GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Section: In order for students to do as well on the GMAT as they possibly can, they need to understand the structure of the test. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT is designed to measure a student's critical thinking and communication skills. Students are given two separate 30-minute writing tasks - Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument. The topics for these writing tasks are related to business or other subject matters. It is not necessary for students to have any specific, technical knowledge of the topics. The point of the section is to measure the student's writing skills.
The Analysis of an Issue portion determines the ability of a student to analyze a general topic, take an informed position, and write a well-organized, persuasive essay. An issue is introduced and the students are asked to provide their point of view on the issue using relevant reasons and examples from their own lives. It is usually helpful to consider various perspectives in the answer. It is also helpful to know that there is no correct answer. Analysis of an Issue measures the student's ability to:
- analyze complex issues
- take an informed position on an issue
The Analysis of an Argument portion also determines the ability of a student to analyze a general topic, take an informed position, and write a well-organized, persuasive essay. Students are presented with an argument and they must criticize the structure of that argument. They are not asked to present their own views on the subject. They are asked to judge how logically persuasive the argument is to them. They are also asked to analyze the reasoning and use of evidence within the argument. Students can explain what would potentially make for a more persuasive argument on the subject. Analysis of an Argument measures the student's ability to:
- identify the assumptions behind an argument
- identify counter-arguments that could weaken the argument
- identify evidence that could strengthen the argument
