The essays on the GRE require a very standardized approach with little variation. In this post, we'll discuss how to outline a basic four paragraph essay using one of the official GRE essay prompts.

Believe it or not, ETS actually provides all of the possible issue essay topics on their website at http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/analytical_writing/issue/pool. Now, I would not recommend attempting to prep content for all of these prompts, since for most GRE takers the essay score will be least relevant to admissions teams at your target program(s). However, you might benefit from doing your brainstorming and outlining exercises based on the model of this post.

Now, the task for the issue essay will be quite consistent in requesting you to explain and support your position on an issue presented. There are some slight variations on the theme, and you'll want to note if they ask for you to frame your response in any specific fashion, but generally the task will be nearly identical every time. Let's consider this prompt:

Teachers' salaries should be based on their students' academic performance.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

For the purposes of this exercise, we'll assume that the brainstorming has been complete and move directly to outlining our paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction

• Clearly articulate your position on the issue
  Do not equivocate! You must clearly take a position, so be clear in stating which side you feel is preferable.
• Preview your top three supporting examples
  As part of the brainstorming process you should have produced several examples in support of your position. You'll want to briefly note those in reverse order of importance, so 3rd most important, 2nd most, and then most important.
• Transition into your most compelling example
  The path to a 4.5 or higher on the GRE essay is improving the flow of your essay, so having a smooth transition to your primary support will help lay that flow foundation.

Paragraph 2 - Primary Support

• Briefly summarize your primary supporting example
  Remember that the best support should not require a lot of exposition, but do take a moment to introduce your example.
• Relate your primary supporting example to your position
  Explain how your supporting example informs your position.
• Briefly address possible opposition response to example
  Another method for improving upon that baseline goal of a 4 is to show a broad understanding of the implications of the issue by addressing a possible retort from the other side of the issue before asserting your position as preferable.
• Transition into second most compelling example
  Continue to show mastery of your narrative with another good transition.

Paragraph 3 - Secondary Support

• Briefly summarize your secondary supporting example
  Very similar in function to the primary support, but focus on tying the two examples together to build on the established flow.
• Relate your secondary supporting example to your position
  Once more explain how your supporting example informs your position.
• Briefly address possible opposition response to example
  Once more prove you have a broad understanding of the implications of the issue by addressing a possible retort from the other side of the issue before asserting your position as preferable.
• Transition into conclusion
  Rather than forcing a hasty third example, focus on a solid transition into a useful conclusion.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion

• Briefly summarize your any tertiary supporting examples
  By briefly mentioning any additional issues you can ensure that your conclusion isn't redundant.
• Summarize your position and briefly recap support
  Should be doable in one or two sentences.
• Restate your position as preferable to opposition
  Nothing overly creative, but allows for a final certain articulation of your position.

This isn't an exciting structure, but by following it you'll be able to guarantee a score of 4 that should be sufficient for most B-School GRE uses and put yourself in position to potentially get a 4.5 or 5 that will be the apex score possible for all but the fastest writers!