GRE Workshop 9Issue Essay

Dr. Elena González

November 20, 2014

Objectives

• Become familiar with the the holistic scoring scale for an Issue Essay

• Keep in mind the 4 Basic Principles of GRE Writing (CSMF)

• Apply Kaplan’s 5-Step Method for GRE Writing

• Apply the Kaplan Method

– Complete a 30 minute Analytical Essay

GRE Analytical Writing Scoring Guide

Reference: Educational Testing Services. (2008). GRE General Test Practice Book. http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/gre_0809_practice_book.pdf. Pps. 51 and 53.

Present Your Perspective on an Issue

Score 6

A 6 paper presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis

of the complexities of the issue and convey meaning

skillfully.

A typical paper in this category

• presents an insightful position on the issue

• develops the position with compelling reasons

and/or persuasive examples

• sustains a well-focused, well-organized analysis

connecting ideas logically

• expresses ideas fluently and precisely, using

effective vocabulary and sentence variety

• demonstrates facility with the conventions

(i.e., grammar, usage, and mechanics) of standard

written English but may have minor errors

Present Your Perspective on an Issue

Score 5A 5 paper presents a generally thoughtful, welldeveloped analysis of the complexities of the issueand conveys meaning clearly.

A typical paper in this category

• presents a well-considered position on the issue• develops the position with logically sound reasons

and/or well-chosen examples• is focused and generally well organized, connecting

ideas appropriately• expresses ideas clearly and well, using appropriate

vocabulary and sentence variety• demonstrates facility with the conventions of

standard written English but may have minor errors

GRE Analytical Writing Scoring Guide

GRE Analytical Writing Scoring Guide

Score 4A 4 paper presents a competent analysis ofthe issue and conveys meaning

adequately.

A typical paper in this category

• presents a clear position on the issue• develops the position on the issue with

relevant reasons and/or examples• is adequately focused and organized• expresses ideas with reasonable clarity• generally demonstrates control of

the conventions of standard writtenEnglish but may have some errors

Score 3A 3 paper demonstrates some competence in itsanalysis of the issue and in conveying meaningbut is obviously flawed.

A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE ORMORE of the following characteristics:

• is vague or limited in presenting ordeveloping a position on the issue

• is weak in the use of relevant reasons orexamples

• 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, ormechanics that can interfere with meaning

GRE Analytical Writing Scoring Guide

Score 2A 2 paper demonstrates serious weaknesses inanalytical writing.

A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE ORMORE of the following characteristics:

• is unclear or seriously limited in presenting ordeveloping a position on the issue

• provides few, if any, relevant reasons orexamples

• is unfocused and/or disorganized• has serious problems in the use of language

and sentence structure that frequentlyinterfere with meaning

• contains serious errors in grammar, usage, ormechanics that frequently obscure meaning

Score 1A 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 the ability tounderstand and analyze the issue

• provides little or no evidence of the ability to developan organized response

• has severe problems in language and sentencestructure that persistently interfere with meaning

• contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, ormechanics that result in incoherence

Score 0Off topic (i.e., provides no evidence of an attempt torespond to the assigned topic), in a foreign language,merely copies the topic, consists of only keystrokecharacters, or is illegible, or nonverbal.

NSBlank

Kaplan’s Strategies for Essay Writing GRE Premier Program 2009 Edition, pgs. 179-242.

Four Basic Principles of GRE Writing (CSMF)

• Demonstrate control of language

• Value simplicity

• Don’t worry about making minor mistakes

• Remain focused on your goal

Demonstrate Control of Language

• Superior language control

– Grammar – rules of English

– Concise not wordy

– Direct

– Persuasive

– Varied and correct use of syntax – sentence structure

– Careful with word choice -diction

Value Simplicity

• Keep language, organization, sentences, and vocabulary simple

• Simplicity will add clarity to your ideas

• Simplicity will help you communication your insights better

Remain Focused on your Goal

• Demonstrate your ability to:

A. analyze.

B. construct an argument.

C. communicate your ideas effectively.

The Kaplan Method for the Issue Essay

Kaplan Publishing. (2011). New GRE verbal workbook

(7th ed.). New York, Kaplan Publishing Co. pages

307-315

5-Step Method for GRE Writing and

suggested timeline

• Step 1 Take the issue apart: 2 minutes

• Step 2 Select the points you will make: 4 min.

• Step 3 Organize, using Kaplan’s essay

template: 2 minutes

• Step 4 Type your essay: 20 minutes

• Step 5 Proofread your work: 2 minutes

5-Step Method for GRE Writing

Issue*: People who hold high expectations for others are rewarded with high performance and respect.

Instructions: Develop a response to the claim in which you provide specific reasons whether or not you agree with it. Focus specifically on the most powerful and compelling examples that could be used to support your position

*Taken from Kaplan GRE Premier 2011-2012 pages 368-372

Step 1

Take the issue apart:

• Restate the issue in your own words.

___________________________________

• Consider the other side of the issue and put it in your own words.

___________________________________

Step 1 -Take it Apart

PromptStatement in my own words:

Expecting others to perform well will not only help that to happen, but, will win you the respect of those you lead.

The other side of the issue:

Expecting too much from people can make them produce less, and cause feelings of resentment leading to disrespect.

Step 2

• Select the points you will make

– Decide if you will agree or not with the position stated in the prompt. What side will you take?

In favor or against?

– Select the side you can best defend with examples

Position in Favor

• Arguments in favor of expecting people to do well

1.

2.

3.

Position in Favor

Arguments in favor of expecting people to do well

1. Having high expectations and providing support for people to be able to achieve them is the best way to help others grow.

2. One of the characteristics of the Asian school system is to expect high performance from all students

3. Having high expectations of others injects them with confidence and motivates them to strive for excellence.

Position Against

Arguments against expecting people to do well

1.

2.

3.

Position Against

Arguments against expecting people to do well

1. People will became resentful and disrespectful of your leadership if you expect too much of them.

2. Not everyone is going to be as committed to their work or study environment, so they may just be happy with doing the minimum.

3. What others may consider as “unrealistic expectations” can pinpoint you as their personal enemy.

Step 3

Organize your Argument

• It’s time to write in an abbreviated form of your position

• Use the Kaplan Template

Step 3 –Kaplan Issue Template

• Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the issue and state your position. Summarize the goal of the essay, according to the specific instructions

• Paragraph 2: State and elaborate on the strongest point in support of your position, within the scope of the specific instructions

• Paragraph 3: State and elaborate upon another point• Next to last paragraph: Address an opposition to your

position and refute it with relevant support. Combine with conclusion if time is a restraint.

• Last paragraph: Conclude by summarizing your conclusion in a way that addresses the specific instructions.

Step 3 –Kaplan Issue Template

• Paragraph 1:Expecting others to perform well will not only help that to happen, but, will win you the respect of those you lead.

Paragraph 2: Having high expectations and providing support for people to be able to achieve them is the best way to help others grow.

Paragraph 3:Having high expectations of others injects them with confidence and motivates them to strive for excellence.

Paragraph 4: People will not become resentful or disrespectful of you for your high expectations of them if you provide them with the necessary tools to succeed.

Conclusion: High expectation accompanied with adequate support so as not to fail will inject your students or employees with confidence, augment their productivity, and instill in them a sense of gratitude towards you.

Step 4

• Type your essay

– Open with a general statement

– Assert your position

– Make your main points

– Include points that weaken the opposing position

Step 5

• Revise your essay before handing in.

Read a Sample Essay

• Refer to handout one on issue essay about high expectations.

Review the Kaplan Method for Issue Essays

• Refer to handout two.

Write an Issue Essay

• Go to the Criterion link and log in if you came to the first workshop:

https://criterion28.ets.org/cwe/

• Complete the essay entitled: “Setting Expectations”

• If this is your first time here, open WORD and write your essay following the prompt on the next slide. I need to register you in Criterion.

Prompt

Prompt:

Setting Expectations

"It is cruel and dishonest to tell children that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”’

Instructions:

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this opinion. Support your views with specific reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.