GRE Issue Essay Webinar: August 26, 2020

MyGuru's Director of Online Tutoring demonstrates how to conquer the GRE issue essay using an effective step-by-step approach.

Analytical Writing on the GRE

  • Always the first section
  • 60 minutes long
  • Two essays: Issue & Argument (in that order)
  • Maximum 30 minutes to complete each essay 
  • Scoring scale of 0-6 in 1/2 point increments 

The Issue Essay

  • Most important: Make sure you a) address the task and b) consider both sides of the issue
  • Least important: Controlling the elements of standard written English

Essay Pacing Overview

  • 3-5 minutes brainstorming
  • 22-25 minutes writing the essay
  • 2-3 minutes proofreading
    • Fix major errors & vary word choice

Issue Essay Brainstorming 

1) Identify issue at hand - Almost verbatim

2) Consider supporting examples pro & con for issue

  • Historical events
  • Current events 
  • Arts & literature
  • Popular culture
  • Prepare subject matter you know well for possible use
  • Better known > lesser known, broad > limited
  • Hypotheticals should be general, not specific

3) Based on your supporting examples - Choose a side

  • Consider pros vs. cons you derived in brainstorm
  • Do not predetermine your position on personal belief 

Issue Essay Structure

P1) Introduction

  • Articulate the point at issue
  • Preview your support for your position
  • Clearly articulate your position (don't equivocate)

P2) Primary Supporting Example

  • Briefly summarize supporting example
  • Relate the example as relevant to your position as stated
  • Briefly address possible opposition response to your example
  • Restate your position as preferable
  • Transition into secondary supporting example

P3) Secondary Supporting Example

  • Same as paragraph 2

P4) Conclusion

  • Briefly identify any additional supporting examples
  • Relate as tangentially relevant to your position
  • Restate your position as preferable to the opposition for the reasons you stated

Reference the video located above to watch the entire webinar, including a demonstration of a sample issue essay brainstorm and outline using a prompt from The Official Guide to the GRE. 

If you have additional questions regarding the information in this webinar or GRE/GMAT prep, please reach out to us at info@myguruedge.com. 

For a full listing of our GRE/GMAT webinar videos click here, and see below for more information about our online tutoring: