Here are the key procedural rules for GRE Analytical Writing:

• Before the timed test begins the testing system will lead you through a computer tutorial, during which you'll read the complete directions for each section, and learn how to use the built-in word processor and other computerized testing functions (e.g., how to scroll, use the mouse, etc.). You can also practice using the word processor before commencing the timed test.
• The testing system does not allow you to return to either of the two essays once you've moved on.
• If you've completed either essay before the time limit has elapsed, you can proceed immediately to the next section by clicking the EXIT SECTION button at the bottom of the screen.
• You might encounter the two essay sections in either order.
• No break is provided between the two sections.
• Pencils and scratch paper are provided. (The exam supervisor will collect these materials at the conclusion of your exam.)

Unless you elect to provide handwritten responses, you'll record your essay responses electronically, with the word processor built into the GRE. During the computer tutorial that precedes that actual timed test, you'll practice using the GRE word processor. Here are its key features.

Navigation and editing—available keyboard commands. Here are the navigational and editing keys available in the GRE word processor:

Backspace removes the character to the left of the cursor
Delete removes the character to the right of the cursor
Home moves the cursor to the beginning of the line
End moves the cursor to the end of the line
Arrow Keys move the cursor up, down, left, or right
Enter inserts a paragraph break (starts a new line)
Page Up moves the cursor up one page (screen)
Page Down moves the cursor down one page (screen)

TAB—disabled (does not function)
Beginning/end of paragraph (not available)
Beginning/end of document (not available)

Selecting text you wish to cut or copy. You select text the same way as with standard word processing programs: either (1) hold down your mouse button while sweeping the I-beam on the screen over the desired text, or (2) hold down the SHIFT key and use the navigation keys to select text.

The CUT button. If you wish to delete text but want to save it to a temporary clipboard for pasting elsewhere, select that text (see above) then click on the CUT button. Cutting text is not the same as deleting it. When you delete text (using the DELETE key), you cannot paste it elsewhere in your document (but see UNDO below).

The PASTE button. If you wish to move text from one position to another, select and cut the text, then reposition your cursor where you want the text to go, and click on the PASTE button.

The UNDO button. Click on this button to undo the most recent delete, cut, or paste that you performed.

CAUTION: The GRE word processor stores only your most recent delete, cut, or paste. Also, Multiple Undo is not available.

Spell checking, fonts, attributes, hyphenation. The GRE word processor does not include a spell checker, nor does it allow you to choose typeface or point size. Neither manual nor automatic hyphenation is available. Attributes such as bold, italics, and underlining are not available.

Note: As for words that you would otherwise italicize or underline (such as titles or foreign words), it's okay to leave them as is. The readers understand the limitations of the GRE word processor..

Within two weeks after the test, your two GRE essays will be read and graded. Two readers will read and score your Issue essay, and two different readers will read and score your Argument essay. For either essay, if the two readers’ scores differ by more than one point, an additional, very experienced reader will read that essay and adjudicate the discrepancy. All GRE essay readers are college or university faculty members, drawn primarily from the academic areas of English and Communications.

In evaluating the overall quality of your writing, the readers will consider four general areas of ability:

• Content: your ability to present cogent, persuasive, and relevant ideas and arguments through sound reasoning and supporting examples
• Organization: your ability to present your ideas in an organized and cohesive fashion
• Language: your control of the English language, including your vocabulary and diction (word choice)
• Mechanics: your facility with the conventions of Standard Written English (grammar, syntax, and effective expression), but not spelling or punctuation

Each graduate department will determine for itself how much weight to place on Analytical Writing scores relative to scores for the multiple-choice sections, as well as to other admission criteria (GRE subject-test scores, GPA, personal statements, recommendation letters, work and other experience, etc.). An admissions committee might use Analytical Writing scores as a preliminary screen for all applicants; more likely , however, a committee will use Analytical Writing scores to decide among similarly qualified candidates. Contact the individual academic departments for their particular policies.