Does preparing for the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section seem daunting to you? Well, if you have practiced well and have some tips and tricks up your sleeve then you need not worry. This task will seem as easy as possible. In this article, we are going to share 6 tips to crack the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section with you. But before that, let’s briefly acquaint you with the GMAT AWA section. So, read on!
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Section
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) evaluates your ability to analyse, interpret and critique an argument. You are required to critically analyse the reasoning behind a given argument, and express your opinion on the same. Your response should be expressed through a well-drafted essay written in English.
The AWA section consists of one essay question that you have to complete within 30 minutes. It is scored between 0 to 6, with the score increasing by half-point increments. This section is scored by a machine algorithm and by a human scorer. However, if the scores by the machine algorithm and a human scorer differ by a large margin, a second human scorer is consulted to make the final decision.
Now, let us have a look at some tips to help you crack the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment.
Tips to Crack the GMAT AWA Section
It can be rather challenging to ace the GMAT AWA section, as it is subjective unlike the Verbal reasoning and Quantitative reasoning sections that consist of objective answers. While it is challenging, it is not impossible to ace the AWA section. Here are six tips to crack the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section.
Pick One Side of the Argument
There are always two sides to any argument. When you are analysing an argument, make it a point to pick one side. Do not waver or try to sound diplomatic. If you are calling the argument weak, stick to it and provide reasons as to why you think the argument is weak. Be consistent throughout and in the end, continue to challenge the author’s conclusion. When challenging or critiquing the argument, make sure to provide evidence for the claims you make. If you think the argument is strong, stick to it and use reasoning to explain why you think the argument is strong. However, If you can neither agree nor disagree with the argument, it shows that you do not have strong critical skills.
Use Examples
We all understand arguments better when they are explained with examples and analogies. When drafting your essay, feel free to make your essay more conclusive with examples that people generally relate to. If you want to make a point with a reference to, let’s say football, go ahead and do it as long as it is relevant. Citing examples and analogies makes your essay an engaging read. Furthermore, it indicates that you have understood the argument well and have gone a step ahead to explain the concept with an example outside the argument.
Stick to Short and Simple Sentences
To draft a well-structured essay, make sure your sentences are brief and concise. It is better to draft smaller sentences, as there is very little room for error. When you draft longer sentences, there are chances you commit errors with sentence construction, grammar, and phrasing. Therefore, stick to simple language and focus on getting the context right.
Decimate the Opposition
When you invalidate an argument, go the extra mile to convince the examiner that the other side of the argument is flawed and weak. Try to include this in your conclusion to make a very strong point.
Make Time to Review
It is essential to manage your time while drafting your essay. If you manage your time well, you will have enough time to read and edit what you have written. Reading in haste will not suffice here as you will have to correct typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, and spelling errors. You will also have to rephrase, restructure and even rewrite parts of your essay after a quick review. So, it is recommended that you make time for a quick review of the essay you write.
The conclusion of any written work leaves a lasting impact on the reader. So, the conclusion that you present, whether you agree with or disagree with the author, needs to be good enough. Spend a good amount of time drafting a well-constructed and convincing conclusion. The conclusion should state your perspective in a few words, without introducing any new ideas and without any scope to be misunderstood.
We hope these six tips to crack the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment helped. If these tips are incorporated while drafting your essay, the AWA won’t be as daunting. You might even begin to enjoy writing the essay. So, go on and ace the GMAT AWA section!