The organization behind the GRE sends each test-taker a CD-ROM with a simulated test. Use the disc to familiarize yourself with the test's word processor and the program's shortcut keys. Not only will this practice make you more comfortable when you take the actual test, it will also save you time because you'll know how to manipulate your work faster.
Become familiar with possible essay topics. GRE officials post potential topics on the test's official website. You won't be able to memorize each one or write your essays in advance but knowing the potential topics give you an advantage. Pay particular attention to recurring themes.
Set aside time to organize your ideas and write your essays. You are given 45 minutes for the issue writing portion of the test. This piece of writing will be between 400 and 700 words. You have 30 minutes for the argument analysis task which will be 300 to 400 words long. Practice brainstorming, outlining, writing the essay itself and revising your work in the time allowed.
Boosting your typing skills will save you time when test day comes around, too. Also use abbreviations when you can. If you refer to an organization several times in your essay it's okay to shorten its name. For example, if you reference the government's labor agency as the "Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)" the first time it appears in your essay, it's acceptable to use "BLS" for the rest of your paper.
According to Barron's GRE prep book, scorers appreciate the use of transition words. For example, "let me illustrate" and "for instance" signal that supporting evidence is coming up. "Additionally" and "also" signal additional reasons or examples. "Although," "but," and similar words signal a switch of direction in your argument. Use keywords or phrases like "in short" and "consequently" to inform your reader that your conclusion in upcoming. Readers often mention the writer's use of transitions as a good thing when awarding fives and sixes.
Write your introduction and summary paragraphs last. It will be much easier and faster after your ideas are fleshed out in the body of the paper. Avoid common logical fallacies. Do not make generalized assumptions based on a single instance. Remember, just because one thing follows another does not necessarily mean that the first caused the latter. Keep your analysis balanced. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to these exercises. You just have to illustrate that you can make and present points accurately. Plus, you do not want to alienate your reader if he feels differently than you.