This is what happens when you don't spend time on English. In fact, I wan not able to do so. It was my first and last attempt, I had 4 months with full time job, spouse & daughter.
I would advise all aspirants, though I couldn't, to learn GRE vocabulary by heart to fix your 20 mcqs. For essay, if you see topics of CE 17 it seems that IR/Pol sci. has indirectly become a compulsory subject to pass essay; however, can't say about future trend.
I strongly recommend that even if you don't want to join an academy at least get your practice tests examined by an experienced CE english teacher.

The only thing satisfying me right now is that somebody is calling me "topper of optional papers" with average of 72
All the best to those who are left with attempts, you have to put minimum effort for subsequent attempts so don't waste any of it if you are left with.