Scoring of Analytical Writing Essays in the GRE Exam

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE exam evaluates a test-taker's ability to analyze complex ideas, articulate arguments, and communicate effectively through writing. This section consists of two essays: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. Each essay is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments, by two different human raters. The final score is the average of the scores given by the two raters.

Issue Essay Scoring
The Issue Essay requires test-takers to present their point of view on a given topic and support it with relevant reasons and examples. The essay is scored based on the following criteria:
1. Task response: The extent to which the essay addresses and develops the given topic.
2. Structure: The organization and coherence of the essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Language use: The clarity, variety, and appropriateness of the vocabulary and sentence structures used.
4. Support and development: The quality and relevance of the reasons and examples provided to support the main points.
5. Control of conventions: The proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Argument Essay Scoring
The Argument Essay requires test-takers to analyze a given argument and critique its logical soundness. The essay is scored based on the following criteria:
1. Task response: The extent to which the essay identifies and examines the key elements of the argument.
2. Structure: The organization and coherence of the essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Ideas and analysis: The ability to critically evaluate the logical reasoning, evidence, and assumptions presented in the argument.
4. Language use: The clarity, variety, and appropriateness of the vocabulary and sentence structures used.
5. Control of conventions: The proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Final Score Calculation
The final score for the Analytical Writing section is the average of the two scores given by the human raters. If there is a significant difference between the two scores, a third rater is involved to resolve the discrepancy. The final score is reported on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

Importance of the Analytical Writing Section
Although the Analytical Writing section is scored separately from the Verbal and Quantitative sections, it is an essential part of the GRE exam. It assesses the test-taker's critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills, which are crucial for success in graduate-level studies. Admissions committees often consider the Analytical Writing scores in their evaluation of applicants. Therefore, it is important for test-takers to prepare and practice their essay writing skills to achieve a competitive score in this section.