Mastering GRE Analytical Writing: How to Tackle the "Analyze an Issue" Task

The GRE Analytical Writing section is your opportunity to showcase critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It consists of a single task: the "Analyze an Issue" essay. This task assesses your ability to express ideas clearly, support them with logical evidence, and evaluate complex topics. The goal isn’t to test your content knowledge but rather how well you can reason and write effectively about challenging ideas.

In this post, our GRE guru Elena Demaria goes over the "Analyze an Issue" task. You’ll learn how to break down an issue, address different perspectives, and craft a persuasive response.

What Does the "Analyze an Issue" Task Test? The "Analyze an Issue" task presents a statement or claim and asks you to take a position. Your goal is to provide logical reasons and examples to support your stance. This task evaluates your ability to:

• Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Support your point of view with sound reasoning and evidence.
• Address opposing viewpoints or potential weaknesses in your argument.

Example: Analyze an Issue Task Claim: “Remote work should be encouraged by companies because it increases productivity and employee satisfaction.”

Let’s walk through the steps needed to tackle this task.

Step-by-Step Analysis:

• Identify the Complexity of the Issue: The statement claims that remote work increases productivity and employee satisfaction. Is this true for all industries and job roles? Your goal is to analyze the underlying assumptions and consider potential counterarguments.
• Break Down the Components:

Consider the Counterpoints: Not all jobs benefit from remote work. Roles that require hands-on work or constant in-person collaboration might face challenges. Additionally, some companies may struggle with managing remote teams or maintaining company culture.

Use Evidence and Examples: For example, a Stanford University study found a 13% increase in productivity among remote workers. Additionally, 83% of employees surveyed by Owl Labs reported being happier when working from home. These are strong data points to support your argument.

Conclusion: A well-rounded conclusion could state: While remote work may not be suitable for every industry, the substantial benefits in productivity and employee satisfaction make it a strong option for companies with the right infrastructure and management strategies.

Key Takeaways for Analyzing an Issue:

• Break down the statement into its key components and support your stance with relevant examples.
• Address counterarguments to make your response balanced and well-reasoned.
• Use real-world data to strengthen your position and make your argument more persuasive.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft a strong, logical response to the "Analyze an Issue" task. Stay tuned for more GRE tips!

Do you want to know more? Visit www.merchantgmat.com for more insights and resources to help you ace your GRE Analytical Writing.