GMAT Analytical Writing (7 Great Tips & Guidelines)

Your GMAT essay will be graded by both a human and a computer. Both of these graders will be looking for key factors within your writing to ensure that you understand the question.

A great GMAT AWA Analysis of an Argument essay will be logically sound, concise, and cover all of the important facts. But, what should you expect from the AWA question?

Timing

You will only have 30 minutes to read the directions, make an outline, and write your essay. These essay questions were not designed to have extremely long responses.

In fact, there is no word count requirement for the AWA section of the GMAT. You should be prepared when you enter the testing center to write quickly and efficiently. You should practice writing and timing yourself using practice essay questions.

Instructions

You can give yourself an advantage on the GMAT by reading and understanding the directions before you go in to take the exam. You can spend less time reading the directions and more time writing.

For the AWA section, the directions will explain that you are expected to write a critique of the argument presented. Keep in mind, you are not being asked to present your thoughts on the argument. [1]

Some of the key factors in the instructions explain that you should plan and develop ideas fully and provide relevant supporting reasons. It also reminds you to use standard written English for your writing.

Recognize Assumptions in an Argument

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. The GMAT analytical writing questions are all very similar, so you can understand the GMAT pattern beforehand. Every argument will have a starting premise, a conclusion, and assumptions.

An assumption is a missing link between the premise and conclusion. You need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking or line of reasoning in the argument.

You should be prepared to discuss how well reasoned you find the argument. The underlying assumptions would strengthen or refute the conclusion.

Understand the Directions

As we discussed previously, you should understand the direction before you go in to take the exam. When reading the discussion, be sure to analyze and read carefully.

We recommend reading the directions multiple times before you take the real GMAT exam. Always remember that you are not supposed to give your input about the argument when writing. We recommend trying to be as neutral as possible when writing your essay.

Understand Common Flaws

There are a few common flaws that frequently show up in AWA essay prompts. We will outline a few of them here, so you can understand how the prompts will test your ability to exhibit critical thinking skills.

One of the most common flaws of AWA prompts is vague words. If you see vague words, such as “some”, “more”, or “less”, then you can be sure there is an underlying assumption within the argument.

You should search for alternative explanations or counterexamples to make this assumption apparent. Those counterexamples might weaken the argument in your discussion.

Another issue with AWA prompts is errors in causality. Sometimes a prompt will suggest causality in a relationship. If you can spot the possible errors in causality, then you might weaken the conclusion of the statement.

Learn How to Argue in Writing

This might be the biggest example of how to score well on an AWA essay. Many people can argue vocally, but it is much harder to get your argument down on paper. You should be able to carefully identify flaws in the AWA prompt, which will allow you to better evaluate its conclusion for flaws.

Analyze the line of reasoning in a given argument for its reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, if you find this argument to contain errors in assumptions, then you should be considering what evidence would support or refute the argument. You should consider the following points:

• In the argument, what changes would make it more logically sound? Discuss what sort of argument would strengthen or weaken the conclusion.
• Think of an example you may need to help you state your case.
• What evidence would establish a critical line of thinking and what alternative examples can you use?
• What evidence would strengthen my argument but weaken theirs?

Make an Outline

You should take a few minutes during the AWA section to plan and make an outline of what you will write. It does not have to be a very in-depth outline, but you should have a clear structure in place.

This will also help you save time while writing your essay. Even if you just make a few simple notes, anything would help establish a plan for your essay.

Use Variety and Proper Grammar

The GMAT AWA essay will test your ability to use proper English grammar in your writing. If you have a lot of grammatical errors in your essay, you will lose points.

You should also try to use variety in your writing. We recommend using a mix of independent and dependent clauses that show a variety of word choices.

Proofread

We recommend spending 2 or 3 minutes proofreading when you are done with your essay. You should check for misspelled words and grammatical mistakes, which can happen when you are writing quickly. You should practice proofreading essays before you take the exam to ensure you have a grasp of how to check errors.