Check out this post or do a search for AWA on the forum.
8-t62437I got a 5.5 the first time I took the GMAT and a 6.0 the second. Here is what I wrote for that post.
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I took the PR class any the teacher told us that "he has heard" of people using this template and writing complete garbage sentences in the middle of the paragraph and still getting 6s - I got a 5.5 and all I did was dumb it down. PR teaches good GMAT writing is NOT good writing.
"First trick" write a lot.
"Second trick" Always disagree with the essay
"third trick" use transitional words that show a person who is skimming this essay you have structure.
This is my Sample.
I disagree with the authors claim that....blah blah (semi restatement). Filler sentence. Thesis (I normally use three parts ex. The major emphasis of any gmat study should be on verbal, quant, and awa)
-Now use your three parts for each paragraph.
The FIRST POINT, blah blah blah. Support sentences. Support sentences. Finish Paragraph off.
ANOTHER Point, (same)
Finally, (same)
IN CONCLUSION (if you always end this way you'll get your points) restatement of argument. Final sentence.
--Ok so if you write anything that looks like that you will hate yourself because it is sooo pitiful but it truly works, people are reading your essay for about 1 min. If you write a lot they basically skim it, look for buzz words and structure. Like I mentioned before our teacher told us they would put stuff like I really enjoy spending time with cats and dogs. Or As soon as I get done writing this essay it's on to the math, then verbal, and finally I'll get to go home.
I definitely don't suggest writing in the garbage sentences but if you write a lot and have 3 paragraphs plus an introduction and a conclusion you are basically guaranteed a 5 with no prep at all.