GRE Analyze an Issue Essay Outline Template
Use this GRE Analyze an Issue essay template to turn a prompt into a working structure before drafting. It gives you a copyable outline, a filled example, and the planning checks that keep the page useful for a real assignment rather than a generic blank form.
Copyable template
Outline structure
Copy the sections first, then replace bracketed text with details from your prompt, sources, or experience.
Introduction
- Hook: Open with a sentence that makes the issue claim and your qualified position feel specific.
- Context: Give the reader the background needed to understand the GRE Analyze an Issue essay.
- Issue position: [State the extent to which you agree or disagree and preview your reasoning.]
Main reason with example
- Topic sentence: State the main reason with example point for this GRE Analyze an Issue essay.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Second reason with concrete support
- Topic sentence: State the second reason with concrete support point for this GRE Analyze an Issue essay.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Qualification or opposing perspective
- Topic sentence: State the qualification or opposing perspective point for this GRE Analyze an Issue essay.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Conclusion
- Return to the issue position: restate the main point in new language.
- Synthesize: Show how the body sections work together, with emphasis on a nuanced position under the 30-minute task.
- Final sentence: Leave the reader with a precise implication, reflection, or next question.
Filled example
Experts and Public Decisions
Prompt: Claim: Experts should make important public policy decisions because ordinary citizens lack technical knowledge.
Working claim: Experts should guide public policy, but democratic decisions also require public input because technical accuracy and social legitimacy solve different problems.
Introduction
- Hook: Introduce the stakes behind "Experts and Public Decisions".
- Context: Narrow the topic so the reader knows the exact angle.
- Issue position: Experts should guide public policy, but democratic decisions also require public input because technical accuracy and social legitimacy solve different problems.
Technical expertise in complex policy
- Point: Technical expertise in complex policy.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Public legitimacy and lived consequences
- Point: Public legitimacy and lived consequences.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Balanced model of expert advice and democratic choice
- Point: Balanced model of expert advice and democratic choice.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Conclusion
- Restated idea: Return to the main claim without copying the same sentence.
- Synthesis: Connect the sections around a nuanced position under the 30-minute task.
- Final thought: End with the larger lesson, implication, or academic takeaway.
How to use it
Adapt the structure
- 1Read the prompt and mark the task words before filling in this GRE Analyze an Issue essay template.
- 2Draft the issue position first so every body section has a clear job.
- 3Add evidence placeholders before writing paragraphs; replace weak examples before drafting.
- 4Check that each body section does a different kind of work.
- 5Copy the outline into the editor and expand each bullet into complete paragraphs.
Common mistakes
Check before drafting
- Taking an absolute position when the prompt rewards complexity.
- Using vague examples instead of concrete situations.
- Writing full paragraphs inside the outline before the logic is settled.
- Repeating the same evidence in multiple sections instead of assigning each detail a distinct job.
FAQ
Questions about this template
What should I put in a GRE Analyze an Issue essay template?
Start with the prompt, a working issue position, body sections with evidence placeholders, and a conclusion plan. The goal is to make the logic visible before you draft.
Can I change this GRE Analyze an Issue essay outline?
Yes. Treat the template as a structure, not a script. Add or remove body sections based on the assignment length, rubric, and available evidence.
Should an outline use complete sentences?
Use complete sentences for the thesis or controlling idea. Bullets can be shorter, but they should be specific enough that you know what evidence and analysis each paragraph needs.
Write from the outline
Start with structure, then draft with sources and citations.
Copy the template into EssayGenius and turn each bullet into a paragraph with source search, revision help, and citation support nearby.