Lesson: General Tips for the AWA Section

Comment on General Tips for the AWA Section

Just want to say you guys are a real blessing to GMAT takers. I wish you success in your personal endeavors.
gmat-admin's picture

Thanks!

Hi Brent!

Thank you for your advice on the AWA essay. Is the Beatthegmat forum chargeable?
I would like to post my essay if possible
Your prompt reply would be much appreciated
best regards
Fatima-Zahra
gmat-admin's picture

Hi Fatima-Zahra,

Students can post their AWA essays for feedback on:
- GMAT Club: https://gmatclub.com/forum/analytical-writing-assessment-awa-144/
- Beat The GMAT: https://www.beatthegmat.com/gmat-essays-awa-f12.html
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/GMAT/
None of the above options cost any money.

Alternatively, the test-makers have a for-pay essay-grading service at https://www.mba.com/global/store/store-catalog/gmat-preparation/gmat-wri...?

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent,
Thank you very much for your prompt reply! Much appreciated
Best Regards
Fatima-Zahra

Hi Brent,

I have posted my essay on the Beat the Gmat but no one responded!
Grateful for your help
Best Regards
Fatima-Zahra
gmat-admin's picture

Hi Fatima,
Perhaps try creating a free Reddit account posting your essay at https://www.reddit.com/r/GMAT/

The users there are pretty good at providing useful feedback.

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent!
Thank you very much
Fatima-Zahra

Hi Brent,

Can we criticize the argument based on the source of information/ evidence it relates to?

For example, if the argument states 'Based on recent reports, the car model X lacked safety features when compared to other models in the category......', can we say that the argument arrives at a conclusion based on certain reports, but no information regarding the credibility of the source of these reports are mentioned?

Similarly, if the argument cites information by referring to a popular magazine, can we treat it is unsubstantial evidence as well?

Thanks.
gmat-admin's picture

Great question, Shamanthi!

I wouldn't recommend that approach. It's best to assume that the premises are true, and then focus your energy on demonstrating that the conclusion doesn't necessarily follow from the premises.

That said, if the evidence is really weak, then you can certainly attack that. For example, if Joe tells you that his bus arrived late on the last 2 days, and then he concludes that his bus will be late tomorrow, you can criticize the lack of data to support his conclusion, but I wouldn't suggest that you question the source of the data (i.e., Joe).

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent,

Couple of questions.
1. Does the use of superior vocabulary bring additional credit? E.g. Use of words like "elucidate instead of "explain, "alacrity" instead of "eagerness", use of fancy idioms like "stuck on the horns of a dilemma, or use of fancy proverbs like "a bad penny always turns up"

2. If the author "defines an organisation's efficiency in terms of the degree to which the organisation is able minimize costs and thus maximize profits" can we chalenge this definition. For instance, can we say that the definition of efficiency for some organisations might not necessarily be monetary gains but eco-friendliness of their products or the degree to which their products are technologically advanced. As an example we may state the stand of a company like Tesla that considers building hybrid electric cars as efficiency although these cars might not necessarily bring immense monetary gains.

Thanks & Regards,
Abhirup
gmat-admin's picture

1. Yes, I believe that a more advanced vocabulary (when used correctly :-) will yield higher scores.
I would avoid using fancy idioms/euphemism/jargon, unless you are 100% certain that the reader will be aware of them.

2. If the author's conclusion is based on his/her definition, then we must accept the definition.
For example:
"One's happiness is based solely on how many bottle caps the person collects. Joe has collected more bottle caps than May has collected. So, Joe must be happier than May."
Since the above conclusion is based on the premise that "happiness is based solely on how many bottle caps the person collects" we cannot question the premise.

When it comes to the Argument essay, our task is to critique the degree to which the conclusion follows from the premises. Our goal isn't to critique the premises.

Cheers,
Brent

Hello!

Is there any minimum or maximum word limit for the essay?
gmat-admin's picture

Good question.
No, there aren't any minimum or maximum word counts.

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent, could you explain a little bit more regarding to the tip ¨Vary the length of your sentences¨please, like how and in what way? Thanks x
gmat-admin's picture

This is a pretty minor point, so perhaps it's not worth worrying about. That said, we should avoid writing an essay where every sentence consists of roughly the same number of words. You might occasionally add some short and long sentences. That's all

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