Struggling with Analysis writing in AWA Argument essay for GMAT? Have a glimpse of this article for the best tips to master it.
AWA section in the GMAT test is considered least important by most of the candidates but the GMAT Analytical Writing score will demonstrate the analyzing skills of the candidate. And its score will be sent along with the scorecard to the Universities or Business Schools they apply for. So learn how to analyze an argument as a part of the GMAT AWA section preparation.
What is an Argument Essay?
The analytical writing section in the GMAT test is comprised of an argument essay. Here the test takers need to analyze the argument and present a critique of how well are the reasons helpful for the argument, whether the logics mentioned are logical enough, any changes in the reason required that will make some sense to the argument, and propose a better reason for the given conclusion.
Why Argument Essay in Analytical Writing?
Analyzing arguments tests the candidate’s ability to be a critique and analyzing any case. It also tests the candidate’s thought process and evaluates the analysis formation with the way it was presented.
The evaluation of the essay will be done both manually and electronically. Both scores average will be the GMAT AWA score.
With all this in mind, check out how to master Analysis writing for GMAT Argument Essay with our 7 best tips to boost your GMAT Analytical writing Score:
1. Understand the Prompt Clearly
Each question will be given with a prompt as below:
“Discuss how well reasoned you find the given argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples can weaken the given conclusion.
You can discuss what kind of evidence would strengthen or weaken the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logical, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate the conclusion.”
Most of the GMAT test-takers do not completely understand the prompt. It was clearly mentioned to analyze the argument. But with reading the first two lines, most of the students conclude the argument is well reasoned.
But in reality, most of the time, the argument essay in GMAT will have reasons with flaws. And the task is to explain “why that is a flaw” and “how it is not supporting as a piece of evidence”. Even one can write how the reason can be changed so that it fits perfectly for the argument.
2. It’s Not About What You Think
One of the most common mistakes by GMAT Test takers is stuffing up personal opinions on the thesis. The assignment is to study and write a summary on it. It is not about what everyone thinks about it individually. So always make sure to focus on the given argument and its reasons.
3. Find The Gaps
Analyzing an argument essay is more like critical reasoning. When an argument is presented in a GMAT essay, following with the shreds of evidence supporting that point, there will always be some points that don’t connect. These kinds of gaps will weaken the given statement.
As the main task in Analysis writing for an Argument essay is to find the flaw and prove why it is a flaw, find the gaps between the reasons provided. This is how we analyze an argument essay in the GMAT AWA section.
4. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Once the flaws were identified, elaborating on each flaw in the body of the passage is very important. If 3 three flaws were identified, never stuff in one paragraph. This leads to refuting the argument.
Instead, dedicate an individual paragraph for each flaw. This will make the essay look perfect with the format of the presentation as well. Never forget to check the GMAT AWA word limit.
5. Plan Before You Write
GMAT AWA section is for 30 minutes. It requires sharp thinking and the best time management skills. Thinking while writing is a waste of time. Instead, plan before writing. Take 5-6 minutes to think. Have a mental outline of the essay and write key points on a rough page for a quick reference.
6. Be Clear with the Ideas
GMAT Analytical Writing Essay will be evaluated both manually and by a computer. How come a computer understands the intention behind the reason? It is not about that. The essay will be evaluated based on grammar, how sharp the sentences are, and the paragraph structure. The tips to master GMAT sentence correction questions can be helpful here for writing correct sentences.
7. Read and Practice
The best tip for writing with perfection is to practice more. There are hundreds of GMAT AWA Samples with answers pdf’s and GMAT analytical writing examples online. Try them and practice more. Along with that, most of the questions for argument essays will be from business magazines and news articles. So start reading newspapers and magazines.
Hope these tips are helpful and make you excel in analyzing an argument in GMAT Essay. For more personalized training and expert tips, check out our intensive GMAT Coaching Sessions.
