Writing Ability Test Sample - CAT PDF Download

What is Written Ability Test (WAT)

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is the initial screening round conducted by twenty active Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top-tier colleges for MBA aspirants. The exam is a 15-20-minute written test that assesses a candidate's essay writing skills.

To prepare for the WAT, candidates must focus on WAT topics and learn the proper approach to answering WAT questions. The questions may be divided into different levels, such as Question 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), etc., based on critical reasoning or situation analysis. The IIMs assign a weightage of around 10-20% to a candidate's performance in WAT, in combination with other components such as Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).

Important WAT Topics for MBA Preparation

For MBA preparation in an IIM or any other B-school, the Writing Ability Test (WAT) topics may cover various areas such as current affairs, business, economics, finance, social or political issues, sports news, or abstract topics.

The topics for WAT in IIMs are chosen with care to provide candidates with an opportunity to express their views and opinions in a coherent manner, while incorporating relevant data and facts to enhance their writing. As the economy undergoes constant changes, tax structures evolve, and various events take place in society, the scope of WAT topics for IIM has expanded to include topics that impact everyday life.

Some of the important WAT Topics for MBA Preparation

• National Education Policy (NEP)
• Demonetization
• GST
• Bank Recapitalization
• Make in India
• Covid-19 impact & Vaccination
• Gati Shakti Master Plan
• Gig Economy
• RBI Digital Rupee
• 5G Telecom
• Need of Bullet Train in India
• Farm Bills 2020 and Farmers’ Protests
• Agnipath
• Budget 2023

WAT Preparation

WAT preparation typically will be an easy task if the candidate focuses on their written English. This includes,

Introduction

In a Writing Ability Test (WAT), the first two to three sentences are critical in creating a strong impression that will determine whether or not the evaluator will proceed further. It's essential to make these initial sentences engaging, effective, and logical to capture the evaluator's attention and pique their interest. The opening lines serve as a hook to create engagement with the evaluator, demonstrating your writing skills and helping you score better. A well-crafted introduction that clearly presents the central argument and highlights the controversial point of the essay will make the evaluator appreciate your writing and generate interest in reading the entire essay.

Importance of Accurate Sentence Building in Writing Ability Test

A crucial aspect of excelling in a writing ability test is to ensure that the sentences are accurately structured. This is particularly important in the first few lines of the introduction, as they create an impact on the evaluator and engage them to read the entire essay. Proper sentence construction involves including a subject and predicate in each sentence. These essential building blocks help to elevate the performance of the author. Accurate sentence construction gives the impression of having strong English writing skills, thereby showcasing the writer as a professional in the field.

Content vs. Grammar

Content is undoubtedly the most critical aspect of any written essay, including WAT. While grammar is essential, it should not take precedence over the content. It is crucial to convey your ideas clearly and effectively, even if it means that some grammar rules may be overlooked. However, it is essential to avoid using slang, incomplete phrases, and long proverbs.

That being said, grammar plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of your essay. Therefore, it is essential to keep your tenses in place, avoid using too many helping verbs, and prioritize active voice over passive voice. Remember to proofread your sentences after writing them to ensure they convey the intended message accurately. By finding the right balance between content and grammar, you can craft a well-written and impactful WAT essay.

Importance of Readability in Answer

In a writing ability test, it is crucial to prioritize readability over other aspects. The first step to achieve readability is to understand the question and directly address it. Avoid beating around the bush and focus on providing a concise answer. To enhance the readability of your essay, use short and straightforward sentences. Ensure that there is a logical flow between the sentences to improve the overall coherence of your essay. By prioritizing readability, you can increase the chances of impressing the evaluator and obtaining a good score.

Brief & Effective Conclusion

The concluding paragraph or lines of your essay should summarize the key arguments and information presented in the essay. It is important to make sure that the conclusion is conclusive in nature and provides closure to the entire argument. The final paragraph should not introduce any new information, but rather offer a rationalization of the core argument presented in the essay.

Sample Essays for Written Ability Test- WAT

The Role of Mass Media in Modern Society

The development of mass media has had a significant impact on modern society. It has brought about an increase in the magnitude and complexity of societal actions and engagements, rapid social change, technological innovation, rising personal income, and standard of life. However, there is still much debate regarding the degree and direction of the association between the development of mass media and social change.

Despite the debate, it is widely acknowledged that mass media is a major factor in the construction and circulation of social understanding and social imagery in modern societies. It is an instrument that is both more powerful and more flexible than anything in previous existence for influencing people into certain modes of belief and understanding within society.

While the mass media is often attributed to the consequences of social change, many of these outcomes, whether detrimental or beneficial, are likely due to other tendencies within society. Nonetheless, it is difficult to refute the importance of the mass media and mass communications as a whole in modern societies. The role it plays in shaping and disseminating information and ideas cannot be ignored.