What Is the GMAT Business Writing Assessment?
What Is the GMAT Business Writing Assessment?
If you’re preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), you’ve likely come across the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. This section, often referred to as the GMAT Business Writing Assessment, plays a crucial role in evaluating your writing and critical thinking skills. Here’s a comprehensive look at what this assessment entails and how you can excel in it.
Understanding the GMAT Business Writing Assessment
The GMAT Business Writing Assessment is the first section of the GMAT exam. It consists of one 30-minute essay task known as the Argument Essay. Unlike other sections of the GMAT, which are multiple-choice, the AWA requires you to write a coherent, well-structured essay analyzing an argument.
The Purpose of the AWA
The primary purpose of the GMAT Business Writing Assessment is to gauge your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas effectively. Business schools use your AWA score to assess how well you can articulate complex ideas, support your reasoning with evidence, and maintain a coherent and logical flow in your writing. These skills are essential for success in any business program and career.
The Structure of the AWA
In the AWA section, you will be presented with a brief argument that is flawed in some way. Your task is to analyze the argument, identify its weaknesses, and suggest ways to improve it. It’s important to note that you are not required to agree or disagree with the argument. Instead, you should focus on critiquing its logical soundness.
A typical argument prompt might look like this:
“The following appeared in a memo from the marketing director of a company that sells computer games: ‘Our sales have been declining steadily over the past year, which we attribute to increased competition from other companies. To regain our market share, we should reduce the prices of our games by 20%.’”
In your essay, you would analyze the argument’s reasoning, pointing out any assumptions, logical fallacies, or missing evidence. You might argue that simply reducing prices may not address the root causes of the declining sales, such as product quality or marketing strategies.
How the AWA is Scored
The AWA is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your essay is evaluated by both a human grader and a computerized scoring system. The human grader is typically a college or university faculty member who has been trained to evaluate GMAT essays. The computerized system, known as the E-rater, assesses the essay for structural and linguistic features, such as grammar, syntax, and organization.
The final score is an average of the scores given by the human grader and the E-rater. If there is a significant discrepancy between the two scores, a second human grader will evaluate the essay, and the final score will be the average of the two human scores.
Tips for Acing the AWA
- Understand the Prompt: Take a few minutes to carefully read and understand the argument prompt. Identify the main conclusion and the evidence provided to support it.
- Plan Your Response: Spend 3-5 minutes planning your essay. Outline the main points you want to address and the order in which you will present them. This will help you stay organized and ensure a logical flow in your essay.
- Critique the Argument: Focus on identifying the flaws in the argument. Look for assumptions, logical fallacies, and any evidence that is missing or weak. Explain why these issues undermine the argument’s conclusion.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Aim for clarity and conciseness in your writing. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon. Make sure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically into the next.
- Support Your Points: Use specific examples and evidence to support your critique. This will make your analysis more convincing and demonstrate your ability to think critically.
- Proofread: If time permits, take a few minutes to proofread your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and any awkward phrasing. A polished essay will leave a better impression on the grader.
Conclusion
The GMAT Business Writing Assessment is a critical component of the GMAT exam. It tests your ability to analyze an argument, identify its weaknesses, and communicate your ideas effectively. By understanding the structure of the AWA, practicing your analytical skills, and following these tips, you can improve your performance and boost your overall GMAT score!
* * *
Looking for more bespoke help with your MBA or EMBA applications this year? I’m a former Harvard admissions interviewer + a Harvard graduate, and run the Manhattan-based MBA Admissions Consulting Firms:
Contact me today for a free initial consultation, and GET INTO the school of your DREAMS!
Take a look at these additional blog articles as well, for more expert MBA and EMBA tips + advice:
