McGraw-Hill Education GRE 2019

Here is a simplified version of the rubric the graders use to score responses to

the Analyze an Argument task:

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.

How to Approach the “Analyze an Issue” Task

The Analyze an Issue task will present you with a one- or two-sentence claim and

ask you to evaluate that claim by using outside evidence. The essay will be graded

on your ability to:

■ Understand the implications of the statement

■ Develop a well-reasoned and organized line of thought

■ Use relevant examples to support your point

■ Present your ideas clearly and intelligibly

80 PART 2 ■ GRE ANALYTICAL WRITING AND VERBAL REASONING

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