GRE Writing Guidelines

Ohio
Wesleyan
University Writing Center

Writing Sample
Guidelines

Graduate Record Examination
(GRE®)
From the OWU Writing Center in the Sagan Academic Resource Center

The Writing Center
Location: Corns 316
Phone: x 3925 (740-368-3925)
Website: http://writing.owu.edu/
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ohio Wesleyan University Writing Center © 2010

Graduate Record Examination (GRE®)
Writing Sample Guidelines
Table of Contents
Page

Essay at a Glance

…………………………………………….. 1

Description of Essay Prompts

Organization

……………………………….. 1

…………………………………………….. 1

Style Guide/Writing Suggestions ……………………………... 3

Sample Essays

…………………………………………….. 4

Practice Prompts

…………………………………………….. 7

Sources

……………………………………………... 9

Ohio Wesleyan University Writing Center © 2010

Graduate Record Examination (GRE®)
Writing Sample Guidelines
Essays at a Glance
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE consists of two timed essays: ―Present Your
Perspective on an Issue‖ (45 minutes) and ―Analyze an Argument‖ (30 minutes). This section tests critical thinking and analytical writing skills, and assesses your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, analyze an argument, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion.
How important is the essay portion of the GRE?
Every school weighs this exam differently so it may be beneficial to you to find out from the schools you are applying to how strongly they consider the essay portion.
How are the GRE essays scored?
Paper-Based Test: Each response is scored holistically (as a whole based on overall quality, not on individual parts or skills) by two readers on a 6-point scale. If readers‘ scores differ by more than one point, the essay is scored by a third reader. Scores on the two responses are averaged for the final score. Computer-Based Test: Each essay is scored by at least one trained reader, using a six-point holistic scale. The essay score is then reviewed by e-rater®, a computerized program. If the e-rater(R)