Here are some QuickTips for tackling the GRE Issue-Perspective writing task:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Begin your Issue essay by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and by adopting a position on it.

4. 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.)

5. 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.

6. Your final paragraph should contain no more than two sentences, and should recapitulate (sum up) your argument—reiterating where you stand on the issue "in the final analysis," and why. Don't introduce any new examples, reasons, or ideas in your summary paragraph.

Also see these related topics:

• What a GRE Issue-Perspective question and a top-scoring essay look like
  
• Abilities measured through the GRE Issue-Perspective writing task
  
• GRE Issue-Perspective practice test