GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
The first section on the GMAT is the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), or essay section, in which you have one hour to write two essays (30 minutes per essay). Both essays are in response to a prompt, either Analysis of an Issue, or Analysis of an Argument.
Each prompt can be answered without the need for specialized knowledge of any particular subject, so instead of being tested on specific subject knowledge, you are being assessed on your ability to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely, and express yourself in an effective manner.
Analysis of an Argument Essay
The Analysis of an Argument question presents a short piece of text (usually 4 or 5 sentences) which makes an assertion or states a point of view or theory, and then gives evidence to support it. Many of the prompts are proposals to improve the performance of a commercial enterprise; others relate to policies, health and safety etc. Your task is to critique the structure of the argument and explain how persuasive or unpersuasive you find it. You are not supposed to give an opinion on the topic and argue it in this essay, and doing so will cost you points. Addtionally, keep the question in focus and do not stray from the prompt or be tempted to provide alternative proposals.
When you see the argument, you should ask the following:
- What's the conclusion?
- What evidence is used to support the conclusion?
- Does the writer make assumptions in moving from evidence to conclusion, and if so, what are they?
- Is the argument persuasive?
- What would make the argument stronger or weaker? (e.g. additional evidence, change in line of reasoning)
Analysis of an Issue Essay
The Analysis of an Issue question presents a broad general issue with several facets (usually in 1 or 2 sentences). Sometimes two points of view are given and other times you will see only one explicitly stated. Your task here is to explore the complexities of the issue, form an opinion, and then express your opinion clearly and convincingly. The instructions will specify that you may draw reasons or examples from your own experience or observations.
There is no "correct" answer, and consequently, it doesn't matter which side of the argument you advocate. What matters is that you develop an opinion, provide some concrete examples (no conjecture!) to support your ideas and make them clear to the reader, all the while expressing yourself in grammatically correct English.
Most test takers find Analysis of an Issue the easier of the two essay questions.
GMAT Essay Scores
Each essay on the GMAT will be graded from 0-6, rounded off if necessary to the nearest half-point. The essays will be graded by two graders - one human, and one computerized grader called the "E-rater". If they disagree, a third grader (human!) will be called in to make the final decision.
Essay Writing on the Computer
Obviously the GMAT is taken on a computer - so this means you will have to write (or type) your essays on computer too. The testing software will provide simple word-processing tools such as cut and paste - however there is no spell check function, so you must remember to check your work carefully. You will not be penalized for a couple of typos but you will receive a score penalty for a succession of badly-formed sentences or consistently poor grammar.
Both US and UK English spellings of words are accepted.