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GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment tips – How to score a perfect 6 on GMAT AWA

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Aug 6, 2020 | GMAT Focus Edition , GMAT IR and AWA , GMAT Preparation

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section measures your ability to analyze an argument and communicate your thoughts or ideas. What you simply need to do is to critically analyze the reasoning given behind a given argument. To complete the AWA section of the GMAT you are allotted 30 minutes.

Here is the outline of the article:

How to create a well rounded Analytical Writing Assessment essay?

• How does ‘GMAT Write’ analyze your AWA essay?

GMAT AWA tips – GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Template

• Sample GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment essay

Let’s discuss now how you can score a perfect 6 on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section. Here are a few tips to prepare you for the GMAT AWA section.

Step 1 –  Understand the process of creating a well-rounded analysis of an argument. You can do that in two ways or rather with the help of two tools.

• AWA template by Chineseburned from gmatclub

Step 2 – Practice! Practice! Practice! the AWA questions. Here is a list of practice questions for you.

GMAT Write – An AWA practice tool by GMAC

GMAT Write is a writing tool provided by GMAC. It gives you access to 2 unique essay prompts and a chance to write 4 essays. The good thing about this tool is that it scores your essay based on the scoring algorithm used by the official GMAT exam. But, it costs $29.99 to subscribe to this tool.

Take a look at this article to know the importance of AWA and IR sections for business school admissions.

How does the ‘GMAT Write’ analyze your GMAT AWA essay?

Once you submit an essay, it scores you on 4 categories:

• Analysis of the issue
• Supports ideas
• Organizes coherent idea
• Language control

Based on these 4 categories it gives you an overall score for the essay.

Even if you don’t buy this tool, you still get to know what GMAT considers an ideal essay to be from it. An ideal essay should:

• Identify and analyze significant flaws in the argument
• Support the critique using relevant supporting reasons and/or examples
• Be a clearly organized and coherent response
• Demonstrate control of language, including diction, syntax, and conventions of standard written English

Source: https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-write

Once you know what factors make a perfect essay, the next thing you should do is creating a template. The most popular template for AWA is the one provided by ‘Chineseburned’ user on the gmatclub forum.

If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. Write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 1950 reviews. Why don’t you take a free trial and judge for yourself?

Here are the details of his template:

Structure of the essay

• Introduction: Restate the argument and point out the flaws. Now, state your views which you’ll discuss in the next paragraphs.
• First paragraph: State your first critique of the argument and support your view with an example.
• Second paragraph: State your first critique of the argument and support your view with an example.
• Third paragraph: Pose a few questions for the argument. The absence of information in the argument to answer your questions weaken it further.
• Fourth argument: State information that you feel would have strengthened the argument but is absent. (This is an extra paragraph which is not in Chineseburned template)
• Conclusion: State that the argument is flawed because of the above reasons and which reasons could have strengthened the argument.

Learn how the IR section is scored.

Sample GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment AWA essay

Here is a sample AWA essay question for practice. We have also provided the answer to this question based on the template.

The following appeared in an Excelsior Company memorandum. “The Excelsior Company plans to introduce its own brand of coffee. Since coffee is an expensive food item, and since there are already many established brands of coffee, the best way to gain customers for the Excelsior brand is to do what Superior, the leading coffee company, did when it introduced the newest brand in its line of coffees: conduct a temporary sales promotion that offers free samples, price reductions, and discount coupons for the new brand.” Discuss how well reasoned you find this 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 might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.

GMAT AWA essay

The Excelsior company wants to introduce its own brand of coffee since coffee is an expensive food item and might have good profit margins. However, as there are several established brands of coffee already, it needs to work out a way to gain a foothold in the market. For this purpose, the company plans to pursue the same marketing strategy that the leading coffee company Superior had used. However, I think there are several flaws in that line of reasoning. And hence this argument seems a little weak.

First, Superior is already an established brand and the market leader. No data is given as to how long back it entered the coffee market. Without this information, it is difficult to ascertain the utility of the marketing strategy for Excelsior. A brand might take decades to establish, and what worked a decade back, need not work today. For example, when Google was initially set up, it depended on word of mouth, rather than any communication media, for its marketing. As it was initially just an internal product for the University, this approach worked for them. However, it might not work for any company now. We see these days that most new web companies do advertise heavily when they initially launch a product for the masses.

Second, no information has been provided about the target market for the coffee or the pricing strategy. It might be that the coffee produced by Superior is one of the cheaper products in the market. And that they earn their profits from volume sales rather than having a niche market. Whereas, Excelsior might be aiming at the niche market of expensive and luxury coffee. If that were the case, then the same marketing strategies might not be relevant for Excelsior. Can Hyundai apply the same approach towards the market as does a luxury brand like Ferrari?

Without some of the relevant and contextual details, it is difficult to judge the efficacy of using the same marketing strategy that a competitor applied some unknown years back. If we were to get some more details in this regard, we could have judged the situation better.

Although all the factors being the same, it might not be a bad idea to follow the same approach as that of a leading brand in the market. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with sticking to the tried and the tested. In the absence of any other better idea, Excelsior might not have much to lose if it pursues the same methods as did Superior. It’s better to have some plan rather than no plan.

Conducting a temporary sales promotion that offers free samples, price reductions and discount coupons might not be such a bad idea. It could be a good ploy to get users to try out the product. And discounts and other monetary incentives are usually very effective in this regard. If the quality of the product is good enough and the pricing is appropriate, introducing enough customers to the product through such offers might give a significant push to consumer interest in the product. While customer satisfaction might leverage word of mouth marketing.

Therefore, depending on the context the approach might or might not be a beneficial one. This essay question has been taken from gmatclub and the answer has been judged as a perfect 6 by the GMAT Write tool. The answer was written by the user ‘rish2jain’ from gmatclub forum.

To score a perfect 6 on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section, it is important that you learn the AWA template and practice as much as you can. Just don’t overdo it. It is a good practice to devote 10% of your preparation time to GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section.

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Analytical Writing Assessment

You can download for free the list of current Argument essay prompts used on the GMAT. This PDF file is provided by the GMAC. Although it is lengthy, we recommend that you read through the entire list of essay topics in advanced of taking the GMAT. You should also pick at random at least 20 topics and spend five minutes brainstorming and outlining an essay. Furthermore, we suggest that you pick at random at least five more topics and spend 30 minutes writing out a full essay.

GMAT Analytical Writing Approach and Scoring

Your essay is judged on how well-structured and well-supported it is, and to a lesser extent on your usage of standard written English. The essay should be written in a straightforward, somewhat formulaic manner. A creative, nuanced writing style will not be rewarded. You must type your essay into the bare-bones word processor provided. Copy, cut, paste, redo, and undo are the only functions available. We suggest that you spend a few minutes brainstorming and outlining your essay before you begin writing. Also be sure to leave a few minutes at the end to proof-read your essay.

The AWA section does not factor whatsoever into your main 200-800 GMAT score. You get a separate AWA score on a scale from 0 to 6 , in half-point increments. Your essay is graded separately by two readers: a college faculty member and a computer scoring program. If the two scores are within one point of each other, as is typically the case, the two scores are averaged to derive your AWA score. If the two scores are more than one point apart, however, another human reader will evaluate your essay. The AWA section is not particularly difficult . In fact, 13% of test takers score a perfect 6.0 and 82% score 4.0 or above. Because of this, most business schools primarily use the AWA score to ensure that foreign students can write well and to verify that the essays included on your business school applications are consistent with your AWA writing abilities.

Sample GMAT Analytical Writing Essay Topic

Let’s try a sample Argument essay topic. Brainstorm flaws on your own and perhaps even write out a full essay before viewing the explanation and sample essay.

The following appeared as part of an article in the business section of a local newspaper:

“Ronnie’s Auto Body Shop commenced business four months ago at the location formerly occupied by the Mystique Beauty Parlor. Ronnie’s Auto must be doing well at this location, because it intends to open a big body shop in an adjacent town. Mystique, on the other hand, has seen a lower volume of business in its first year at its new location compared to the prior year at its former location. Mystique definitely erred in shifting to its new location; its former location is a better site.”

Discuss how well reasoned you find this 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 might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.

Explanation to Problem

As with all Argument essay prompts, this prompt contains several flaws. Let’s briefly outline the problems with this argument before presenting a full essay that encompasses these points. The sample essay that follows would receive a top score of 6.

• Illogical comparison between Ronnie’s Auto Body Shop and Mystique Beauty Parlor. These are very different types of businesses, and a good location for one may be a poor location for the other.
• Assumes that Ronnie’s Auto Body Shop has been successful, but offers insufficient evidence for this. Ronnie’s Auto may be opening a big body shop in an adjacent town because the current location is poor.
• Inappropriately concludes that Mystique erred in shifting locations. Once again, offers insufficient evidence for this. Lower volume of business is vaguely defined, may not be a long-term concern, and perhaps is not even relevant.

Sample Essay

The author offers a flawed argument in claiming that Mystique erred in shifting locations and that its former location is a better site. The author offers insufficient evidence for these claims while providing an illogical comparison. In particular, the author assumes that Ronnie’s Auto Body Shop has been successful in Mystique’s former location. Second, the author overlooks the differences in the two business types. Third, the author inappropriately equates a lower volume of business to a poor decision by Mystique regarding location. Let’s elaborate on each of these issues in turn.

One problem in the argument is that the author assumes that Ronnie’s Auto is doing well at its current location. The only evidence that the author offers in support of this claim is that Ronnie’s Auto intends to open a big body shop in an adjacent town. But there are many possible reasons as to why Ronnie’s Auto plans to open a large shop in another town. Most notably, perhaps the existing location is performing poorly and Ronnie’s Auto plans to close this location after opening up elsewhere.

A second problem in the argument is the apples-to-oranges comparison between an auto body shop and a beauty parlor. The customer base for the two businesses is probably very different. Even if Ronnie’s Auto is doing well at its current location, a totally different type of business with a totally different customer base would not necessarily do well at the same location. Perhaps Ronnie’s Auto is located in a commercial area with similar types of businesses (e.g. other auto repair and parts businesses). Mystique Beauty Parlor is unlikely to thrive in such a location, since its customers would probably not want to receive beauty treatments in such an area.

Finally, a third problem is that the author concludes based solely on “lower volume of business” that Mystique erred in shifting locations. But how much lower is Mystique’s volume of business in the new location? Perhaps the drop in business volume is very small. In fact, we would expect some drop when moving to a new location, as it takes time to reestablish a customer base. The new location may hold much greater long-term promise, and future business volume may be much higher. We also do not know what volume of business really means. By volume, does the author mean customers or revenue? Either way, a lower volume of business does not necessarily mean lower profits. Perhaps Mystique’s lease and other costs are lower at the new location, resulting in higher profits. If so, we cannot claim that Mystique make a mistake in moving. But even if the move did result in lower profits, the move was not a mistake unless Mystique’s owners have this as a primary concern. Perhaps profit is secondary to Mystique’s owners, and they moved the beauty parlor to a location that affords them other benefits such as a better quality of life.

In conclusion, the author’s claims that Mystique erred in shifting locations and that its former location is better are unsupported. As discussed above, there are far too many unknown variables for the author to make such a definite conclusion. Had the author considered the points discussed above, the argument could have been presented more thoughtfully.

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An Alternative Source for AWA Scoring Templates

Students often ask me how to write an effective “Analysis of an Argument” essay on the AWA portion of the GMAT, and how to know if their attempts on practice tests are good.

Well for starters, you have to know what the test-makers are looking for and how to break down a logical argument in the first place. I teach the basics of logical reasoning in my GMAT courses (how to identify assumptions, how to strength/weaken arguments, etc.), since that’s an important part of doing well on GMAT Critical Reasoning questions. And of course those skills translate perfectly to the Argument Essay as well.

But then even once you know how to evaluate a logical argument, how do you know if the essay you’ve written about a particular prompt is worthy of a high score?

One of the most useful ways is by reading sample essay responses of varying score levels. That makes as plain as day the difference between a 6.0-level essay and, say, a 4.0-level essay.

Now, there’s just such an illustration in the GMAT Official Guide Analytical Writing Assessment chapter. The book provides a sample essay prompt and three essay responses — one that would have received a score of 6.0, one that would have received a score of 4.0, and one that would have received a score of 2.0. Getting familiar with the differences will help you with your own essays, to be sure.

Okay, so that’s helpful. But what if you want more examples?

Here are two other sources of sample Argument Essay prompts and template responses that you can use as a guide when answering similar essay topics on test day:

• The GMAC website at mba.com provides a few tips about the AWA section and a sample prompt with a 6.0-level response. You can review it here: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat/about-the-gmat-exam/gmat-exam-structure/analytical-writing-assessment .
• You may be interested to note that the GRE also has an essay section, and one of the essays students are expected to write on the GRE is almost identical to the GMAT Analysis of an Argument essay. Fortunately for you, the ETS has done a much better job of providing information about that particular essay on their website. Indeed, they provide a sample argument prompt with six different responses of varying scores, with expert commentary. I think you’ll find it very helpful as you prepare for GMAT AWA section. You can get to the GRE’s take on the Argument Task here: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/analytical_writing/argument/sample_responses .

I hope you find this helpful. Oh, and one of the services I provide to students who have registered for one of my comprehensive GMAT prep courses is that I review the essays they write on their practice tests and provide personalized feedback. I’d love to be able to do the same for you and hope you’ll choose to partner with us! You can check out our online GMAT course options and choose the one that’s right for you, here: https://www.dominatethegmat.com/video-purchase/ .

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The 6 gmat essay tips that will help you ace the awa.

If you’re preparing for the GMAT, you’ve probably spent countless hours reviewing math concepts and mastering grammar skills. You’ve likely also spent time studying for the newer integrated reasoning section, too. But have you thought about the analytical writing assessment part of the GMAT?

If your answer is no, don’t worry! You’re not alone. Many test-takers go into test day without spending a lot of time preparing for the essay section of the GMAT, especially since it’s unclear how much (or even if) the GMAT essay even matters for getting into business school.

In this article, I’ll shed some light on the oft-forgotten GMAT AWA section. First, I’ll give you an overview of what’s actually on the AWA section. Next, I’ll discuss whether or not that score really matters for your admission to business school. Finally, I’ll tell share  the top GMAT essay tips that are guaranteed to boost your GMAT essay score.

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Overview

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is designed to measure your ability to think critically about a topic and then communicate your ideas about that topic. During the AWA section, you’ll be asked to analyze and critique an argument and judged on your ability to do so clearly, thoroughly, and thoughtfully.

The GMAT AWA section consists of one writing task: a 30-minute essay. You’ll complete the AWA portion of the GMAT first, before every other test section.

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For your GMAT essay, you’ll be asked to think critically about an argument that’s presented to you. You’re not supposed to give your opinion on the subject itself.

GMAT AWA scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point intervals. Every GMAT AWA response receives two independent scores. According to MBA.com, one of your scores may be performed by an essay-scoring engine. At least one of your GMAT AWA scores will be determined by a GMAT essay reader.

Your AWA score doesn’t affect your GMAT total score and is generally considered the least important of your GMAT scores.

The 6 Best GMAT Essay Tips

If you’re looking to achieve a GMAT essay score that’ll help you get into business school, these six GMAT Analytical Writing tips will help you achieve success.

#1: Follow the Directions

One of the most important GMAT essay tips is to understand the directions of the AWA section.

The AWA section specifically asks you to critique an argument on its strengths and weaknesses. AWA graders aren’t looking for a well-written, thoughtful opinion piece about the topic discussed in the prompt. They’re looking for you to analyze whether or not the argument itself was sound, and to back up that analysis with evidence from the text, and they’ll judge you on how well you accomplished that specific task. If you don’t follow the directions, you won’t achieve a high score.

#2: Develop a Clear Structure

Another one of the important GMAT writing tips is to take the time to set up your essay in a clear way.

You don’t need to write the most interesting or lengthy essay in the world to score well on the AWA section, but you do need to give your essay an easy-to-follow structure. Usually, that consists of an introduction, three to four well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Your introduction should restate the main argument of the prompt, then highlight the flaws in the argument that you’ll discuss in the body of the essay.

Each of the body paragraphs should focus on a specific flaw in the argument. First, you should highlight the flaw itself. Next, you’ll need to explain why that particular flaw is a flaw. Finally, you should highlight how the argument could’ve been made more clearly or more successfully.

In the conclusion, you’ll want to restate each of the reasons why the argument was flawed and summarize how those flaws affected the validity of the argument.

Following this clear, simple structure for your GMAT essay will help you achieve your goal score.

#3: Know the Common AWA Flaws

Your task for the GMAT AWA is to critique an argument given to you in a prompt. That means that you can assume the argument given is a weak one, since your job is basically to analyze its weaknesses.

GMAT AWA prompts typically have arguments that are weak in predictable ways. Be on the lookout for these common “flaws” that you’ll encounter in AWA prompts:

Causality: GMAT AWA prompts often contain errors in causality, which means that they attribute the wrong effect to the wrong cause . If you see an argument that uses causality, make sure you check to make sure that causality is correctly attributed and that there’s a provable causal relationship.

Vagueness: GMAT AWA prompts often contain vague terms or statistics that are used incorrectly to draw conclusions. For instance, a prompt might suggest that, out of a sample of 500 consumers, more are buying name-brand paper towels than generic paper towels. The use of the word “more,” in this case, isn’t specific enough because it doesn’t tell you exactly how many more people are buying name-brand paper towels. You can’t draw a definitive conclusion off of vague data.

Overconfidence: GMAT AWA prompts often contain overconfident language. You should be looking for the language in arguments to be thoughtful and well-balanced. Keep an eye out for words like “undoubtedly,” “definitely,” and “of course,” which indicate overconfidence.

#4: Practice

One of the best GMAT essay tips is to practice, practice, practice before you actually complete the GMAT AWA section on test day. You can find real, retired GMAT AWA prompts on the GMAT website for free. You can also purchase the GMAT Write tool to receive scores on practice AWA prompts if you’re really concerned about your score.

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Practicing will help you in a number of ways. First, practicing will help you master your timing. You’ll only have 30 minutes to craft a logical and well-reasoned essay on test day. The more you practice, the faster you’ll get at outlining and completing your essay.

As I mentioned in the previous GMAT writing tips, you’ll need to fully answer the correct prompt to achieve a good score on your GMAT essay. Practicing will help you get used to the structure of GMAT AWA prompts and help you get used to the types of questions you’ll see on test day.

Finally, practicing will help you get used the structure you need to employ to succeed on your GMAT essay. The more you practice, the more naturally you’ll be able to craft a complete introduction, body, and conclusion for each of your GMAT essays.

#5: Take Time to Outline

While outlining may seem like one of the more basic GMAT essay tips, taking five minutes at the beginning of the AWA section to sketch out a basic outline of your essay will really help you as you start to write.

Everyone outlines differently, but in general, I’d suggest having one to two bullet points for each paragraph that highlight the main ideas the paragraph will cover. Outlining will help you make sure you’ve covered all the main points you need to fully answer the question.

#6: Don’t Sweat the AWA Too Much

The final of my GMAT analytical writing tips is to not worry about the AWA section too much. As I mentioned in a previous section, the AWA section isn’t that important in the overall scheme of your GMAT score. It’d be a mistake to spend a lot of time and energy stressing over and preparing for the AWA section before you take the GMAT.

Spend between three to six hours preparing for the AWA, depending on how comfortable you are writing to the AWA’s structure. More often than not, that’s all the time test-takers need to achieve a solid AWA score.

Your GMAT AWA score won’t make or break your chance of admission to the business school of your dreams. An AWA score between 4-6 will sufficiently demonstrate your writing abilities to most admissions committees, and there’s not a huge advantage to scoring a perfect 6 on the AWA section.

An AWA score of below 4, however, will raise red flags for admissions committees who may question your communication abilities. So, it’s important to study for the AWA section to make sure your score is sufficient.

What’s Next?

Feeling set on GMAT analytical writing tips, but looking for more advice on other sections of the GMAT? We’ve got tons of in-depth, high-quality guides to help you master the content you’ll see on GMAT test day. Check out our guide to the GMAT verbal section to learn how to master the three GMAT question types or read our guide to the GMAT quant section  to understand exactly what math you need to know to achieve your goal GMAT score.

Looking to make an in-depth, comprehensive GMAT study plan? Our guide to GMAT study plans provides four sample study plans that you can adapt to your needs. Pick and choose between one-month, three-month, and six-month study plans that are each designed to boost your GMAT score.

Setting a realistic goal score is a hugely important part of your GMAT prep. By setting a realistic goal score, you give yourself a target to work towards and a benchmark by which to measure your progress as you prep for the GMAT. In our guide to GMAT score requirements, you’ll learn about how to set a goal that makes sense for your abilities and needs as a test-taker.

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Author: Hayley Milliman

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females. View all posts by Hayley Milliman

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GMAT Timed Essay

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GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

Table of contents, an overview of the gmat exam structure, mastering gmat awa: your ultimate guide, elevate your awa game, format of gmat awa syllabus, components and scoring criteria, tips and strategies for gmat awa syllabus, resources for gmat awa syllabus preparation.

If you're planning on pursuing a graduate management program, you're probably already familiar with the GMAT exam. The GMAT is a standardized test that holds a lot of importance in the admissions process for many prestigious business schools around the world. The GMAT exam assesses your abilities in various areas, such as analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. In this blog post, we will specifically focus on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus to provide you with a thorough understanding of its syllabus.

By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and insights required to excel in this crucial component of the GMAT exam. To do well in the GMAT exam, it's essential to have a clear understanding of its format and structure. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that is administered worldwide and is widely accepted by business schools as a reliable measure of an applicant's readiness for graduate management programs.

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) , Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR). The order in which these sections appear may vary, as the exam follows a computer-adaptive format that tailors the difficulty level of the questions based on your performance. However, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus is typically the first section you will encounter.

Moreover, in the different sections of the GMAT exam, it's important to be aware of the time constraints and scoring system. The total duration of the GMAT exam is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, but the exact time may vary slightly. Each section has a specific time limit, and it's crucial to manage your time effectively to complete all the questions within the allotted timeframe.

Understanding the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The GMAT ( Graduate Management Admission Test ) Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) assesses your ability to analyze and articulate complex ideas effectively. The AWA consists of two essays: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. Here's a brief overview of the GMAT AWA syllabus for each essay:

Evaluation Criteria

In both essays, clarity reigns supreme. Your ability to articulate ideas cogently, construct compelling arguments, and present your thoughts persuasively is paramount. It’s important to note that your opinions aren’t under scrutiny; rather, it’s the quality of your analysis and the coherence of your arguments that are evaluated.

Scoring Demystified

Scores range from 0 to 6, with increments of half-points. The scores from both essays are averaged to calculate your overall AWA score. Remember, it’s not about being right or wrong; it’s about demonstrating your analytical prowess and communication skills.

Mastering the AWA section is within your reach. By understanding the nuances of each essay type, honing your analytical skills, and practising articulating your thoughts effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to ace this crucial component of the GMAT.

The Graduate Management Admission Council ( GMAC ) is the organization behind the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a widely recognized standardized test for admission to graduate business programs. 

It is important to note that the GMAT syllabus of AWA does not require specialized knowledge of any particular subject. The focus is on your ability to analyze arguments effectively, regardless of the topic. Therefore, it is essential to approach each prompt with a critical mindset and to provide a balanced and well-supported analysis.

Additionally, the Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus assesses your analytical thinking skills. You must critically evaluate the given argument, examining its logical reasoning, assumptions, and evidence. By dissecting the argument and highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and evaluate complex information.

1. AWA Structure

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT exam evaluates your ability to analyze and critique arguments, as well as your skills in expressing your thoughts effectively through writing. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus consists of one essay prompt, and you are required to write a coherent essay in response to the given prompt within a specific time limit.

The questions in GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus typically present an argument on a specific topic, and your task is to analyze the argument by critically evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. It is important to carefully read and understand the prompt, identify the main points of the argument, and develop a clear and logical response.

2. Scoring system and evaluation

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus of the GMAT exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0.5-point increments. Two different evaluators independently assess each essay, providing a score based on the overall quality of your writing, critical thinking skills, and ability to support your ideas with relevant examples and reasoning.

If there is a significant difference in the scores assigned by the two evaluators, a third evaluator may be involved to provide a final score. The final score for the AWA section is the average of the two independent scores or the single score given by the third evaluator, if applicable.

GMAC offers research insights, data-driven solutions, and collaborative platforms that foster a deeper understanding of global business education trends and facilitate meaningful interactions between aspiring students, business schools, and employers. 

3. Skills tested

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus tests a range of skills that are valuable in business and management.

• Firstly, it assesses your ability to express ideas effectively and coherently. You should strive to present a well-structured essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Additionally, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus evaluates your capacity to provide examples and develop those examples to support your ideas. Illustrating your points with relevant and specific examples enhances the persuasiveness of your argument and demonstrates your ability to apply real-world scenarios to strengthen your position.
• Furthermore, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus tests your analytical skills in analyzing the given argument. You need to critically examine the argument, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and provide a balanced and well-reasoned analysis. This requires the ability to evaluate the logical soundness of the argument and consider alternative perspectives.

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section comprises two distinct components: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. In the Issue Essay, test takers are presented with a thought-provoking topic and are required to express their perspective on it. They must provide relevant reasons and examples to support their position effectively.

The Argument Essay, on the other hand, tasks candidates with critiquing the reasoning, assumptions, and evidence presented in a given argument. Each essay is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with half-point increments, and the scores from both essays are averaged to derive the overall AWA score. The evaluation criteria include assessing the clarity of ideas, the organization and structure of the response, the effective use of language, and the depth of development in presenting arguments.   

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section requires a blend of strategic preparation and careful execution. Here are some effective strategies and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring you tackle this section with confidence.

Strategies for GMAT AWA Syllabus

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section is essential for achieving a competitive score. This guide provides proven strategies to navigate the AWA syllabus effectively. From understanding prompts to structuring responses, these strategies will elevate your performance and help you succeed on the GMAT. Let's Discuss 

1. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Dedicate specific study sessions to writing essays within the time constraints of the exam. This habituates you to the pressure and helps refine your time management skills.

2. Analyze GMAT Sample Papers

Delve into high-scoring AWA essays found in GMAT preparation materials or online resources. Analyze their structure, coherence, and argumentative prowess to glean valuable insights.

3. Pay Attention to Essay Structure and Coherence

Effective essays boast a clear structure, logical flow, and coherent arguments. Strive to emulate these qualities in your practice essays, emphasizing strong arguments supported by relevant examples.

4. Develop a Template for Essay Writing

Crafting a standardized essay template can streamline your writing process. Include sections for introduction, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a succinct conclusion.

5. Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Structure

Start with a concise introduction that outlines your stance on the topic. Follow this with well-developed body paragraphs that present your arguments coherently. Finally, wrap up with a summary of your main points in the conclusion.

Common Mistakes for GMAT AWA Syllabus

Avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for success in the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. This guide highlights key mistakes to steer clear of, ensuring that your essays are clear, coherent, and impactful. By understanding these pitfalls, you can enhance your performance and maximize your score on the GMAT.

1. Use of Informal Language and Colloquial Expressions

Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay, avoiding slang or informal language. Opt for precise vocabulary and sentence structures to convey your ideas effectively.

2. Grammatical Errors and Typos

Carefully proofread your essays to eliminate grammatical errors and typos. Attention to detail reflects your professionalism and enhances the clarity of your arguments.

3. Deviation from the Given Prompt

Stay focused on addressing the specific argument or topic provided in the prompt. Straying off-topic can lead to disjointed arguments and lower scores.

4. Straying off-Topic

Ensure your essay remains tightly aligned with the prompt. Tangential discussions detract from the coherence of your argument and may impact your score negatively.

The table below showcases Strategies vs. Mistakes:

When it comes to preparing for the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, having the right resources at your disposal can make a significant difference. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus evaluates your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments and communicate effectively through writing. To help you excel in this section, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources that will aid in your GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus preparation.

From GMAT prep books to online courses and practice tests, these resources offer valuable insights, strategies, and practice materials to enhance your essay-writing skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your existing abilities, these resources will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to tackle the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus with confidence. 

MBA.com is the official website for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the globally recognized entrance exam for graduate business programs. Managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA.com serves as a comprehensive resource hub for aspiring business school students. 

GMAT AWA Syllabus preparation

1. gmat prep books.

Books like "The Official Guide for GMAT Review" and "GMAT Advanced Quant" by GMAC provide practice essay prompts and tips for tackling the AWA section. GMAT prep books specifically dedicated to AWA can provide valuable insights and guidance. Look for books that offer strategies, essay prompts, and sample essays for practice.

2. Online Courses

Online courses designed for GMAT preparation often include specific modules or sections focusing on the AWA section. These courses provide video lessons, interactive exercises, and practice essay prompts. They also offer personalized feedback on your essay writing skills, helping you identify areas for improvement.

3. Practice Tests

Practice tests are essential for familiarizing yourself with the AWA section and simulating the actual exam experience. Many GMAT prep providers offer full-length practice tests that include AWA essay prompts. Taking these tests under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively and develop a comfortable writing pace. When you click on the link, it will take you to the GMAT practice page. Explore the GMAT practice page here. 

4. Online Writing Platforms

Utilize online writing platforms such as Grammarly or Hemingway to improve your writing skills, grammar, and sentence structure.

5. GMAT Prep Courses

Many GMAT prep courses, like those offered by Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, and Veritas Prep, include guidance and practice for the AWA section.

6. Essay Writing Guides

Explore writing guides and books focused on essay writing techniques, such as "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White.

7. AWA-Specific Prep Services

Specialized AWA prep services like Magoosh AWA Guide and others provide tips, sample essays, and strategies tailored to this section.

Ready to excel in the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)? You can consult an expert to craft impactful essays that can set you apart. Take the first step toward mastering your AWA performance – connect with us today!

The GMAT AWA syllabus evaluates your ability to think critically, express ideas clearly, and construct persuasive arguments in a written format. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus consists of one essay prompt, and you have 30 minutes to analyze and respond to it. Make sure your plan is up to mark and aligns with your preparation goals. 

The AWA section tests various skills, including effective expression of ideas, use of examples to support arguments, and critical analysis of given arguments. To ace the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus, it is essential to practice writing essays under timed conditions, analyze sample essays, and develop a template for structuring your essays.

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Sample AWA Prompt and 6/6 Essay

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