Here is a low-down on the most overlooked section of the GRE - the Analyticial Writing Assessment.

Navigating the GRE AWA Issue Task

The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a crucial component of the GRE General Test, specifically focusing on the "Analyze an Issue" task. This task plays a vital role in assessing a candidate's ability to think critically and communicate ideas effectively. As the GRE has evolved, the Issue task remains a key measure of a test-taker's analytical writing skills.

Importance of the Issue Task

The Issue task is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to articulate and support complex ideas, construct arguments, and sustain a coherent discussion. It requires test-takers to analyze a statement on a general topic and present a compelling argument for their position. This task is not about right or wrong answers but about how well you can reason, support your ideas with evidence, and communicate them clearly.

Why It Is Included in the GRE

The GRE is a standardized test used by many graduate schools to assess the readiness of applicants for advanced study. The AWA Issue task is included because it measures skills that are essential for success in graduate and professional schools. These skills include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively in writing. Unlike other sections of the GRE, the AWA does not test specific knowledge but rather the ability to engage with complex ideas and express them clearly.

What Universities Look for in the Issue Task

Universities use the GRE AWA scores to gauge a candidate's writing proficiency and critical thinking skills. Admissions committees look for essays that demonstrate:

• Clarity and Coherence: The ability to present ideas in a structured and logical manner.
• Critical Thinking: The capacity to evaluate different perspectives and develop a well-reasoned argument.
• Support and Evidence: The use of relevant examples and evidence to bolster claims.
• Writing Mechanics: Proper grammar, syntax, and vocabulary usage.

These elements are crucial as they reflect a student's potential to handle the rigorous writing and analytical tasks required in graduate programs.

AWA Raw and Percentile Scores

The GRE AWA is scored on a scale from 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Here is a table showing the raw scores and their corresponding percentiles:

Score	Percentile
6.0	99
5.5	98
5.0	91
4.5	80
4.0	54
3.5	37
3.0	13
2.5	5
2.0	1
1.5	0
1.0	0
0.5	0
0.0	0

These percentiles indicate how a test-taker's score compares to others. For instance, a score of 4.0 places you in the 54th percentile, meaning you performed better than 54% of test-takers.

Explanation of the Scoring

The scoring of the GRE AWA Issue task is holistic, meaning that essays are evaluated based on the overall quality rather than specific errors. Each essay is scored by two independent graders on a scale from 0 to 6. If the scores differ by more than one point, a third grader is brought in to resolve the discrepancy. The final score is the average of the two closest scores, rounded to the nearest half-point.

The scoring criteria focus on:

• Task Fulfillment: How well the essay addresses the specific task directions.
• Quality of Ideas: The depth and complexity of the ideas presented.
• Organization: The logical flow and structure of the essay.
• Language Use: The precision and variety of language used to convey ideas.

A high-scoring essay will present a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue, supported by relevant examples and clear reasoning. It will be well-organized and demonstrate a strong command of standard written English.

Conclusion

The GRE AWA Issue task is a critical component of the GRE, providing universities with insights into a candidate's analytical writing and critical thinking abilities. By understanding the importance of the task, what is expected by universities, and how the scoring works, test-takers can better prepare to tackle this challenge. A strong performance on the Issue task can significantly enhance a candidate's application, showcasing their readiness for the demands of graduate-level study.