How To Get Perfect AWA Score in GMAT | Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) for GRE PDF Download

The Analytical Writing Assessment measures your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas. During the Analytical Writing Assessment, you will analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument. You will have 30 minutes to write your essay.

Analytical Writing Assessment Strategies

Strengths:

1. Critical Thinking Emphasis:

• The assessment prioritizes critical thinking, encouraging candidates to dissect arguments.
• Promotes the development of analytical skills crucial for real-world problem-solving.

2. Structured Approach:

• The suggested strategy guides candidates to organize thoughts systematically.
• Helps maintain clarity in expressing ideas within the time constraint.

3. Questioning Assumptions:

• Encourages candidates to identify underlying assumptions, fostering a deeper understanding of the argument.
• Sets the foundation for a nuanced critique, highlighting the importance of thorough analysis.

4. Encourages Counterexamples:

• Prompts consideration of alternative perspectives and scenarios.
• Strengthens the ability to view arguments from multiple angles, enhancing the overall analytical approach.

5. Emphasis on Evidence:

• Encourages the inclusion of supporting evidence.
• Promotes a more robust argumentative structure by requiring a solid foundation of facts and examples.

Weaknesses:

1. Time Constraint:

• The 30-minute limit might pressure candidates, potentially compromising the depth of their analysis.
• Time management becomes crucial; candidates may struggle to revise and polish their response adequately.

2. Limited Writing Space:

• The reliance on an erasable noteboard for organizing thoughts might limit the amount of information a candidate can jot down.
• May hinder candidates in fully developing complex arguments.

3. Subjectivity in Grading:

• The evaluation of "coherence" and "logical transitions" is subjective and open to interpretation.
• Some candidates might find it challenging to align with the evaluator's expectations.

4. Overemphasis on Discussion Format:

• While encouraging a discussion format is beneficial, it may inadvertently lead to verbosity.
• Candidates might focus too much on the conversational style, risking the omission of critical analysis.

Strategic Tips:

• Time Management: Pacing is key. Allocate time wisely to avoid rushing the analysis or neglecting revisions.
• Visual Organization: Use the erasable noteboard judiciously. Employ visual aids like diagrams or bullet points to enhance organization.
• Clarity in Discussion: Ensure your response reads like a discussion by using full sentences and logical transitions. Aim for coherence, presenting ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Depth over Breadth: Prioritize depth of analysis over covering a broad range of points. Quality trumps quantity in this assessment.

As you organize a thoughtful response, ask yourself the following questions:

• What questionable assumptions underlie the thinking?
• What counter-examples might be raised?
• What additional evidence could help strengthen or refute the argument?
• Does my response read like a discussion with full sentences and coherent organization?

Use well-developed illustrations and examples. Don’t simply list examples. Develop your thoughts. Use your erasable noteboard to organize your thoughts.

Make your response read like a discussion. Your essay response should be coherent, with full sentences, logical transitions, and appropriately introduced and developed examples.