Analytical Writing Assessment

The GMAT will start with the AWA (Essay) section

One Essay to be written in 30 minutes Analysis of an argument
One must ensure a grade of 4 or above to be safe
The essay is scored out of 6 in 0.5 increments by a human being and a program (e-rater)
To be written using a Word processor (insert, delete, cut / paste, undo)
There are no autocorrect options

Analysis of an Argument
Assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate an argument and to clearly convey
your critique in writing
This is primarily a critical thinking task presented in essay format
The argument essay does not have A STAND.
You must write a FORCEFUL and LOGICAL CRITIQUE.
The argument given will certainly be FLAWED.
You must analyze the line of reasoning FAULTY for sure.
You must analyze the use of evidence in the argument. INADEQUATE for sure.
There will surely be some QUESTIONABLE ASSUMPTIONS point out all.
Discuss what alternative explanations or counterexamples might WEAKEN the conclusion.
Discuss what sort of evidence would STRENGTHEN or REFUTE the argument.
Discuss what CHANGES in the argument would make it more LOGICALLY SOUND.
Discuss what would help you to BETTER EVALUATE ITS CONCLUSION.
Personalized language (I think, I believe, I agree, I disagree etc.) is a STRICT NO-NO.
Outside examples must be AVOIDED.
You should write about 4 paragraphs with a minimum of 400 words.
You are rewarded more for logic and persuasion and less for linguistics.
Short forms are a strict no-no. You cannot write sched for schedule.
Any language that is sexually suggestive or racially abusive is generally considered wrong. So
do not write words such as babe, negro etc.
You should try to write as grammatically correct as possible.
Remember that the processor in the real test does not have any autocorrect / spell-check /
grammar-check options.
A score of less than 4 can be a deterrent to your entry to an MBA program.

The Directions (always fixed)

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of
reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what
questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples
might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute
the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything,
would help you better evaluate its conclusion.

Sample Argument Task # 1

The following appeared in a memorandum from the business department of the Apogee Company.

When the Apogee Company had all its operations in one location, it was more profitable than it is
today. Therefore, the Apogee Company should close down its field offices and conduct all its
operations from a single location. Such centralization would improve profitability by cutting costs and
helping the company maintain better supervision of all employees. Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
Sample Argument Task # 2

The following appeared as part of a campaign to sell advertising time on a local radio station to
local businesses.

The Cumquat Cafe began advertising on our local radio station this year and was delighted to see its
business increase by 10 percent over last years totals. Their success shows you how you can use radio
advertising to make your business more profitable. Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.

Sample Argument Task # 3:

The following appeared in the editorial section of a local newspaper.

In the first four years that Montoya has served as mayor of the city of San Perdito, the population has
decreased and
the unemployment rate has increased. Two businesses have closed for each new business that has
opened. Under
Varro, who served as mayor for four years before Montoya, the unemployment rate decreased and
the population increased. Clearly, the residents of San Perdito would be best served if they voted
Montoya out of office and reelected Varro. Discuss how well reasoned... etc.

Sample Argument Task # 4

The following appeared in an announcement issued by the publisher of The Mercury, a weekly
newspaper.

Since a competing lower-priced newspaper, The Bugle, was started five years ago, The Mercurys
circulation has declined by 10,000 readers. The best way to get more people to read The Mercury is to
reduce its price below that of The Bugle, at least until circulation increases to former levels. The
increased circulation of The Mercury will attract more businesses to buy advertising space in the
paper. Discuss how well reasoned... etc.

Sample Argument Task # 5

The following appeared in a newspaper story giving advice about investments.

As overall life expectancy continues to rise, the population of our country is growing increasingly older.
For example, over twenty percent of the residents of one of our more populated regions are now at least
65 years old, and occupancy rates at resort hotels in that region declined significantly during the past six
months. Because of these two related trends, a prudent investor would be well advised to sell interest
in hotels and invest in hospitals and nursing homes instead. Discuss how well reasoned... etc.