Agree or Disagree with a Statement
Decide how far a general statement holds when you test it against different cases.
Start Agree or Disagree with a StatementAnalytical Writing at a glance
One 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. You take a position on an issue, follow the directions attached to it, and support your reasoning with examples. ETS Analytical Writing overview
ETS reports a score from 0 to 6 in half-point steps. Strong responses answer the specific directions, sustain a clear position, develop reasons or examples, and express the argument clearly. ETS scoring guide
Pro tip for a stronger score
Read the direction before planning your thesis. For each example, explain why it supports your point and whether it changes how far your claim applies.
A 30-minute practice plan
- 5 minutes to plan. Mark the task direction, state your position and pick two examples that test it.
- 22 minutes to write. Give each body paragraph a reason, an example and an explanation that connects them.
- 3 minutes to review. Check that you answered every part of the direction and clarify any sentence that obscures your reasoning.
Six ways to practise Analyze an Issue
Each set follows one of the six task directions. You can use the plan and useful language before drafting, then compare your reasoning with the model answer. ETS task directions
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Evaluate a Recommendation
Show when adopting a suggested practice would help and when its costs would outweigh its benefits.
Start Evaluate a Recommendation -
Claim and Strongest Objection
Develop your position and answer the strongest reasonable challenge to it.
Start Claim and Strongest Objection -
Compare Two Views
Evaluate both views and explain which one comes closer to your position.
Start Compare Two Views -
Claim and Reason
Judge the claim, the reason offered for it, and the strength of the connection between them.
Start Claim and Reason -
Policy Consequences
Analyse what would happen if a policy were implemented and weigh the trade-offs.
Start Policy Consequences