The GMAT includes 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Although most Business Schools pay more attention to the Verbal and Quantitative sections, many schools do value the Analytical Writing section. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) of the GMAT tests your ability to think critically and how well you can express your ideas. Additionally, your writing skills are also evaluated. Because these similar skills will be used in Business School, your score on the AWA section is of importance.
The AWA includes two 30 minute sections (a total of 60 minutes for the writing section). You are only allowed 30 minutes for each section. You are not allowed to allot the 60 minutes to your liking. For example, you will not be permitted to spend 20 minutes on one sub-section and 40 minutes on the other. You must use the complete 30 minutes for each sub-section. If you finish early, then re-read your essay and make any necessary corrections. Once the 30 minutes are over, you must start the next section. You are not allowed to go back to the first section once the second half-hour has begun. The first half hour of the writing section is spent on the Analysis of an Issue and the second half hour is spent on the Analysis of an Argument.
Analysis of an Issue:
- In this section you must analyze an issue that is presented to you.
- You are expected to explain your viewpoint on the subject presented or provide your opinion on a controversial issue.
- You must use reasons or examples from real life experiences, observations, or past reading material to support your position on the issue.
- This section measures your ability to investigate the complexities of an issue and your ability to take a stance.
Analysis of an Argument:
- In this section you must analyze the rationale behind a given argument.
- The main goals are to:
- Evaluate the argument by critiquing it.
- Discuss the logical flaws of the argument.
- Provide facts that may strengthen or refute the argument.
- Provide alternative explanations or contradictory examples that might weaken the conclusion.
- This section measures your ability to formulate a suitable and practical critique of an argument using a specific type of reasoning.
Topics vary for each exam but typically are based on a general interest related to business or other subjects. Essay topics are chosen randomly by a computer and are not provided until the day of the exam. Because you are being evaluated on your analytical writing skills, prior knowledge of a topic is not necessary. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. Therefore, your analytical writing skills are of importance. Sample essay questions are available through study guides and online websites (GMAT Official Website), which can give you an idea of what type of topics are presented on the exam.
The AWA is scored differently than the Quantitative and Verbal sections. Scores range from 1 to 6 with 6 being the highest (very high proficiency). A score of 4 or higher is usually appropriate. However, top Business Schools will expect a score between 5.5 and 6 in order to be accepted to their program.
Your essays are graded by a computer and one individual. The computer, which is known as an Electronic Reader/Rater (E-rater), scans your essay searching for more than 50 features, such as how ideas are structured and what words are used. The individual, usually a college faculty member, rates the overall quality of an essay but also evaluates the organization of the essay, types of reasons and examples being provided, and the ability to communicate ideas. Spelling and grammar do count.
Both the E-rater and the individual provide a score for the AWA section. If there is at least a 1-point discrepancy (ex. 4 and 5.5), then another individual grades the essay to resolve the differences and then determines the final grade. However, if there is no 1-point or more discrepancy (ex. 5.25 and 5.75), then the average of the scores, provided by the E-rater and the initial individual, is the final score.
Each school values the AWA differently. The top Business schools will place much more value on the AWA than other schools. However, schools that do not value the AWA as much, may still use your AWA score as a tie-breaker when a decision cannot be made. Therefore, preparation is necessary. Even a small amount of preparation can make a difference.
