What Is GRE AWA (GRE Analytical Writing Score)?

Every year, thousands of test-takers crush the Quant and Verbal sections of the GRE test—only to get blindsided by a lesser-known beast: the AWA. Yes, the Analytical Writing Assessment. It’s not just about writing an essay—it’s about crafting a response in which you discuss complex issues, take a clear position on the issue, and defend it with sharp reasoning and solid examples. And no, stuffing big words won’t help. ETS sees right through it.

Most students bomb the AWA section of the GRE not because they can’t write, but because they don’t know what to write. They fumble with prompts that ask whether they agree or disagree with a statement or to what extent they hold true and explain their position. Clarity? Missing. Structure? Lost. And the worst part? It silently drags down your GRE exam score. The good news? A bit of strategy, the right essay topics, and a well-practiced response format can flip this section from a weakness into a weapon.

What Is GRE Analytical Writing Section All About?

Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let’s understand what the GRE AWA section entails. This section consists of two essays: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. Each essay assesses your ability to analyze arguments, think critically, and express your thoughts coherently within a limited time frame.

The Importance of AWA in Your GRE Journey

While the AWA section doesn’t directly contribute to your GRE score (which ranges from 130 to 170 for each of the Verbal and Quantitative sections), it plays a significant role in your graduate school application. Admissions committees use your AWA essays to evaluate your writing skills, analytical thinking, and your ability to communicate effectively – all essential qualities for success in graduate studies.

How To Structure GRE AWA Topics?

Most GRE test takers treat the AWA section like an afterthought, and it shows. They spend hours grinding quant problems, memorizing vocab, and taking one practice test after another—then panic when they’re asked to “explain how the argument depends on unstated assumptions.” Suddenly, all that prep turns to dust. This isn’t just writing—it’s a stress test of your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. And if you don’t have a go-to structure for these analytical writing tasks, you’re toast.

Here’s the short, sharp structure that works every time:

1. Know the Essay Type First

Understand what you’re being asked to do. Issue essays require you to build an argument using reasons and examples to support your opinion. Argument essays, on the other hand, ask you to take apart someone else’s claim—spot assumptions, find flaws, and explain how the argument depends on weak logic. Confusing the two leads to fundamental mistakes. Know the task, or fail the section.

2. Use This Simple 5-Paragraph Format

Stick to a clean five-paragraph format. For issue essays, open with a clear position, support it with two solid examples, throw in a quick counterpoint if needed, and finish strong. For argument essays, start by summarizing the flawed claim, then dedicate each paragraph to one logical flaw, discussing what questions would help to evaluate it. Wrap up with suggestions for how the argument could be improved. This isn’t creative writing—this is structured, strategic writing.

3. Practice Smart, Not Hard

Use real GRE AWA topics from the ETS website, and write with the structure in mind. Don’t memorize—analyze. Then read essay responses and rater commentary to see what a high score really looks like. That’s how you actually improve your GRE AWA game.

5 Amazing Tips To Excel In GRE AWA Section

The AWA section of the GRE isn’t just about writing tasks—it’s about critical thinking, logical reasoning, and being crystal clear about where you stand. And it’s not optional. Even if you ace the Quant section, a weak AWA score screams: “I can’t build or break down an argument.” You don’t want that label. So here’s the real stuff—not tips you’ve read a hundred times, but sharp, strategic moves that actually boost your performance.

1. Stop Trying to Impress – Just Be Clear

Nobody cares if you use “juxtaposition” or “ontological framework.” If your position on the issue is murky, you lose. What ETS wants is a response in which you discuss the issue clearly, take a stand (agree or disagree), and explain it logically. Your job? Show them you can build a structured argument—not write a TED Talk transcript. Clarity always beats complexity.

2. Don’t Just Take a Side—Demolish the Opposite One

A killer move most test-takers skip: address the most compelling reasons that could be used to challenge your position. Why? Because it shows you’ve thought it through. You’re not blindly agreeing or disagreeing—you’re evaluating. The GRE analytical writing section rewards test-takers who can predict counterpoints and dismantle them logically. That’s how you separate yourself from 90% of the herd.

3. Use Real-World Examples That Actually Matter

Generic examples? Trash. “Technology is advancing every day” or “social media has pros and cons” will put your essay to sleep. Instead, use AWA GRE examples that could be used to make a point—real historical events, studies, or policies. Think of an issue essay as a courtroom. Evidence wins. Fiction fails. If you can’t back it up, don’t write it down.

4. Master the Art of Structure (Like a Lawyer, Not a Poet)

Here’s the cold truth: your essay response is being skimmed, not studied. ETS graders don’t have time to decode your abstract poetry. You need a tight framework: intro, body, rebuttal, conclusion. Use paragraphs with distinct purposes. Think: make a point, back it up, counter a challenge, close it strong. Don’t write to impress—write to communicate. It’s not creative writing. It’s strategic argumentation.

5. Practice with Real GRE Test Essay Prompts – But Don’t Memorize

Practicing on real ETS issue topics is gold. Memorizing them? Useless. Why? Because GRE loves remixing. You might get a familiar prompt—but with a twist. So instead of rote learning, train your brain to analyze any statement and explain your reasoning quickly. Your job is to spot flaws, structure an argument, and respond with precision—no matter how the prompt is phrased. It’s not a memory game. It’s a thinking game.

Utilizing Resources for GRE AWA Preparation

Preparing for the GRE AWA section involves more than just knowing the tips and tricks.

Here’s how you can make the most of available resources:

Practice, Practice, Practice

One of the most effective ways to improve your AWA skills is through practice. ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, provides a pool of official AWA topics and sample essay responses on their website. Practice writing essays under timed conditions to simulate the test environment.

Review Sample Essays with Rater Commentary

ETS also offers sample essays with rater commentary, which can provide valuable insights into what makes a strong AWA essay. Pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of these essays to refine your writing.

GRE Prep Books and Online Resources

Consider using GRE preparation books and online resources that offer AWA practice tests and essay prompts. Many of these resources provide valuable strategies for approaching AWA tasks.

GRE Preparation Courses

If you’re seeking comprehensive preparation, consider enrolling in GRE preparation courses. These courses often include AWA-focused lessons and guidance from experienced instructors.

Word Processor Practice

Since you’ll be typing your essays on a computer using a word processor developed by ETS, it’s essential to practice using this tool. Familiarity with the word processor can save you valuable time on test day.

Conclusion

AWA isn’t just some warm-up round before the “real” GRE sections. It’s a skill test—one that checks how clearly you can think and how well you can argue under pressure. If you’re taking the GRE General Test, skipping the AWA is not an option. The way you handle the issue and argument essays says a lot about how ready you are for graduate-level work.

Whether you’re asked to state the extent to which you agree, or to disagree with the claim entirely, your reasoning for the position has to be airtight. No fluff. Just logic, structure, and purpose. And when a prompt pushes you to disagree with the statement, don’t just rant—debunk it with examples that actually land.

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