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Picture this: you sit down in a quiet room, armed with a pencil and paper, ready to tackle the Analyze an Issue task of the GRE exam. The clock starts ticking, and you realise you have only 30 minutes to analyse a complex issue, form a well-structured argument, and articulate your thoughts effectively. It may feel like an intimidating challenge, but fear not! With the right approach and a solid plan, you can conquer the GRE Analyse an Issue essay section. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step strategy to make the most of those 30 minutes and craft a compelling Analyze an Issue essay that showcases your analytical prowess and writing skills.

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Writing a Solid GRE Essay: One Step at a Time

Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a solid GRE essay with respect to Analyse an Issue Task:

  1. Understand the Prompt: Read the prompt carefully and make sure you understand the main topic, the position being presented, and any underlying assumptions or implications. Take note of the key elements and requirements of the prompt.

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  2. Brainstorm and Outline: Spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas related to the prompt. Consider different angles, perspectives, and arguments that you can use to support your position. Once you have generated ideas, create an outline that organises your thoughts and establishes a logical flow for your essay.

  3. Write an Engaging Introduction: Start your ‘Analyse an Issue’ essay with an attention-grabbing introduction. Provide some context for the issue and present a clear thesis statement that expresses your position on the given topic. Your thesis statement should outline the main arguments you will be discussing in your essay.

  4. Develop Strong Arguments: In the body paragraphs of your essay, present your arguments in a clear and organised manner. Each argument should be supported by specific examples, evidence, or reasoning. Make sure your arguments are logically connected and provide a compelling case for your position.

  5. Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and address counterarguments to strengthen your essay. Briefly discuss alternative viewpoints or objections to your position. Then, provide thoughtful responses to those counterarguments, demonstrating your ability to consider multiple perspectives and reinforcing the strength of your position.

  6. Use Specific Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments in the essay with specific examples, facts, or expert opinions. Draw from a variety of sources, including literature, history, current events, or personal experiences. Concrete examples and evidence make your essay more persuasive and demonstrate your ability to think critically.

  7. Maintain Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Use transitional words and phrases to create logical connections between your paragraphs and sentences. Each paragraph should have a clear focus, and there should be a clear progression of ideas throughout your essay.

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  8. Conclude Effectively: In your conclusion, summarise your main points and restate your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the conclusion. Instead, provide a concise summary of your position and leave the reader with a strong impression of your viewpoint.

  9. Proofread and Revise: Set aside some time at the end to proofread and revise your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and unclear sentences. Pay attention to the flow and coherence of your arguments. Reading your essay aloud can also help you catch any awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
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GRE Writing Practice Task 

Here is a sample essay for the Issue task to illustrate effective writing strategies and for your GRE Writing practice:

Sample Issue Essay

Prompt: “Technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that society is unable to keep up with its impact. The benefits of technological progress outweigh the drawbacks.”

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. While some argue that society is unable to keep up with its impact, I believe that the benefits of technological progress far outweigh the drawbacks. Firstly, technology has revolutionised communication, making it easier and faster to connect with people across the globe. Secondly, it has significantly improved access to information, empowering individuals with knowledge. Lastly, technological advancements have led to breakthroughs in various fields, such as medicine and renewable energy, improving the quality of life for people worldwide.

GRE Score Percentiles

Tips for Writing a Winning GRE Essay

1) Choose a position and support it with evidence- If you are writing an Issue Essay, you will need to choose a position on the issue and support it with evidence. The evidence can come from your own knowledge, experience, or from outside sources. When choosing evidence, make sure it is relevant to the issue and that it supports your position.

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2) Analyse the argument and identify its flaws– If you are writing an Argument Essay, you will need to analyse the argument and identify its flaws. The argument will be presented in the prompt, and you will need to identify the conclusion, evidence, and assumptions of the argument. Once you have identified the flaws in the argument, you can explain why they are flaws and how they weaken the argument.

3) Organise your essay logically– Your essay should be well-organised and easy to follow. The introduction should introduce the issue or argument, the body paragraphs should support your position or analyse the argument, and the conclusion should summarise your main points and restate your position.

4) Use clear and concise language– Your essay should be written in clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the reader may not understand. Use simple, straightforward language that gets your point across.

5) The last bits– Before you submit your essay, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A well-written essay will make a good impression on the reader and will help you get a high score on the GRE.

Remember, a good GRE essay will be well-organised, clear, and persuasive. It will demonstrate your ability to think critically and to write effectively. 

We, at Jamboree Education, have infused our simplified teaching methodology into our GRE Classroom Training and GRE Online Live coaching. Learn more about how to ace the new shorter GRE with a free demo class and experience 3 decades of expertise.

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