I found this template somewhere online last year. I took the GMAT several times and used this template for AWA each time. Using this, I received a 6.0 each time.
I just memorized the template and plugged in the variables. Simple as that!
Argument EssayI. Introduction
- The author of this piece concludes that ________________
- This conclusion is based upon the provided evidence, which states that ________________
- This evidence alone is not sufficient enough to put forth such a strong argument given that its conclusion relies on several assumptions that may or may not be true.
- The argument’s reliance on these assumptions has caused the conclusion to be seriously flawed for ___ primary reasons as given below.
II. Paragraph 2
- Among the most pivotal shortcomings of this argument is its inability to address/justify ________________
- <expand, use connectors> Moreover/In addition/For instance/For example
- Possibly add: “One way to eliminate the flaw” or “However, if _____”
III. Paragraph 3
- The next serious flaw in this argument….
o “comes from the author’s inability”
o “has to do with”
- <expand, use connectors> Moreover/In addition/For instance/For example
- Possibly add: “One way to eliminate the flaw” or “However, if _____”
IV. Paragraph 4
- Lastly, the author’s assumption that ________________
- Possibly add: “One way to eliminate the flaw” or “However, if _____”
V. Conclusion
- In sum, the author’s conclusion lacks the strength to be justified in view of the aforementioned flaws.
- The author could strengthen their overall argument by ________________
- However, without such additional hard evidence, this argument will continue to lack justification and prove to be ineffective.
Issue Essay TemplateI. Introduction
- The issue/belief/idea above states that ________________.
- This issue is an interesting/controversial topic in this day of age when individuals are increasingly concerned/interested with ________________
- Many people believe that ________________, but these people often overlook ________________
- In this essay I will examine both sides of the issue in question while making several well-reasoned arguments in favor/against ________________
II. Paragraph 2
- First,
- Possibly: “The issue uses too strong of language when it states that ________________”
- <cite an example that proves against the strong language>
o For example/For instance/A classic example
III. Paragraph 3
- Also/In addition/Additionally,
- <cite an example>
o For example/For instance
IV. Paragraph 4
- While many type of professional promote the notion that ________________, I believe the opposition should be argued given the current situation/status/etc of ¬________________
- <cite an example in favor/expand on detail>
IV/V. Conclusion <Tie in with paragraph 4>
- I have argued for/against ________________ in the previous paragraphs. This view will become increasingly dominant in the coming century given that ________________.
- Many issues like this can never be resolved to everybody’s satisfaction, but in the long run, promoting ________________ will lead the to the betterment of all involved.