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.