Top GRE AWA Mistakes & How to Avoid Them | Writing Guide

The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) can feel like the section everyone underestimates—until they're sitting in front of that blank screen with 30 minutes ticking away. Unlike the quantitative or verbal sections, AWA doesn't test your ability to recall formulas or vocabulary. It tests how clearly you can think, argue, and communicate under pressure.

And that's exactly where most test-takers stumble.

Whether you're aiming for a 4.5 or a perfect 6.0, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. In this guide, we'll walk through the most common GRE AWA mistakes and give you actionable strategies to avoid them—so you can walk into test day with confidence.

Understanding the GRE AWA Structure

Before we dive into mistakes, let's quickly recap what you're dealing with.

The AWA consists of two tasks:

Issue Essay: You're given a statement on a broad topic and asked to develop your own perspective. You'll need to take a position and support it with reasoning and examples.

Argument Essay: You're given a short argument and asked to critique its logical soundness. Your job isn't to agree or disagree, but to identify flaws in reasoning.

Each essay is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. The final AWA score is the average of both essays.

Simple enough, right? Yet so many test-takers trip over avoidable mistakes.

Mistake #1: Misunderstanding the Prompt

This is the number one killer of otherwise decent essays.

Many students rush through the prompt, assume they understand it, and start writing. But the GRE doesn't reward assumptions—it rewards precision.

What goes wrong:

You might misread the Issue essay as asking for a one-sided argument when it actually expects nuance. Or you might critique the wrong part of the Argument essay, focusing on content instead of logic.

How to avoid it:

Spend the first 2–3 minutes really reading the prompt. Underline key phrases. Ask yourself:

• What is the essay actually asking me to do?
• Am I being asked to take a stance, or analyse someone else's argument?
• Are there specific instructions I need to follow?

For the Issue essay, look for directive words like "discuss," "evaluate," or "explain." For the Argument essay, focus on spotting logical flaws—not whether you personally agree with the conclusion.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Planning Phase

It's tempting to start typing immediately. After all, 30 minutes isn't much time.

But jumping straight into writing without a plan is like driving without a map. You might move fast, but you'll probably get lost.

What goes wrong:

Your essay becomes disorganised. Ideas don't flow logically. You realise halfway through that your second paragraph contradicts your introduction. Panic sets in.

How to avoid it:

Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your essay before you write a single sentence.

For the Issue essay, jot down:

• Your thesis (your position)
• 2–3 main supporting points
• A counterargument or nuance to acknowledge

For the Argument essay, list:

• 2–3 key logical flaws
• Evidence or assumptions missing in each flaw
• A quick conclusion tying it together

This upfront investment saves you from messy, meandering essays. Some aspirants find it easier to stay consistent using structured practice tools like PrepAiro, which helps them build these planning habits over time.

Mistake #3: Writing a Vague or Weak Thesis

Your thesis is the backbone of your essay. If it's unclear or wishy-washy, the rest of your argument collapses.

What goes wrong:

You write something like, "There are good points on both sides," or "It depends on the situation." These statements don't take a clear position, leaving the evaluator confused about your actual argument.

How to avoid it:

Be specific and assertive. Your thesis should clearly state your position in one or two sentences.

Weak thesis example:
"Education is important and can be approached in different ways."

Strong thesis example:
"While formal education provides foundational knowledge, self-directed learning is equally essential in developing critical thinking and adaptability in today's rapidly changing world."

Notice the difference? The strong thesis takes a clear stance while acknowledging complexity.

Mistake #4: Using Generic or Irrelevant Examples

Examples are meant to support your argument—not fill space.

Yet many test-takers throw in random historical events, famous people, or personal anecdotes that don't actually strengthen their point.

What goes wrong:

You mention Steve Jobs or Mahatma Gandhi without explaining how their story supports your thesis. Or you share a personal experience that's too vague to be convincing.

How to avoid it:

Every example must directly tie back to your argument. Ask yourself:

• Does this example clearly illustrate my point?
• Have I explained why this example matters?

You don't need elaborate stories. A well-explained, relevant example—even a hypothetical one—is better than a famous name dropped without context.

Example:
Instead of writing, "Steve Jobs dropped out of college and became successful," say:
"Steve Jobs' decision to leave formal education allowed him to pursue calligraphy classes that later influenced Apple's design philosophy, demonstrating how non-traditional learning paths can lead to innovation."

See the difference?

Mistake #5: Ignoring Counterarguments

A one-sided essay feels incomplete. It suggests you haven't considered alternative perspectives—which weakens your credibility.

What goes wrong:

You present your argument as absolute truth without acknowledging any complexity or opposing views. This makes your essay sound shallow.

How to avoid it:

In the Issue essay, dedicate a paragraph to addressing a counterargument or limitation of your position. Then explain why your thesis still holds.

Example structure:
"While some argue that formal education is irreplaceable due to its structured curriculum, self-directed learners often develop stronger problem-solving skills through real-world application and experimentation."

This shows maturity and depth in your thinking—qualities that evaluators reward.

Mistake #6: Overcomplicating Your Language

You're not writing a PhD dissertation. You're writing a clear, logical essay under time pressure.

What goes wrong:

You try to impress evaluators with complex vocabulary or convoluted sentence structures. Instead, you create confusing, awkward prose that's hard to follow.

How to avoid it:

Prioritise clarity over complexity. Use simple, direct language. Vary your sentence length, but don't sacrifice readability.

Overcomplicated:
"The multifaceted nature of pedagogical methodologies necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of their efficacy."

Clear:
"Different teaching methods require careful evaluation to determine their effectiveness."

Remember: evaluators read dozens of essays in one sitting. Make their job easier by writing clearly.

Mistake #7: Neglecting Transitions and Flow

Even if your ideas are solid, a choppy essay feels disjointed.

What goes wrong:

You jump from one point to the next without connecting them. Paragraphs feel like isolated islands instead of parts of a cohesive argument.

How to avoid it:

Use transition words and phrases to guide your reader:

• To add information: "Furthermore," "Additionally," "Moreover"
• To contrast: "However," "On the other hand," "Conversely"
• To show cause and effect: "Therefore," "As a result," "Consequently"
• To conclude: "Ultimately," "In conclusion," "Thus"

Also, start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that links back to your thesis.

Mistake #8: Forgetting to Critique Logic in the Argument Essay

The Argument essay isn't about whether you agree with the conclusion—it's about whether the argument is logically sound.

What goes wrong:

You spend your essay debating the topic instead of analysing the reasoning. Or you focus on irrelevant details instead of identifying logical flaws.

How to avoid it:

Look for common logical fallacies:

• Hasty generalisation: Drawing broad conclusions from limited evidence
• False cause: Assuming correlation equals causation
• Weak analogy: Comparing unlike situations
• Unwarranted assumptions: Missing evidence that's crucial to the argument

For each flaw, explain:

1. What the flaw is
2. Why it weakens the argument
3. What evidence would strengthen it

Example:
"The argument assumes that increased sales are solely due to the new advertising campaign, ignoring other factors such as seasonal trends or competitor activity. Without data isolating the campaign's impact, this conclusion remains unsubstantiated."

Mistake #9: Running Out of Time for a Conclusion

You've written a strong introduction and body paragraphs, but then—time's up. You submit without a conclusion.

What goes wrong:

An abrupt ending makes your essay feel incomplete. Evaluators notice.

How to avoid it:

Budget your time. Aim to leave 3–4 minutes at the end for a conclusion.

Your conclusion doesn't need to be elaborate. Restate your thesis in fresh words and briefly summarise your main points. End with a final thought that reinforces your argument.

Example conclusion:
"Ultimately, while both formal and self-directed education have their merits, the ability to learn independently is increasingly vital in a world where knowledge evolves rapidly. A balanced approach that values both structures will best prepare individuals for lifelong success."

Short, clear, effective.

Mistake #10: Skipping Proofreading

You've finished writing with a minute to spare. You're tempted to submit immediately.

Don't.

What goes wrong:

Typos, grammar errors, and awkward phrasing slip through. While one or two mistakes won't tank your score, multiple errors distract from your argument and signal carelessness.

How to avoid it:

Reserve 2–3 minutes at the end to quickly scan your essay. Look for:

• Obvious typos
• Missing words
• Subject-verb agreement errors
• Repeated words or phrases

You won't catch everything, and that's okay. But a quick review can fix glaring mistakes that hurt your credibility.

Building a Consistent Practice Routine

Knowing these mistakes is one thing. Avoiding them consistently is another.

The key is regular practice. Write timed essays. Review them critically. Identify patterns in your mistakes and work on them deliberately.

Many aspirants find that structured practice platforms help them stay accountable and track improvement over time. Whether you're using official GRE resources or tools like PrepAiro, the goal is the same: turn these strategies into habits so they become automatic on test day.

Final Thoughts

The GRE AWA isn't about writing the perfect essay. It's about writing a clear, logical, well-organised essay under time pressure. Avoid these common mistakes, practice consistently, and trust your preparation.

You've got this.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good GRE AWA score?

A score of 4.5 or above is generally considered competitive for most graduate programs. However, top-tier programmes in fields like humanities or social sciences may expect scores closer to 5.0 or higher. Check your target schools' average AWA scores to set realistic goals.

How much time should I spend planning my GRE essay?

Spend 3–5 minutes planning before you start writing. This includes reading the prompt carefully, outlining your thesis, and jotting down 2–3 main points. A clear plan prevents disorganised writing and saves time in the long run.

Can I use personal examples in the GRE Issue essay?

Yes, but use them strategically. Personal examples work best when they're specific and clearly support your argument. Avoid vague anecdotes. If you can't explain how your example strengthens your thesis, use a different example.

What's the biggest mistake in the GRE Argument essay?

The biggest mistake is debating whether you agree with the argument instead of critiquing its logic. Your job is to identify flaws in reasoning, unsupported assumptions, and missing evidence—not to argue about the topic itself.

Do spelling and grammar mistakes hurt my AWA score?

Minor typos won't significantly impact your score, but frequent errors can distract evaluators and suggest weak writing skills. Always leave 2–3 minutes at the end to proofread and catch obvious mistakes.

How can I improve my AWA score quickly?

Focus on understanding the essay structure, practising with timed prompts, and reviewing your work critically. Identify your recurring mistakes—whether it's vague thesis statements, weak examples, or poor organisation—and work on them deliberately. Consistent practice is key.