1. Introduction
As a non-native English speaker planning to pursue higher education abroad, proving English proficiency is a crucial step in the admission process. One of the most common English language tests is the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, which assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. Writing the GRE Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) essay is an essential aspect of the test, and it is the focus of this article to explore the various strategies and tips on acing the GRE TOEFL essay.
2. Understanding the GRE TOEFL Essay
The GRE TOEFL essay assesses how you present your thoughts and opinions in English, how well you organize your ideas, and how proficient you are in using grammar and vocabulary to express yourself. The essay task requires you to write persuasively and convincingly on a given topic while demonstrating critical thinking skills. You are given 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay, and a score of 0-6 is awarded.
3. Analyzing the Essay Task
To score high in the GRE TOEFL essay, it is vital to understand the essay task, which always requires you to present your opinion on a specific issue. Typically, your opinion should be one of the following: support, oppose, or qualify a given statement. It is essential to read the prompt carefully, identify the key terms, and understand the task requirements.
4. Brainstorming and Planning
An effective essay starts with a good plan that should take you about five minutes of the allotted 30. The plan should guide your writing process by helping you organize your thoughts, identify supporting details that will strengthen your argument, and ensure you stay on track. Brainstorm your ideas before settling on a position. Also, it is advisable to include a concise introduction and conclusion that summarizes your argument.
5. Writing your Essay
It is time to put your plan in action by writing your essay coherently, logically, and persuasively. An essential aspect of the writing process is to ensure that you use a clear and concise language that is appropriate for an academic audience. Use strong thesis statements and topic sentences, provide relevant evidence and examples, and maintain a consistent tone throughout the essay.
6. Revising and Editing
Revising and editing your essay is vital in ensuring that you have conveyed your intended meaning accurately and clearly. You should check for coherence and logical flow, grammar, and spelling errors. Read your essay aloud to identify awkward phrasing or wordy sentences. You can also use online tools to check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
7. Sample Essay
To gain a better understanding of how to structure and write a GRE TOEFL essay, here is a summary of a sample essay that scored 6 points:
The prompt: It is better to study abroad than to study in your home country.
Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and take a position on the statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Argue that studying abroad offers the opportunity to experience new cultures, learn new languages, and network with people from diverse backgrounds.
Body Paragraph 2: Explain how studying abroad broadens one's academic horizons, exposes one to new and innovative teaching methods, and provides a higher quality of education.
Body Paragraph 3: Address the possible counterargument that studying at home universities is more cost-effective. However, remain focused on the advantages of studying abroad, such as scholarship opportunities and improved career prospects.
Conclusion: Summarize your argument and provide a conclusion that reinforces your position.
8. Conclusion
Acing the GRE TOEFL essay requires practice, planning, and critical thinking skills. To score highly, it is essential to understand the essay task, brainstorm and plan your essay, write coherently and persuasively, revise and edit your work, and use relevant evidence and examples to support your argument. With these strategies and tips, you are on your way to achieving an impressive GRE TOEFL essay score.
9. References
Kaplan, Inc. (2020). TOEFL Writing Practice. Retrieved from https://www.kaptest.com/toefl/resources/toefl-writing-practice
ETS. (2020). The TOEFL iBT Test: Writing Section. Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/understand/writing
GRE. (2020). GRE General Test: Test Content and Structure. Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/content/
10. Further Reading
Kaplan, Inc. (2017). GRE Prep Plus 2018. Simon & Schuster.
ETS. (2018). TOEFL iBT: The Official ETS Study Guide. McGraw-Hill Education.
Allen, A. (2017). 1800 Toefl ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
