The GRE Argument Essay is an essential component of the GRE exam, measuring your ability to evaluate and analyze arguments presented in each passage. It is a 30-minute task that requires you to critique the author’s argument by identifying and assessing its logical flaws and supporting evidence. The essay is graded on a scale of 0 to 6, and it can significantly impact your overall score.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a well-structured essay that addresses all aspects of the prompt in a clear and concise manner.
The introduction of your GRE Argument Essay should clearly state the author’s argument and your position on it. You should summarize the author’s main claim and the evidence they use to support it, providing context for the rest of your essay.
How to Structure the GRE Argument Essay
The introduction of your GRE Argument Essay should be clear and concise, providing the reader with an understanding of the author’s argument and your position on it. Your introduction should include a summary of the author’s main claim and the evidence they use to support it.
You should also provide context for the rest of your essay and state your thesis, which should clearly convey your position on the argument.
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Background Information
To help the reader understand the context of the argument, you should provide background information in this section. This could include historical, cultural, or social factors that contribute to the argument’s significance. You should avoid adding unnecessary details and focus on providing relevant information that will help the reader understand the argument better.
Counterarguments
One important aspect of the GRE Argument Essay is acknowledging and addressing potential counterarguments. In this section, you should identify and consider opposing viewpoints to the author’s argument.
By doing so, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and evaluate arguments from multiple perspectives. You should address counterarguments in a clear and concise manner, explaining why they do not undermine your position.
Rebuttal of Counterarguments
Another important aspect of the GRE Argument Essay is addressing counterarguments. When analyzing an argument, it is crucial to consider potential weaknesses or objections to the author’s position. You should include a section in your essay that acknowledges and addresses counterarguments.
By doing this, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and consider multiple perspectives. Addressing counterarguments also strengthens your argument and shows that you have considered all aspects of the issue.
Make sure to anticipate potential counterarguments, analyze their weaknesses, and provide evidence to support your rebuttal. By addressing counterarguments effectively, you can demonstrate your ability to craft a convincing argument and effectively communicate your ideas.
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Analysis of Evidence
The analysis of evidence is the most critical part of your GRE Argument Essay. In this section, you should evaluate the author’s evidence and logic, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their argument.
You should use specific examples from the passage to support your analysis and provide a thorough explanation of how the evidence relates to the author’s argument. Your analysis should be well-structured, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument and building on the previous one.
GRE Argument Essay should summarize your analysis and restate your position on the argument. You should provide final thoughts and implications of your analysis, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Your conclusion should be clear and concise, reinforcing your thesis and providing closure to your essay.
Practice and Preparation
To prepare for the GRE Argument Essay, practice writing essays using the recommended structure and tips. You can find sample prompts and passages online or in GRE preparation books. Practice analyzing arguments and providing evidence to support your analysis. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the structure and format of the GRE Argument Essay.
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Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It should be clear and concise, and it should summarize your position on the author’s argument. Your thesis statement should appear in the last sentence of your introduction.
Body Paragraphs
The body of your GRE Argument Essay should consist of several paragraphs that provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis statement.
You should provide specific examples from the given passage to support your analysis, and you should explain how each example supports or weakens the author’s argument
Timing and Time Management
Time management is crucial for writing a successful GRE Argument Essay. You have only 30 minutes to read and analyze the prompt, plan and structure your essay, and write it. It is important to use your time efficiently and to plan your essay before you start writing. Spend the first five minutes reading and understanding the prompt, and then create an outline or structure for your essay.
Use the next 20 minutes to write your essay, making sure to focus on the structure, evidence, and analysis. Finally, spend the last five minutes reviewing and editing your essay for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or structural issues.
By practicing time management, you can improve your ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay within the given time limit.
Using Strong Evidence
Using strong evidence is essential for writing a successful GRE Argument Essay. Evidence includes specific examples from the passage, facts, statistics, and expert opinions. When you use evidence, you should explain how it supports your analysis and the author’s argument.
It is important to use multiple pieces of evidence to strengthen your argument and to provide a clear connection between the evidence and your thesis statement. Avoid using irrelevant or weak evidence that does not directly relate to the argument or thesis statement. By using strong evidence, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and evaluate arguments from multiple perspectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GRE Argument Essay is an important part of the exam, and mastering its structure can help you earn a high score. By understanding the prompt, creating a strong thesis statement, using strong evidence, addressing counterarguments, and managing your time effectively, you can write a well-structured and persuasive essay. Practice is key to improving your writing skills, and using these strategies can help you succeed on the GRE Argument Essay.
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FAQs – How to Structure the GRE Argument Essay
How long should I spend planning my GRE Argument Essay?
It is recommended that you spend around five minutes planning your essay and creating an outline or structure to guide your writing.
Can I include my personal opinions in the GRE Argument Essay?
No, the GRE Argument Essay is designed to test your ability to analyze and evaluate an argument, not to express your personal opinions or beliefs.
Can I use outside sources in the GRE Argument Essay?
No, you are only allowed to use the passage provided in the prompt as the basis for your argument. Using outside sources is not allowed.
How should I address counterarguments in the GRE Argument Essay?
You should acknowledge and address potential counterarguments in your essay by analyzing their weaknesses and providing evidence to support your rebuttal. This strengthens your argument and demonstrates your ability to consider multiple perspectives.