15 Expert Tips To Improve GRE AWA Section

Did you know that over 50% of GRE test takers report that the Analytical Writing section is the most challenging part of the GRE General Test? With only 30 minutes to complete each essay, it’s no wonder many struggle to produce a well-structured GRE essay that meets the high standards required to achieve a top GRE score.

The reality is that most students find it difficult to develop their analytical writing skills quickly enough to excel in the GRE AWA section. Common issues include misunderstanding the “Analyze an Argument” task, failing to organize thoughts clearly, and facing time constraints during the practice test. But don’t worry—by applying proven strategies, you can significantly improve your performance on the GRE AWA and improve your overall GRE score. Here, in this quick guide, I will share 15 expert GRE AWA tips to help you conquer the AWA section and confidently take the GRE.

What Is GRE AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment)?

So, the GRE AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) is the first section on the GRE, designed to evaluate your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It includes two essay tasks: the Issue Essay, where you take a position on an issue and support it with reasons and examples, and the Argument Essay, where you evaluate an argument, identify its unstated assumptions, and explain how the argument depends on them.

Success in the AWA section requires clear, structured responses. By focusing on GRE analytical writing tips and practicing with various argument and issue essays, you can strengthen your arguments and improve your essay score. This section isn’t just about using GRE vocabulary—it’s about demonstrating your ability to construct and defend logical arguments under time pressure. With proper preparation, you can excel in the writing section of the GRE and boost your overall GRE exam score with books.

15 Expert GRE AWA Tips To Improve The Score

One common problem that test takers face is the difficulty in organizing their thoughts quickly, which can lead to poorly structured essays that fail to clearly articulate their arguments. But with the right strategies, you can improve your performance in the AWA section and achieve a higher essay score. Here are 15 expert tips to help you ace the writing section of the GRE.

1. Understand the AWA Structure

Before you even start writing, it’s crucial to understand the structure of the GRE AWA section. The AWA consists of two tasks: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. In the Issue Essay, you are asked to take a position on a given topic and support it with reasons and examples. The Argument Essay, on the other hand, requires you to analyze an argument, identify its weaknesses, and explain how these flaws affect the overall soundness of the argument.

Important Tip: Familiarize yourself with the directions for both essays before test day. This will save you time and help you focus directly on crafting your response during the exam.

2. Practice With Real GRE Essay Topics

One of the best ways to prepare for the AWA section is by practicing with actual GRE essay prompts. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the types of issues and arguments you’ll face on the test.

Important Tip: Use the official GRE website or study guides to find sample essay topics. Practice writing essays under timed conditions to simulate the actual GRE experience.

3. Develop a Clear Thesis

A strong essay starts with a clear thesis statement. In the Issue Essay, your thesis should clearly state your position on the issue. In the Argument Essay, your thesis should outline the flaws in the argument and indicate how you will address them.

Important Tip: Spend a few minutes brainstorming your thesis before you start writing. A well-thought-out thesis will guide the rest of your essay and keep your argument focused.

4. Use a Simple Structure

Stick to a simple, effective structure for your essays: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should present your thesis, the body paragraphs should develop your argument with reasons and examples, and the conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

Important Tip: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point. This will make your essay easier to follow and ensure that your argument is clear and logical.

5. Focus on Clarity

Clarity is key in the GRE AWA section. Avoid using overly complex sentences or vocabulary that might confuse the reader. Your goal is to communicate your ideas as clearly and effectively as possible.

Important Tip: After writing each paragraph, take a moment to reread it. Ask yourself if your point is clear and if the reader would understand your argument without needing further explanation.

6. Incorporate Strong Examples

Examples are essential for supporting your arguments in both the Issue and Argument essays. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and strengthen your argument.

Important Tip: Your examples don’t have to be real-life events; hypothetical scenarios can also be effective if they clearly support your argument. Just make sure they are relevant and logical.

7. Identify Unstated Assumptions

In the Argument Essay, identifying the unstated assumptions of the argument is crucial. These are the underlying beliefs that the argument relies on but does not explicitly state. By pointing out these assumptions, you can effectively critique the argument’s logic.

Important Tip: Practice identifying assumptions in everyday arguments or articles you read. This will sharpen your analytical skills and help you quickly spot weaknesses in arguments on test day.

8. Practice Time Management

The GRE AWA section is strictly timed, with 30 minutes allotted for each essay. Good time management is essential to ensure you have enough time to plan, write, and revise your essay.

Important Tip: Divide your time as follows: 5 minutes for planning, 20 minutes for writing, and 5 minutes for revising. This will help you stay on track and produce a well-organized essay.

9. Analyze Sample Essays

Reviewing high-scoring GRE AWA essays can provide valuable insights into what makes an effective essay. Pay attention to how these essays are structured, the clarity of their arguments, and the types of examples used.

Important Tip: Try to grade your essay based on the scoring criteria used by GRE evaluators. This will help you understand what areas you need to improve.

10. Use GRE Vocabulary Wisely

While a strong vocabulary can enhance your essay, it’s more important to use words accurately. Don’t use complex words just to impress the reader; use them only if they fit naturally into your essay.

Important Tip: Focus on using precise language rather than trying to incorporate as many “GRE words” as possible. Clarity and accuracy are more important than showing off your vocabulary.

11. Write Multiple Drafts

Practice writing multiple drafts of your essays during your preparation. This will help you refine your ideas, improve your argument, and identify any weaknesses in your writing.

Important Tip: After completing a draft, take a break before revising it. This will give you a fresh perspective and help you spot errors or areas for improvement that you might have missed initially.

12. Get Feedback

Getting feedback on your practice essays is essential for improvement. Whether it’s from a teacher, tutor, or online grading service, constructive feedback will help you identify areas where you can improve.

Important Tip: Don’t just focus on the score you receive. Pay close attention to the specific comments and suggestions provided, and use them to guide your revisions.

13. Focus on the Argument Task

For the Argument Essay, it’s important to go beyond just summarizing the argument. You need to critically evaluate the argument by identifying its logical flaws and providing alternatives or suggestions for improvement.

Important Tip: Practice explaining how the argument depends on its assumptions. This is a key part of the Argument Essay and can significantly boost your score if done well.

14. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Common pitfalls in the GRE AWA include failing to directly address the prompt, providing weak or irrelevant examples, and running out of time. Be aware of these potential issues and take steps to avoid them.

Important Tip: Always take a few minutes to carefully read the prompt and plan your essay before you start writing. This will help you stay focused and avoid going off-topic.

15. Stay Calm on Test Day

Finally, staying calm during the actual GRE test is crucial. Nervousness can lead to mistakes, so it’s important to stay relaxed and confident.

Important Tip: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing before the test. This can help reduce anxiety and improve your focus, allowing you to perform at your best.

Conclusion

So, a good score in GRE AWA is all about clear, structured thinking and effectively communicating your ideas under time constraints. Many test takers stumble because they either overcomplicate their essays or fail to create a GRE study plan properly. The tips shared here are not just strategies—they’re practical tools that, when applied consistently, will make a real difference in your performance.

The truth is, there’s no shortcut to improving your AWA score. It’s about practice, understanding the task, and being brutally honest with yourself about where you need to improve. Focus on clarity, structure, and critical analysis, and you’ll find yourself not just surviving the AWA section, but excelling in it. Remember, every point counts, and with the right approach, you can boost your overall GRE score and strengthen your graduate school applications.

Master the GRE: Ambitio’s Bootcamp Will Elevate Your Scores! Dive deep into the GRE’s core sections with our comprehensive training and strategies, ensuring you excel across the board.

FAQs