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100+ Free GRE Analytical Writing Practice Questions

Pass your GRE General Test — Analytical Writing Measure exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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What does the qualifier 'to some extent' accomplish in the following thesis? 'To some extent, social media has improved political discourse, but its amplification of extreme voices has ultimately made it a net negative for democratic deliberation.'

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Key Facts: GRE Analytical Writing Exam

1 task

Analyze an Issue essay — the only task since September 2023

ETS GRE General Test redesign, September 22, 2023

30 minutes

Time limit for the Analyze an Issue essay

ETS official GRE test format

0–6 in 0.5 increments

GRE Analytical Writing score scale

ETS GRE Analytical Writing Scoring page

~57th percentile

Percentile rank of a score of 5.0 (Strong)

ETS GRE Analytical Writing percentile tables

~91st percentile

Percentile rank of a score of 6.0 (Outstanding)

ETS GRE Analytical Writing percentile tables

Holistic scoring

Scoring method: human rater + e-rater AI engine, rubric-guided

ETS GRE Analytical Writing Scoring process documentation

The GRE Analytical Writing measure tests graduate-school readiness in critical thinking and formal writing. Since September 22, 2023, the section has been shortened to one task: a 30-minute 'Analyze an Issue' essay, removing the former 'Analyze an Argument' task. Scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, assigned by one human rater alongside ETS's e-rater automated scoring engine. A score of 5.0 falls at approximately the 57th percentile, and a score of 6.0 ('Outstanding') falls at approximately the 91st percentile. The rubric rewards a cogent, well-articulated position supported by specific reasons, relevant examples, and acknowledgment of complexity — with language that is precise, varied, and free from errors that impede meaning.

Sample GRE Analytical Writing Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GRE Analytical Writing exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Since September 2023, how many tasks does the GRE Analytical Writing measure consist of?
A.Two tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument
B.One task: Analyze an Issue only
C.One task: Analyze an Argument only
D.Three tasks: Issue, Argument, and Reading Response
Explanation: Starting September 22, 2023, the shortened GRE General Test includes only ONE Analytical Writing task: Analyze an Issue. The Analyze an Argument task was removed from the exam.
2What is the time limit for the Analyze an Issue task on the current GRE?
A.20 minutes
B.25 minutes
C.30 minutes
D.45 minutes
Explanation: The Analyze an Issue task gives test-takers exactly 30 minutes to plan and compose their response. This applies to the shortened GRE format introduced in September 2023.
3The GRE Analytical Writing score is reported on which scale?
A.0–100 in whole-number increments
B.1–6 in whole-number increments only
C.0–6 in half-point increments
D.130–170 in one-point increments
Explanation: The GRE Analytical Writing score is reported on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments (e.g., 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, … 5.5, 6.0). This differs from the Verbal and Quantitative scores, which use the 130–170 scale.
4According to ETS's official scoring rubric, a score of 6 is labeled as which of the following?
A.Proficient
B.Strong
C.Outstanding
D.Superior
Explanation: ETS labels a score of 6 'Outstanding.' The label 'Strong' belongs to a score of 5. Scores of 4 are 'Adequate,' and scores of 3 are 'Limited.'
5Which ETS score label corresponds to a score of 2 on the GRE Analytical Writing rubric?
A.Limited
B.Fundamentally Deficient
C.Seriously Flawed
D.Inadequate
Explanation: ETS labels a score of 2 'Seriously Flawed.' The full label sequence is: 6=Outstanding, 5=Strong, 4=Adequate, 3=Limited, 2=Seriously Flawed, 1=Fundamentally Deficient.
6How does ETS combine the human rater score and the e-rater (AI) score in the current GRE Analytical Writing process?
A.The e-rater score is the final score; humans only verify outliers
B.One human rater scores the essay; if the human and e-rater agree within one point, the human score is used as the final score
C.Two human raters score the essay and their scores are averaged, with e-rater used only if the humans disagree by more than one point
D.The human score and e-rater score are always averaged together
Explanation: One trained human rater scores each essay. ETS's e-rater also scores it. If the human and e-rater agree closely, the human score stands. If they diverge significantly, a second human rater is brought in and the final score derives from the human ratings.
7According to ETS's official rubric, which set of characteristics most accurately describes a score-6 essay?
A.Presents a position with some development; minor grammatical errors that do not impede meaning
B.Presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and conveys meaning skillfully
C.Provides adequate reasoning with occasional lapses in focus or clarity
D.Demonstrates strong organization but relies primarily on personal anecdotes rather than analysis
Explanation: ETS defines a score-6 essay as one that 'presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and conveys meaning skillfully.' It demonstrates compelling reasons, relevant examples, and masterful control of language.
8A score of 4 on the GRE Analytical Writing rubric is labeled 'Adequate.' Which description BEST fits a score-4 essay?
A.Presents a clearly developed position with sophisticated analysis and virtually no errors
B.Presents a position with some development and relevant reasons, but may lack focus or contain some errors
C.Contains little relevant reasoning and serious errors that interfere with meaning
D.Provides no discernible position on the issue
Explanation: An 'Adequate' (score-4) essay presents a position with some development and reasons, but may lack consistent focus, fall back on vague examples, or contain writing errors that do not seriously interfere with meaning.
9Under what condition does ETS assign a score of 0 rather than 0.5 or 1 on the GRE Analytical Writing measure?
A.When the essay is very short (fewer than 100 words)
B.When the essay contains more than five grammatical errors per paragraph
C.When the response does not address the assigned task, copies the prompt, is in a foreign language, or is indecipherable
D.When the essay takes an unpopular or controversial position on the issue
Explanation: A score of 0 is reserved for responses that are off-topic, merely copy the task, are written in a foreign language, or are otherwise indecipherable. A blank response receives NS (No Score), which is distinct from 0.
10Which of the following is the primary construct that the GRE Analytical Writing measure is designed to assess?
A.Grammar and punctuation proficiency
B.Recall of academic vocabulary and literary terms
C.Critical thinking and the ability to articulate and support a position with reasoning and examples
D.Speed of writing and overall word count
Explanation: ETS states that the GRE Analytical Writing measure assesses critical thinking and analytical writing skills—specifically, the ability to reason, assemble evidence, develop a position, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

About the GRE Analytical Writing Exam

The GRE Analytical Writing measure, as revised in September 2023, consists of a single 30-minute task: Analyze an Issue. Test-takers are given a brief statement on a topic of general interest and specific instructions on how to respond. Scores are reported on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments by a trained human rater plus ETS's e-rater AI engine. The measure assesses critical thinking and the ability to articulate and support a clear position with logical reasoning and specific examples.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

30 minutes (one Analyze an Issue essay)

Passing Score

0–6 scale in half-point increments; no universal pass threshold — graduate programs set their own minimums

Exam Fee

Approximately $220 (U.S.) as part of the GRE General Test; varies internationally (Educational Testing Service (ETS))

GRE Analytical Writing Exam Content Outline

~20%

Scoring Rubric Knowledge

Score-level descriptors (0–6), ETS score labels, holistic vs. analytic scoring, e-rater function, and score reporting rules.

~25%

Issue Essay Strategy

Position-taking, body-paragraph development, counterargument integration, time allocation, introduction and conclusion structure.

~25%

Response Analysis

Evaluating sample thesis statements, paragraphs, examples, and conclusions; identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal revisions.

~15%

Critical Thinking in Argumentation

Logical fallacies, unstated assumptions, evidence quality, causal reasoning, qualifiers, and conditional claims.

~15%

Language and Conventions

Concision, formal diction, syntactic variety, transitions, punctuation, and signpost language.

How to Pass the GRE Analytical Writing Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 0–6 scale in half-point increments; no universal pass threshold — graduate programs set their own minimums
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 30 minutes (one Analyze an Issue essay)
  • Exam fee: Approximately $220 (U.S.) as part of the GRE General Test; varies internationally

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GRE Analytical Writing Study Tips from Top Performers

1Write at least three full timed 30-minute Issue essays before test day; passive reading of sample essays is insufficient — active production under time pressure is what builds skill.
2After each practice essay, compare it to the ETS rubric descriptors at score levels 4, 5, and 6; identify one specific element to improve in your next draft.
3Learn to recognize the six common instruction-set types (agree/disagree, claim+reason, recommendation, two views, etc.) so you do not misread what the prompt is asking you to do.
4Build a mental 'evidence library' of 8–10 versatile real-world examples (e.g., historical policy cases, scientific programs, cross-national comparisons) that can be adapted to multiple prompts.
5Practice the concession-rebuttal move: 'Admittedly, [strongest counterargument]; however, [your response with evidence].' This alone can lift an essay from a 4 to a 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tasks are on the GRE Analytical Writing section in 2024–2026?

Since September 22, 2023, there is ONE task: Analyze an Issue. You have 30 minutes to write a response. The former Analyze an Argument task was removed as part of ETS's redesign of the shorter GRE General Test.

How is the GRE Analytical Writing essay scored?

One trained human rater reads your essay and applies the 0–6 holistic rubric. ETS's e-rater automated scoring engine also evaluates it. If the human and e-rater scores agree closely, the human score is used. If there is a significant discrepancy, a second human rater scores the essay and the final score is derived from the human ratings.

What score do I need on the GRE AWA for graduate school?

There is no universal minimum; requirements vary by program. A score of 4.0 (Adequate, 20th percentile) is generally considered the floor for competitive programs; 4.5–5.0 is competitive for most; humanities and social science programs may place higher weight on AWA than STEM programs.

What does ETS look for in a high-scoring Issue essay?

A score-6 essay presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue, conveys meaning skillfully, uses compelling reasons and relevant examples, addresses complexity (including counterarguments), and demonstrates precise, varied language with virtually no distracting errors. Score-5 essays do most of this but may have minor lapses in focus or precision.

Can I use hypothetical examples in the GRE Issue essay?

Yes. ETS explicitly states that examples may be drawn from 'your reading, experience, observations, and/or academic studies,' and that both real and hypothetical examples are acceptable. A well-developed, specific hypothetical that illustrates a logical principle can be just as strong as a real-world example.

What are the most common mistakes that lower GRE AWA scores?

The most common score-lowering mistakes are: (1) failing to take a clear position, (2) under-developing body paragraphs with vague, unsupported assertions, (3) ignoring the specific instruction set of the prompt, (4) overusing vague hedges ('perhaps,' 'some people say'), and (5) sentence-level errors (run-ons, fragments) that impede meaning.