Section 2. Analytical Writing: Analyze an Argument
Use the following scoring rubric to grade your essay. Grade yourself as honestly
as possible regarding the organization, structure, fluency, and accuracy of your
writing. Then compare your essay to the sample high-scoring response that follows.Analyze an Argument: Scoring
SCORE FOCUS ORGANIZATION CONVENTIONS
0 Does not address the
prompt. Off topic.Incomprehensible. May
merely copy the prompt
without development.Illegible. Nonverbal.
Serious errors make the
paper unreadable. May be
in a foreign language.
1 Little or no analysis of the
argument. May indicate
misunderstanding of the
prompt.Little or no development
of ideas. No evidence of
analysis or organization.Pervasive errors in
grammar, mechanics, and
spelling.2 Little analysis. May instead
present opinions and
unrelated thoughts.Disorganized and illogical. Frequent errors in
sentence structure,
mechanics, and spelling.
3 Some analysis of the
prompt, but some major
flaws may be omitted.Rough organization with
irrelevant support or
unclear transitions.Occasional major errors
and frequent minor errors
in conventions of written
English.
4 Important flaws in the
argument are touched
upon.Ideas are sound but may
not flow logically or
clearly.Occasional minor errors
in conventions of written
English.
5 Perceptive analysis of
the major flaws in the
argument.Logical examples and
support develop a
consistent, coherent
critique. Connectors
are ably used to mark
transitions.Very few errors. Sentence
structure is varied and
vocabulary is advanced.6 Insightful, clever analysis
of the argument’s flaws
and fallacies.Compelling, convincing
examples and support
develop a consistent,
coherent critique. The
analysis flows effortlessly
and persuasively.Very few errors. Sentence
structure is varied, and
vocabulary is precise, well
chosen, and effective.562 PART 5 ■ GRE PRACTICE TESTS05-GRE-Test-2018_463-582.indd 562 12/05/17 12:14 pm