How to Write a Great GRE Argument Essay Structure?

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Argument essay helps in analyzing the candidate's critical thinking and effective communication skills, the academic version of putting down thoughts and presenting the arguments with proper explanation and evidence allows the candidate to express their ideas persuasively. GRE argument essay can be scored high only if the candidate has practiced the writing technique strategically. Hence, the candidate needs to understand the format, evaluating points, and vocabulary required to excel in the GRE argument essay.

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This Story also Contains

1. 6 strategies on how to write a great GRE argument essay structure?
2. 6 facts for GRE argument essay success
3. GRE exam practice books

6 strategies on how to write a great GRE argument essay structure?

Once the candidate has grasped the way of articulating the GRE argument essay, this would help in creating an everlasting impression and getting exceptional privilege from the admission committees.

1. Understanding the Prompt

The initial phase of preparing for the GRE argument essay is to read the essay question statement carefully and understand the prompt. You should be in a position to break the statement into chunks and identify the keywords and the basic motive of the GRE argument essay so that you have a deeper understanding. Let us take an example to understand an essay in a better way:

Example Question:

"The following appeared in a memo from the marketing director of a new line of kitchen utensils: 'Our extensive market research indicates that there is a growing demand for kitchen utensils that are both durable and eco-friendly. To capitalize on this trend, we propose launching a new line of utensils made from recycled materials. Our research shows that consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and our eco-friendly utensils will appeal to this environmentally conscious demographic.'"

Now let's understand the question:

• Understand the central argument and that is there is a growing demand for durable and eco friendly utensils so the company proposes launching a new utensil from recycled materials to make more capital.

• Think of the assumption that comes to your mind for the understanding, here it is that people consider purchasing eco-friendly products.

• Consider the irrelevant side of the assumption, here it would be that the topic is only considering the fact of being eco-friendly and the choice of certain groups of people without proper analyses of the cost of these products and the quality that it would have.

• At this stage, you should not confuse yourself, instead make a note of a clear picture of the point that has to be addressed along with its explanation for both the stronger point and the weakness of the reasons you state.

• Think of alternative points as what could be the ideal consideration of the consumers, would they compromise with the quality for just preferring eco-friendly products?

• Finally, while becoming clear, analyze if all points were considered for the product preferences like market research, particular consumers, and more.

2. Developing a Strategy

Now that we have understood the main points of GRE argument essay, let's create a roadmap to manage time effectively and score high.

A high-scoring academic essay or GRE argument essay should ideally have 5 total paragraphs including the introduction and the conclusion.

The introduction or the first paragraph of the GRE argument essay should have a paraphrasing statement and a thesis statement, then proceed to the body paragraphs.

Let's divide 30 minutes for this task into breaks like

• 5 minutes to understand and paraphrase

• 5 minutes for each body paragraph, in total there should be 3 body paras

• 5 minutes for conclusion

• Last 5 minutes for proofreading.

3. Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement in the GRE argument essay plays a crucial role as it showcases the focused analytical ability and the level of persuasion a candidate has, following are some of the strategies to craft an effective GRE argument essay thesis statement:

• As you have understood the argument prompt, you have to be very specific about the point and concisely write the thesis.

• Remember that the thesis should highlight your understanding and relevance of your point.

The example given below will give you an idea of the introduction a candidate is expected to write for the example question mentioned above.

“Although the marketing director's memo suggests a growing demand for eco-friendly kitchen utensils made from recycled materials, a closer examination reveals several assumptions that undermine the argument's validity. This essay will evaluate the reliability of the market research cited, assess the effectiveness of the proposed eco-friendly solution, and explore alternative strategies to meet consumer demand for durable and environmentally conscious kitchen utensils."

4. Structuring the Essay- The body paragraphs and The conclusion

As discussed above, we recommend that there should be three body paragraphs, so always remember the key to these body paragraphs is that each paragraph should have only one main point and that should be explained properly along with the evidence to prove your point. Always be mindful that you will not be scoring high if you give a list of points without explaining them. So as you prepare your body paragraphs, you might get a list of thoughts in your mind, but focusing on the point which you can elaborate and prove, should be considered.

For the example that we have taken above, divide the body paragraphs in the following way:

• In the first paragraph, evaluate the assumption and discuss a detailed explanation of validity along with an example. Remember that the example should specifically match the assumption and explanation of the argument.

• In the second paragraph, you should assess the evidence and to do this, you should discuss both strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, also you may add a counter-example with proper details.

• In the third paragraph, you should present the alternative perspective, discuss the same in detail, and mention the issues and their possible solutions.

Finally, for the concluding paragraph, you should reiterate the information given in the thesis statement, restate the body paragraphs, and give a strong recommendation for your argument.

5. Style and Tone

The GRE argument essay has to strictly be written in an academic context to score high.

We recommend the following tips to maintain accurate style of writing.

• Avoid sentence fragments

• Ensure subject-verb agreement is done accurately

• Use punctuations correctly

• Must use transitional words to connect the paragraphs

• Must use a variety of sentence ranges (complex and compound sentences)

• Do not give self-references

• Avoid extra sentences and inferences

• Organise, develop, and express your ideas.

6. Revision and Editing

Prepare well before you appear for the exam so that you can manage time and proofread the entire essay. You should skim it and be in a position to correct any spelling errors, grammar errors, or any redundant word that is used.

Finally, practice writing the GRE argument essay in a timed way so that you are habitual of writing before the exam. Also, enhance your academic contextual vocabulary so that you do not juggle for words and get them readily in your mind.

Remember Practice makes a man perfect!

6 facts for GRE argument essay success

Now let us understand a few facts that all the candidates must keep in their minds to ensure GRE argument essay success.

Fact 1: Emphasise critically analysing the author’s claim

In the GRE examination, ETS or the conducting body is not inclined to check whether the candidate agrees with the author’s opinion. The main marking criteria lie in the candidate’s ability to critically analyse the author’s claim and draw a conclusion based on it. The candidates are not asked to support a moral claim but instead use the information given and reach a logical conclusion.

Fact 2: Understand the time constraints

Time management is necessary during the GRE exam. For example. The time given for speaking in the GRE examination is 30 minutes and hence the candidates must structure their responses accordingly.

Fact 3: Be concise with structures

Evaluators are observed to spend very little time evaluating an essay. Hence, the candidates must structure their essays in a very pleasing manner. The structure beginning with an eye-catching introduction must be followed with a body of information and summarized with an apt conclusion. Not following the structure may result in a reduction of scores.

Fact 4: Prioritize quality over quantity

In the GRE exam, writing a lot does not guarantee high scores but the quality of writing does. The candidate’s argument essay needs to have four paragraphs that are indented. It should be between 350 and 600 words long, ideally around 500 to 600 words. Quality matters most, so you must have a strong logical argument and use excellent examples.

Fact 5: Understand the prompt

The prompt provides all the necessary information on what the candidate must do. They must carefully read the prompt understand what is being asked and respond to it. Ignoring the prompts may bring ahead a lot of consequences.

Fact 6: Practice clear writing

The candidates are advised to keep their essays as direct as possible while drafting their GRE argument essay. They must use varied sentence structures as well as good vocabulary to back their essay. Give priority to precise writing rather than over-decorating essays.

GRE exam practice books

The practice questions offered by the GRE practice eBooks are of immense help to the candidates. By working through practice questions and full-length tests, you can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. This awareness enables you to allocate study time more efficiently, focusing more on areas where improvement is needed.