The analytical writing section consists of two tasks:

• Writing and essay presenting your point of view on an issue of general intellectual concern.
• Writing an essay analyzing the line of reasoning in an argument.

You are slotted 45 minutes to complete the issue task and 30 minutes to complete the argument analysis task. There is no break between the two tasks. You must finish the first task before you begin the other.

The Issue Task:

In this task, you are asked to repond to a particular issue, clearly presenting your view point on that issue and supporting your position with reasons and examples. This task is intended to test your ability to write persuasively and effectively.

At the test center, before you begin the timed portion of your issue writing assignment, you first will be shown a set of directions on screen. The directions for the issue task are straightforward. In essence, they say the following:

Give your viewpoint on an issue - 45 minutes

Faculty members from various institutions will evaluate your essay, judging it on the basis of your skill in the following areas:

• Analysis of the quotations's implications.
• Organisations and articulation of your ideas.
• Use of relevant examples and argments to support your case.
• Handling of the mechanics of standard written English.

Once you have decided which topic you prefer, click on the appropriate icon(Topic 1 or Topic 2) to confirm your choice. Do not be hasty confirming your choice of topic. Once you have clicked on a topic, you will not be able to switch to the alternative choice.

To begin the timed portion of this task, click on the icon labeled Proceed

Once you have clicked on proceed , a second screen will appear. This screen contains some general words of advice about how to write on issue essy:

• Think before you write. Plan what you are going to say.
• Work out you ideas in detail.
• Be coherent
• Leave yourself enough time to revise

None of this is rocket science. You already know what you are supposed to do. This clock is ticking away, so don't waste your time reading pro forma advice. Just click on the Dismiss Directions icon and get to work.

The Argument Task:

In this task, you are asked to critique the line of reasoning of an argument given in brief passage, clearly pointing out that argument's strengths and weaknesses and supporting your position with reasons and examples. This task is intended to test both your ability to get your point across to an academic audience.

Again, before you begin the timed portion of your argument analysis task, you first will be shown a set of directions on screen. The directions for the argument task are straight forward, the say the following:

Evaluate an Argument : 30 minutes

In 30 minutes, prepare a critical analysis of an argument expressed in a short paragraph. You may not offer an analysis of any other argument.

Faculty members from various institutions will judge your essay , assessing it on the basis of your skill in the following areas:

• Identification and assessment of the argument's main elements.
• Organizations and articulation of your thoughts
• Use of relevant examples and arguments to support your case.
• Handling of the mechanics of standard written English