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Writing Center: Structure For GRE Essay

A guide to information to help you research and write more effectively.

Tentative Structure For GRE Essay

  1. Introduction: 
    1. Restate the issue or argument in the prompt
    2. State your position on the issue or argument in a thesis statement
    3. Explain the reasoning that you plan to address in the body paragraphs 
  2. Body Paragraph 1: 
    1. State your strongest reasoning for the position in your thesis statement
    2. Use examples, evidence, and logical analysis to support your reasoning
    3. Explain why this evidence supports your reasoning and your thesis 
  3. Body Paragraph 2: 
    1. Transition into the next body paragraph
    2. State your second reasoning, supporting evidence for this reasoning, and how this evidence supports the reasoning and thesis 
  4. Body Paragraph 3: 
    1. Transition into the next body paragraph
    2. State your second reasoning, supporting evidence for this reasoning, and how this evidence supports the reasoning and thesis 
  5. Conclusion 
    1. Restate the issue or argument you explained in the introduction 
    2. Restate your thesis statement 
    3. Summarize your reasoning in the body paragraphs and how this reasoning supports your thesis