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GRE Essay Template and Tips

Feb 12, 2026

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GRE Essay Template and Tips

Updated April 2026. The current GRE Analytical Writing section has one essay: the 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. The old Analyze an Argument task is no longer part of the current GRE General Test.

If you came here looking for a GRE essay template, GRE essay tips, or GRE writing tips, this article will show you how I think about the Issue essay, how to use examples, and how to build a structure you can use on test day.

ETS describes the Issue task as a test of your ability to think critically about a topic of general interest and express your thoughts clearly in writing. You need to take a position, consider complexity, and support your view with reasons and examples.

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Vince's GRE Issue Essay Template

In this article, I'll talk about my favorite template for writing a high-scoring GRE Issue Essay. These tips will work best for you if you're a good writer; however, anyone can benefit from them. We'll learn how to write a quick introduction, meaty body paragraphs with lots of examples, and a compelling conclusion. Best of all, it's a formula that you can use again and again on lots of different essay prompts, so you don't have to think too hard on test day.

Here is the basic GRE essay template I usually recommend:

  1. Introduction: Reframe the issue, acknowledge complexity, and state your position.
  2. Body paragraph 1: Give your first major reason and develop it with a specific example.
  3. Body paragraph 2: Give your second major reason and develop it with another specific example.
  4. Body paragraph 3: Address a limitation, exception, complication, or opposing point of view.
  5. Conclusion: Return to your position and explain why your view is more reasonable than the alternative.

This GRE essay template works because it gives you a reliable structure without forcing you to memorize a fake-sounding essay. Your goal is not to plug random words into a formula. Your goal is to make a clear argument under time pressure.

Two Things To Do Before You Practice

First, here are two to-dos for you:

Action item #1: Read all sample essays and commentary in The Official Guide, as well as those in the Verbal Practice book. These are great models for your writing since you can see what the ETS graders reward. Pay very close attention to the grader commentary.

Action item #2: Read and brainstorm two official Issue Essay prompts every time you study.

Bonus: learn more new words with my GRE vocabulary flashcards app!

Ok, assuming you've gotten started on the above, I want to give you some insight about what you need to do to get a 6.

A person moving a pawn on a strategy board

GRE Issue Essay Example That Received A Perfect Score

You may notice that many Issue Essay prompts make statements that are difficult to fully support. The example and response I want to use first is this one about technology on the GRE's website. Go ahead and read the prompt, then read the "6" response just below it. Now, let's think about its statement:

As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate.

Notice that this statement, like many Issue statements, would be difficult to agree with 100% of the time. Good responses will acknowledge the complexity of the issue and respond in an insightful way to that complexity. This response does that partly by discussing the reasoning that might be used by someone who agrees with the statement, in paragraph 2:

The statement attempts to bridge these dramatic changes to a reduction in the ability for humans to think for themselves. The assumption is that an increased reliance on technology negates the need for people to think creatively to solve previous quandaries. Looking back at the introduction, one could argue that without a car, computer, or mobile phone, the hypothetical worker would need to find alternate methods of transport, information processing and communication.

Technology short circuits this thinking by making the problems obsolete.

Good writers often begin this way: they talk about their opponents' views, then respond with their own. This provides context and a framework for their argument. Writing a persuasive essay without addressing the reasoning of other points-of-view is like pretending your point-of-view exists in a vacuum with no one to challenge it.

Frustrated woman working on a laptop

Now let's look at a paragraph that continues to acknowledge the complexity of the issue in an insightful way, in paragraph 3:

However, this reliance on technology does not necessarily preclude the creativity that marks the human species. The prior examples reveal that technology allows for convenience. The car, computer and phone all release additional time for people to live more efficiently. This efficiency does not preclude the need for humans to think for themselves. In fact, technology frees humanity to not only tackle new problems, but may itself create new issues that did not exist without technology.

For example, the proliferation of automobiles has introduced a need for fuel conservation on a global scale. With increasing energy demands from emerging markets, global warming becomes a concern inconceivable to the horse-and-buggy generation. Likewise dependence on oil has created nation-states that are not dependent on taxation, allowing ruling parties to oppress minority groups such as women.

Solutions to these complex problems require the unfettered imaginations of maverick scientists and politicians.

I like this paragraph a lot because not only does the author make an insightful point that technology gives people more time to think, but that technology itself creates problems that require thinking. This is a step up from what I think the average writer might do: just cite an example of technology that helps us think or that we need to think to use. Now, you don't always need this level of insight, but it's a good example of what might separate a 6 from a 5.

Compelling reasoning and depth of thought are rewarded.

I also like that this essay creates a critical context with the first paragraph, defining the scope of what it's going to discuss. It's the one I most talk about if a higher-scoring student wants some kind of GRE issue essay template, too. It's nice to have a go-to structure when you've only got 29 minutes and 37 seconds and the clock is relentlessly ticking...

Another example I like in the Verbal Reasoning Practice Book is the 6 essay response to a prompt about "People should obey just laws and disobey unjust laws". The author spends some time questioning the context to apply "just": i.e., what is more important, being just to the individual or just to society? The author also questions how to define "just": if a society is brainwashed, can "just" have any meaning? I like this approach, since, again, it acknowledges the complexity and complications of forming a position on that issue.

A girl writing with a pencil while studying

How To Effectively Choose And Use Examples In The Issue Essay

Many of my students find it difficult at first to think of relevant examples to support the arguments they make when writing the GRE issue essay. In this section, I’ll give you one of my favorite GRE essay tips: how to choose strong examples.

Again, just so we have some context, here’s a sample Issue essay prompt:

Employees at all levels of a corporation should be involved in that corporation’s short and long term goal planning.

Now, one trap I want you to avoid falling into is thinking you have to have specialized knowledge of the topic. You might say to yourself that you’ve never worked for a corporation and that you don’t know how corporations typically plan. The good news is that you can still write a good essay about the topic using what you do know.

For example, let’s say you mostly agree with the statement and wanted to think of an example you could use. You could use an example from real life: perhaps you could talk about how employees at Google are encouraged to use 20% of their time to work on projects they think will benefit the company.

Even if you couldn’t think of a real life example, you might use a hypothetical example and talk about how if an airline asked all employees about its plans for the future, flight attendants might provide unique insights into what customers like and don’t like.

One strategy I like to recommend is to instead of thinking of what the perfect GRE issue essay examples might be, think about what you know well and see if it could fit. This will encourage you to choose examples you know well, making it easier to write insightfully about them. It might be a good idea to make a list of your personal “go-to” topics, things you can easily talk or write about. You’ll find that you can use many of them for many essays. Don’t let the first thing that comes to mind box you in.

Essay topics are designed so that almost anyone can write about them.

For example, I love reading The Economist. Since I read it every week, I usually have been thinking about some current events that I can apply to many Issue topics. Also, reading like this builds up a storehouse of information that you can dip into, making it increasingly likely you'll be inspired when a random topic pops up on the screen.

Good GRE Essay Example Categories

Since the GRE Issue essay can be about almost anything, it helps to have a few example categories ready before test day. These do not need to be fancy. They just need to be flexible enough that you can use them to support an argument.

  • Current events: useful if you read publications like The Economist, The Atlantic, The New York Times, or The Wall Street Journal.
  • History: useful for prompts about leadership, technology, progress, education, government, or social change.
  • Business: useful for prompts about corporations, planning, competition, innovation, and incentives.
  • Science and technology: useful for prompts about progress, unintended consequences, expertise, and ethics.
  • Education: useful for prompts about learning, standards, creativity, conformity, and public policy.
  • Personal experience: useful if the experience is specific, relevant, and explained well.
  • Hypothetical examples: useful when you cannot think of a real example, as long as the hypothetical is plausible.

The important thing is not whether your example is famous. The important thing is whether you can explain exactly how it supports your argument.

Girl studying with a book and laptop

How Long Should GRE Essays Be?

In general, the more you write, the better. 500-600 words is a good goal for most people, but write more if you can!

Good writers tend to illustrate and explain well, which equals more words. If your essay paragraphs seem short, try explaining why more and writing more detailed “for example” sentences. Your reader will find your argument more compelling.

The GRE Analytical Writing score ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. ETS describes top-scoring Issue essays as well organized, insightful, supported with compelling reasons or persuasive examples, and written with effective vocabulary and sentence variety.

How Do I Improve My Issue Essay Score?

Remember, the GRE issue essay examples you choose matter, but they must be used skillfully. Practice brainstorming lots of different essay prompts from the ETS website to get used to coming up with examples that you can use to support your point of view.

Improving your score generally will mean improving one of these five grading criteria:

  1. How compelling is your argument?
  2. The examples that support your point
  3. Organization / transitions
  4. Using standard written English
  5. Word count

In my experience, the GRE's analytical writing assessment is the one part of the test that students tend to under-prepare for. No matter how you prepare for the essay, make sure that you at least write a few before you actually take the real GRE.

P.S. I can help you with your essays, but I will charge you for my time. If you don't want to work with me personally, you can ask for feedback on Reddit (r/GRE). It's the most popular and active GRE forum I know of.

Reddit logo

(Reddit is nerdy but also useful.)

GRE Writing Tips For Test Day

Here are the GRE writing tips I’d most want you to remember on test day:

1. Read the specific instructions

The Issue statement matters, but the instructions matter too. Some prompts ask you to discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree. Others ask you to address both views, consider consequences, or address challenges to your position. Do the task you were actually given.

2. Take a real position

You do not have to be extreme, but you do need a position. “There are many sides to this issue” is not enough. A good GRE essay can be qualified and nuanced while still making a clear argument.

3. Acknowledge complexity

Many GRE prompts are broad because ETS wants to see whether you can handle complexity. Acknowledge where the other side has a point. Explain when your position is strongest and when it might need limits.

4. Use examples you can explain

A famous example is not automatically a good example. A simple example that you can explain clearly is often better than a prestigious example you barely understand.

5. Explain why your examples matter

Do not just drop in an example and move on. After the example, explain how it supports your position and why it matters for the prompt.

6. Save time to proofread

The ETS word processor does not include spellcheck or grammar check. Leave a couple of minutes at the end to fix obvious errors, especially missing words, repeated words, sentence fragments, and punctuation mistakes that affect clarity.

7. Practice the template before test day

A GRE essay template only helps if you have practiced using it. Before your real GRE, write at least a few complete timed Issue essays using the same basic structure.

A Simple GRE Essay Practice Plan

Here is a simple way to practice GRE writing without turning it into a giant project:

  1. Read the ETS Issue task overview and scoring guide. Learn what the test is actually asking for.
  2. Read several sample essays with commentary. Pay attention to why the stronger essays are stronger.
  3. Make a list of go-to examples. Include history, current events, books, business, technology, education, and personal examples.
  4. Brainstorm 10 prompts. For each one, write a thesis and 2 or 3 possible examples.
  5. Write 3 untimed essays. Focus on structure, development, and examples.
  6. Write 3 timed essays. Give yourself exactly 30 minutes.
  7. Review each essay. Ask whether your position is clear, your examples are developed, and your paragraphs are easy to follow.

If you only have time for a little GRE essay prep, at least practice brainstorming examples and writing timed outlines. The essay becomes much less scary once you have a repeatable process.

Final Issue Essay Thoughts

Check out all the 6 responses in the ETS books. These will give you more ideas about what the highest-scoring essays do. Just keep in mind that these are paradigms of "6" responses. You don't always have to be that good to earn a strong score.

Again, I think one of the most valuable things you can do is to find an essay structure you like and create your own issue essay template out of it, so you have a "go-to" structure on test day.

If you enjoyed this free guide, check out Vince's other free GRE resources.

And, speaking of writing stuff, our graduate school admissions essay expert, Lauren Hammond, can help you write your personal statement!

Vince's 2 main options to help you with your GRE prep are HERE.

"I wanted to improve my analytical writing score for the GRE and decided, with one week left before the test, that I should consult an expert for some last minute advice. Vince was awesome and provided me with so much feedback on the sample essays I sent to him. I ended up getting the score I needed, and I know meeting with Vince made that possible! Thanks again!"

- Cayleen Harty

We have San Diego offices in Carmel Valley and Sorrento Valley. We also offer online GRE tutoring.

GRE Essay Template FAQ

What is the best GRE essay template?

A strong GRE essay template has an introduction with a clear thesis, two body paragraphs with well-developed examples, one paragraph that handles complexity or an opposing view, and a conclusion. The template should guide your thinking without making your writing sound mechanical.

How many GRE essays are there now?

The current GRE has one Analytical Writing essay: the 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. The old Analyze an Argument task is no longer part of the current GRE General Test.

What are the best GRE essay tips?

The best GRE essay tips are to read the instructions carefully, take a clear position, acknowledge complexity, use examples you can explain well, connect each example back to your argument, and leave a few minutes to proofread.

How long should my GRE essay be?

For most students, 500 to 600 words is a good goal. Longer can be better if the essay remains relevant, organized, and clear. Length alone will not save a weak argument.

Can I use personal examples on the GRE essay?

Yes. You can use examples from reading, personal experience, observations, academic studies, work, current events, or hypothetical situations. The key is to explain the example well and connect it to your argument.

Do I need historical examples for the GRE essay?

No. Historical examples can be useful, but they are not required. A specific, well-explained hypothetical or personal example can be stronger than a famous historical example you barely understand.

How do I improve my GRE writing score?

Read official ETS sample essays, learn the scoring guide, brainstorm official Issue prompts, write several timed practice essays, and get feedback. Focus on argument, examples, organization, language, and development.

Should I memorize a GRE essay template?

You should know your structure before test day, but do not memorize a word-for-word essay. Memorize the job of each paragraph instead: introduce, support, support, qualify, conclude.

Does the GRE essay have spellcheck?

No. The ETS word processor has basic functions such as insert text, delete text, cut-and-paste, and undo, but no spellchecker or grammar checker. Save a few minutes to proofread.

What score should I aim for on GRE Analytical Writing?

That depends on your programs, but many students are fine with a 4.0 or above. More writing-heavy graduate programs may care more. Check the expectations of your target programs if you are unsure.

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