GRE Analytical Writing
Past Questions
18+ verified Analytical Writing past questions for GRE. Step-by-step worked answers in 5 Nigerian languages.
Analytical Writing topics (2)
Sample Analytical Writing past questions
1. GRE Issue Task asks the candidate to:
- A. Summarise a passage
- B. Take a position on a topic
- C. Describe a chart
- D. Translate text
Answer: B
AI Explanation
**The reasoning** The GRE Issue Task is an essay question that tests your ability to **construct and defend an argument**. You're given a controversial statement (like "Technology makes us less creative"), and you must take a clear stance—agree, disagree, or somewhere in between—then support your position with reasons and examples. It's fundamentally about **critical thinking and persuasive writing**, not summarizing what others said or working with data/charts. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A (Summarise a passage)** sounds right because many exams have summary tasks, but the GRE Issue essay gives you a *claim*, not a passage to condense. - **C (Describe a chart)** confuses this with the GRE *Argument Task* or quantitative sections that use graphs—totally different section. - **D (Translate text)** is obviously wrong but might catch someone skimming quickly. **Quick takeaway** GRE Issue Task = **YOUR opinion + YOUR reasons**—you're building an argument from scratch, not reacting to existing content.
2. Argument Task asks the candidate to:
- A. Agree with the argument
- B. Critique the reasoning of the argument
- C. Present a new argument
- D. Ignore the argument
Answer: B
AI Explanation
**The reasoning** In standardized tests like GRE or critical thinking sections, an "Argument Task" specifically asks you to **analyze and evaluate** how well an argument is constructed — not whether you personally agree or disagree with it. Think of yourself as a judge examining evidence in court. Your job isn't to pick a side, but to ask: *Are the claims properly supported? Are there logical gaps? What assumptions does the writer make?* This is **critical analysis**, which is what "critique the reasoning" means. You're dissecting the argument's structure, checking if the conclusions actually follow from the evidence given. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A (Agree)** — Students often think they must pick a position. But the task isn't about your opinion. - **C (Present new argument)** — Tempting if you think "I have better ideas!" But you're evaluating *their* reasoning, not creating your own. - **D (Ignore)** — Obviously wrong, but included to test if you're reading carefully. **Quick takeaway** Argument Tasks = Detective work on *how* someone argues, not *what* you believe.
3. Recommended structure for a GRE essay.
- A. Single paragraph
- B. Intro / body / conclusion
- C. Bullet list
- D. Numbered list only
Answer: B
AI Explanation
**The reasoning** The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a formal academic test, and like all standardized essays—including your JAMB, WAEC, or Post-UTME essays—it demands a **traditional academic structure**: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Here's why: The introduction sets up your thesis (your main argument). The body paragraphs develop that argument with evidence and examples. The conclusion reinforces your point. This structure shows examiners you can organize complex ideas logically—exactly what graduate schools want to see. Think of it like building a house: foundation (intro), rooms (body), roof (conclusion). You can't just have rooms floating around! **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A (Single paragraph)** — Too informal and cramped. You can't develop nuanced arguments in one block. **C & D (Lists)** — These might work for brainstorming notes, but they're not *essays*. Essays require full sentences, transitions, and flow—not choppy points. **Quick takeaway** **Any formal essay exam—GRE, JAMB, WAEC—always wants intro/body/conclusion.** It's the universal language of academic writing. Master this structure, and you'll score well anywhere.
4. A strong thesis statement should be:
- A. Vague
- B. Clear and arguable
- C. A question
- D. A list
Answer: B
5. In an argument essay, you should evaluate the argument's:
- A. Length
- B. Logical soundness
- C. Font
- D. Author
Answer: B
6. A clear argument essay needs a thesis, evidence, and a:
- A. Joke
- B. Logical conclusion
- C. Picture
- D. Quote
Answer: B
7. Identifying flaws in reasoning is key to the ___ task.
- A. Issue
- B. Argument
- C. Reading
- D. Quant
Answer: B
8. GRE Analytical Writing has how many tasks?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Answer: A
AI Explanation
GRE General Test now has ONE 30-minute Analytical Writing task: 'Analyze an Issue'.
9. Time allowed for the Analytical Writing task is:
- A. 20 minutes
- B. 30 minutes
- C. 45 minutes
- D. 60 minutes
Answer: B
AI Explanation
30 minutes for the single Analyze an Issue task.
10. AWA is scored on a scale of:
- A. 0–6
- B. 0–10
- C. 200–800
- D. 1–5
Answer: A
AI Explanation
GRE AWA score: 0–6 in half-point increments.
11. A strong AWA essay should include:
- A. Only personal opinions
- B. Clear thesis, well-developed support, varied syntax, examples
- C. Quotes only
- D. Bullet points
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Top AWA essays have a clear position, fully developed reasons with examples, and strong, varied prose.
12. Transitions like 'furthermore' and 'however' improve:
- A. Word count
- B. Coherence and flow between ideas
- C. Vocabulary score only
- D. Spelling
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Transitions guide readers between ideas and reasons — boosts cohesion score.
13. An effective essay opening usually:
- A. Restates the prompt verbatim
- B. Briefly acknowledges complexity and states a clear thesis
- C. Provides only personal stories
- D. Is missing
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Strong intros frame the issue, then state your position concisely.
14. Specific examples in AWA should be:
- A. Hypothetical only
- B. Concrete (historical, scientific, current events) supporting your reasoning
- C. Always personal
- D. Avoided
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Concrete examples (with context) demonstrate critical thinking and earn higher scores.
15. Counterarguments in AWA should be:
- A. Ignored
- B. Acknowledged and refuted to strengthen your position
- C. The only focus
- D. Translated
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Addressing opposing views and explaining their weaknesses shows analytical depth.
16. A 'logical fallacy' is:
- A. A strong argument
- B. An error in reasoning that weakens an argument
- C. A type of conjunction
- D. A noun
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Logical fallacies — appeals to emotion, false dichotomies, hasty generalisations — undermine arguments.
17. A strong conclusion should:
- A. Introduce new ideas
- B. Summarise key points and reinforce thesis
- C. Be just one word
- D. Quote a famous person
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Conclusions consolidate the argument — restate thesis, summarise reasoning, end with insight.
18. What's the BEST way to prepare for AWA?
- A. Memorise sample essays
- B. Practise writing timed essays on official ETS prompts and review scoring guides
- C. Avoid writing
- D. Read fiction only
Answer: B
AI Explanation
ETS publishes the full Issue topic pool — practise with real prompts under timed conditions.
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