Many people can argue vocally, but it is much harder to get your argument down on paper.
This might be the biggest example of how to score well on an AWA essay. If you can spot the possible errors in causality, then you might weaken the conclusion of the statement. Sometimes a prompt will suggest causality in a relationship. Those counterexamples might weaken the argument in your discussion.Īnother issue with AWA prompts is errors in causality. You should search for alternative explanations or counterexamples to make this assumption apparent. If you see vague words, such as “some”, “more”, or “less”, then you can be sure there is an underlying assumption within the argument. One of the most common flaws of AWA prompts is vague words. We will outline a few of them here, so you can understand how the prompts will test your ability to exhibit critical thinking skills. There are a few common flaws that frequently show up in AWA essay prompts. We recommend trying to be as neutral as possible when writing your essay. Always remember that you are not supposed to give your input about the argument when writing. We recommend reading the directions multiple times before you take the real GMAT exam. When reading the discussion, be sure to analyze and read carefully. Understand the DirectionsĪs we discussed previously, you should understand the direction before you go in to take the exam. The underlying assumptions would strengthen or refute the conclusion. You should be prepared to discuss how well reasoned you find the argument. You need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking or line of reasoning in the argument.
Every argument will have a starting premise, a conclusion, and assumptions.Īn assumption is a missing link between the premise and conclusion. The GMAT analytical writing questions are all very similar, so you can understand the GMAT pattern beforehand. One of the most critical skills that would help you better evaluate and write your essay is the ability to recognize assumptions in an argument. “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” A perfect score of 6 is in the 88th percentile. Almost half of all GMAT test-takers score a 5 or above. The average score on the analytical writing assessment is 4.37 out of all test takers. If there is more than a one-point discrepancy in the computer and grader score, then a third grader will come in to score your essay. The GMAT algorithm will give you a score based on how well your essay follows the protocol.Īn essay grader will also grade your essay, and the two scores will be averaged to give you your final AWA score. GMAT AWA essays are scored by a computer first. The two scores will make up your overall GMAT score report. It shows up as a separate column on your score report.īusiness schools will still look at your overall GMAT and your AWA score when considering your application. The analytical writing assessment will not affect your overall GMAT score. Your essay score will be based on the quality of ideas, organization, writing style, and grammar. The AWA template shows that they score your essay by looking at a few key factors. The AWA score is calculated on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. It also reminds you to use standard written English for your writing. Some of the key factors in the instructions explain that you should plan and develop ideas fully and provide relevant supporting reasons.
Keep in mind, you are not being asked to present your thoughts on the argument. You can spend less time reading the directions and more time writing.įor the AWA section, the directions will explain that you are expected to write a critique of the argument presented.
You can give yourself an advantage on the GMAT by reading and understanding the directions before you go in to take the exam. You should practice writing and timing yourself using practice essay questions.
You should be prepared when you enter the testing center to write quickly and efficiently. In fact, there is no word count requirement for the AWA section of the GMAT. These essay questions were not designed to have extremely long responses. You will only have 30 minutes to read the directions, make an outline, and write your essay. But, what should you expect from the AWA question? Timing Both of these graders will be looking for key factors within your writing to ensure that you understand the question.Ī great GMAT AWA Analysis of an Argument essay will be logically sound, concise, and cover all of the important facts. Your GMAT essay will be graded by both a human and a computer.