Many students struggle with time management—crafting a coherent essay in just 30 minutes requires practice and strategy. Others find it difficult to distinguish between the two essay types and their different requirements, or they overthink their arguments instead of presenting clear, well-organized responses. Additionally, test-takers often underestimate how important structure and clarity are to scorers, focusing too much on vocabulary when logical organization matters more.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but most students see meaningful gains with focused practice. Consistent work on essay structure, argument analysis, and timed writing practice typically yields 1-2 point improvements over 4-8 weeks. The key is getting feedback on your actual essays and learning to identify patterns in what scorers value—clear thesis statements, logical flow, and specific evidence.

Start by understanding the scoring rubric so you know exactly what graders are looking for. Then work on essay templates and frameworks that help you organize ideas quickly under time pressure. Your tutoring should include writing multiple practice essays, receiving detailed feedback on structure and argumentation, and developing strategies to catch and fix common errors. Finally, practice timing—learning to write a complete, coherent essay in 30 minutes is a skill that takes repetition.

Aim for at least 15-20 full timed essays—roughly 8-10 for each task type. This volume helps you internalize the format, build confidence under pressure, and identify your recurring weaknesses. Quality matters more than quantity, though; each essay should be reviewed and scored using the official GRE rubric so you understand what's working and what needs adjustment.

In "Analyze an Issue," you're asked to take a position on a statement and defend your perspective with examples and reasoning. In "Analyze an Argument," you're critiquing someone else's argument by identifying logical flaws, unsupported assumptions, and weaknesses in evidence—you're not sharing your own opinion. Many students mix these up, so understanding the distinct requirements is crucial for scoring well on both.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Honolulu who specialize in GRE Analytical Writing. When you reach out, you'll be matched with a tutor who understands the section's specific demands and can provide personalized feedback on your essays. Look for tutors with experience scoring or teaching the GRE, and ask about their approach to time management and essay structure during your first session.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what you're doing. The best antidote is practice—writing many timed essays before test day builds confidence and reduces surprises. During the actual test, remember that perfection isn't required; a well-organized, clear essay with solid reasoning will score well. Tutors can also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to help you stay calm and focused when the clock starts.