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Question 1
On what scale is the GRE Analytical Writing section scored, and in what increments?
Answer: The GRE Analytical Writing section is scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments (e.g., 0, 0.5, 1.0, … 6.0).
Question 2
How many tasks make up the GRE Analytical Writing section, and what are they called?
Answer: The GRE Analytical Writing section consists of one task: the Analyze an Argument essay. (As of the 2023 shortened GRE, the Analyze an Issue task was removed, leaving only the Argument task.)
Question 3
How long do test-takers have to complete the Analyze an Argument essay on the current GRE?
Answer: Test-takers have 30 minutes to complete the Analyze an Argument essay.
Question 4
How is the final GRE Analytical Writing score determined from the two scorers who read the essay?
Answer: Two trained raters each assign a score; if those scores agree or are adjacent, they are averaged. If they differ by more than one point, a third expert adjudicates the final score.
Question 5
What does a score of 6 on the GRE Analytical Writing section indicate about an essay?
Answer: A score of 6 indicates an outstanding response that insightfully identifies and analyzes the most important features of the argument, develops ideas cogently, demonstrates superior control of language, and is virtually free of errors.