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 Note: you must read the
bottom NOTES on each slide
 Analytical Writing Assessment
• The GMAT will start with the AWA (Essay) section.
• 2 Essays to be written, each in 30 minutes
– Analysis of an issue
– Analysis of an argument
• “Issue” and “Argument” may occur in any order
• There is a one-minute optional break between the two essays
• One must ensure a grade of 4.5 or above to be safe
• Each essay is scored out of 6 in 0.5 increments by a human being
and a program (e-rater). The final score is calculated after taking
the average of the four grades and rounding off the average score.
• To be written using a Word processor (insert, delete, cut / paste,
undo). There are no autocorrect options.
 Special (Issue)
• All Issue topics will have 2 clear sides.
• You have to take one clear stand and stick to (defend) it.
• Use 90/10 general thumb rule, i.e., you have to support your
position at least 90% of the times.
• Write at least 4 well-developed paragraphs with a minimum
of 350 words.
• You can (and must) use a personalized form of writing.
• You must give examples:
– Examples can come from anywhere: personal life, experiences,
history, reading or General Knowledge. The directions will clearly
mention where examples can be taken from.
– Try to give global / American examples rather than regional or Indian
examples.
 Special (Issue) contd..
• You are rewarded more for logic and persuasion and less for
linguistics.
• Short forms are a strict no-no. You can not write “sched” for
schedule.
• Any language that is sexually suggestive or racially abusive is
generally considered wrong. So do not write words such as “babe”,
“negro” etc.
• You should try to write as grammatically correct as possible.
• Remember that the processor in the real test does not have any
autocorrect / spell-check / grammar-check options.
• A score of less than 4 can be a deterrent to your entry to an MBA
program, so be very serious about the essays as well.
 Sample Issue Task # 1

“Of all the manifestations of power, restraint

in the use of that power impresses people
most.”
– Explain what you think this quotation means and discuss the
extent to which you agree or disagree with it. Develop your
position with reasons and/or specific examples drawn from
history, current events, or your own experience, observations, or
reading.
 Sample Issue Task # 2

“There is only one definition of success

— to be able to spend your life in your
own way.”
– To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this definition of success? Support your
position by using reasons and examples from
your reading, your own experience, or your
observation of others.
 A Sample Issue Task # 3

“When someone achieves greatness in

any field — such as the arts, science,
politics, or business — that person’s
achievements are more important than
any of his or her personal faults.”
– Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree
with the opinion stated above. Support your views
with reasons and/or examples from your own
experience, observations, or reading.
 Sample Issue Task # 4

“People often complain that products are not made

to last. They feel that making products that wear out
fairly quickly wastes both natural and human
resources. What they fail to see, however, is that
such manufacturing practices keep costs down for
the consumer and stimulate demand.”
– Which do you find more compelling: the complaint about
products that do not last or the response to it? Explain your
position using relevant reasons and/or examples drawn from
your own experience, observations, or reading.
 Sample Issue Task # 5

“Employees should keep their private

lives and personal activities as
separate as possible from the
workplace.”
– Discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the opinion stated above.
Support your views with reasons and/or
examples from your own experience,
observations, or reading.
 AWA – Analysis of an Argument

1. Assesses Your Ability to Understand,

Analyze, and Evaluate an Argument and
to Clearly Convey Your Critique in
Writing
2. This is Primarily a Critical Thinking Task
Presented in Essay Format
 Special (Arguments)
• Unlike the issue essay, the argument essay does not
have A STAND.
• You must write a FORCEFUL CRITIQUE.
• The argument given will certainly be FLAWED.
• You must analyze the line of reasoning – FAULTY for
sure.
• You must analyze the use of evidence in the argument.
INADEQUATE for sure.
• There will surely be some QUESTIONABLE
ASSUMPTIONS – point out all.
 Special (Arguments)
• Discuss what alternative explanations or counterexamples might
WEAKEN the conclusion.
• Discuss what sort of evidence would STRENGTHEN or REFUTE
the argument.
• Discuss what CHANGES in the argument would make it more
LOGICALLY SOUND.
• Discuss what would help you to BETTER EVALUATE ITS
CONCLUSION.
• Personalized language is a STRICT NO-NO.
• Outside examples must be AVOIDED.
• You should write about 4 paragraphs with about 350 words.
 These hold for the argument essay as well

• You are rewarded more for logic and persuasion and less for
linguistics.
• Short forms are a strict no-no. You can not write “sched” for
schedule.
• Any language that is sexually suggestive or racially abusive is
generally considered wrong. So do not write words such as “babe”,
“negro” etc.
• You should try to write as grammatically correct as possible.
• Remember that the processor in the real test does not have any
autocorrect / spell-check / grammar-check options.
• A score of less than 4 can be a deterrent to your entry to an MBA
program, so be very serious about the essays as well.
 The Directions (always fixed)
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.
 Sample Argument Task # 1
The following appeared in a memorandum from the business
department of the Apogee Company.

“When the Apogee Company had all its operations in one location, it
was more profitable than it is today. Therefore, the Apogee
Company should close down its field offices and conduct all its
operations from a single location. Such centralization would improve
profitability by cutting costs and helping the company maintain
better supervision of all employees.”

Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.

 Sample Argument Task # 2
The following appeared as part of a campaign to sell
advertising time on a local radio station to local
businesses.

“The Cumquat Cafe began advertising on our local radio

station this year and was delighted to see its business
increase by 10 percent over last year’s totals. Their
success shows you how you can use radio advertising to
make your business more profitable.”

Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.

 Sample Argument Task # 3
The following appeared in the editorial section of a local
newspaper.

“In the first four years that Montoya has served as mayor of the city
of San Perdito, the population has decreased and the
unemployment rate has increased. Two businesses have closed for
each new business that has opened. Under Varro, who served as
mayor for four years before Montoya, the unemployment rate
decreased and the population increased. Clearly, the residents of
San Perdito would be best served if they voted Montoya out of office
and reelected Varro.”

Discuss how well reasoned... etc.

 Sample Argument Task # 4
The following appeared in an announcement issued by the
publisher of The Mercury, a weekly newspaper.

“Since a competing lower-priced newspaper, The Bugle, was started

five years ago, The Mercury’s circulation has declined by 10,000
readers. The best way to get more people to read The Mercury is to
reduce its price below that of The Bugle, at least until circulation
increases to former levels. The increased circulation of The Mercury
will attract more businesses to buy advertising space in the paper.”

Discuss how well reasoned... etc.

 Sample Argument Task # 5
The following appeared in a newspaper story giving advice
about investments.

“As overall life expectancy continues to rise, the population of our

country is growing increasingly older. For example, over twenty
percent of the residents of one of our more populated regions are
now at least 65 years old, and occupancy rates at resort hotels in
that region declined significantly during the past six months.
Because of these two related trends, a prudent investor would be
well advised to sell interest in hotels and invest in hospitals and
nursing homes instead.”

Discuss how well reasoned... etc.