GRE Test (Analytical Writing) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many distinct tasks are in the GRE Analytical Writing section?
- One (Correct answer)
- Two
- Three
- Four
Correct answer: One
The current GRE has a single 'Analyze an Issue' task.
Question 2: How many minutes are allotted for the Analyze an Issue task?
- 15 minutes
- 20 minutes
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45 minutes
Correct answer: 30 minutes
The Issue task allows 30 minutes.
Question 3: On what scale is the Analytical Writing measure scored?
- 0 to 5 in half-point increments
- 0 to 6 in half-point increments (Correct answer)
- 130 to 170
- 200 to 800
Correct answer: 0 to 6 in half-point increments
AWA is scored 0–6 in half-point increments.
Question 4: Each essay receives a score from a human rater and what second source?
- A second human rater only
- A computerized program (e-rater) (Correct answer)
- The test taker's self-assessment
- A peer reviewer
Correct answer: A computerized program (e-rater)
An e-rater engine scores alongside a human; discrepancies trigger a second human reader.
Question 5: What should a strong Issue essay primarily do?
- Summarize the prompt neutrally
- Take and defend a clear position with reasons and examples (Correct answer)
- List every possible viewpoint without committing
- Memorize quotations to insert
Correct answer: Take and defend a clear position with reasons and examples
The task rewards a developed, supported position.
Question 6: In the Issue task, addressing a counterargument typically does what to your score?
- Weakens it by showing doubt
- Strengthens it by showing critical depth (Correct answer)
- Has no effect at all
- Disqualifies the essay
Correct answer: Strengthens it by showing critical depth
Acknowledging and refuting opposing views demonstrates analytical complexity.
Question 7: Which of these most directly improves an AWA essay's organization score?
- Using rare vocabulary throughout
- Clear paragraphing with logical transitions (Correct answer)
- Writing one long unbroken paragraph
- Maximizing total word count
Correct answer: Clear paragraphing with logical transitions
Coherent structure and transitions show organized reasoning.
GRE Test (Analytical Writing) 2
How many distinct tasks are in the GRE Analytical Writing section?