How to Get a 6 on GRE Writing
Mastering the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment
To earn a perfect 6 on the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), you must demonstrate superior critical thinking and linguistic control. This guide covers the essential steps: deconstructing complex prompts, building a robust logical framework, utilizing sophisticated vocabulary, and providing nuanced evidence to satisfy the ETS scoring rubric for both the Issue and Argument tasks.
Step 1: Deconstruct the prompt and instructions
Every GRE prompt comes with specific instructions that dictate the direction of your essay. For the Issue task, you might be asked to discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree, or to consider the possible consequences of a policy. For the Argument task, you must identify unstated assumptions or explain what additional evidence is needed. Read the prompt twice and underline the core claim. A score of 6 is impossible if you fail to address the specific task instructions, regardless of how well you write. Spend the first 2 minutes identifying exactly what the graders are looking for.
Step 2: Construct a multi-layered outline
Do not start typing until you have a clear roadmap. A 6-score essay follows a logical progression where each paragraph builds upon the last. Use a standard five-paragraph structure: an introduction with a clear thesis, three body paragraphs focusing on distinct points of analysis, and a conclusion that synthesizes your findings. In your outline, assign a specific example to each body paragraph. For the Argument task, your outline should list the three most significant logical fallacies you found in the prompt. Planning ensures you maintain a focused, cohesive argument without rambling.
Step 3: Provide nuanced, specific evidence
Vague generalizations are the hallmark of a 4-score essay. To reach a 6, you must use concrete evidence. In the Issue task, draw from history, literature, or current events. Instead of saying 'technology is bad,' discuss how the 'industrial revolution shifted labor dynamics while creating environmental externalities.' In the Argument task, do not just say a survey is 'bad.' Explain why the sample size might be unrepresentative or how a correlation-causation error undermines the author's conclusion. Use the 'What if' method: 'What if the survey participants were biased? Then the conclusion would be invalid because...'
Example: Developing a 6-Score Analysis
Compare these two approaches to an Argument prompt regarding a city's budget for park maintenance: `Low-Score Analysis: The author says the park is empty because it is dirty. But maybe people are just busy. The author needs more proof.` `6-Score Analysis: The argument rests on the unstated assumption that physical cleanliness is the primary determinant of park attendance. However, the author fails to rule out alternative explanations, such as a seasonal shift in climate or the opening of a competing recreational facility nearby. To strengthen this claim, the author must provide comparative data from previous years to isolate maintenance as the sole variable influencing visitor numbers.`
Step 4: Demonstrate advanced linguistic control
The GRE graders look for lexical variety and syntactic complexity. Avoid repeating the same words; use synonyms to keep the prose engaging. Incorporate complex sentence structures such as subordinate clauses, appositives, and transitional phrases. Use 'Furthermore,' 'Conversely,' and 'Inherent within this claim' to signal logical shifts. However, do not use 'big words' incorrectly. Precision is more important than sounding like a thesaurus. A 6-score essay feels effortless to read because the writer uses sophisticated language to clarify, not obscure, their ideas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls that keep students stuck at a 4 or 5 score:
- Being too one-sided: A 6-score essay acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Always address the counterargument.
- Formulaic writing: While templates are helpful, avoid using 'canned' introductions that could apply to any prompt. Tailor your language specifically to the topic.
- Ignoring the prompt's specific task: If the prompt asks for 'specific circumstances' where the claim might not hold true, and you only provide general agreement, your score will be capped.
- Failing to proofread: Leave 2 minutes at the end to catch 'typos' that disrupt the flow of your argument.
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