Recently, many students have been consulting: with the exam approaching, how should they review for the GRE essay? Their own methods always seem inefficient.
So today, Bikaoci has compiled a comprehensive and substantive essay review guide for everyone—let's learn together.
When you get the essay prompt, you first need a clear plan to organize the main ideas of the article. Systematically list the essay outline. This not only helps summarize and enrich your paragraph content but also assists in determining the core of the article when reviewing the whole piece.
First, let's review how to detail the structural framework of a GRE essay:
GRE Essay Outline Sample
- Position: Agree/Disagree/Agree with Caution
- Reason 1
- Reason 2
- Counter-argument
At the start of the writing exam, you can list the above four points, each summarized in 1-2 sentences.
When you start writing, develop the Introduction Paragraph naturally from your Position. Reason 1 and Reason 2 each occupy a paragraph; remember to include vivid and persuasive examples.
In the Counter-argument, you need to anticipate a reason opposing views might raise, and refute it with your own example and analysis. Finally, the Conclusion doesn't need to be included in the Outline; just quickly summarize the entire essay.
After sorting out the overall framework of the article, you probably have a clearer and more definite understanding of the essay's overall structure. When summarizing and analyzing excellent essay structures, you will certainly read many sample essays.
So, how can you efficiently summarize the core highlights and transferable logic from sample essays?
When reading sample essays, what you need to do is grasp the thread of the article and straighten out its structure. Don't forget to annotate as you read.
Students can use a red pen to mark the function of each sentence and sort out the article's structure. You can also use a highlighter to mark outstanding literary style or other aspects that are worth borrowing.
Here, we'll guide you step by step through annotating an excellent sample essay. Read carefully.
Sample Excellent Essay Annotation Guide
The issue claims that judging work harshly in whichever should not be done by those who are not highly knowledgeable and studied in that particular area. [sum claim] This is a complex issue indeed. It is sometimes true that expert opinions should be valued over others. [reason for] However, at times this point could also be invalid. [reason against] In order to form a well-reasoned opinion on the matter, it is essential to analyze the questionable assumptions that this claim makes. Support in favor, as well as compelling evidence against this particular issue and examples of each, will be provided.
One example in favor of the claim is that field experts have particular knowledge likely garnered from years of experience and education. Therefore, their counsel on any topic within their ken can be considered supported. [reason for *2 sentences] One anecdote from today’s political rhetoric supports this. Climate change has been a debated topic, and many scientists researching the subject have published research with clear evidence that proves it exists. However, in the political arena, certain politicians reject the notion of climate change as a hoax and negate the evidence presented by researchers in their rhetoric. It is much more difficult for some to believe politicians who do not understand the science behind the global temperature shift. [Example * 3 sentences] Sound evidence provided by experts on climate change is much more plausible. [restate reason]
However, one example against the claim is that opinions and input from individuals outside the field can still be valid. They bring different views and interpretations that perhaps those within the field are blind to. [reason against *2sentence] For example, there are many cross-cultural differences when it comes to beliefs about illness. A doctor, an expert in curing and diagnosing illness, might not have the cultural competence to help someone from a different belief system. For that reason, a member from that community would be better apt to help understand the differences that are perhaps lost in translation.
A third example against this claim is that judgment is valuable to a specific person and his or her belief system throughout a lifetime. Solely because an expert argues that a certain lifestyle is better or healthier does not hold true for every individual. [reason against*2 sentences] In this sense, each person has the
right to choose what path to follow and what information to accept. For example, an expert nutritionist could claim that a vegetarian lifestyle is the best option because it reduces our footprint and the amount of hormones we ingest. However, those with certain illnesses, many fruit allergies, or even mothers with
finicky children would find this advice difficult to follow. [Example*3 sentences] The judgment of the individual in this case, although not an expert in the field of nutrition, is valid because they are an expert in their own lives and needs. [restate reason]
In conclusion, this is a complex issue. As the evidence presented clearly shows, there are compelling reasons for judgment of any field by an expert. It is sometimes true that experts can provide necessary information and judgment within their area of expertise. [review reason for *2 sentence] On the other hand, their opinions and knowledge may not be applicable in all instances. In drawing from both sides of the argument, it seems more valid to assume that experts are not always right. Their merit in whichever field is not law, and individuals are also free to judge whatever they say or claim. [review reason against *2 sentences] In the future, it would be more beneficial to evaluate both expert and lay opinions alike in order to properly judge an issue for its worth. In this way, a more multi-
faceted progression could be achieved and promote the growth of mankind. [restate position]
After organizing the red annotations, the sample essay structure is as follows:
[Intro]
- sum claim*1 sentence
- reason for *1 sentence
- reason against *1 sentence
- Anything *1 sentence
[2nd Paragraph]
- reason for *2 sentences
- example *3 sentences
- restate reason *1 sentence
[3rd Paragraph]
- reason against *2 sentences
- example*3 sentences
[4th Paragraph]
- reason against *2 sentences
- example*3 sentences
- restate reason*1 sentence
[Conclusion]
- in conclusion*1 sentence
- review reason for*2 sentences
- review reason against*2 sentences
- restate position *1-2 sentences
In fact, every sample essay author has a unique structure and strengths. Students must remember that summarizing the outline and essay style that suit you best is most important.
So what details should you pay attention to during actual practice? Here, the editor has also compiled some practical tips, hoping to help you.
Writing Tips
The tone for GRE essays should be strong and analytical.
Examples should be clear, easy-to-understand and vivid
