10 Tips to Score High on Argument Analysis for GMAT®

GMAT® Writing

Writing is usually an afterthough for many MBA candidates gearing up for the GMAT®.

That well may be the case for native English speakers, but quite a different case for international students.

Business Schools asked for the essay.

Morevoer, research shows success in business (and in B-School) actually depends more on verbal and written skills than was once orignally thought.

B-Schools have faced a surge in international applicants in recent years, some with so-so English skills.

The GMAT® Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is in part a way to verify the writing ability of international candidates to excel in B-School.

The Admission Committee will closely examine your GMAT essay score results if you are an international candidate.

So, follow these 10 tips to prepare for the first section of exam.

Your Mission on GMAT® Writing

You have 30 minutes to belt out an organized critique (analysis) of an argument in good English.

You must critique the argument’s line of reasoning and the evidence supporting it. Plus you need to suggest ways in which the argument could be strengthened.

While this may appear straightforward, there are potential pitfalls along the way. especially for non-native English speakers.

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For example, how strong is your English?

Also, have you taken a basic logic class yet in the university?

Can you spot the flaw in an argument?

All of the arguments presented to you on the GMAT® are weak and ready for your analysis.

10 Tips to Score on GMAT® Writing

These ten (10) tips are culled from helping students prepare for success on the GMAT® and experience with the various knowledge-share gained from texts and studing exam preparation manuals.

1. Show good organization (intro, body, and conclusion) and prebuilt essay template.


2. Perform solid analysis with a basic knowlege of the rules of logic.


3. Demonstrate reasonable use of the English language with signposting, sentence variety, and parallel structure.


4.  Use solid vocabulary.


5. Effect good grammar and punctuation.


6. Write as many words as possible.


7.  Attack the assumptions and premises in an organized way.


8. Question underlying premises – do they prove the conclusion?


9.  Find alternative explanations or counterexamples that might weaken the conclusion.


10. Show evidence to strengthen or weaken the argument – line of reasoning – is it logical?

Now you have to practice and implement this tips so you are fully-prepared on exam day.

2 Biggest Errors on GMAT® Writing

Don’t make the error of offering an opinion on the topic presented in the argument.

The Analytical Writing Assessment for  GMAT® requires  you to analyze the reasoning rather than explain why you agree or disagree.

Second, make sure your English language skills are spot-on.

Careless grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary mistakes destract from your professional image you need to project across the exam and potentially reduce your score.

Conclusion

Use these 10 tips to maximize your score on the AWA for GMAT®.

Arrive on exam day with an essay template in mind.

Feel confident on the writing section – the first part of the exam – and you will carry over this exuberance into the other parts of the exam for your highest score possible.

Good Luck!

Get the eReport – 5 Common Business English Writing Mistakes

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