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The following GRE writing tips apply specifically to the Issue essay — one of two essays you'll write during the Analytical Writing portion of the GRE:
- Spend at least 3-4 minutes jotting down some points both for and against the statement. In support of every point try to think of at least one reason or example.
- Go for breadth, not depth. Try to cover both polar sides of the issue, and various arguments on both sides. Don't dwell on one point! (This is the #1 essay blunder committed by GRE test-takers.) But don't try to cover everything either; otherwise, you might not have time to develop each of your ideas — with reasons and examples.
- Begin your Issue essay by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and by adopting a position on it.
- Do NOT begin your Issue essay by restating or paraphrasing the statement. (This blunder will wave a "red flag" to the GRE readers who will assume from the outset that you lack ideas of your own.)
- Don't waste time thinking about what position on the issue you should adopt — or what position a GRE reader would want you to adopt. The readers don't care about your opinions; what they do care about is how persuasively you support your position with relevant reasons and examples, and how effectively you communicate your ideas.
- Your final paragraph should contain no more than two or three sentences, and should recapitulate (sum up) your argument or draw a broad conclusion — reiterating where you stand on the issue in the final analysis — and why. Don't introduce any new examples, reasons, or ideas in your final paragraph.
Also see these related topics:
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