Gre by ArgoPrep: : gre prep 2018 + 14 Days Online Comprehensive Prep Included + Videos + Practice Tests \

35
ARGOPREP.COM/GRE
Read: 2 minutes
Make sure you fully read the presented argument or issue and the instructions that follow. You want to read the prompt
and form a clear understanding of the essay task. Underline key terms and instructions as you read. It may seem like
2 minutes is not enough time, but remember, since you have access to the prompts ahead of time, you have likely
seen most of the instructions, even if the argument and issue presented are not familiar to you. Practicing with the
provided prompts and familiarizing yourself with the essay tasks will allow you to spend less time reading and trying
to understand the prompt.
Brainstorm and Outline: 5 minutes
After you have read the prompt and are clear on the essay task, spend the next couple of minutes brainstorming and
outlining your essay. The first step here is to decide your position. Once you know what direction you are going in, you
can then brainstorm some counterpoints and supporting evidence before outlining how to lay out your essay. As you
work through the Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument prompts, you will find useful tools to help you refine and
systemize your approach to the essay tasks. The more you practice writing sample essays using a strategic approach,
the easier it will likely be on the exam.

---

Write: 18 minutes
Writing the essay is, of course, the most important task. Spend about 18 minutes writing your essay using your outline
as a guide. Your essay should include a brief introduction, 2−3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Proofread: 5 minutes
You are not expected to produce a flawless essay in 30 minutes. But you should reserve some time at the end to look
over what you have written and correct any grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other critical errors discussed in the
Writing Primer.
Prep Tip:
Since the word processing software does not include grammar or spell check, it is
a good idea to practice typing your essays with those functions disabled on your computer. 
Practicing without these tools helps you better simulate actual testing conditions and spot
errors on your own while proofreading.
Essay Format
Organization is a critical aspect of the Analytical Writing essay. If you want to score in the higher percentiles, your essay
needs to be well-
organized and flow logically. There is no specific format outlined for the test. However, going into the
exam, you should have a general idea on how to best structure your essay for both the Analyze an Issue and Analyze an
Argument prompts. While each prompt will require a slightly different approach, there are some key components of the
essay format that should be present in both essays.

---

Introduction
Your introduction should clearly state your position on the issue or argument. It should be succinct and to the point; you
should try to avoid long-
winded introductions with superfluous information and phrases. You should avoid addressing
the reader directly (“What would you do if this happened to you?”), or including an otherwise instructive phrase
(“Imagine a world without crime.”) Demonstrate that you understand the presented issue or argument, state your
position, firm up your thesis statement, and move on to the body of the essay.