10 GRE Essay Topics with Answers

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment is an important section of the exam. It assesses the candidate's readiness to handle advanced academic writing tasks at the university level and their ability to think logically. 

The GRE Analytical Writing section is a key part of your grad school application. In 2026, GRE is shorter, meaning you only have to write one essay: the "Analyze an Issue" task.

You have 30 minutes to read a prompt, take a side, and write a clear argument. Top universities in the world often set a minimum score for this section to judge your writing ability clearly. To check if you can explain your ideas well in English.

To get a high score, you need to practice with real GRE essay topics. Success depends on how you organize your thoughts and the examples you use to support your opinion. Reading high-quality samples helps you understand what the graders want to see. This guide offers a list of GRE essay topics with answers to help you prepare. By studying these examples, you will learn how to structure your essay and manage your time effectively on exam day. Use the topics below to build your confidence and reach your target score.

Quick Facts for 2026:

• Task Type: One "Analyze an Issue" essay.

• Time Limit: 30 minutes.

• Total Score: 0 to 6.0 (in half-point steps).

• Goal: Present a clear position with logical evidence.

GRE Analytical Writing - GRE AWA Topics (Analyse an Issue)

The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) remains an important metric for graduate admissions in 2026. Since the GRE was shortened, candidates now face a single 30-minute "Analyze an Issue" task. Top-tier universities often require a minimum AWA score of 4.0 to 4.5 to ensure students can articulate complex critical thinking in written English. 

GRE AWA Topic: 1

Some people believe that the most important qualities of an effective teacher are understanding and empathy. Others believe that it is more important for teachers to be rigorous and demanding in their expectations for students.

Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 1

GRE AWA Topic: 2

Claim: Though often considered an objective pursuit, learning about the historical past requires creativity.

Reason: Because we can never know the past directly, we must reconstruct it by imaginatively interpreting historical accounts, documents, and artifacts.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which the claim is based.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 2

We learn our most valuable lessons in life from struggling with our limitations rather than from enjoying our successes.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 3

GRE AWA Topic: 4

In any field business, politics, education, government those in power should be required to step down after five years.

Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 4 

GRE AWA Topic: 5

The effectiveness of a country's leaders is best measured by examining the well-being of that country's citizens.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 5

GRE AWA Topic: 6

The general welfare of a nation's people is a better indication of that nation's greatness than the achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 6

GRE AWA Topic: 7

The best test of an argument is the argument's ability to convince someone with an opposing viewpoint.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 7

GRE AWA Topic: 8

It is more harmful to compromise one's own beliefs than to adhere to them.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 8

GRE AWA Topic: 9

Claim: Major policy decisions should always be left to politicians and other government experts.

Reason: Politicians and other government experts are more informed and thus have better judgment and perspective than do members of the general public.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 9

GRE AWA Topic: 10

Educational institutions should actively encourage their students to choose fields of study that will prepare them for lucrative careers.

Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position. 

Answer: GRE Sample Essay 10

How is the GRE AWA scored?

The GRE essay is graded on a scale of 0 to 6. Two different graders (one human and one computer) look at your work. They focus on how well you explain your ideas.

Here is what they look for:

• Clear Opinion: Do you take a firm side on the issue?
• Good Examples: Do you use facts or stories to prove your point?
• Organization: Is your essay easy to follow from start to finish?
• Grammar: Is your English clear and mostly free of mistakes?

If the two graders agree, that is your score. If they disagree, a second human grader reviews it. A score of 4.0 or higher is usually considered good for most GRE accepting colleges.

Top Tips for a High GRE AWA Score

To get a 6.0 score, you must work smart. Follow these simple steps to improve your writing:

• Plan First: Spend 2 to 5 minutes outlining your main ideas before you type.
• Use Transition Words: Use words like "First," "However," and "Therefore" to link your thoughts.
• Vary Your Sentences: Mix short and long sentences to keep the reader interested.
• Focus on Logic: Make sure every example you use actually supports your main point.
• Proofread: Save 2 minutes at the end to fix quick spelling or grammar slips.

Practice is key. Using a timer while writing will help you get used to the 30-minute limit. These preparation tips for GRE AWA will surely help you to get good scores.

Candidates can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions on our website. 

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