AWA
After some research about AWA, I decided that I will not create a template for the essays, why? Because I know myself, and if I forget one word of the template or if it doesn’t fit the subject in question, I would totally freak out.
Instead what I did is that I took notes about all the AWA recommendations that I found and I wrote a document compiling all that information (from test magic, mba.com, toefl, etc)
I am publishing here those notes, because I think that some people might find it useful.
AWA PREPARATION
The AWA section of the GMAT is divided in two parts: Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument
What does the GMAT test on the AWA section?
· Organization, development and expression of ideas.
· Providing of relevant supporting reasons and examples.
· Control of standard written English.
AWA TYPE OF QUESTIONS:
Analysis of an Issue: They present you an issue (subject) and you have to take one side and then explain your view on the subject. There is not good answer. It is important to consider both sides.
In conclusion, they give you a theme and you write your opinion about it. You get a position. It’s an open essay.
Analysis of an Argument: They give you an argument (it can be an article, an essay, somebody’s opinion, etc) and you have to analyze the reasoning behind this argument and write a critique of that argument. YOU ARE NOT BEING ASKED TO PRESENT YOUR OWN VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
In conclusion, you have to say if somebody’s argument is well and enough supported and explain your opinion.
WRITING THE ESSAY
Every essay has 3 parts:
Introduction: The introduction restates the question using different vocabulary and / or sentence structure. The introduction also includes your THESIS STATEMENT. The most important sentence on the essay.
In the introduction, you include all the ideas that will become the body of the essay. For example, if they ask you for your opinion about something in the introduction you talk about A, B and C reasons that explain your opinion, and then on the body of the essay you write a paragraph about each of those reasons ( one paragraph about A, another about B, and another about C). Remember that on the introduction you just mention those reasons, you DON´T explain them.
Body: The body is the “Heart” of the essay. It will include your main ideas and examples to support those ideas. Each new idea should be a new paragraph. The standard is 3 or 4 paragraphs.
On the body of the essay you develop the ideas mentioned on the introduction that support your point.
How to write good body paragraphs?
Each paragraph on the essay introduces a new idea. It should include a thesis statement followed by supporting examples. Use lots of examples.
Between paragraphs, use transition words like: On the other hand, though, in contrast, likewise, however, for example, in addition, first, finally.
Each paragraph should end with a concluding sentence which briefly summarizes the ideas in the paragraph.
Conclusion: The conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion. YOU DON´T INTRODUCE NEW IDEAS IN THE CONCLUSION.
Some of the elements of a good concluding paragraph:
It should include a summary of your main points.
It may also include the author’s opinion.
It should not introduce new ideas.
A good concluding paragraph often leaves an impression on the reader.
It might make the reader think deeply about the topic.
The conclusion ties the introduction and body together, and provides some sort of link putting it all together.
PREPARING THE ESSAY
Read and understand the essay question: 2 minutes.
Organize the ideas on paper by writing a short outline of the introduction, body and conclusion: 7 minutes.
Write the essay: 14 minutes.
Reread your essay and make any changes in spelling, verb tense, word choice or sentence structure: 7 minutes.
TIPS
For both kind of questions, it’s very important to include examples very well explained and developed. Those examples need good basis.
For both kind of question, it’s necessary to support your opinions.
Don’t get too ambitious; just make 3 or 4 paragraphs or points.
Indent: That means leaving 5 blank spaces at the beginning of each new paragraph.
Punctuation it’s very important: Hit space AFTER almost every punctuation mark (commas, colons and periods) but on the other hand, do not hit the space bar BEFORE almost every punctuation mark.
Capitalize the first letter of every sentence, the pronoun “I” and other proper nouns.
Make a good use of time: you only have 30 minutes.
Make sure the reader knows exactly what point you are trying to make.
Make somebody read at least one essay of every kind so they can give you your opinion.
For Analysis of an Argument questions, DON´T make the examples too personal, and DON´T write in the first person “I”; do it in more general terms.
For Analysis of an Issue questions, DON´T take one side completely, so acknowledge the strengths of the opposing argument too. But remember just to mention it very briefly.
Hit enter twice at the end of every paragraph. Doing this will create a space between your paragraph and will make the essay much easier to read.
