GRE Essay Writing

Issue Essay:
Construct an argument about the issue, take a position and support it with
evidence and examples.
Make an argument.
Analyze both sides of the issue.
Introductory paragraph: provide a hook, a summary of the topic, summary of
both sides of the issue, and state your position.
Write 1-3 paragraphs arguing for your position, where each paragraph is 1 point
and each contains 1 example.
Write 1 paragraph where you qualify/limit your position, and give credence to the
other side.
Write a brief conclusion paragraph.
Argument Essay:
Consider the logical soundness of an essay, not just whether you agree or
disagree, and evaluate their position and the support/evidence they provide.
Introductory paragraph: summarize the argument (who/what/why), and state
whether the argument is valid.
Include 1 paragraph on the strong evidence/positive points of the argument.
Include 1-2 paragraphs about the lack of evidence, or the weak evidence of the
argument.
Include 1 paragraph on contrary evidence
Include 1 paragraph on how the author can strengthen the argument.
Use the word flaw a lot
Introduction:
The proposed conclusion thatlacks adequate support. With its
logical fallacies, the argument leaves many questions unanswered. As a
result, the conclusion thatcan be (explain the flaws).
First Body Paragraph:
Briefly list the premises/assumptions
What is the first assumption
Why this is a problem, how he uses it, how it affects his argument
How to fix it
Next Body Paragraphs:
What is the assumption
Why this is a problem, how he uses it, how it affects his argument
How to fix it
Second to last paragraph:
what is strong about his argument?
Conclusion:
Based on these observations, if the author wishes to increase the
plausibility/likelihood/strength of his argument, the author should
Last sentence: By making these changes/adding this missing
information, the author could present a more cogent and compelling

argument.

General:
Spend 1 2 minutes proofreading; they take off points for spelling/grammatical
errors.
ETS publishes all of the essay topics. Read them at some point.