Cracking GMAT Analytical Writing: Expert Strategies

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a crucial milestone for aspiring MBA students, and while most candidates focus heavily on the Quantitative and Verbal sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is just as important.

A high score in the AWA showcases your ability to think critically and communicate effectively—both essential skills for success in business school. This guide provides expert strategies, writing techniques, and sample questions to help you excel in the GMAT AWA section.

Understanding the GMAT AWA Section

The AWA section consists of a single essay:

• Analyze an Argument – You will be given a short argument (one to two paragraphs) and asked to critique its reasoning.

What Evaluators Look For:

• Analytical Skills – Can you identify flaws and assumptions in the argument?
• Organized Structure – Is your essay logically structured and easy to follow?
• Language and Style – Do you use clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing?

Your AWA score (0-6) is determined by both a human evaluator and a computer algorithm.

Expert Strategies to Master the GMAT AWA

1. Analyze the Argument Before Writing

• Take 2-3 minutes to carefully read the prompt.
• Identify assumptions, logical fallacies, and weak reasoning.
• Note missing evidence or ways to strengthen the argument.

2. Follow a Clear Essay Structure

A well-organized response makes it easier for evaluators to follow your analysis.

Recommended Structure:

• Introduction – Summarize the argument and present your thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1 – Identify a major flaw in the argument and explain why it's problematic.
• Body Paragraph 2 – Provide a counter-example or missing information that weakens the argument.
• Body Paragraph 3 (Optional) – Discuss how the argument could be improved.
• Conclusion – Summarize your main points and restate why the argument is flawed.

3. Use Concise, Formal Language

• Avoid wordiness or jargon.
• Use transitions to connect ideas smoothly (e.g., "Furthermore," "However," "Therefore").
• Vary sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Lack of Focus – Ensure every paragraph relates directly to your thesis.
• Poor Organization – Use clear topic sentences and logical transitions.
• Grammatical Errors – Proofread if time permits to eliminate mistakes.

Practice Makes Perfect

Sample GMAT AWA Prompt

Prompt:
The following appeared in a business magazine:
"Companies that use four-day workweeks experience increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Therefore, all businesses should implement four-day workweeks to improve performance."

Task:
Critique the argument, identifying logical flaws and suggesting improvements.

How to Approach It:

• Identify assumptions (e.g., productivity increases for all companies).
• Find counterexamples (e.g., industries where five-day workweeks are necessary).
• Suggest missing evidence (e.g., long-term impact studies).

Final Thoughts

Mastering the GMAT AWA requires critical thinking, structured writing, and consistent practice. By applying these expert strategies, you can craft high-scoring essays and enhance your overall GMAT performance.

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