Developing Strong Arguments and Evidence for GRE Analytical Writing
The GRE Analytical Writing section assesses your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts clearly. A cornerstone of this is the ability to develop strong arguments supported by robust evidence. This module will guide you through the essential strategies for constructing compelling arguments that will impress GRE evaluators.
Understanding Argument Structure
A strong argument is built on a clear thesis, logical reasoning, and relevant evidence. For the GRE, this typically involves analyzing an issue or an argument presented in the prompt. You'll need to identify the core claims, assumptions, and potential flaws, and then construct your own reasoned response.
Identifying and Evaluating Evidence
The GRE prompts often present arguments that rely on specific types of evidence. Your task is to critically assess this evidence and, in your own essay, provide evidence that strengthens your points. This involves understanding what constitutes strong evidence and how to use it effectively.
| Type of Evidence | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Statistical Data | Quantifiable, objective, can demonstrate trends. | Can be misleading if cherry-picked, context-dependent, requires careful interpretation. |
| Anecdotal Evidence (Examples/Stories) | Relatable, can illustrate a point vividly, makes arguments engaging. | Not generalizable, can be biased, lacks statistical power. |
| Expert Testimony | Lends authority and credibility, based on specialized knowledge. | Experts can disagree, may have biases, requires careful selection of credible sources. |
| Logical Reasoning/Deduction | Builds a case step-by-step, demonstrates clear cause-and-effect. | Relies on accurate premises, can be abstract, may not resonate emotionally. |
Strategies for Constructing Your Argument
When crafting your GRE essays, focus on clarity, coherence, and logical progression. Each paragraph should contribute to your overall thesis, and your evidence should directly support your claims.
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This diagram illustrates a common paragraph structure. Start with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis. Follow with specific evidence, then explain how that evidence supports your topic sentence and, by extension, your main thesis. Conclude the paragraph with a sentence that summarizes its main point or transitions to the next.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid making broad generalizations without sufficient support. Ensure your evidence is directly relevant to your claim and that you clearly explain the connection.
Other common errors include relying on emotional appeals instead of logic, using vague language, and failing to address counterarguments or assumptions. A strong argument acknowledges complexity and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the issue.
Practice and Refinement
The key to mastering argument development is consistent practice. Work through official GRE prompts, outline your arguments, and then write full essays. Reviewing sample essays and understanding what makes them effective can also be highly beneficial. Pay attention to how successful writers use evidence to build their cases.
Claim, reasons, and evidence.
To ensure the connection is clear to the reader and to demonstrate logical reasoning.
Learning Resources
The official source for GRE Analytical Writing information, including essay topics, scoring guides, and sample essays. Essential for understanding the test's expectations.
A comprehensive blog post from Manhattan Prep offering strategies and tips for tackling the GRE Argument essay, focusing on identifying flaws and building a strong critique.
This companion blog post from Manhattan Prep focuses on the GRE Issue essay, providing guidance on developing your own position and supporting it with relevant evidence and reasoning.
Kaplan Test Prep offers practical strategies for approaching both the Issue and Argument essays, emphasizing planning, structure, and effective use of language.
Official sample essays from ETS, demonstrating high-scoring responses to Issue and Argument prompts. Crucial for understanding effective argumentation and evidence use.
A video tutorial that breaks down how to approach and analyze the GRE Argument essay prompt, focusing on identifying assumptions and logical fallacies.
This article from The Princeton Review highlights the importance of critical thinking in GRE Analytical Writing and provides tips for developing these essential skills.
A clear and concise guide to common logical fallacies. Understanding these is vital for both analyzing arguments in prompts and avoiding them in your own essays.
This guide focuses specifically on how to effectively incorporate evidence and examples into your GRE essays to strengthen your arguments.
A video tutorial dedicated to the critical skill of identifying unstated assumptions within GRE Argument essay prompts, a key to effective analysis.