GMAT Analytical Writing

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Jul 04, 2022 05:10 PM IST

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section assesses your capacity to write analytically. Read the complete article to know about the structure of a GMAT AWA section, preparation tips, structure, FAQs and more. 

GMAT Analytical Writing

GMAT Analytical Writing requires you to analyse and critique an argument's reasoning. Consisting of a 30-minute writing task that includes an argument, the section also tests your ability to think critically.

In the section entitled Analysis of an Argument, you will analyse the arguments presented by the other students. Before the test, take some time to thoroughly evaluate the argument and develop a coherent and well-written response. After you have thoroughly analysed the topic, you will want to draft a coherent and fully developed response.

The AWA essay score is computed by a combination of a machine algorithm and human raters. If the algorithm scores your essay lower than the human rater, then the score may be adjusted. Read on to find everything about the GMAT Analytical Writing section, crucial to scoring high on the test.

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What Does the GMAT AWA Section Measure?

Wondering what the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT Section wants to assess? Here's what you need to know:

Organisation

Your writing will be evaluated if it has a coherent structure and a clear conclusion. It will also be considered coherent if it has logical transitions between ideas. If your writing lacks a clear conclusion and an introduction, it will be considered cluttered.

Logical Analysis

The quality of your logical analysis will also be evaluated. The readers will also look for the supporting details and examples that you provide. They will also consider the supporting details and examples that you provide.

Linguistic Skills

Aside from having a good grasp of grammar and punctuation, the reader also values your ability to communicate effectively in non-native English. This is also because non-native speakers tend to be sensitive to certain elements of written English.

How GMAT Analytical Writing Section is Scored?

Your GMAT score is unaffected by your AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT test score. Instead, it displays as a separate category on your score report. Although you will not receive a full analysis of your results for each component, the GMAT analytical writing exam evaluates your abilities in four areas:

  • Ideas of Good Quality

  • Usage and Grammar

  • Organisation

  • Style of Writing

Based on your overall performance, you will be assigned a score ranging from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. An experienced assessor will then rate your essay based on the overall development of your ideas and written depiction. The GMAT then combines these results to give you an overall GMAT AWA score. 

Do not be alarmed if the human and computer graders' scores differ by more than one point: if the scores differ by more than one point, another human grader is brought in to help set the final score.

How to Prepare for the GMAT AWA Section?

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a test that measures how critical you are to communicating ideas and analysing a given argument. The test consists of analysing a given argument and writing a critique for which you will have 30 minutes. Here are a few preparation tips specifically for the GMAT AWA section:

  • Your best performance in the GMAT AWA section starts with becoming familiar with the various essay prompts.

  • This step can help improve your skills in the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT section. The Official GMAT AWA practice tool can also help you improve. Review the Guide to Preparing for the GMAT exam to find more resources that can help you prepare for the test.

  • The analytical writing test GMAT can be a challenging task, especially if the subject is challenging. In order to ace it, one must master the writing style of an essay. The complexity of the test can be caused by the endless thoughts that can cloud the simple activity of analyzing a given argument. 

  • The topics for an AWA essay could vary depending on the subject area. Generally, it should start with an introductory paragraph, then move on to the main body, and then analyse the presented argument.

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GMAT Analytical Writing Section Essay Structure

A good GMAT Analytical Writing essay has structure, vivid vocabulary, and clean and straight-up grammar. Having a good writing style can help avoid writing an AWA essay that's not well-written and making numerous mistakes. To avoid having a hard time writing a GMAT essay, prepare yourself well in advance. 

  • Introduction: In the introduction, introduce the topic, state the factors, observations, and assumptions that are used in the argument, and then discuss your views.
  • First Paragraph: Follow the first paragraph to critique the argument and support your views. The first paragraph should start with an example and then expound on the arguments.
  • Second Paragraph: Your next critical inference step is to agree or disagree with the arguments presented.
  • Third Paragraph: The third paragraph should highlight the missing elements or the deficiencies that would have been ignored by the arguments.
  • Fourth Paragraph: The fourth paragraph should also include additional pointers that help strengthen the argument. The fourth paragraph can also be used to highlight a particular deficiency or to pose questions.
  • Conclusion: Thoroughly state your observations and conclude by stating the arguments that strengthened the piece. Follow these observations to ensure that your essay's conclusion is complete and doesn't miss out on important observations.

You can structure an essay according to the structure mentioned above, and you can also customise it by adding or subtracting sections. Doing so will help improve your writing style and make it more reader-friendly.

How to Make Your GMAT AWA Essay Stand Out?

In order to make your GMAT Analytical Writing Assesment section or your GMAT essay stand out, you need to be different. Below are some of the effective strategies to make your essay stand out:

  • Use facts and figures in your essay for the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT to make it more accurate. Also, use quotes and topics that are related to the essay.

  • Style your essay with questions and avoid repeating certain words. Also, avoid using too many words.

  • Use improvisational writing to create short and quality paragraphs. Also, add literary references and quotes from fiction.

  • Use subheadings and headings to make your essay interesting.

GMAT AWA Writing Tips

Follow some of the basic rules of language to create a GMAT essay in the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT section. Doing so will help you create a magnificent and well-written essay. Here are some more tips that will help you ace your GMAT AWA section: 

  • Reading and understanding thoroughly will help you formulate a compelling and well-crafted paper.

  • Plan the structure and flow of your essay. It is also important to establish a strong conclusion and a good introduction.

  • It is also important to create a strong conclusion and an introduction that will stand out from the rest of the essay.

  • First and foremost, experiment with different sentence constructions. Make an effort to employ a variety of terms. Use a range of descriptive adjectives in your own analysis, never repeating the same one.

  • Recognising assumptions is fundamental for Critical Reasoning problems, and it will also help you in responding to the prompt argument on the AWA GMAT.
    GMAT AWA prompt arguments typically include one of six problems. Learn to recognize these patterns so that you will be ready for the test.

Still have doubts regarding the GMAT AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) section? Get in touch with our expert mentors at abroad@collegedekho.com who will help you ace your GMAT exam. 

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FAQs

Do MBA programs look at GMAT AWA scores?

No, MBA programs or business schools do not often look at your GMAT AWA scores. The AWA score is perhaps the least important of all the GMAT component scores for MBA admissions. That being said, having the least importance does not imply that this section has no importance! MBA programs are interested in your GMAT AWA score for a variety of reasons.

Can I get admission with a 2.5 GMAT AWA score?

Now, if your AWA score is 2.5 or lower, chances are you'll be rejected in the screening process of top universities. However, in a similar case where the applicant also has a higher academic record, some debate competitions on his/her plate, followed by a decent verbal/TOEFL score and an above-average SOP, the university admission committee may consider you.

Does GMAT AWA show word count?

No, the GMAT AWA section does not show any word count. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is always the first section. It is the only GMAT section that is not multiple choice. You have 30 minutes to produce your writing sample, and there is no minimum or maximum word limit. You will have 30 minutes to finish your GMAT essay.

Does GMAT AWA score affect admission?

Yes, your GMAT AWA score can somehow affect your admission to a college. AWA scores are certainly one of the admissions criteria for some US universities. If your score is low, you have additional qualifications in your application to compensate. If the department/program to which you are applying has an AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT cut-off, your chances of admission will drop.

How long should GMAT AWA essay be?

You should write roughly 30-35 sentences of 15-20 words each to reach 500 words. With enough practice, your essays will receive the ideal grade, and you will not need to count the number of words on the day of the exam.

Is 4.5 a good GMAT AWA score?

Yes, 4.5 is a good GMAT AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) score. The score indicates that you have a competent analysis of ideas; that you develop and support main points with relevant reasons and/or examples; that you are adequately organized; that you convey meaning with reasonable clarity; and that you demonstrate satisfactory control of sentence structure and language usage, but that you may have some errors that affect clarity.

Is the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section important in GMAT?

Yes, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section is an important section of the GMAT exam. The composite GMAT scores are only made up of quant and verbal parts. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored individually. In fact, it makes little difference to your chances of acceptance. However, you cannot dispute its value.

How is the AWA scored on GMAT?

AWA is scored by one Analysis of an Argument essay. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) scores are assigned in half-point increments ranging from 0 to 6. If you believe your AWA score is erroneous, you can rescore your essay using the Essay Rescore Request Form.

Can I skip AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT section?

No, you can not skip the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT section. You can still get a score if you leave out the AWA section. While we encourage you to complete all sections of the Practice Exams, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) component is not assessed, therefore you can skip it on the practice tests but NOT on the real test.

Is AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) still a part of the GMAT?

Yes, the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) is still a part of the GMAT exam. GMAC considers the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) GMAT section to be a crucial component of the exam since it provides valuable information to business schools and allows applicants to demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to explain concepts. According to GMAC, the AWA section was added to the online test due to interest from business schools. 

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