Looking for real examples of GRE essays to help you prepare for the Analytical Writing Assessment? You’re in the right place. This post provides high-scoring examples of GRE essays, including both Issue and Argument tasks, with detailed analysis and writing tips. Whether you want to understand how to structure your essay, learn strategies for organizing your thoughts, or see what a top-scoring response looks like, these GRE essay samples and expert insights will guide you toward success. Read on to discover practical advice, proven writing techniques, and sample responses designed to boost your GRE AWA score and confidence.
Essays:
“In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important contributions.”
While beginners may occasionally offer fresh perspectives, important contributions in most fields are more likely to come from experts. The depth of knowledge, accumulated experience, and refined understanding that experts possess often outweigh the novelty or enthusiasm a beginner might bring.
Admittedly, beginners sometimes identify patterns or ideas that experts might overlook due to familiarity or routine. Their lack of preconceived notions can spark innovation. For instance, in technology startups, some breakthrough products have originated from young entrepreneurs without formal training. Their outsider status allowed them to reimagine user experiences in ways established companies did not consider.
However, such cases are exceptions rather than the norm. In scientific research, for example, meaningful contributions typically require years of education, experimentation, and failure. Experts understand the intricacies of their disciplines, including prior research, methodologies, and the context necessary to propose viable solutions. Without this foundation, beginners often lack the tools to assess or implement their ideas effectively.
Furthermore, expertise does not necessarily lead to stagnation. Many experts continuously challenge assumptions, collaborate across disciplines, and adopt innovative approaches. Their deep understanding allows them to evaluate ideas more critically and implement them more effectively than someone new to the field.
In conclusion, while beginners may sometimes spark innovation through fresh thinking, it is usually the expert—equipped with knowledge, context, and experience—who is more likely to make sustained and important contributions to any field of inquiry.
“In an age where quick decisions often bring success, individuals who spend a great deal of time deliberating over issues are likely to find themselves overshadowed by those who act more quickly.“
In today’s fast-paced world, quick decision-making is often seen as a competitive advantage. From business to media, speed can determine whether an individual or organization leads the market or is left behind. However, while swift action may be rewarded in some contexts, thoughtful deliberation remains essential in others—especially when the stakes are high and long-term consequences are involved.
The business world provides clear examples of companies that failed due to slow decision-making. Kodak, once a leader in photography, was slow to adapt to digital camera technology. Its delay allowed competitors to capture the emerging market, ultimately leading to Kodak’s decline. Similarly, Blockbuster failed to respond quickly to the rise of digital streaming, allowing Netflix to dominate. In both cases, acting too slowly proved costly.
That said, not all decisions should be made quickly. In fields such as engineering, healthcare, and public safety, rushing can have dangerous outcomes. For instance, designing a roller coaster requires careful analysis, rigorous safety testing, and time-consuming simulations. A rushed process here could lead to catastrophic results. Likewise, in medicine or aerospace, hasty decisions can risk lives and damage reputations permanently.
Modern tools like artificial intelligence have increased the speed of analysis and decision-making, especially in marketing or content creation. In digital marketing, businesses must act quickly to take advantage of online trends. A company that delays its response to a viral social media trend may miss a valuable opportunity to connect with consumers. In these scenarios, timing is critical.
In conclusion, whether quick decisions are better than thoughtful ones depends on the context. In industries driven by innovation and media exposure, speed is often rewarded. However, in areas where safety and accuracy are crucial, careful consideration must come first. The key lies in evaluating the complexity and consequences of each situation and choosing a pace that matches the stakes involved.
📘 Key Phrases You Can Use in Future Essays:
- “That said, not all ___ should be ___.”
- “In both cases, ___ proved costly.”
- “The key lies in evaluating the complexity and consequences…”
- “Whether ___ depends on the context.”
🎯 Practice Tips:
- Practice writing clear topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph.
- Use transition words like “however,” “for example,” “moreover,” “in contrast,” etc.
- Focus on subject-verb agreement and verb tenses (e.g., “the same happened” not “the same happen”).
- Keep practicing using real GRE prompts and limit yourself to 30 minutes to simulate test conditions.
“Technology ultimately separates and alienates people more than it serves to bring them together.“
Technology, particularly in the form of digital tools such as smartphones, computers, and the internet, has become deeply embedded in modern life. While some argue that it creates distance and fosters alienation, the broader impact of technology depends on how it is used. Ultimately, technology has more potential to connect people than to divide them—if managed responsibly.
There is no denying that technology can lead to harmful outcomes when misused. Misinformation, online harassment, and echo chambers on social media can deepen divisions within society. Individuals without a strong educational foundation may struggle to distinguish between credible sources and fake news, becoming vulnerable to scams or radicalization. In such cases, technology becomes a vehicle for alienation rather than connection.
However, these negative effects stem not from technology itself, but from how it is used. When applied ethically and intentionally, technology enables unprecedented levels of human connection. Tools like email, instant messaging, video calls, and collaboration platforms have revolutionized the way people maintain relationships and work together. Families separated by distance can communicate daily. Colleagues can collaborate across continents. And individuals can build meaningful communities based on shared interests—whether it’s gardening, gaming, or academic study.
In the field of education, the internet has made knowledge more accessible than ever before. Free resources like YouTube, blogs, online courses, and forums allow anyone with an internet connection to learn almost anything. This democratization of information can empower individuals and foster global dialogue.
Nevertheless, to maximize technology’s unifying potential, ethical safeguards must be in place. Social media platforms must take responsibility for curbing harmful content, governments must enforce cyber laws effectively, and users must be educated about digital literacy. With the right balance of regulation, education, and personal responsibility, technology can serve as a force for unity rather than division.
In conclusion, while technology can indeed alienate when misused, it is ultimately a neutral tool. Its power to bring people together—or to drive them apart—depends on the values and behaviors of the people who use it. When guided by ethical use and social responsibility, technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier.
📘 Words and Phrases You Can Use in Future Essays:
“Ultimately, technology is a neutral tool…”
“There is no denying that…”
“When applied ethically and intentionally…”
“This democratization of information…”
“The expansion of global trade has improved the standard of living in developing nations at the expense of economic stability and equitable growth in developed countries.”
The expansion of global trade has reshaped the world economy over the past several decades. It has led to lower production costs, the relocation of manufacturing, and new international partnerships. While global trade has undeniably improved the standard of living in many developing nations, its effects are uneven. At the same time, it has posed challenges to economic stability and equity in some developed countries.
Developing nations have generally benefited from global trade by attracting foreign investment and expanding access to international markets. China offers a compelling example. Initially chosen for its low labor costs, the country gradually leveraged its position by investing in education, technology, and infrastructure. Over time, China transformed from a manufacturing hub for foreign brands into a global economic powerhouse with influential companies like Huawei, DJI, and Alibaba. Millions were lifted out of poverty, and the country saw rapid economic growth and improvements in quality of life.
However, not all developing countries have had the same success. In places like Bangladesh, the garment industry employs millions but offers low wages, long working hours, and poor working conditions. Similarly, Ghana’s cocoa industry, a major source of global chocolate, has faced serious issues including child labor and limited economic gains for local communities. These cases reveal that trade alone does not guarantee improved living standards; strong institutions, equitable income distribution, and ethical labor practices are essential for sustainable development.
From the perspective of developed countries, global trade provides access to cheaper goods and boosts corporate profits. Consumers benefit from lower prices, and companies increase their margins by outsourcing production. However, these gains come with costs. Many manufacturing jobs have been relocated overseas, contributing to job losses and economic decline in some regions. As profits concentrate in the hands of corporations and shareholders, income inequality has grown. Additionally, increased reliance on international supply chains exposes developed nations to geopolitical risks, such as tariffs, political instability, or supply disruptions.
In conclusion, the impact of global trade is multifaceted. While it has elevated living standards in some developing nations, it has also created economic and social challenges in both developed and underdeveloped countries. The key to ensuring equitable outcomes lies in thoughtful trade policy, strong governance, education, and ethical corporate behavior. Global trade is not inherently harmful or beneficial—it is how nations manage its opportunities and risks that determines whether it promotes shared prosperity or deepens inequality.
“Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development.”
Scientific research has been central to human progress, driving advancements in health, technology, and quality of life. While allowing scientists greater freedom may accelerate innovation, it is neither realistic nor responsible to remove all government restrictions. To ensure that science benefits society as a whole—and does not harm it—governments must enforce ethical, legal, and environmental regulations.
Supporters of unrestricted research often point to the rapid development of technologies in medicine, artificial intelligence, and energy that have occurred in open and competitive environments. A liberal approach can promote innovation, increase productivity, and encourage private investment. For instance, during health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, streamlined regulations helped scientists develop vaccines in record time.
However, history has shown that without oversight, scientific research can be misused. During World War II, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan conducted unethical experiments on prisoners, leading to widespread suffering under the guise of scientific progress. These atrocities demonstrate the danger of allowing research to proceed without ethical boundaries. Even in modern times, controversial experiments—such as gene editing in embryos—raise concerns about how far science should go without moral and legal constraints.
Therefore, governments must strike a careful balance. Excessive bureaucracy can slow research and deter innovation, but a complete absence of oversight invites abuse and exploitation. Ethical review boards, environmental regulations, and safety standards are essential to ensure that scientific advancements do not come at the cost of human dignity or long-term harm.
In conclusion, science should serve humanity—not override its core values. Responsible progress requires thoughtful government regulation that protects society while allowing innovation to thrive. The goal is not to restrict science, but to guide it wisely.
🔍 What You Can Work on to Reach 6/6:
| Focus Area | Your Next Step |
|---|---|
| Grammar Mastery | Focus on article usage, plural/singular consistency, and verb forms (e.g., “is” vs. “are”). |
| Academic Vocabulary | Replace words like “bad intentions” with formal alternatives: “malicious purposes,” “unethical use.” |
| Transitions | Use connectors like “However,” “Therefore,” and “In contrast” to improve flow between paragraphs. |
| Sentence Structure | Break long or awkward sentences into shorter, clearer units. Focus on clarity over complexity. |
| Practice Schedule | Write 1 essay per week with a 30-minute timer and ask me for feedback to gradually raise your score. |
“Governments should not fund the arts when there are more pressing public needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.”
In times of limited public resources, governments are often pressured to prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. While these areas are undeniably essential, it would be shortsighted to eliminate funding for the arts. Artistic and cultural investments not only enrich a nation’s identity but also promote economic growth, social cohesion, and international influence. Therefore, governments should continue to fund the arts—even alongside more urgent societal needs.
Art is embedded in everyday life, from the design of cereal boxes to book covers, architecture, and media. Movies, music, television, and digital platforms are all driven by artistic expression. These industries provide entertainment, shape cultural values, and generate substantial economic returns. Government support helps ensure that the arts remain accessible and innovative, offering benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics.
Strategic public investment in the arts can revitalize local communities, stimulate tourism, and create employment opportunities. For instance, South Korea’s cultural boom in K-pop and K-dramas was significantly supported by government policies and funding. As a result, Korea has expanded its global influence and boosted other sectors such as fashion, cosmetics, and tourism. Similarly, Hollywood continues to be a major contributor to the American economy, with billions generated annually through film exports, tourism, and related services.
Arts funding can also enhance public life on a smaller scale. Local events such as music festivals, public exhibitions, and street performances foster community engagement and support small businesses. A simple example might be combining live music with traditional food markets—drawing larger crowds, promoting cultural identity, and stimulating the local economy.
In conclusion, while healthcare, education, and infrastructure are essential, the arts also deserve government support. With thoughtful planning, investments in the arts can yield cultural, economic, and social returns. Rather than being a drain on public funds, the arts represent a strategic asset that can elevate national development and identity.
