Scoring well on the writing section of the GMAT involves paying attention to sentence structure and clearly stating your analysis.
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that may be required for admission into a master's of business administration (MBA) degree program. The first section of the test is the analytical writing assesment (AWA). This section consists of two essay questions. The first question asks for an analysis of an issue while the second questions asks for an analysis of an argument. Designed to help graduate schools evaluate writing skills, the AWA is scored on a scale of zero to six.
Keep Grammar and Sentence Structure in Mind
The GMAT AWA is graded by both a computer grading software program and a live essay grader. The analytical writing section is taken in computer format and needs to be proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors. When constructing sentences, make sure to use transitional phrases, particularly between paragraphs. Transitional phrases include words such as "first," "therefore," and "because." Try to vary sentence structure by intermingling simple sentences with others that contain clauses and phrases.
Organize the Essays into Clearly Defined Paragraphs
Include an introduction, two to three content paragraphs, and a conclusion in the essays. Be concise in restating the question, the position that will be explored in the essay, and a brief explanation of the reasoning behind the position. In the content paragraphs, make sure to clearly give examples from the issue or argument presented in the question that supports the analysis. In addition, include examples from personal knowledge of world events. Make sure that personal opinions are omitted. Be sure to conclude each essay with a summary.
Pay Attention to Time Restraints
Write concisely and as quickly as possible. Test takers are given 30 minutes to complete each essay. Make sure there is enough time at the end to proofread. Keep in mind that there is a time counter feature included in the GMAT's computerized format. Practice writing out sample essays in a word processing program or in a simulated GMAT software program prior to test day. Review sample essay questions and examples of answers that would be likely to receive a high score. Sample essay questions and answers are available in the test maker's free preparation software.
Carefully Read the Question
For both essays, make sure that the entire question is read carefully prior to drafing a response. Try to quickly get a grasp of what the question is asking. Frame and outline a possible response on which you will elaborate. For the analysis of an issue essay, try to think of at least two possible responses, both for and against. Pick a response that will be supported by real-world events. Examine the evidence and conclusion presented in the analysis of an argument essay carefully. Look for flaws in the conclusion or gaps between the evidence and the conclusion in order to frame a response that addresses those gaps.
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