Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Preparation: Get a detailed guide on understanding the GMAT AWA section and essential preparation tips.
- Insight into Argument Flaws: Learn to identify common flaws and misleading elements in AWA prompts effectively.
- Step-by-Step Essay Structure: Follow a clear outline to organise your essay cohesively and logically.
- Practical Sample Essays: Access annotated sample essays with personalised critique tips.
- Enhanced Writing Techniques: Master essential writing techniques to make your analysis clear and persuasive.
Introduction
Are you eager to excel in the AWA GMAT and secure your spot in a prestigious business program? The AWA section of the GMAT is a pivotal aspect of the exam, assessing your ability to construct persuasive arguments and analyse complex issues—an indispensable skill set for thriving in the business world.
Throughout this blog, we'll delve into various facets of the AWA GMAT, providing insights and strategies to help you tackle this crucial exam section with confidence and finesse. Let's uncover the keys to mastering the AWA GMAT and advancing your journey toward a thriving business education.
Understanding the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a component of the GMAT in which you have to write an essay in response to a given argument.
The purpose of the AWA section is to evaluate your ability to analyse an argument and communicate your critique effectively in written English. You will be given a specific argument and asked to look it over, explain the reasoning behind it, and give your critique.
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is the organisation behind the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a widely recognised standardised test for admission to graduate business programs.
AWA Format GMAT
Time limit
You have a total of 30 minutes to complete your essay, which includes both planning and writing.
Scoring
Your final score is determined by averaging two separate ratings, each ranging from 0 to 6. These ratings are provided by both a computer and a human evaluator.
Evaluation process
Your essay will be graded by both a computer program and a human evaluator. If the computer's score is more than one point off from the human evaluator's score, a second human evaluator will review it to ensure fairness and accuracy in grading.
Preparation Tips for the GMAT AWA
Preparing for the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a fundamental step towards achieving a competitive score on the GMAT exam. Excelling in the AWA requires a strategic approach and dedicated practice. To begin your preparation journey, it's essential to understand the significance of this section and how it contributes to your overall GMAT score.
With that in mind, let's delve into some key strategies and techniques to help you navigate the AWA section with confidence and finesse.
Understanding the Process
Understanding how to approach the AWA section is essential for success. Focus on:
Creating a well-rounded analysis: Learn to break down argument prompts, identify critical elements, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Practising with sample essays: Familiarize yourself with various argument types and practice writing essays under time constraints to enhance your analytical abilities.
Utilising resources like GMAT Write: Use online tools and prep materials, such as GMAT Write, to receive feedback on your essays and improve your writing skills.
How to Tackle the Challenge
In the AWA GMAT, test-takers are tasked with critically analysing arguments within a limited timeframe. However, many arguments present in AWA prompts contain common flaws or misleading elements that require scrutiny.
Do not forget to go through every element of the GMAT AWA syllabus. Let's explore some of the flaws to understand better how to approach AWA essays effectively:
Inadequate Evidence: Arguments often rely on weak or insufficient evidence to support their claims. Phrases like 'reported' or 'filed' may be used without providing concrete numbers or thorough survey data, leaving the argument's credibility in question.
Faulty Comparisons: Arguments may make faulty comparisons between two dissimilar things, violating the LIKE-UNLIKE rule. This can lead to flawed analogies that weaken the overall argument's logic.
Biased Samples: Arguments based on data from biased samples can skew results and undermine the validity of the argument. To avoid bias, it's essential to ensure that survey samples represent the entire population accurately.
Changing Preferences: Arguments that assume people's preferences or behaviours remain constant over time overlook the reality that preferences can change due to various factors. Failure to acknowledge changing preferences weakens the argument's persuasiveness.
Questionable Studies: Arguments relying on dubious studies or sources lack credibility and can be considered flawed. Test-takers must assess the reliability of the studies cited in the argument to evaluate its validity accurately.
Need for Data: Conclusions drawn without sufficient evidence or data to support them are considered flawed. Test-takers should look for a clear connection between facts and arguments to assess the argument's strength accurately.
Subjective Words: Arguments that heavily rely on subjective language, such as 'many' or 'few,' lack precision and clarity. Test-takers must critically evaluate the subjective terms used in the argument to identify any potential weaknesses.
Understanding Percentages: Misleading interpretations of percentages can occur if not understood in the context of sample sizes or absolute numbers. Test-takers should consider the total population or sample size when interpreting percentages to avoid misrepresentation.
By being aware of these common flaws and misleading elements present in AWA essays, test-takers can approach the task with a critical eye, effectively analysing arguments and providing well-reasoned critiques to achieve success in the GMAT AWA section.
Structuring The AWA GMAT Essay
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 further talk about the process by discussing the GMAT AWA syllabus :
Introduction: Restate the argument and explain why it's wrong. State your opinion and explain why you disagree with the argument.
First Paragraph: Start with an example that shows the argument's weaknesses. Use examples that are easy to understand and relate to. Make sure your examples support your critique of the argument.
Second Paragraph: Begin with a clear statement about the issue. Provide a simple example to illustrate the problem. Use your own experiences to help explain the issue.
Third Paragraph: Start with the second argument and explain its weaknesses. Use examples to support your critique of the argument. Make sure your examples are relevant to the argument.
Fourth Paragraph: Begin with the third argument and explain why it's weak. Provide an example to support your critique. Ensure the example is relevant to the argument.
Conclusion: Restate your disagreement with the argument. Summarise your critique of the argument. Offer suggestions for how the argument could be improved.
How to Enhance your GMAT AWA
Clarity and persuasion are crucial to getting your point across. Learning some essential writing tricks can help make your ideas clearer and more convincing. Let's explore these techniques to make your writing shine.
- Transitions: Words or phrases like "however," "therefore," and "in addition" help connect ideas smoothly within and between paragraphs, enhancing coherence.
- Examples: Concrete instances that illustrate a point or concept make writing more transparent and more accessible to understand. Relevant and specific examples are preferable to vague or generic ones.
- Evidence: Data or information that supports arguments and claims strengthens writing and makes points more persuasive. Utilise credible evidence such as statistics, research findings, and expert opinions.
- Counterarguments: Addressing opposing viewpoints demonstrates critical thinking and engagement with different perspectives, ultimately strengthening the overall argument.
- Analogies and Metaphors: Comparisons like analogies and metaphors aid in explaining concepts by drawing parallels between two different things, making the writing more engaging and memorable. Relevant and appropriate analogies and metaphors should be used to support arguments and illustrate points effectively.
GMAT Analytical Writing Sample Essays
Students are well aware that the Argument essay in the GMAT question paper is a prerequisite before moving on to the more vital Quantitative and Verbal components of the test, so it is very important that you approach this portion with utmost care.
To remain alert for subsequent portions of the exam, it's recommended that you become familiar with high-scoring examples of argumentative composition. Therefore, below are some samples that may be used 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 realise that the crime issue is serious and double the police force, even if this action requires budget cuts from other city programs.”
How to approach
- Acknowledge Valid Points: Recognize that increasing police presence can help address immediate safety concerns.
- Consider Alternative Solutions: Discuss the potential limitations of solely focusing on law enforcement and suggest alternative strategies such as community policing or addressing underlying social issues.
- Evaluate Evidence: Assess the evidence provided for the argument's claims regarding the cause of the violence and the proposed solution's effectiveness.
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.”
How to approach
- Challenge Assumptions: Question the assumption that an independent body overseeing the gaming industry would solve the problem without considering potential challenges and unintended consequences.
- Discuss Industry Dynamics: Explore the unique challenges of regulating the gaming industry compared to traditional media and the potential impact of stricter regulations on innovation and creative freedom.
- Propose Alternative Solutions: Offer suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the rating system while considering the practicality and feasibility of implementation.
Sample Essay 3
“Many farmers who invested in the equipment needed to make the switch from synthetic to organic fertilisers and pesticides feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point. However, 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.”
How to approach
- Highlight Environmental Benefits: Discuss the potential long-term benefits of organic farming, such as improved soil health, reduced pesticide use, and biodiversity conservation.
- Evaluate Study Limitations: Critically analyze the methodology and scope of the study cited in the argument, considering factors like sample size and duration.
- Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Suggest integrating organic farming practices with sustainable agriculture techniques to maximise both economic and environmental benefits.
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Score
The essay is worth 6 points on an individual scale. You will have two independent assessors, one of whom may or may not be a computer program but whose judgements shall always remain the same by one point. This assures that if the first assessor gives you 4 while the other assigns 5, then your GMAT AWA score range will 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 learn more about the GMAT, check mba.com.
Is AWA important for GMAT
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a critical component of the GMAT, designed to evaluate your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. While it may not carry as much weight as the Quantitative or Verbal sections, the AWA still plays an important role in your overall GMAT performance.
Why Is AWA Important?
- Showcases Analytical Skills: The AWA tests your ability to analyze an argument, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and clearly articulate your thoughts. These skills are essential in business school and your future career, where logical reasoning and effective communication are key.
- Reflects Writing Ability: A strong AWA score demonstrates your proficiency in writing, a skill that is important for business school assignments, presentations, and reports. Admissions committees look at your AWA score to gauge your ability to express complex ideas in a clear and structured manner.
- Adds to Your Overall Profile: While some schools may not heavily emphasize the AWA score, it contributes to your overall GMAT score report. A strong AWA can help reinforce your application, especially if you are applying to programs that value well-rounded candidates.
What About the GMAT Focus Edition?
It’s important to note that while the AWA is a significant part of the traditional GMAT, it is not included in the new GMAT Focus Edition. The GMAT Focus Edition has streamlined the exam to focus more on the core areas of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, leaving out the AWA.
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Conclusion
Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) requires diligent preparation and practice. By familiarising yourself with the test format, refining your writing skills, and reviewing sample essays, you can confidently approach this crucial section of the exam. With the right effort, you'll be well-prepared to showcase your analytical abilities and achieve success in your pursuit of business education.
