GMAT: How to score a 6.0 on your AWA.

If you’re studying for the GMAT and want to score a perfect 6.0 on your Analysis of an Argument essay like I did, then you need to develop a plan. You’ve got 30 minutes to write 500 coherent words, and to do that, you need to make every second count. The following tips and tricks will help you get onto the right track in preparation for test day.

Most importantly, learn the template at the bottom of this article (or make your own). I developed this template when I was preparing for the GMAT and it simplified the process tremendously. This is because the structure of your AWA is very important, not only for the grader, but also to help you focus your thoughts into three substantive arguments quickly and effectively. By memorizing the bold text in the template below (the bold text can be used verbatim on any Analysis of an Argument essay) you’ll gain at least five minutes to think about the pertinence of your arguments.

Your essay should have an introductory paragraph, followed by three distinct argumentative paragraphs, and should conclude with a final paragraph restating your thesis and backing it up with an example of a better argument. In your argumentative paragraphs, it is important to draw on examples from your own experience, those you’ve read about in books, the media or wherever. These examples will help provide clout to your argument, and will allow the grader to check a box in your favour (your grader doesn’t care if you use British or American spelling, btw). In addition to your example, don’t be afraid to address the elephant in the room by including a counter-argument and then explaining why that argument should hold no ground. Using this technique may take some time to get right, but is very effective.

There is no specified length for your AWA essay, however you should aim for 500 words. In order to have the adequate amount of sentences and paragraphs to qualify your essay, 500 seems to be the magic number. It’s also important to leave yourself at least five minutes to read your essay over and catch any spelling mistakes or silly grammatical errors you may have made.

Now that you’ve got a plan, you’re off to a good start. Now practice, practice, practice. You’ll want to have written at least 10 timed essays to get a feel for just how rushed 30 minutes can seem. Limit yourself to two essays per sitting though, as these essays can take a lot out of you. Best of luck!


ANALYSIS OF AN ARGUMENT – Find the logical flaws in the reasoning of an argument

Introduction (~four sentences)

Sentence 1: “While a potential solution … restate argument here…, the author fails to provide sufficient evidence or sound logic to validate his or her conclusion.”
Sentence 2: “First, … summarize your first argument here.”
Sentence 3: “Second, … summarize your second argument here.”
Sentence 4: “Third, … summarize your third argument here.”

Argument #1, Argument #2, Argument #3 (four+ sentences each)

Sentence 1: Introduce the argument flaw.
Sentence 2 : Clarify the stance against the flaw.
Sentence 3: Provide possible ramifications for the argument flaw in question.
Sentence 4 : Present a more adequate solution.

Conclusion (~four sentences)

Sentence 1: “In summary, the author must better support the link between … restate argument here… , the author fails to provide sufficient evidence or sound logic to validate his or her conclusion.”
Sentence 2: “Had the author… provide an example of what facts the author should have offered.”
Sentence 3:“Without this information, the reader is not well enough informed to reach a substantiated conclusion regarding …topic at hand.”

If you have a minute, take a look at the original article on my website: https://carlolivieri.com/gmat-how-to-sco ... -your-awa/