How to Master the GRE Analytical Writing Section | AWA 2024 📚🕯

Summary

In this video, Sible shares her top strategies for excelling in the GRE Analytical Writing section, focusing on time management, essay structure, and study tips. She breaks down her approach, emphasizing the importance of brainstorming, creating a familiar essay template, and addressing both sides of an argument through a concession paragraph. Sible highlights key techniques like practicing under timed conditions, reviewing written work, and expanding knowledge through reading. She also introduces an AI-powered essay grader tool, Myou, to help test takers improve their scores. Sible wraps up by encouraging viewers to stay informed and confident while preparing for the GRE.

Takeaways

• 📚 Sible scored a 324 on the GRE, with a 4.5 on the analytical writing section and shares tips to excel in this area.
• ⏲️ Effective time management is crucial: 3 minutes for brainstorming, 25 minutes for writing, and 2 minutes for proofreading.
• 📝 Always start with brainstorming and outlining to structure the essay and choose a standpoint with the strongest arguments.
• 🏗️ A well-structured essay includes an introduction, two body paragraphs, a concession paragraph, and a conclusion.
• 📜 The introduction should have a hook, a bridge (providing context), and a clear, impactful thesis statement.
• 💪 Use strong, clear examples in body paragraphs, explaining how they support your thesis and placing the strongest point first.
• 🤝 The concession paragraph acknowledges opposing viewpoints but refutes them with stronger arguments in the rebuttal.
• 📝 The conclusion is optional but can summarize key points and restate the thesis if there’s enough time.
• ⏱️ Practice consistently under timed conditions to improve both time management and writing quality.
• 🧠 Expand knowledge by reading news, novels, and sample essays to improve vocabulary and find writing inspiration.

Q & A

What is the speaker's GRE score and writing section score?

The speaker scored 324 on the GRE and 4.5 on the analytical writing section.

What is the suggested time management strategy for the GRE analytical writing section?

The speaker suggests spending 3 minutes on brainstorming and outlining, 25 minutes on writing, and 2 minutes on reviewing and proofreading.

Why is brainstorming and outlining important in the GRE analytical writing section?

Brainstorming and outlining help define the foundation of the essay, ensuring that the argument is coherent and organized from the start.

How should the essay structure be organized according to the speaker?

The speaker recommends an essay structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs, one concession paragraph, and a conclusion.

What is a concession paragraph, and why is it important?

A concession paragraph acknowledges opposing viewpoints and then refutes them, showing that the writer can approach the issue from multiple perspectives.

What should the introduction of the GRE essay include?

The introduction should follow a 'hook, bridge, thesis' structure, starting with a hook to introduce the topic, a bridge to provide context, and a thesis that states the writer's position and supporting reasons.

What advice does the speaker give for handling examples in body paragraphs?

The speaker advises using examples from various sources, including history, current events, or personal experiences, and always following them with an explanation that connects them to the main argument.

How does the speaker suggest writing the conclusion if time is short?

If time is short, the speaker suggests cutting the conclusion or writing a simple one-sentence conclusion to save time.

What are the speaker’s three tips for preparing for the GRE writing section?

The speaker's tips are: 1) Practice consistently under timed conditions, 2) Always review and revise writing practice, and 3) Expand knowledge by reading more news, novels, and sample essays.

What tool does the speaker recommend for improving GRE writing skills, and why?

The speaker recommends using 'mou,' an AI-powered essay grader that provides accurate scores, insightful feedback, and edits to help improve writing performance by at least one point.

Outlines

00:00

💡 Introduction and Time Management Strategies

In this section, Sible introduces herself and shares her GRE Analytical Writing score. She outlines her approach to time management during the exam, emphasizing the importance of brainstorming and outlining before writing. Sible advises students to allocate time for different tasks, recommending 3 minutes for planning, 25 minutes for writing, and 2 minutes for proofreading. She highlights the significance of sticking to a clear structure and choosing a standpoint that the test-taker feels most confident about. Finally, she stresses not skipping the planning stage to ensure a coherent essay.

05:02

📝 Essay Structure and Introduction Formula

Sible explains her preferred essay structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs, a concession paragraph, and a conclusion. She elaborates on crafting an effective introduction using the 'hook-bridge-thesis' method. The hook introduces the topic, the bridge provides context, and the thesis presents the writer's stance and key reasons. She illustrates this using a GRE prompt about political leadership, giving a sample hook and thesis. Sible advises against making major edits during the final 2 minutes, emphasizing the importance of having a solid structure from the beginning.

10:02

🔍 Body Paragraphs and Concession Strategy

This section focuses on developing strong body paragraphs and addressing opposing viewpoints. Sible advises starting each body paragraph with a topic sentence and providing clear examples, whether from history, current events, or personal experience. She suggests placing the strongest argument in the first body paragraph. For the concession paragraph, she explains the need to introduce and acknowledge opposing viewpoints, provide examples supporting them, and then refute these viewpoints in a rebuttal, reinforcing the original stance.

⏳ The Importance of Practicing Under Timed Conditions

Sible emphasizes the importance of practicing GRE writing under timed conditions to develop strong time management skills. She reflects on her own experiences, admitting the temptation to write without a timer but stressing that the ability to write within the 30-minute limit is crucial for success. She also advises students to review and revise their essays after practice tests to continuously improve their writing skills.

🤖 AI Tools and Knowledge Expansion

Sible introduces an AI-powered tool called 'Mou' that can help students improve their GRE essays by providing real-time feedback and scoring predictions. She encourages students to use resources like Mou for practice and improvement. Additionally, she stresses the importance of expanding knowledge by reading news, novels, and sample essays. Staying informed about current events and human interest topics can serve as valuable material for the GRE writing section.

🏡 Conclusion and Farewell

In the final section, Sible concludes her video by offering encouragement to GRE test-takers, reminding them to relax and trust their preparation. She mentions that this is her last video filmed in her current apartment as she is moving to London. Sible wraps up by reminding viewers to check the description box for resources, including links to her other GRE videos and the free Mou GRE practice test.

Keywords

💡Time Management

Time management refers to the strategic allocation of time to ensure efficient completion of tasks. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of distributing time during the GRE's analytical writing section: 3 minutes for brainstorming, 25 minutes for writing, and 2 minutes for reviewing. This careful time allocation is crucial to success in a timed exam.

💡Brainstorming

Brainstorming involves generating and organizing ideas before writing. The speaker advises spending the first 3 minutes of the GRE analytical writing section on brainstorming, as it helps set the foundation of the essay, ensuring clarity in argumentation and examples. Without it, writers might struggle to form coherent essays within the limited time.

💡Essay Structure

Essay structure refers to the way an essay is organized. The speaker introduces a structured approach to the GRE essay: an introduction, two supporting body paragraphs, one concession paragraph, and a conclusion. This formula helps test-takers organize their ideas logically and ensure all key elements of the prompt are addressed.

💡Supporting Body Paragraphs

Supporting body paragraphs are the sections of an essay where the writer expands on their main argument. In the video, the speaker recommends writing two body paragraphs, each starting with a topic sentence followed by strong examples and explanations. These paragraphs help reinforce the thesis and make the argument more persuasive.

💡Concession Paragraph

A concession paragraph acknowledges opposing viewpoints before refuting them. The speaker highlights the importance of including this in a GRE essay to show nuanced understanding of the prompt. By presenting and countering opposing views, test-takers demonstrate critical thinking, a key skill evaluated in the analytical writing section.

💡Rebuttal

A rebuttal is a response that refutes or counters an opposing argument. In the GRE essay structure, the rebuttal comes after acknowledging the opposing viewpoint in the concession paragraph. The speaker explains that the rebuttal allows the writer to reaffirm their original standpoint and provide stronger justification for their position.

💡Thesis

A thesis is the central argument or standpoint of an essay. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a strong, clear thesis in the GRE analytical writing section, as it informs the reader of the writer's position and main supporting reasons. A well-constructed thesis sets the tone for the entire essay and helps maintain focus throughout.

💡Review and Proofread

Reviewing and proofreading involve checking written work for errors. The speaker advises allocating 2 minutes at the end of the GRE writing task for minor corrections, such as fixing spelling or grammar mistakes. This step is crucial for ensuring clarity and professionalism but should not be used for major revisions due to time constraints.

💡Examples

Examples are real-life or hypothetical situations used to support arguments in an essay. The speaker encourages drawing examples from history, personal experience, or current events to make the essay more convincing. In the GRE, strong examples help demonstrate the validity of the writer’s viewpoint and strengthen their argument.

💡Practice Under Timed Conditions

Practicing under timed conditions means simulating real exam scenarios to improve time management and performance. The speaker stresses the importance of always practicing the GRE writing section with a 30-minute time limit, as it trains test-takers to think and write efficiently under pressure, a key factor in excelling at the exam.

Highlights

Sible scored a 324 on the GRE and a 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section on her first try.

Time management is crucial: Spend 3 minutes on brainstorming, 25 minutes on writing, and 2 minutes on proofreading.

Brainstorming and outlining your essay before writing is essential for creating a coherent structure.

Choose the standpoint that you have the most to write about, as there is no single correct answer for GRE prompts.

Familiarize yourself with a clear essay structure: Introduction, two body paragraphs, concession paragraph, and conclusion.

In the introduction, use a hook, bridge, and thesis to set up the essay and grab the reader’s attention.

Body paragraphs should include a topic sentence, a strong example, and an explanation connecting the example to your thesis.

Place your strongest argument in the first body paragraph to establish credibility early in the essay.

The concession paragraph should acknowledge the opposing viewpoint with an example, then refute it in the rebuttal.

If pressed for time, prioritize the body paragraphs over the conclusion, which can be kept short or omitted.

Consistently practice writing essays under the GRE's 30-minute time limit to improve time management skills.

Review and revise your writing practice to identify areas for improvement rather than discarding completed practice essays.

Mou’s AI-powered essay grader offers feedback and accurate scoring to improve writing performance for the GRE.

Expanding your knowledge by reading news, novels, or sample essays can enhance vocabulary and provide material for the GRE writing section.

Stay observant and informed about current events, as GRE prompts often revolve around human values and beliefs.

Transcripts

hi my name is sible and a few months

back I scored a 324 on my first try of

the gr exam and I got a 4.5 on the

analytical writing section so today I'm

going to be sharing with you guys my

best tips to acing the analytical

writing section so that hopefully you

guys can achieve your dream scores as

well we're going to be diving in to my

time management strategies my essay

structure as well as some best practices

when you're studying for the GRE exam so

let's get into it so the first thing

we're going to talk about is time

management because I think we can both

agree that beating the 30 minute time

limit is one of the greatest challenges

of the analytical writing section so how

I like to distribute my time is I'll

spend 3 minutes on just brainstorming

and outlining roughly 25 minutes on the

actual writing and I'll leave 2 minutes

to just review and proofread so here I

want to highlight two things the first

is never skip out on brainstorming and

outlining because it really does Define

the foundation of your essay after you

finish reading the question take a

moment to just organize your thoughts

think about the standpoint you want to

take why you're taking this standpoint

as well as your supporting examples I

also encourage you guys guys to pick

your standpoint According to which side

you think you have more to write about

remember that these gr promps are super

complicated and super intricate there is

no one correct answer that they're

looking for so make sure that you are

writing the narrative you are the most

confident in it's also super important

to have an essay structure that you're

highly familiar with so that you can

easily just plug in your ideas and have

a very organized and compelling essay so

how I like to structure my essays is I

will start off with an introduction then

I'll follow up with two supporting body

paragraphs one concession paragraph and

one conclusion so I'm going to be

elaborating a bit more on this template

later in the video something else I want

to highlight is the 2 to 3 minutes you

allocate to reviewing and proofreading

your work should be reserved for minor

changes only

so this includes spelling mistakes or

maybe some grammar errors but definitely

don't use this time to make any huge

alterations to your essays because there

simply isn't enough time this connects

back to my first point which is always

leave yourself sufficient time to really

brainstorm and outline your essay really

think about your standpoint and really

think about your reasons and your

supporting evidence that way you have a

coherent essay from the start that you

won't regret later on moving along we

have my essay structure so starting off

with the introduction I always like to

follow the Simple and Clean hook Bridge

thesis let me elaborate the first

component of an introduction is the hook

which basically introduces the reader to

the topic of for discussion let's take a

prompt for example the perceived

greatness of any political leader has

more to do with the challenges faced by

that leader than with any of his or her

inherent skills and abilities so an

effective hook for this question could

be history often remembers political

leaders not just for their Charisma or

intelligence but also how they navigated

the turbulent Waters of their times

consider Winston churel during World War

II or JN of Kennedy during the Cuban

Missile Crisis so here I'm really just

restating the question and opening up

the entire essay next up we have the

bridge which is where you provide the

reader with more context about the topic

personally I like to do this by lightly

touching on the opposing argument so it

could sound a little something like this

while some argue that inherent skills

such as strategic thinking communication

and innate leadership qualities are the

key determinants of a Leader's

Excellence these skills are often

prerequisites for any individual ual to

become a political figure moving on we

have the thesis which is where you

inform the reader your standpoint on the

topic and your main supporting reasons

this is by far the most important

element of your entire essay so you want

to make sure it's strong clear and

impactful a good thesis that could go

with our prompt could be something like

therefore I firmly believe that the

perceived greatness of any political

leader is largely shaped by the unique

challenges they face difficulties

present golden opportunities to

highlight leadership qualities and

Achieve transformative impacts which

ultimately Define their legacy and

Elevate their place in history after you

wrap up your introduction move on to

your two body paragraphs now this is

where you really elaborate on why you

selected your position and why it's

valid always start off your body par

paragraphs with a topic sentence which

is where you introduce your reason for

taking your standpoint following that

you want to give a very strong example

so this is where you provide evidence

that supports your reason I know that

some test takers get quite stumped here

because they have a hard time thinking

of a good example that really backs up

their claim but the sky is truly the

limit here draw ideas from in incidents

you see on the news or maybe fragments

of history or even your own real life

incidents and situations that are

relevant to the topic at hand after you

put down your example immediately follow

through with an explanation so this is

where you explain how your example

connects back to your reason and your

thesis a pro tip for when you're

crafting your body paragraphs is to

always put your strongest Point your

strongest free in the first body

paragraph this really helps you capture

the reader's attention and establish

credibility going forward once you

finish your two body paragraphs move on

to your concession paragraph now it

sounds like a very fancy word but in

simple terms it's just the paragraph

where you address the opposing

viewpoints like I mentioned earlier the

gr loves to give these very

multi-layered and complex issues for

test takers to write about so they want

to see that you are able to see the

problem and approach it from another

Viewpoint so that is what this

concession paragraph is for the

structure of your concession paragraph

will be super similar to your body

paragraph So same thing we start off

with a topic sentence so this is where

you introduce a reason why the opposing

Viewpoint is also valid and again again

you're going to give an example that

really supports the opposing party and

then an explanation to show how this

example or this piece of information

really backs up the opposing sides claim

after that's done we go into the

rebuttal which is the most unique

section to a concession paragraph So a

rebuttal is where you acknowledge then

refute the opposing Viewpoint so what

we're looking for in a rebuttal is

something like while ABC the opposing

standpoint is valid to a certain extent

I still firmly believe that XYZ your

original Viewpoint stands firm and then

you go on to explain why that is so you

want to make sure you're acknowledging

the opposing party's viewpoint but then

refute it and show how that your

original standpoint is still the

stronger one so after you're done with

that all that is left is the conclusion

so while a conclusion can really

complete and tie together your entire

essay it's definitely not as necessary

or vital as the other components in your

writing so if you're someone who

struggles to finish your essay in the

allotted time frame the first thing you

want to cut from your essay if it's

necessary is the conclusion or you can

just you know have a one- sentence

conclusion and call it a day it's defin

definitely not as crucial as the other

elements of your essay but of course I'm

still going to be sharing my conclusion

structure with you guys so that if you

do have time you can really wrap up your

essay nicely first you want to restate

your thesis very clearly then you want

to summarize the main points in your two

body paragraphs and lastly you want to

finish it up with a closing statement so

this is where you can mention the

complexity of the issue given by gr or

maybe quickly acknowledge the opposing

side but then wrap it up by informing

the reader your Viewpoint for one last

time now for the last section of today's

video I'm going to be sharing with you

guys my three best tips for when you're

studying for the GRE writing section my

first tip here is always practice

consistently under timed conditions when

I was studying for the gr sometimes I'd

wake up in the morning and think to

myself you know what today I'm I'm going

to do the writing section without the

timer it's annoying and I could write

such a compelling and coherent essay

without all that pressure but the truth

is when it comes to the GRE exam your

time management skills are just as

important as your writing skills so make

sure you're always practicing with that

30 minute time limit for the best

results and over time it will get easier

and easier easier and it will be worth

it in the end my next tip is to always

review and revise when you finish your

Writing Practice Test don't just close

the tab don't delete your work always

make sure you're going back reading your

work and reviewing it so that you can

improve your response next time or else

all of these practice tests that you do

will just be going to waste but I do

understand how frustrating it is when

you're staring at your computer computer

screen and you want to improve your

writing responses but you don't know

where to start which is why I've

partnered up with myou to share with you

guys a fantastic tool that can help you

guys level up your writing game mou is

also providing you guys with a free

fulllength practice test so listen up

moua's AI powered essay grader can

accurately score your essays while

providing insightful feedback and edits

that can improve your test score by at

at least one whole point it's been

rigorously tested with ETS samples so

that you know it's accurate so go on to

your mou account press practice then

select custom practice and press start

the session to begin writing after you

submit your practice test select view

score report and mou will instantly

generate your writing score so try this

out now with the free mou gr practice

test which I've Linked In My description

box on top of the the AI writing tool

you'll also get score predictions and a

subject by subject performance breakdown

so make sure you're taking advantage of

this free resource some of you guys may

already know that I personally used mou

when I was studying for my GRE exam so I

definitely stand by they're fantastic

tools and a big thank you to mou for

working with me on today's video so my

last tip for you guys today is to

constantly expand your knowledge this

means to read more to read more news to

read more novels to really expand on

that vocabulary or read more sample

essays to understand how other people

are structuring their essays and learn

from that this also means to be

observant and to stay informed so pay

attention to what's happening on social

media on the news or in your day-to-day

life because all of this could become

your writing material ETS tends to

select writing topics that are very

complex but in the end of the day very

human so they revolve around your values

your beliefs and other General topics of

Interest so being present can also be

super helpful to finding that writing

inspiration so that concludes today's

video and like always I hope you guys

found it helpful if you're looking for

any other resources please check my

description box because I will put my

resources down there for you guys and

I'll also link my other GRE videos up in

the cards in the description box so you

guys can check it out after this so

before I end this video I just wanted to

say that this is the very last video

I'll be filming in this corner in this

apartment because I'm going to be moving

to lynon very very soon so take a good

look around I want to wish you guys the

best of luck on your exam just relax

trust yourself you can do this and I

hope you guys achieve your dream score

with that said I'll see you guys in the

next one

[Music]