Foundational vocabulary and core concepts for mastering the GRE Analytical Writing section, including task types and scoring criteria.
20 cards
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Analytical Writing Measure
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The section of the GRE that assesses critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It does not test specific content knowledge.
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The Issue Task
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An essay prompt that presents an opinion on an issue of general interest. You must discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and consider the complexities of the issue.
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Task Instructions
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Specific directions provided with the Issue prompt that tell you exactly how to respond. These instructions vary (e.g., explaining your position or considering a counter-argument) and must be followed precisely.
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Holistic Scoring
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GRE Analytical Writing essays are scored holistically on a 0–6 scale, meaning readers assess the overall quality of your response—how well you develop ideas, organize them, and control language—rather than counting individual errors.
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Score Range
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Analytical Writing scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments (e.g., 4.0, 4.5, 5.0). Scores reflect the overall quality of the essay.
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