GRE Argument vs Issue Essay: Key Differences & Strategies

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is often the most underestimated section of the GRE. While test-takers obsess over Quant formulas and Verbal word lists, the two essays—Argument and Issue—quietly determine whether you can think critically and write coherently under pressure.

Here's the thing: these aren't the same essay with different prompts. They test completely different skills. And if you walk into the test center treating them the same way, you're setting yourself up for confusion and a mediocre score.

This guide will help you understand exactly what makes each essay unique, how to approach them strategically, and what a strong outline looks like for both.

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What Are the GRE Argument and Issue Essays?

Both essays are part of the Analytical Writing section, but they assess different dimensions of your thinking.

The Issue Essay asks you to take a position on a broad, debatable statement. You'll need to present your perspective and support it with reasoning and examples. Think of it as your chance to argue for what you believe—backed by logic.

The Argument Essay gives you a flawed argument and asks you to critique it. You're not stating your opinion. You're identifying logical weaknesses, unsupported assumptions, and missing evidence.

In short: Issue = Your Opinion. Argument = Their Logic.

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Key Differences Between Argument and Issue Essays

Purpose

Issue Essay: Develop and defend your own viewpoint on a complex issue.

Argument Essay: Analyze and critique someone else's reasoning.

Task

Issue Essay: Take a stance (agree, disagree, or somewhere in between) and justify it with examples, reasoning, or hypothetical scenarios.

Argument Essay: Identify logical flaws, unstated assumptions, and gaps in evidence. Explain why the argument is unconvincing.

Tone

Issue Essay: Persuasive and reflective. You're building a case.

Argument Essay: Analytical and neutral. You're dissecting, not debating.

Structure

Issue Essay: Intro + 2-3 body paragraphs (each supporting your thesis) + Conclusion.

Argument Essay: Intro + 2-3 body paragraphs (each targeting a specific flaw) + Conclusion.

Examples

Issue Essay: You create your own examples—real-world events, historical cases, hypothetical situations, or personal observations.

Argument Essay: You work only with what's given in the prompt. No outside examples needed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the Issue Essay:

• Writing vaguely without clear examples
• Ignoring the specific instructions (e.g., "discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree")
• Being too one-sided without acknowledging counterarguments
• Using overly complex language to sound "smart"

In the Argument Essay:

• Agreeing or disagreeing with the argument (you're not supposed to)
• Pointing out factual errors instead of logical flaws
• Writing in first person ("I think this argument is weak")
• Listing flaws without explaining why they matter

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How to Approach the Issue Essay

Step 1: Understand the Prompt and Instructions

Each Issue prompt comes with specific instructions. Some ask you to agree or disagree. Others ask you to discuss the extent of agreement or consider circumstances where the statement might not hold.

Read the instruction carefully. It guides your entire response.

Step 2: Brainstorm Quickly

Spend 2-3 minutes jotting down:

• Your initial stance
• 2-3 reasons that support it
• At least one counterargument or limitation

Step 3: Outline Before Writing

A clear outline keeps your essay focused and coherent. More on this in the next section.

Step 4: Write with Clarity

Use short paragraphs. Avoid jargon. Connect your ideas with transition words like "however," "furthermore," and "on the other hand."

Step 5: Proofread

Save 2-3 minutes at the end to catch obvious errors. You won't have time to rewrite, but you can fix typos and awkward sentences.

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Sample Outline for the Issue Essay

Prompt: "Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the future."

Your Stance: Disagree—both are important, but long-term planning is essential.

Outline:

Introduction:

• Paraphrase the prompt
• State your thesis: Governments must balance immediate needs with future planning

Body Paragraph 1:

• Immediate problems (poverty, healthcare) need urgent attention
• Example: COVID-19 response required fast action
• Acknowledge the validity of focusing on the present

Body Paragraph 2:

• However, ignoring the future leads to crises
• Example: Climate change—lack of planning causes irreversible damage
• Future problems often become today's emergencies if not addressed early

Body Paragraph 3 (Optional):

• The best approach is balance
• Example: Infrastructure investment helps today and tomorrow
• Governments should allocate resources to both short-term relief and long-term strategy

Conclusion:

• Restate thesis
• Short, reflective closing: Short-term action is visible, but long-term vision is what defines responsible governance.

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How to Approach the Argument Essay

Step 1: Read the Argument Carefully

Identify the conclusion (what the author wants you to believe) and the evidence (what they're using to support it).

Step 2: Spot the Assumptions

Ask yourself: What's missing? What does the author take for granted? What alternative explanations exist?

Step 3: Outline Your Critique

Pick 2-3 major flaws. Each body paragraph should focus on one flaw, explain why it weakens the argument, and suggest what evidence could strengthen it.

Step 4: Write Objectively

Never say "I think" or "I believe." Keep your tone neutral and analytical.

Step 5: Proofread

Just like with the Issue essay, reserve a few minutes for a quick review.

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Sample Outline for the Argument Essay

Prompt: "The following appeared in a memo from the city council: 'Since the introduction of a new traffic light system, accidents at Main Street intersection have decreased by 40%. Therefore, we should install similar systems at all major intersections to reduce citywide accidents.'"

Outline:

Introduction:

• Summarize the argument
• State that while the conclusion seems logical, it relies on several unsupported assumptions

Body Paragraph 1: Assumption about Causation

• The argument assumes the traffic light caused the reduction
• Could be other factors: increased police presence, road repairs, seasonal changes
• Suggest: Data comparing accident trends before and after, controlling for other variables

Body Paragraph 2: Assumption about Generalizability

• Assumes Main Street's success will apply to all intersections
• Other intersections might have different traffic patterns, pedestrian volume, or road designs
• Suggest: Pilot programs at varied locations before citywide rollout

Body Paragraph 3: Assumption about Cost-Effectiveness

• No mention of costs or feasibility
• Installing lights everywhere might strain the budget or not address root causes (e.g., driver behavior)
• Suggest: Cost-benefit analysis and consideration of alternative safety measures

Conclusion:

• Restate that the argument is unconvincing due to these gaps
• With additional evidence and nuanced analysis, the council's proposal could be more credible

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Scoring Criteria: What Graders Look For

Both essays are scored on a scale of 0–6, then averaged for your final AWA score.

For Issue Essays:

• Clear position: Do you take a stance and stick with it?
• Reasoning and examples: Are your arguments logical and well-supported?
• Organization: Is your essay easy to follow?
• Language use: Is your writing clear and varied?

For Argument Essays:

• Identification of flaws: Do you accurately spot logical weaknesses?
• Depth of analysis: Do you explain why these flaws matter?
• Organization: Is each flaw discussed in a separate, focused paragraph?
• Language use: Is your critique clear and precise?

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Time Management Tips for Both Essays

You get 30 minutes per essay. Here's a smart breakdown:

• 5 minutes: Read, analyze, and outline
• 20 minutes: Write
• 5 minutes: Proofread

Many test-takers skip the outline and dive straight into writing. That's a mistake. Five minutes of planning saves you from rambling, losing focus, or forgetting a key point halfway through.

Some aspirants find it easier to stay consistent with timed practice using structured tools like PrepAiro, which simulate real test conditions and help build stamina for back-to-back essays.

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Practice Prompts to Get You Started

Issue Essay Prompts:

1. "The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones."
2. "In any profession, it is more important to be likeable than to be competent."
3. "Governments should prioritize funding for the arts over sciences."

Argument Essay Prompts:

1. "A recent survey found that 80% of employees at Tech Corp are satisfied with their jobs. Therefore, Tech Corp is the best place to work in the industry."
2. "Sales of organic food have increased by 30% in the last year. This proves that consumers are becoming more health-conscious."
3. "Our town's crime rate dropped after we installed more streetlights. Installing streetlights in neighboring towns will reduce crime there as well."

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Should You Memorize Templates?

Short answer: No.

Templates make your writing sound robotic and generic. Graders can spot them instantly, and they rarely fit the specific prompt you'll see on test day.

Instead, memorize a flexible structure:

• Intro: Context + Thesis
• Body: Point + Explanation + Example
• Conclusion: Summary + Reflection

This gives you a framework without locking you into rigid phrasing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use personal examples in the Issue Essay?

Yes, but they should be relevant and well-developed. Hypothetical or real-world examples often feel more authoritative, but personal anecdotes work if they support your argument clearly.

2. Do I need to take a strong stance in the Issue Essay, or can I be neutral?

You can take a nuanced stance (e.g., "both sides have merit, but one is more important in most cases"), but you must still present a clear thesis. Pure fence-sitting weakens your essay.

3. What if I can't find any flaws in the Argument Essay?

Every GRE Argument prompt has flaws—that's the point. Look for unsupported assumptions, missing evidence, causal fallacies, or overgeneralizations. If you're stuck, ask: "What's the author assuming without proving?"

4. How much does the AWA score matter?

Most graduate programs don't weigh it heavily, but it's not irrelevant. Some programs (especially in humanities or business) check it to assess communication skills. A very low score can raise red flags, even if your Quant and Verbal are strong.

5. Should I write longer essays to score higher?

Length alone doesn't determine your score, but well-developed essays tend to be longer. Aim for 400–600 words per essay. Focus on depth and clarity, not word count.

6. Can I practice both essays on the same day?

Absolutely. In fact, you should. On test day, you'll write both back-to-back with no break. Practicing them together builds endurance and helps you switch mindsets quickly.

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Final Thoughts

The GRE Argument and Issue essays aren't trying to trick you. They're designed to see if you can think critically, structure your thoughts, and communicate clearly—skills you'll need in graduate school and beyond.

The key is understanding what each essay asks for and practicing until the structure feels natural. You don't need perfect grammar or a PhD-level vocabulary. You just need clarity, logic, and a little bit of strategy.

So pick a prompt. Set a timer. Start writing.

The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when that 30-minute countdown starts on test day.