The Analytical
Writing scores range from 0
to 6, in half-point increments. The
Analytical Writing measure consists of two
essay tasks—Issue and
Argument—and the
reported score is the average of a test taker’s
scores for the two essays. If an essay
response is provided for only
one of the two
writing tasks, the
task for which no essay
response is provided will receive a score
of
zero. If no essay response is given for both
tasks, an NS (No
Score) is reported.
A single combined
score is reported for GRE analytical writing, though it consists of
two essay tasks because it is more reliable than is a
score for either task alone. The test assesses "analytical
writing," so critical thinking skills (the
ability to reason,
assemble evidence to develop a position and communicate complex
ideas) are assessed along
with the writer's control of grammar and
the mechanics of writing.
Scores 6 and 5.5
Sustains insightful, in-depth analysis
of complex ideas; develops and supports main points with logically
compelling reasons and/or highly persuasive examples; is well focused
and well organized; skillfully uses
sentence variety and precise
vocabulary to convey meaning effectively; demonstrates superior
facility with
sentence structure and usage, but may have minor
errors that do not interfere with meaning.
