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Following is a list of tips to help you boost your GRE Analytical Writing score. These tips apply to both GRE essays (the Issue essay and the Argument essay).
- For every point you make in a GRE essay, always provide a reason and/or an example to support that point. (This is the cardinal rule for writing GRE essays!)
- Use transition words and phrases to help the reader follow the flow of your discussion. For ideas, check out the transition devices I've used in my sample Issue essay and sample Argument essay.
- Try to include brief introductory and concluding paragraphs, which are consistent with each other and with the paragraphs in the body of your essay. These "bookends" will help your essay appear well-organized.
- Compose your introductory remarks last — after you've completed the rest of your essay. Why? Your essay might evolve somewhat from your initial thesis; if you've composed your introduction first, you might need to rewrite it.
- Pay attention to writing mechanics — grammar, sentence construction, word usage and diction (whether you've used the right word for the right job). But don't let writing mechanics slow you down. Content and organization are far more important to GRE readers.
- It's okay to refer to yourself in your essays — at your option. Just don't overdo it. Phrases such as I think, it is my opinion that and in my view are superfluous and a waste of your typing time.
- Don't try to impress the reader with your vocabulary. There's nothing wrong with demonstrating a strong vocabulary. Just don't overdo it; otherwise the readers will suspect that you're using big words as a smokescreen for poor content.
Also see these related topics:
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