GRE Analytical Writing Checklist

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The qualities of an essay that earn a "6"

• TOPIC: Analysis shows excellent critical thinking and consideration of the complexity of ideas that are presented in the prompt.

• SUPPORT: This essay includes pertinent and cohesive supporting details; the author’s cogent reasoning also shows how his/her ideas progress throughout the essay.
  

• STRUCTURE: Structure allows author to convey ideas clearly; these ideas consistently address and build on the thesis.

• LANGUAGE: Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence variety support clarity and fluency.

• CONVENTIONS: The writing shows command of grammar, usage, and mechanics. There may be some insignificant errors that do not affect comprehension. However, points are deducted if the minor errors are consistently made or if an error affects comprehension.