AWA GMAT - Key Things Worth Knowing

You must have already heard about AWA GMAT. The full form of GMAT AWA IS Analytical Writing Assessment. If you look at AWA GMAT examples, then you will understand that this section needs the candidate to carefully analyze and understand the reason behind any given opinion/argument and express his/her critique of the same. The section tests the candidate’s critical thinking acumen along with his/her abilities to communicate opinions in the English language. The section has a single 30-minute writing task called Analysis of an Argument.

You will find several GMAT AWA samples that showcase the types of topics given. These usually cover general knowledge, business, and many other aspects. The essays are evaluated through a fusion of human evaluators and machine-based algorithms. If there are differences in the scores given by the two, then another human evaluator will review the score and adjust it, if required. 

Types of GMAT AWA Questions

You will find several options online for analytical writing assessment GMAT sample questions with answers. This will give you an idea of the GMAT AWA questions to expect. There are two core types in this section:

How to Score in the Section

You should undertake GMAT analytical writing assessment preparation with care. Your analytical writing assessment GMAT score will depend on how well you interpret the question and express your own line of thought or reasoning. AWA is scored between 0.0-6.0. A score of 6 is outstanding while 5 is strong and 4 is considered adequate. The scores of 3 and 2 are limited and seriously flawed, while 1 is regarded as fundamentally deficient. 

You should carefully analyze AWA sample essays GMAT and see how writers express their opinions. Always stick with your point of view. No evaluator will want to view a piece where you are confused between multiple opinions. Even if you cannot decide between positions, identify one and emphasize that one likewise. The examination will test your capabilities with regard to supporting your own position instead of seeing whether you are picking the right side. Always be specific with your examples and instances. Keep refuting the other position with logical statements.

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Tips to prepare for Analytical writing

Here are some tips that will help you ace this section: 

1. Be objective while writing and follow the instructions. This applies if you are writing any critique of an argument. Here you will not be presenting your opinion but showcasing criticism of the argument in an objective manner. 
2. While critiquing any argument, identify flaws in its logical validity and reasoning. Identify assumptions but do not make them similar to the flaws. If the assumption is logical, then an argument can rest on the same. 
3. The thesis statement is your conclusion. This should have a concise summary of the core point of your essay. 
4. Do not show hesitancy in your writing. The essay is all about finding the right tone of voice and confidence. Focus on uncovering the argument, presenting your findings, and then presenting your opinion if required. 
5. Use third-person pronouns without going into the second or first person. Use qualifying language including adverbs, adjectives and verbs. 
6. Write concisely while avoiding fluff and wordiness. Make sure that the main points are highlighted in your essay. 
7. Plan your essay before starting to write. Decide on the core points and arrange your concepts into paragraphs. Do not strive for perfection. 
8. Use comfortable language to assure the evaluator that you are confident enough to express your points in written English.

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