October 9th, 2019 | Updated on June 28th, 2022
Students have to complete a lot of tasks and pass various tests. Thus, the GRE writing test may become a serious challenge for many young people.
This abbreviation stands for the Graduate Record Examination. It’s a specific writing test, which is very important for all applicants. Depending on how much they score, their chances to get into some college or university will increase or decrease.
Therefore, it is of great importance to know a few effective GRE writing tips. Qualified specialists from ProHighGrades offer their professional help. They know how to write proper essays and make a strong argument in GRE.
Depending on how much they score, their chances to get into some college or university will increase or decrease.
Not to mention there is a need to write an outstanding admissions essay to strengthen your application. But while you can get paper writing help in USA with your personal statement from any reliable writing service, you have to deal with the GRE writing test all by yourself.
This examination is targeted at revealing certain qualities of students while they claim their arguments. These are:
- Verbal and quantitative reasoning;
- Vocabulary knowledge;
- Analytical writing;
- Critical thinking;
- Calculus;
GRE consists of algebra, geometry, vocabulary tasks, and some other arithmetic sections. Before the calculus sections come, it’s necessary to compose an Issue essay and an Argument essay.
Both assignments have a time limit of 30 minutes each. You cannot violate the rule. It’s remarkable that you shouldn’t analyze the main claim of the essays but to counter the major question and come up with your own argument.
Don’t agree with the GRE topic and main thought stated in it. Oppose it, criticize and tell why it is so weak.
1. Follow A Plan
There is nothing complicated about the structure of both papers. They consist of:
- Introduction: Briefly states the main weaknesses of the argument.
- Main body: 2-3 paragraphs that provide reasoning of why you disagree.
- Conclusion: Summarizes the entire essay.
As you can see, it doesn’t differ from most academic papers. Nonetheless, there are a few important differences you have to know and memorize.
2. Don’t Pay Too Much Attention To The Intro
Many students get used to completing different assignments and they follow some common rules. One of such is to thoroughly work out the introduction section and create an impressive attention grabber.
Nevertheless, the GRE essays differ from the typical ones. Your intro should very short and so to speak sweet. It is supposed to be dry and quite routine. There is nothing special to create.
3. Don’t Overcomplicate
Many students tend to cover something meaningful and difficult. They want to discuss some sort of philosophy. Nevertheless, you should not forget that you pass the GRE.
It’s not easy to write the test and provide a convincing argument, which requires too many explanations.
Constantly remind yourself of the time limit. You won’t have enough time and space to clearly explain your reasons and implement numerous examples.
Therefore, keep it simple because you won’t even have time for research. You will be given an unknown theme. The main sense of the GRE is to define how quick-minded a student is. Show your best critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Follow A Simple Scheme
Another vital part of writing an argumentative essay is to follow a logical sequence of actions. The introduction is clear enough – state dry formulaic facts and tell that the main claim is false or weak.
The body paragraphs take a bit more because they explain your disagreement. Still, they are very logical and simple. You are supposed to have two, maximum three, paragraphs. Each part covers one point at a time. All the parts have the same scheme.
- Begin every paragraph with a theme sentence. It mentions the specific fallacy to counter and criticize.
- The second sentence gives your reasoning.
- Every third sentence develops the previous one and implements specific and clear examples.
- Sentence number four may be composed in the following way “Had the argument considered other options… (and you name those options), it might have been correct”. Using such sentences, you show the main mistakes of the argument.
- The fifth and final sentence of every paragraph summarizes the previous ones. It may be used as a mini-conclusion.
Your conclusion is also short. Restate the major claim and remind of your examples. Tell why it was weak and why your examples are correct.
5. Defend Your Viewpoint
Another peculiarity of GRE is to be able to protect your viewpoint. Though you should criticize and oppose another point of view, you are expected to anticipate the critique of your own opinion.
Mind that your examiners have the right to argue your claim if they want. Therefore, reconsider your thesis and try to predict possible counter-arguments. Thus, you’ll be ready to answer and defend your viewpoint.
6. Be Specific In Your Examples
The GRE isn’t some kind of scholarly research. It doesn’t require finding some relevant information, analyzing it, and properly implementing into the test.
All you need is to stick to your guideline. It’s all you actually have. Your examiners expect clear reasoning with regard to the viewpoint you have opted for. Your examples should be specific and fully related to the topic.
The evidence you bring in should support your major claim. Begin to support your topic from the introductory section and stick to this strategy to the end. Thus, your examiners will see that you plainly understand what you’re talking about.
This examination is interesting and challenging at the same. Don’t overcomplicate what you disagree, keep it simple, stick to the topic, use specific examples, and follow a clear sequence of actions.
There is one more tip, which is essential. Though you will receive a topic during your exam, you still have a chance to be prepared. The list of possible themes for GRE is always available. Review it and try to compose a few samples to see how you cope with the task.
