GRE Scoring Guide: Analyze an Argument

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Score 6
In addressing the specific task directions, a 6 response
presents a cogent, well-articulated examination of the
argument and conveys meaning skillfully.
A typical response in this category
 clearly identifies aspects of the argument relevant to
the assigned task and examines them insightfully
 develops ideas cogently, organizes them logically,
and connects them with clear transitions
 provides compelling and throrough support for its
main points
 conveys ideas fluently and precisely, using effective
vocabulary and sentence variety
 demonstrates facility with the conventions of
standard written English (i.e., grammar, usage, and
mechanics) but may have minor errors
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Score 5
In addressing the specific task directions, a 5 response
presents a generally thoughtful, well-developed
examination of the argument and conveys meaning clearly.
A typical response in this category
 clearly identifies aspects of the argument relevant to
the assigned task and examines them in a generally
perceptive way
 develops ideas clearly, organizes them logically,
and connects them with appropriate transitions
 offers generally thoughtful and thorough support for
its main points
 conveys ideas clearly and well, using appropriate
vocabulary and sentence variety
 demonstrates facility with the conventions of
standard written English but may have minor errors
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Score 4
In addressing the specific task directions, a 4 response
presents a competent examination of the argument and
conveys meaning with acceptable clarity.
A typical response in this category
 identifies and examines aspects of the argument
relevant to the assigned task but may also discuss
some extraneous points
 develops and organizes ideas satisfactorily but may
not connect them with transitions
 supports its main points adequately but may be
uneven in its support
 demonstrates sufficient control of language to
convey ideas with reasonable clarity
 generally demonstrates control of the conventions
of standard written English but may have some
errors
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Score 3

A 3 response demonstrates some competence in addressing the
specific task directions, in examining the argument, and in
conveying meaning but is obviously flawed.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of
the following characteristics:
 does not identify or examine most of the aspects of the
argument relevant to the assigned task, although some
relevant examination of the argument is present
 mainly discusses tangential or irrelevant matters, or
reasons poorly
 is limited in the logical development and organization of
ideas
 offers support of little relevance and value for its main
points
 has problems in language and sentence structure that result
in a lack of clarity
 contains occasional major errors or frequent minor
errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that can
interfere with meaning
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Score 2
A 2 response largely disregards the specific task directions and/or
demonstrates serious weaknesses in analytical writing.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of
the following characteristics:
 does not present an examination based on logical analysis,
but may instead present the writer's own views on the
subjectdoes not follow the directions for the assigned task
 does not develop ideas, or is poorly organized and illogical
 provides little, if any, relevant or reasonable support for its
main points
 has serious problems in language and sentence structure
that frequently interfere with meaning
 contains serious errors in grammar, usage, or
mechanics that frequently obscure meaning
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Score 1
A 1 response demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in analytical
writing.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of
the following characteristics:
 provides little or no evidence of understanding the
argument
 is extremely brief and/or disorganized, providing little
evidence of an organized response
 has severe problems in language and sentence structure
that persistently interfere with meaning
 contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics
that result in incoherence
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Score 0
Off topic, in a foreign language, merely copies the topic,
consists of only keystroke characters, or is illegible, or
nonverbal.