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The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section evaluates your ability to analyze an argument and express your thoughts and opinions effectively. It requires you to critically examine the reasoning presented for a given position. To successfully complete this part of the GMAT exam, students should allocate 30 minutes for this task. While the AWA instructions are divided into separate sections, one aspect that is often neglected is the directions.
Ensure you pay careful attention to the directions provided for the GMAT AWA section. It is important to thoroughly understand the specific requirements and guidelines outlined in the instructions. Neglecting this crucial step can lead to oversight and impact your performance on the assessment.
By being attentive to the directions, you can approach the GMAT AWA section with a clear understanding of the expected GMAT score. This will enable you to analyze arguments effectively, present your thoughts coherently and maximize your potential for success on the exam.
What is GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a component of the GMAT that assesses your logical and analytical writing capabilities. The GMAT comprises of four sections: Verbal, Quants, AWA and Integrated Reasoning. Due to its time-based nature, this exam requires test-takers to be agile with its distinctive nuances hence prompting rapid thinking during the examination.
Despite being an often overlooked section in a syllabus, students should always make adequate efforts when preparing for this portion. The GMAT Analytical Writing is an intense piece of critical reasoning, so in order to ace it, you need to have robust reasoning skills.
How To Prepare for GMAT Analytical Writing?
To help you attain a stellar performance in GMAT AWA, we've developed an expedited process that could streamline implementation:
- Time Management
- Tackle the challenge
- Clearly delineate your stance
- Points to note
- Make sure to revisit and refine your content for optimal impact
Time Management
At first glance, it may appear that the GMAT AWA section is a test of one's ability to remain composed and judiciously solve problems. This concept extends into the examination process; in order to succeed with this section, students must demonstrate that they are capable of rationally debating an argument and uncovering its fallacious premises--all within a timeframe of approximately thirty minutes.
Fortunately, with adequate practice, this can be achieved without difficulty. To help you understand time management during the section & GMAT preparation, here are a few steps:
Step 1- Read the essay in-depth- 2 minutes.
Step 2- Examine its salient features and detect three distinct flaws that do not warrant expanding upon 5 minutes.
Step 3- Create a rudimentary outline of your essay, which may include brainstorming thoughts and synthesizing ideas - 3 minutes.
Step 4- Create an authoritative piece with clarity in expression required for success - 15 minutes.
Step 5- Proofread your essay for bad grammar or spelling- 2 minutes.
Tackle the Challenge
Since embarking upon a GMAT AWA, there is one primary objective: to identify irregularities, which requires proper analysis and reasoning abilities. While you are allotted 30 minutes for reading and processing- don't forget that these requirements must be met.
Though it may seem simple enough to discern a few key phrases or situations from your essay - those who have not put in thought will likely struggle with this crucial task. Do not forget to go through every element of the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment syllabus.
To elucidate upon this issue, let us examine the commonly perceived flaws:
- In an attempt to make a persuasive argument, it is not uncommon to use phrases such as 'reported' or 'filed'. However, its cognitive process should provoke inquisitiveness about how many instances of theft have been reported in total; was there a sufficient sample size for analysis? Was the survey thorough and complete enough so that all relevant concerns could be addressed?
- By the erroneous comparison, we mean that only similar things may be compared. In fact, one could argue that this statement is self-evident; yet the GMAT makes us succumb to believing in spurious comparisons, such as the LIKE-UNLIKE rule, when taking the Sentence Correction test.
- With the utmost importance being placed on the homogeneity of participants. Survey results can be unduly affected by choices made in regard to sample size - this is why it is crucial that every effort be made to ensure a balanced set.
- Implicitly/Preferences, the Choices of individuals cannot be fixed. On the contrary, they are in a state of flux and can be expected to shift depending on their age group's evolution over time.
- Studies Indicate/Research shows Not all the studies and researches conducted are authentic. The information must be verified as valid before it is deployed.
- Without data, one’s conclusions can lack validity and thus prove incorrect. Always look for the connection between given facts and assertions, as this skill is essential in resolving a critical reasoning issue. For example, identifying the link between these elements will not be difficult at all.
- In everyday usage, words such as many, most and few have a subjective meaning attached to them. For instance, one person's opinion of 'many' may be vastly different from another's.
- Percentages are only authoritative if an absolute figure is present. Without one, their significance becomes ambiguous therefore, it is essential that you keep this in mind when reasoning through any problem - even the most critical encounters do not deviate from the same logical structure! Ensure that you comprehend how percentages and absolute numbers function along with sample sizes so as to better evaluate any situation.
Outline of GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
Sequence your essay writing process by crafting passages that are cohesive and relevant to the overall work. We recommend breaking down each passage into distinct paragraphs before proceeding with subsequent stages of composition. Let us elucidate on the process by discussing GMAT syllabus for AWA:
Introduction
Reiterate the argument and highlight its shortcomings. Subsequently, elucidate your opinion, which you shall expound upon in subsequent sentences. Hammer out succinctly (at most 3 sentences!) your disagreement with the rationale provided within this passage- an introduction is essential to ensure that it remains consistent throughout.
First Paragraph
Begin the passage with a statement that emphasizes the flaws in an easily comprehended example. If examples are relatable, then they will serve to strengthen both the composition and its readability – leading to a more impressive score! Without them, however, it wouldn't be unusual for one's grade to fall from 5 stars all the way down into 1s and 2s - leaving just one difference between success and perfection.
Second Paragraph
Begin by affirming the issue with a succinct statement, such as "First", and elucidate it with an easily understood illustration. Our experiences can lend context to otherwise abstract concepts; if relatable examples are provided in abundance, then these passages will become more effective both in terms of comprehension and gradability – without them, there's no way around having a 5 vs being awarded an impeccable mark.
Third Argument
Begin the passage with the Second, then elucidate on its perceived defect by offering salient examples.
Fourth Paragraph
Begin by asserting the third, then proceed to substantiate it with further elucidation: last but not least certainly don't forget to provide that illustration.
Conclusion
Begin with an assertion that points out the deficiency of the contention made in prior instances. Stating succinctly: 'In sum, it is apparent that this argument falls short in many respects. Do not be hasty ending on a note of negativity, however, always append a remark declaring how one additional element of data or information could rectify any deficiencies and strengthen its cogency.
Points to note
- Ensure you avoid spelling mistakes- Failing to do so may result in a significant drop in your GMAT score. Take extra care when composing, as too many typos will detrimentally affect whatever mark is given to you.
- Grammar is paramount- Untangling sentence structure and composition for the Graduate Management Admission Test is not merely an issue to be remedied but instead a necessity. Minimizing misused modifiers and punctuation marks and otherwise ensuring a grammatically correct composition can have a substantial impact on your final grade.
- American English style- Students who aspire to gain admission into GMAC's rigorous examination program are expected to conform with the standards, namely, adhering strictly to American spellings. For instance, centre rather than centre should be utilized as a standard format for papers and essays.
- Make sure to revisit and refine your content for optimal impact- After your initial pass through the essay, refine it if you have the time. Remember that spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are highly penalized in any contest therefore, revising should be prioritized over perfecting. Don't forget to correct them only if you have sufficient leeway - otherwise, leave them intact.
GMAT Analytical Writing Sample Essays
Students are well aware that the Argument essay of GMAT question paper is a prerequisite before moving on to more vital Quantitative and Verbal components in the test, so it is imperative that we approach this portion with utmost care.
To remain alert for subsequent portions of the exam, it's recommended to obtain some familiarity with high-scoring examples of an argumentative composition - therefore providing us herewith access to samples which may be looked at as a reference point upon completion.
Sample Essay 1
“The recent surge in violence in the southern part of the city is a result of a shortage of police officers and an absence of leadership on the part of the city council. In order to rectify the burgeoning growth of crime that threatens the community, the city council must address this issue seriously. Instead of spending time on peripheral issues such as education quality, community vitality, and job opportunity, the city council must realize that the crime issue is serious and double the police force, even if this action requires budget cuts from other city programs.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument.
Sample Essay 2
“The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self-regulated, and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result, an independent body should oversee the game industry, and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument’s logic and analyze the argument’s underlying assumptions.
Sample Essay 3
The following was excerpted from the speech of a spokesperson for Synthetic Farm Products, Inc.: “Many farmers who invested in the equipment needed to make the switch from synthetic to organic fertilizers and pesticides feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point. But studies of farmers who switched to organic farming last year indicate that their current crop yields are lower.
Hence their purchase of organic farming equipment, a relatively minor investment compared to the losses that would result from continued lower crop yields, cannot justify persisting on an unwise course. And the choice to farm organically is financially unwise, given that it was motivated by environmental rather than economic concerns.”
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Score
The essay is comprised of a total of six points on an individual scale. You will have two independent assessors, one who may or may not be a computer program but whose judgements shall never deviate by more than one point. This provides assurance that if the first assessor gives you 4 while the other assigns 5, then your score would remain at 4 points - no matter what.
However, for the GMAT essay section, the test-taker must demonstrate their bona fides by providing proof of identity and completing it within 30 minutes without any assistance. Aiming for a 5-point minimum is an attainable target score; sometimes, even a 4 may suffice in order to avoid risking being placed around the 20th percentile on account of its current scoring system. To know more about GMAT, check mba.com.
Conclusion
As you embark on the journey of preparing for your impending exam, it's imperative not to underestimate the pivotal role played by diligent and strategic practice. To facilitate this crucial facet of your preparation journey, we, at MIM Essay, wholeheartedly recommend exploring the realm of free GMAT mock tests available online.
These meticulously crafted simulations encapsulate the essence of the GMAT experience, providing you with an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the examination ambiance, evaluate your proficiency across various sections, and identify areas warranting further refinement. By immersing yourself in the spectrum of challenges these mock tests present, courtesy of MIM Essay's comprehensive guidance, you stand to gain not only proficiency but also the confidence that stems from robust and well-rounded preparation.
