How to Ace the GRE Writing Section

How to Ace the GRE Writing Section GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog The purpose of the GRE’s Analytical Writing section is to test your critical thinking analytical writing skills. These skills include your ability to properly articulate and support a complex idea,and build strong arguments while composing a well-structured and coherently written essay.One thing to note is that this does not assess your specific knowledge on a given topic. The best way to ensure you perform favorably on the written portion of the GRE is to first be acquainted with the structure of this section and the grader’s expectations for your writing. This section is divided into 2 “Tasks,” each lasting 30 minutes each. In Part I, you will complete the “Analyze an Issue Task,” where you will be presented with an opinion on an issue and asked to evaluate the issue. You are required to assess the issue, then proceed to construct an argument using evidence to support your position. In evaluating your response, graders are looking to see if you have successfully composed a well thought out and organized essay, stating a clear argument which is bolstered my specific evidence. Part II of this section is the “Analyze an Argument Task,” in this section you are asked to evaluate the soundness of an argument rather than picking a side and agreeing or disagreeing with it. Is the argument a stretch or is there adequate evidence to support the writer’s claims? Each of these tasks are evaluating your writing skills though from different positions, the first task requires that you construct your own argument while the second requires you to evaluate someone else’s argument by assessing their claim and the evidence they present. Now that you have a clear understanding of the assignment, let’s discuss the best way to prepare for the writing section. There are many resources available to help you get acquainted with the type of material you will encounter in the GRE Writing section. You should be familiar with what skills are measured from your writing and how these essays are scored. Reviewing a list of sample topics, you will realize that essay topics range across discipline from the humanities to the sciences, but require no prior knowledge of the subject matter. There are even scored sample responses you can review for an idea of what a “good” essay looks like. There is also a published pool of potential topics for the both sections of the Analytical Writing Section, both the Issue and Argument Tasks. Ultimately, what is the purpose of the GRE Writing section? Beyond graders of the exam, how will your performance on this section influence your admission to graduate school? Ideally, your writing will provide a glimpse into your complex thinking and persuasive writing abilities. Both attributes that university faculty consider imperative to being successful in graduate school. To Wrap-Up:GRE Writing Section Strategies Cheat Sheet Prepare: Review list of essay topics (Issue Task, Argument Task) Review writing strategies, scored essay responses and reader commentary (Issue Task, Argument Task) Review scoring guides (Issue Task, Argument Task ) to understand what essay readers are looking for. Budget your time: Be mindful of the time you take for each task. You will need time to plan, organize and write your essay, leaving a few minutes at the end to go back and proof your work.

Asking for and Giving Directions in English ?? - Useful English Phrases

Asking for and Giving Directions in English ?? - Useful English Phrases Being in a strange city or country without directions is very difficult. Understanding the directions  you are given or even finding a person able to offer you directions can be even more of a challenge.  Here are some common English phrases and words used when GIVING DIRECTIONS  in English and also  words and phrases useful when ASKING for DIRECTIONS.Scroll down to watch English video lesson on How to Ask for and Give directions in English. How to Give Directions in English I get asked by strangers for directions at least twice a week (two times a week). I am not sure why people  think I know where every thing is located but even when I have been visiting an unknown city to me I  still, strangely, get asked. When I know the city and know the location of where the stranger  wishes to go (to get to) I try and make my directions as clear as possible. Here is a sample of the common phrases you can use to give directions in English: CARRY STRAIGHT ON this means to continue walking or driving in the same direction. Usually you indicate with your arm or hand.KEEP TO YOUR LEFT/RIGHT This means that you shouldn’t change direction or cross the street.For  example, as you walk along the street keep to your left/right.WHEN YOU GET/COME TO   This means when you arrive at a particular place identified (roundabout,  traffic lights, crossroads, etc) you have to change direction.For example, carry on straight  [1]  along this  road , keep to your left  [2] when you g et to  [3] the traffic lights turn left/right.HANG A RIGHT/LEFT Slang word or phrase to mean take a right or left turn.For example, when you  get to the traffic lights hang a right (take the turning right).LOOK/WATCH OUT FOR   this usually means to try and identify a certain landmark (important building)  like a church or statue, something that is noticeable.For example: Carry straight on  [ 1] along this  road, keep to your left  [ 2] when you come to  [3] the roundabout, take/hang a left  [4] at the roundabout and look out for  [5]  the large statue of the Soldier.   You should then see your hotel on the   left/right.Giving directions requires the use of many different prepositions. The common or frequently used  prepositions in English are:ALONG   walk/drive along this streetNEXT TO   next to the café you will see your  buildingAFTER   after the traffic lights continue forNEAR TO   the place you require is near to or  besides or next toACROSS   cross over or across means walk ac ross the road, street etcLets look at some examples of how we can use different prepositions to give directions in English:ALONG   Please walk along the street in that direction.NEXT TO   When you walk along the street you will see a church. It is next to (beside) the ABC Bank.AFTER   When you pass the bank you will see a DIY shop. After that (the next shop)   is the post office.  You will find what you need there.NEAR TO   The post office is near to the city centre.ACROSS   When you get to the post office you will see the Government office across the street (on the opposite side). Giving Directions in English - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: Asking for Directions in English Asking for directions is certainly the most difficult of these two tasks. Asking a stranger .for help is never easy even  when you speak the same language. But it is significantly more difficult when you are trying to ask in  his native tongue (English language). Today GPS is available on all our mobile  phones but people still like to ask either because they have no signal, no power (battery charge) or  simply they just want to practice their English.There are certain words and expressions in English that you can use to make it easier for you to be  understood.   These are often indirect questions which are more polite and more likely to give a  positive result. Here are some key opening phrases (initial or phrases to begin with) for you to use when asking for directions in English:Excuse meMay I disturb youSorry for disturbing youCould you help me…2nd part of the phrase or question:I was wondering if you couldI am looking forBut could you direct me toFind my way please Lets put them in to a full question or request and practise asking for directions in English:Excuse me, I was wondering if you could give me some help orExcuse me sir/madam, I was  wondering if you could kindly assist me I am looking for some directions to my hotel/the city centre.  Would you be so kind as to help me?Sorry for disturbing (sorry to disturb you), but could you direct me to the nearest bank/hotel/police station?Could you please help me to find my way to the airport/the city centre/ the conference centre.There are indeed many other English phrases and words and word combinations which can also be used. Thesecret ingredient is always to be polite   Excuse me, Sorry to disturb you, Would you mind kindlyAnd of course when the advice has been given and the directions have been understood do not  forget to offer your thanks. British people use Please  and Thank you  a lot. They also expect to hear  it fronm you when they provide help such as in the situation of giving direct ions.Common ways to offer your thanks in English are:Thank youThank you so much for your helpI am really grateful, you have been a great help I also have a short video lesson about Asking for Directions in English. Please watch and listen to the pronunciation of English words and phrases: Asking for Directions in English - Video Lesson