manner. One thought should lead to another. Do not pad the essay with superfluous or excessive information.
5. Concentrate on the flow of the essay; do not use big words as a smokescreen for poor writing and poorly thought-out ideas.
6. Wrap up the essay with a conclusion. Use the conclusion to summarize the main points of your essay. An effective conclusion reminds the reader that the supporting information (reasons and examples) used throughout the text successfully convey the writer's purpose and main point.
7. Read over the final draft of your essay. A well-written essay should enable the reader to move effortlessly from point to point. The essay should point out the causes, consequences and implications of the issue, and provide compelling reasons and examples to support the information and lead the argument to an effective conclusion.
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