GRE AWA sample essays to help you score high!

Updated on Sep 20, 2024
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GRE AWA sample essays to help you score high!

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What is the GRE exam?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admissions to many graduate programs globally.

It evaluates students' readiness for advanced study through sections such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

These are skills you will have learned and developed throughout your entire education, and are not related to any specific field of study.

The GRE helps institutions gauge a student’s academic potential.

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What is the AWA section?

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GRE measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

It is designed to test your ability to analyse and evaluate complex arguments and communicate your ideas effectively in writing.

It consists of two tasks:

  1. Issue task -- where you develop an argument on a given topic, and
  2. Argument task -- where you analyse and critique a provided argument.

Both tasks require clear reasoning and structured writing.

To score high on the AWA section, it's important to have a good understanding of what the graders are looking for and to practise writing sample essays.

In this article, we will explore some GRE AWA sample essays to help you score high on this challenging section of the test.

Why should you focus on AWA?

Focusing on the GRE AWA essay section is crucial as it showcases your ability to articulate complex ideas and arguments effectively.

A strong GRE analytical writing score can enhance your overall GRE performance and distinguish you from other candidates.

Additionally, many graduate programs prioritise strong writing skills, making the AWA a vital component of your application.

How to prepare for the GRE AWA section?

To prepare for the AWA section:

  1. Practice writing essays on various prompts.
  2. Familiarise yourself with the scoring guidelines and review high-scoring GRE AWA sample essays.
  3. Additionally, seek feedback from peers or instructors to refine your writing skills.
  4. Regular practice to build confidence and improve your ability to articulate ideas clearly.

Understanding GRE writing tasks

The writing tasks on the GRE are essential components that assess your analytical and writing skills.

Both tasks—issue and argument—require you to think critically and write persuasively with the goal of demonstrating your ability to analyse complex topics, develop a clear and compelling thesis, and support your arguments with evidence and examples.

Also read: Differences between the GRE and GMAT

GRE issue essay

The GRE issue essay requires you to write an essay that takes a position on a given issue and supports it with evidence and reasoning.

You are provided with a brief prompt, quote or statement on a social, political, or cultural topic and are asked to develop a response that presents a clear and compelling position on the issue.

The goal of this essay is to assess your ability to analyse complex topics, develop a position, and support it with clear and compelling evidence.

Also read: GRE results and score chart 2024?

1. Tips on how to structure your essay for issue type questions

  1. Read the statement carefully and identify the main idea. Decide your stance (agree, disagree, or nuanced position).
  2. When structuring your essay for the issue task, briefly introduce the topic or argument that outlines your position or the main point you will address.
  3. Follow with 2-3 paragraphs to develop your main idea.
  4. Each paragraph should contain a main idea, followed by supporting details such as examples or reasoning.
  5. Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your position is stronger.
  6. Summarise your main points and restate your position clearly.

2 GRE AWA Issue sample essay 1

Prompt

Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the future.

Response

While it is certainly important for governments to address the immediate problems facing their citizens, it is equally important to plan for the future. Anticipating and preparing for future problems is the hallmark of effective leadership, and it is essential for governments to consider the long-term implications of their policies and actions.

To be sure, there are many pressing issues that require immediate attention, from healthcare and education to environmental protection and economic development. However, if governments focus solely on these issues without considering the long-term consequences of their decisions, they risk creating even more problems in the future.

For example, if a government invests heavily in fossil fuels to meet immediate energy needs without considering the long-term impact on the environment, it may exacerbate the problem of climate change and create even greater challenges for future generations. 

Similarly, if a government neglects investing in education and workforce development in favour of short-term economic gains, it may find itself facing a shrinking and unskilled workforce in the future.

In short, governments must balance the need to address immediate problems with the need to plan for the future. By doing so, they can ensure that they are making decisions that benefit their citizens both now and in the years to come.

3. GRE AWA Issue sample essay 2

Prompt

The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.

Response

While positive reinforcement can certainly be a valuable teaching tool, it is not always the most effective approach. Ignoring negative actions may give students the impression that such behaviour is acceptable or even desirable, leading to further problems down the line.

Furthermore, negative actions often require immediate intervention and correction. If a student is engaging in disruptive behaviour, for example, ignoring it may only serve to undermine the learning environment and make it more difficult for other students to concentrate and engage with the material. 

In such cases, it may be necessary to provide clear and direct feedback in order to correct the behaviour and ensure that everyone in the classroom can benefit from a positive learning experience.

Positive reinforcement can be effective in certain contexts, but it is important to use it in combination with other teaching tools, such as clear expectations, consistent feedback, and appropriate consequences for negative behaviour. By taking a comprehensive approach to teaching, instructors can create an environment in which positive actions are encouraged and negative actions are addressed in a constructive and effective manner.

Also Read: GRE Exam Dates and Fees in India

GRE argument essay

The GRE argument essay requires you to analyse and evaluate a given argument and then develop a response that critiques the argument and presents a more compelling alternative.

You are provided with a brief argument that presents a conclusion based on premises, and are asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, provide evidence to support their critique, and propose an alternative conclusion that is more logically sound.

The goal of this essay is to assess your ability to critically evaluate arguments and develop your own reasoned response.

1 Tips on how to structure your essay for the argument section

  1. Read the argument carefully and identify its conclusion and supporting premises.
  2. Look for assumptions, flaws, or gaps in reasoning.
  3. Structure your thoughts into an introduction, body paragraphs (typically discussing 2-3 flaws), and a conclusion.

Introduction: Briefly summarise the argument and state that it has flaws.

Body Paragraphs: Discuss each flaw in detail. Provide examples of how the argument could be improved.

Conclusion: Summarise your analysis and suggest ways the argument could be strengthened.

2. GRE AWA Argument sample essay 1

Prompt

The following memorandum was sent by the principal of a high school to the school's teachers: 'Research has shown that the best way to improve student performance is to praise them for their effort, not their intelligence. Therefore, in all future assignments, please praise students for their effort rather than their intelligence.

Response

While praising students for their effort can certainly be a valuable motivational tool, it is not the only factor that contributes to academic success. The principal's memo oversimplifies the complex interplay between effort, intelligence, and achievement, and it may lead teachers to overlook other important factors that can influence student performance.

First and foremost, intelligence is a critical factor in academic success. While hard work and perseverance are certainly important, some students may simply have greater intellectual capacity than others. Praising students for their effort rather than their intelligence may inadvertently discourage those who are truly gifted from pursuing more challenging work and achieving their full potential.

Moreover, the principal's memo overlooks the fact that different students may respond differently to different types of praise. For some students, praise for their intelligence may be more effective in motivating them to continue working hard and striving for excellence. By imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to praise, the principal risks ignoring the individual needs and preferences of his or her students.

In conclusion, while praising students for their effort can be an effective motivational tool, it is not a panacea for improving academic performance. Teachers and principals must consider a range of factors, including intelligence, individual needs and preferences, and the specific demands of different assignments and assessments, in order to help their students achieve their full potential.

Also Read: How to Register for GRE Exam

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3. GRE AWA Argument sample essay 2

Prompt

The following article claims that technological advancements are making traditional skills and knowledge obsolete: 'As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, many traditional skills and forms of knowledge are becoming obsolete. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence means that many jobs that once required human expertise can now be performed by machines. In light of these developments, it is essential for individuals and organisations to prioritise technological skills and education in order to remain competitive in the job market.'

Response

While it is certainly true that technological advancements are transforming the job market, it is a mistake to assume that traditional skills and knowledge are becoming obsolete. Rather, these skills and forms of knowledge are evolving alongside technological change, and they continue to play a vital role in many sectors of the economy.

For example, while artificial intelligence may be able to perform certain tasks more efficiently than humans, it cannot replicate the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential in many fields. Similarly, while automation may be able to streamline certain production processes, it cannot replace the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality control that are required in many areas of manufacturing.

Moreover, it is important to recognise that technological skills and knowledge are not the only factors that determine success in the job market. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are also essential in today's workplace, and they cannot be easily replaced by machines. In order to remain competitive, individuals and organisations must cultivate a diverse range of skills and knowledge, including both technical and soft skills.

In conclusion, while technological advancements are certainly transforming the job market, they are not making traditional skills and knowledge obsolete. Rather, these skills and forms of knowledge are evolving alongside technological change, and they continue to play a vital role in many sectors of the economy. By recognising the importance of a diverse range of skills and knowledge, individuals and organisations can position themselves for success in the 21st century job market.

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Analysing an issue and analysing an argument writing tasks on the GRE can seem daunting, but with practice, preparation, and a solid understanding of the task requirements, you can score high on the exam.

The GRE analytical sample essays provided here can serve as a valuable resource for understanding how to approach the writing tasks effectively.

By analysing the structure, argumentation, and writing techniques of these essays, you can gain a better understanding of what makes a strong essay and develop your own skills accordingly.

Tips on how to improve time management

Effective time management during the AWA section is key to crafting well-developed essays.

  1. Allocate around 5 minutes for planning, 25 minutes for writing, and 5 minutes for revising each essay.
  2. Use a timer to keep track, and practice writing essays within these constraints to enhance your speed and efficiency.

Mistakes to avoid during preparation and while writing essays

  1. Avoid common pitfalls such as neglecting the AWA section in your study plan or failing to practise under timed conditions.
  2. During writing, steer clear of vague statements, lack of structure, and grammatical errors.
  3. Make sure each paragraph flows logically from one to the next.
  4. Ensure your arguments are well-supported and directly address the prompt.
  5. Lastly, always leave time for proofreading to catch any mistakes.

Are the sample essays indicative of the types of prompts that will be on the actual GRE?

The sample essays provide a good idea of the type of prompts that you can expect to encounter on the GRE. However, it is important to note that the actual prompts may differ in content and tone.

What is a good score for GRE AWA?

A good AWA score typically ranges from 4.0 to 6.0, with 6.0 being the highest possible score. Most graduate programs consider a score of 4.5 or above competitive. However, the benchmark can vary by field and institution, so it’s essential to research specific program expectations.

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