GRE Scoring Guide: Analyze an Issue

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Score 6
In addressing the specific task directions, a 6 paper presents a
cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and conveys
meaning skillfully.
A typical paper in this category
 articulates a clear and insightful position on the issue in
accordance with the assigned task
 develops the position fully with compelling reasons
and/or persuasive examples
 sustains a well-focused, well-organized analysis,
connecting ideas logically
 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 paper presents a
generally thoughtful, well-developed analysis of the issue and
conveys meaning clearly.
A typical paper in this category
 presents a clear and well-considered position on the issue
in accordance with the assigned task
 develops the position with logically sound reasons and/or
well-chosen examples
 is focused and generally well organized, connecting ideas
appropriately
 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 paper presents a
competent analysis of the issue and conveys meaning with
acceptable clarity.
A typical paper in this category
 presents a clear position on the issue in accordance with
the assigned task
 develops the position with relevant reasons and/or
examples
 is adequately focused and organized
 demonstrates sufficient control of language to express
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 paper demonstrates some competence in addressing the
specific task directions, in analyzing the issue, and in conveying
meaning but is obviously flawed.
A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the
following characteristics:
 is vague or limited in addressing the specific task
directions and in presenting or developing a position on
the issue
 is weak in the use of relevant reasons or examples or
relies largely on unsupported claims
 is poorly focused and/or poorly organized
 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 paper largely disregards the specific task directions and/or
demonstrates serious weaknesses in analytical writing.
A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the
following characteristics:
 is unclear or seriously limited in addressing the specific
task directions and in presenting or developing a position
on the issue
 provides few, if any, relevant reasons or examples in
support of its claims
 is unfocused and/or disorganized
 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 paper demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in analytical
writing.
A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the
following characteristics:
 provides little or no evidence of understanding the issue
 provides little or no evidence of the ability to develop 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 (i.e., provides no evidence of an attempt to respond to
the assigned topic), is in a foreign language, merely copies the
topic, consists of only keystroke characters, or is illegible or
nonverbal.