Lesson 11.1: The Analyze an Issue Task and Scoring Rubric

Introduction

In this lesson, students will learn about the Analytical Writing task known as Analyze an Issue. This requires you to read a prompt that presents a specific issue, take a clear position on it, and defend that position with relevant reasons and examples within a 30-minute time limit. Understanding the structure of the prompt and the scoring rubric is essential for producing a coherent, persuasive essay that scores well.

Learning Objectives

Understand the structure of the prompt: an opinion on an issue plus specific instructions.
Learn about the 30-minute time limit and what a complete response requires.
Understand how the essay is scored holistically on a scale from 0 to 6 by a human rater and the e-rater engine.
Describe the task and follow the specific response instructions.
Explain what each band of the 0 to 6 rubric rewards.

The Structure of the Prompt

The Analyze an Issue task is structured around a prompt that contains two main components. The first component presents an issue or a claim related to an aspect of society. The second component is specific instructions that guide you on how to approach your writing.

Example of a Prompt

Consider the following prompt:

"Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development."

Breakdown of the Prompt

The Opinion: The prompt clearly presents an opinion about scientific research and development.
Specific Instructions: It asks you to take a position and defend it with reasons and examples.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that simply summarizing the opinion presented in the prompt is enough. However, it is crucial to take a clear stance, either agreeing or disagreeing, and then to support that position.

The 30-Minute Time Limit

You have 30 minutes to complete the Analyze an Issue task. This time is short, but with a structured approach, you can effectively compose your essay within this limit.

What a Complete Response Requires

A complete response includes the following elements:

A Clear Thesis Statement: Your main argument should be clear from the outset.
Supporting Arguments: Present multiple points that support your thesis. Each point should be backed by evidence or examples.
Concrete Examples: Use real-world examples to illustrate your points, which strengthens your argument.
Conclusion: Summarize your key points and restate your thesis without introducing new information.

Worked Example

Suppose you agree with the prompt. Your thesis could be:

"While some restrictions may be necessary, governments should largely allow scientific research and development to foster innovation and solve global issues."

Following this, you could provide two supporting arguments:

Innovation: Government restrictions can slow down innovation and limit breakthroughs in crucial scientific fields, such as medicine.

Example: The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines was achieved with minimal bureaucratic delays.

Global Challenges: Many global challenges, like climate change and pandemics, require unchecked scientific research to find effective solutions.

Example: Research in renewable energy can lead to sustainable solutions and combat climate change.

The Scoring Rubric

The essays for the Analyze an Issue task are scored on a scale of 0 to 6. Raters evaluate your essay based on several criteria, which include your clarity of thought, organization, and the quality of your examples. Here's a summary of what each band rewards:

Band Descriptions

Score 6: Exceptional quality, demonstrating clear and insightful analysis with well-organized ideas and rich examples.
Score 5: Strong response with well-supported ideas and clear organization, but lacks minor details or depth.
Score 4: Adequate response that meets basic criteria but may be limited in development or clarity.
Score 3: Inconsistent response that may have some organization but lacks a clear position or supporting details.
Score 2: Weak response that is unclear or incoherent, often including serious flaws in reasoning or organization.
Score 1: Incomplete response showing little understanding of the task and lacking coherent thought.
Score 0: Off-topic, illegible, or a complete failure to respond to the task.

Conclusion

In this lesson, students learned about the Analyze an Issue task, its prompt structure, the importance of time management, and the holistic scoring rubric. By understanding the components of a successful essay, you can prepare effectively for this section of the GRE. Keeping these principles in mind will guide you to organize your thoughts and express them clearly within the allotted time.

Study Notes

Analyze an Issue task consists of a prompt and specific instructions.
You have 30 minutes to respond to the prompt.
A complete response includes a clear thesis, supporting arguments, concrete examples, and a conclusion.
Essays are scored on a scale of 0 to 6 based on clarity, organization, and quality.
Interpret the prompt clearly to take a definite stance.
Use real-world examples to strengthen your arguments.