how to improve essay writing skills for gmat

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What's Tested on the GMAT: Analytical Writing Assessment

• Time: 30 minutes
• Format: one question
• Tests: ability to analyze an argument and writing skills

How the AWA is Scored

Grading criteria.

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How To Improve Your GMAT Essay

The GMAT has one 30-minute essay: the Analysis of an Argument prompt. It has a pretty basic formula, and yes, we’re going to walk you right through it. Instead of arguing your belief, you will actually critique another author’s point.

However, this essay still requires the classic, 5-paragraph setup. In the first paragraph, you’ll need to take a stance that the author’s argument is either logical or illogical. Next, you will use 3-4 paragraphs of points to confirm your stance. Finally, you’ll put together a strong conclusion to sum it all up.

Example prompt: The Awesome Energy Riders have become an extremely popular toy line for the ACME Co. Management. Hollywood Pictures thinks that this success will translate to the silver screen and has bought the rights of the Awesome Energy Riders to make four pictures.

Directions:  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.

Before you jump into writing, try to come up with 3-4 high-level reasons why this argument is logical or illogical. Below you will find a very solid guide for writing your essay. In fact, this could be used for nearly any Analysis of an Argument essay.

First paragraph

Firmly state if you find the argument logical or illogical. For example: The argument to produce four Awesome Energy Riders pictures is very poorly reasoned. Based on the information given, it is nearly possible to conclude that the toy line’s success will translate into film success – especially the success of four films.

Second paragraph

Remember that you are not arguing whether or not these films will be successful (although that can come into play), but rather you are arguing if the prompt given can determine if the films will be successful. In this paragraph, you could make the point that the prompt makes false assumptions, the most obvious of which is the assumption that toy success leads to film success. You could write about how the G.I. Joe toy line was one of the most successful and popular toy lines, but the movie was a gigantic flop. Additionally, many popular toy lines are derived from movies (like Disney films), but rarely do Hollywood studios base films off of toys. Toy Story is a prime example because the toys were derived from the film and not vice versa, which led to success on both fronts. The prompt falsely assumes that the success can translate, but previous history indicates it will not.

Additionally, make sure to understand the distinction between examples and points. “This argument makes false assumptions,” is a point. The unsuccessful G.I. Joe film is an example to support that point. Make sure you have a couple of examples to support each point you make. Sure, you could write an entire 5-paragraph essay outlining G.I. Joe in one paragraph, Toy Story in another, and a third, similar example in the next one to all support the false assumption point. However, that’s not nearly as creative as having 3-4 legitimate points and examples to prove all of them – each of which prove that the prompt is illogical.

Third paragraph

The argument ignores critical factors. For instance, if James Cameron is writing this film and it has a $500 million budget and star-studded cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Natalie Portman, it may likely be successful. Yet, the argument given completely ignores any film production details, which can determine success. The argument also ignores its intended audience. It can be assumed these toys are popular with children, but how often do children make decisions to go to movies? Also, will these movies be appropriate for kids? These factors need to be considered.

Fourth paragraph

The argument is based on emotional, not rational appeals, which makes it even more illogical. It does state that these toys are extremely popular; however, how long have they been popular? Most toys are only popular for a short period of time. The most popular toys are always the hottest, latest, must-have item, and toy manufacturers know that. So, they aggressively try to squeeze every dollar they can out of them before the fad is over, and the Hollywood studio is trying to ride this fad while it’s hot – but it won’t be hot for long, and they are letting their emotions impact sound business decisions.

Fifth paragraph

Now, just wrap it all up. Make a conclusion statement that this argument is illogical because it makes false assumptions, ignores critical factors, and bases decisions on emotional appeals. 

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How to Improve Analytical Writing for a Higher GMAT Score

Looking to boost your GMAT score? Check out our guide on how to improve your analytical writing skills.

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Table of Contents

If you're getting ready to take the GMAT, then you're probably aware of the importance of the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. This part of the exam is designed to assess your ability to think critically, analyze arguments, and communicate effectively in writing. And while you may have a strong background in English, you might still be feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing under pressure. Don't worry, though — with a little bit of study and preparation, you can improve your analytical writing skills and boost your GMAT score. In this article, we'll explore how to do just that.

Understanding the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section of the GMAT

Before diving into tips and tricks for improving your analytical writing, let's make sure we understand what the AWA section of the GMAT requires. The AWA is a 30-minute essay that asks you to analyze an argument and present a written critique of that argument. You aren't expected to provide your own opinion on the topic; instead, you'll be evaluated on how well you can identify the argument's assumptions, evidence, and conclusions, and how well you can articulate your critique of those components.

Tips and Tricks for Tackling the AWA Section of the GMAT

Now that we've defined the AWA's requirements, let's take a look at some strategies for excelling in this section:

1. Plan your essay before you start writing.

Before you dive into the essay itself, take a few minutes to plan out what you want to say. Think about how you want to structure your response, and what key points you want to make. This will help you stay focused and organized throughout your writing.

2. Use clear and concise language.

One of the biggest mistakes test-takers make on the AWA is using overly complex language or unnecessarily long sentences. Instead, focus on keeping your writing clear and concise. Use short sentences when appropriate, and be direct in your analysis. Remember that the goal is not to impress the reader with your vocabulary or syntax, but to communicate your ideas effectively.

3. Practice your time management.

You'll only have 30 minutes to complete the AWA essay, so it's important to manage your time effectively. Make sure to allocate a few minutes for planning and outlining, and leave enough time at the end to proofread your work. Timing yourself when practicing can help you get a better sense of how much time you can realistically spend on each component of the essay.

4. Use specific examples to support your arguments.

When making an argument, it's important to back it up with specific examples. This not only strengthens your argument, but also shows the reader that you have a deep understanding of the topic. Make sure to choose examples that are relevant and support your point of view.

5. Address potential counterarguments.

While making your argument, it's important to address potential counterarguments. This shows the reader that you have considered multiple perspectives and have a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Addressing counterarguments also strengthens your own argument, as it shows that you have thought critically about the topic.

Breaking Down the Scoring Criteria for AWA on GMAT

The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0-6, with 0.5 point increments. Two different scores are given: one by a human evaluator, and one by a computer program. The two scores are averaged together to get your final AWA score. The human evaluator will be looking for the following in your essay:

1. Evidence of critical thinking.

Your essay should demonstrate that you're able to think critically and analyze arguments in a nuanced way. Make sure to engage with the argument presented in the prompt, and provide a thoughtful response.

2. Coherent argument structure.

Your essay should be clearly structured and organized, with a logical progression of ideas. Use topic sentences and transitions to guide the reader through your analysis.

3. Effective use of language.

Your writing should be clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to communicate your ideas effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Writing in AWA Section of GMAT

Now that we've covered some general tips and scoring criteria, let's take a look at some common mistakes that test-takers make on the AWA section:

1. Failing to engage with the prompt.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the AWA is failing to address the argument presented in the prompt. Make sure to engage with the argument and provide a thoughtful critique.

2. Providing an opinion rather than an analysis.

Remember that the AWA is designed to test your analytical skills, not your ability to provide your own opinion on the topic. Make sure to focus on analyzing the argument, rather than providing your own perspective on the issue.

3. Being too formulaic in your response.

You don't want your response to feel overly rigid or formulaic. While it's important to have a clear structure and thesis, make sure to be flexible in your analysis and willing to consider multiple perspectives.

Analyzing Sample Essays to Ace AWA Section of GMAT

One of the best ways to improve your analytical writing skills is to analyze sample essays and understand what makes them effective (or ineffective). Take some time to read through example AWA essays and pay attention to how the writers structure their arguments, use evidence, and engage with the prompt. This can give you valuable insights into how to approach the AWA essay.

How to Develop a Strong Thesis Statement in AWA Section of GMAT

Your thesis statement is one of the most important components of your AWA essay. It should be clear, concise, and provide a roadmap for your analysis. When crafting your thesis, take some time to think about the key points you want to make in your essay, and how you want to structure your argument. Make sure your thesis statement reflects the main argument of your essay.

Crafting an Effective Outline for Your AWA Essay in GMAT

As mentioned earlier, it's important to plan out your essay before you start writing. One way to do this is to create an outline. Your outline should include your main thesis statement, as well as the key points you want to make in each paragraph of your essay. This can help you stay focused and organized while writing.

Structuring Your Essay for Maximum Impact in AWA Section of GMAT

When structuring your essay, it's important to keep your audience in mind. The reader will be looking for a clear and logical progression of ideas, so make sure your essay is well-organized and easy to follow. Use topic sentences and transitions to guide the reader through your analysis, and make sure your paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next.

Building a Strong Vocabulary for Your AWA Essays in GMAT

While you don't want to overcomplicate your language, having a strong vocabulary can help you communicate your ideas more effectively. Make sure to study and expand your vocabulary in the weeks leading up to the exam. Read widely and make note of new words and phrases that you come across.

How to Incorporate Data and Evidence in Your AWA Essays for GMAT

One way to demonstrate your analytical skills is to use data and evidence to support your analysis. Make sure you're using reliable sources and citing your evidence properly. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, and explain how those examples connect to the larger argument you're making.

Time Management Strategies for Writing Better in AWA Section of GMAT

As we discussed earlier, time management is crucial on the AWA section of the GMAT. Practice timing yourself when working on practice essays, and make sure to allocate time for planning and proofreading. You might also consider practicing writing under timed conditions in other contexts (such as when taking notes or responding to emails) to help build your speed and confidence.

Importance of Proofreading and Editing Your Essays for AWA on GMAT

Proofreading and editing your work is crucial in any writing context, but it's especially important on the AWA section of the GMAT. Take a few minutes at the end of your writing session to review your work and fix any errors you find. Make sure your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical mistakes.

Getting Expert Feedback and Revising your Essays for AWA on GMAT

If possible, it's always a good idea to get feedback on your writing from an expert (such as a writing tutor or GMAT coach). They can help you identify areas for improvement and give you specific tips for boosting your score. Additionally, don't be afraid to revise your essays based on feedback you've received in practice sessions or from other sources. Revision is an important part of the writing process.

Conclusion - Reviewing Key Takeaways and Next Steps to Improve Your Analytical Writing Skills on GMAT

Improving your analytical writing skills on the GMAT requires practice, study, and a bit of strategy. To summarize our key takeaways:

• Understand the requirements of the AWA section
• Use clear and concise language, and manage your time effectively
• Be mindful of common mistakes, such as failing to engage with the prompt or using a formulaic approach
• Study sample essays and focus on crafting a strong thesis and outline
• Structure your essay for maximum impact and use data and evidence effectively
• Practice proofreading and editing, and seek feedback from experts when possible

By following these tips, you can improve your analytical writing skills and increase your chances of scoring well on the AWA section of the GMAT. Good luck!

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Land Your Score: Essay Tips for Analytical Writing

As a business leader, you’ll need to know how to identify weak arguments and analyze assumptions.

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) provides clear instructions on how you should plan and write your essay. Kaplan students learn these instructions long before Test Day and do not waste precious testing time reading them while the clock ticks.

Kaplan GMAT students learn the Kaplan Method for AWA and the Kaplan template for structuring the essay into paragraphs. These tips accompany those lessons and help make the AWA task make sense.

Analytical writing demands objectivity

The AWA instructions are divided into segments, and the segment many test-takers overlook is that of the “directions”—which on the official GMAT read as follows: “I n this section, you will be asked to write a critique of the argument presented. You are NOT being asked to present your own views on the subject.”

A critique is an objective criticism of the argument in the prompt. Including your opinion would be providing a subjective analysis, which is not the point of analytical writing.

So how should your objective critique be constructed? Because one of the hallmarks of a standardized test is the repetition of patterns across test administrations, you can rest assured that your Test Day AWA prompt will follow the pattern described here. The instructions will be the same, the argument presented in the prompt will contain familiar flaws, and as a result, you will be able to plan how you will fit the necessary pieces together in your essay.

Analyze the argument’s assumptions & supporting evidence

Every GMAT AWA argument comprises a conclusion and pieces of evidence, just like GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) questions. For both AWA and CR, the gaps between those pieces of evidence and the conclusion must be bridged by an assumption; in CR you look for the central assumption upon which the argument relies, and in AWA you will identify multiple assumptions.

Your critique of the argument will discuss the flaws you identify in its reasoning. A common mistake is to equate assumptions with flaws. However, it is fine for an argument to rest on an assumption, provided that assumption is logical and/or supported by evidence. For GMAT AWA arguments, the flaw is always the same: the conclusion rests on assumptions that the provided evidence does not support .

That consistent pattern provides you with your thesis statement; “The author’s argument is flawed because it is based on assumptions for which she does not provide sufficient supporting evidence.” Boom—done.

Draw a conclusion from your thesis statement

But the fun doesn’t stop there. This thesis statement also serves as an appropriate conclusion. By definition, a thesis statement provides a summary of the main point of the essay. Remember that the conclusion of any passage, argument, claim, or essay can be found by asking, “What’s the point?” So once you’ve crafted that thesis statement, shuffle the language a bit and you have a conclusion.

Here’s an example intro paragraph from a sample analytical writing essay: “The author concludes that the current problem of poorly trained teachers will soon be remedied. As evidence he describes a state proposal that will require teachers to take courses in education and psychology prior to being certified. However, this argument is flawed because its conclusion relies on assumptions for which the author does not supply supporting evidence.”

Notice that thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph. Now, take a look at the concluding statement of the same sample essay: “In its current state, the argument relies too heavily on unsupported assumptions to be convincing.”

If you prefer to have a two-sentence conclusion, you can add, “Without additional supporting evidence, the conclusion cannot be accepted.” And there you have one solid point—your thesis—that serves two purposes.

So remember your analytical writing directions: objective critique, no opinion. The “point” of your essay must be objective, critical, and correct, and once you’ve identified this thesis statement, you also have a conclusion ready to go.

Want to master the Analytical Writing Assessment? Explore our GMAT prep course options and class schedules .

The post Land Your Score: Essay Tips for Analytical Writing appeared first on Business School Insider .

Published in GMAT , Kaplan , Blog and GMAT Prep

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• Gmat Analytical Writing

GMAT Analytical Writing (7 Great Tips & Guidelines)

If you are planning to apply to business schools to pursue an MBA or other business degree, then you know you will have to take the GMAT to be considered for admission. One section of the GMAT that many students struggle with is the GMAT Analytical writing assessment. It can be especially difficult for non-native English-speaking students.

In this guide, we will help you understand the key aspects of GMAT prep to help you write the best essay for your exam. We will help you discover the inside secrets that the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) uses to create and grade this essay.

GMAT Analytical Writing Section: An Overview

The GMAT analytical writing assessment (AWA) essay will test your ability to provide an analysis of an argument, evaluate evidence in the argument, and write an essay choosing to be for or against the given argument.

Business schools look at the essay portion of your exam to determine if you have the skills to enter an MBA program.

Whether you argue for or against in your essay, it will not affect your score. You will need to be able to identify how the argument is flawed and what changes in the argument can be used in your essay.

You may need to consider what sort of evidence would weaken the conclusion.

You should also be able to think about what explanations or counterexamples might help you make your argument. This can be a tough essay, so we recommend studying for it extensively before you take the GMAT .

What to Expect From the GMAT AWA Essay Question

Your GMAT essay will be graded by both a human and a computer. Both of these graders will be looking for key factors within your writing to ensure that you understand the question.

A great GMAT AWA Analysis of an Argument essay will be logically sound, concise, and cover all of the important facts. But, what should you expect from the AWA question?

You will only have 30 minutes to read the directions, make an outline, and write your essay. These essay questions were not designed to have extremely long responses.

In fact, there is no word count requirement for the AWA section of the GMAT. You should be prepared when you enter the testing center to write quickly and efficiently. You should practice writing and timing yourself using practice essay questions.

Instructions

You can give yourself an advantage on the GMAT by reading and understanding the directions before you go in to take the exam. You can spend less time reading the directions and more time writing.

For the AWA section, the directions will explain that you are expected to write a critique of the argument presented. Keep in mind, you are not being asked to present your thoughts on the argument. [ 1 ]

Some of the key factors in the instructions explain that you should plan and develop ideas fully and provide relevant supporting reasons. It also reminds you to use standard written English for your writing.

How is the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Scored?

The AWA score is calculated on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. The AWA template shows that they score your essay by looking at a few key factors. Your essay score will be based on the quality of ideas, organization, writing style, and grammar.

The analytical writing assessment will not affect your overall GMAT score. It shows up as a separate column on your score report.

Business schools will still look at your overall GMAT and your AWA score when considering your application. The two scores will make up your overall GMAT score report.

GMAT AWA essays are scored by a computer first. The GMAT algorithm will give you a score based on how well your essay follows the protocol.

An essay grader will also grade your essay, and the two scores will be averaged to give you your final AWA score. If there is more than a one-point discrepancy in the computer and grader score, then a third grader will come in to score your essay.

The average score on the analytical writing assessment is 4.37 out of all test takers. Almost half of all GMAT test-takers score a 5 or above. A perfect score of 6 is in the 88th percentile.

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GMAT Analytical Writing: Tips and Guidelines

Recognize Assumptions in an Argument

One of the most critical skills that would help you better evaluate and write your essay is the ability to recognize assumptions in an argument. The GMAT analytical writing questions are all very similar, so you can understand the GMAT pattern beforehand. Every argument will have a starting premise, a conclusion, and assumptions.

An assumption is a missing link between the premise and conclusion. You need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking or line of reasoning in the argument.

You should be prepared to discuss how well reasoned you find the argument. The underlying assumptions would strengthen or refute the conclusion.

Understand the Directions

As we discussed previously, you should understand the direction before you go in to take the exam. When reading the discussion, be sure to analyze and read carefully.

We recommend reading the directions multiple times before you take the real GMAT exam. Always remember that you are not supposed to give your input about the argument when writing. We recommend trying to be as neutral as possible when writing your essay.

Understand Common Flaws

There are a few common flaws that frequently show up in AWA essay prompts. We will outline a few of them here, so you can understand how the prompts will test your ability to exhibit critical thinking skills.

One of the most common flaws of AWA prompts is vague words. If you see vague words, such as “some”, “more”, or “less”, then you can be sure there is an underlying assumption within the argument.

You should search for alternative explanations or counterexamples to make this assumption apparent. Those counterexamples might weaken the argument in your discussion.

Another issue with AWA prompts is errors in causality. Sometimes a prompt will suggest causality in a relationship. If you can spot the possible errors in causality, then you might weaken the conclusion of the statement.

Learn How to Argue in Writing

This might be the biggest example of how to score well on an AWA essay. Many people can argue vocally, but it is much harder to get your argument down on paper. You should be able to carefully identify flaws in the AWA prompt, which will allow you to better evaluate its conclusion for flaws.

Analyze the line of reasoning in a given argument for its reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, if you find this argument to contain errors in assumptions, then you should be considering what evidence would support or refute the argument. You should consider the following points:

• In the argument, what changes would make it more logically sound? Discuss what sort of argument would strengthen or weaken the conclusion.
• Think of an example you may need to help you state your case.
• What evidence would establish a critical line of thinking and what alternative examples can you use?
• What evidence would strengthen my argument but weaken theirs?

Make an Outline

You should take a few minutes during the AWA section to plan and make an outline of what you will write. It does not have to be a very in-depth outline, but you should have a clear structure in place.

This will also help you save time while writing your essay. Even if you just make a few simple notes, anything would help establish a plan for your essay.

Use Variety and Proper Grammar

The GMAT AWA essay will test your ability to use proper English grammar in your writing. If you have a lot of grammatical errors in your essay, you will lose points.

You should also try to use variety in your writing. We recommend using a mix of independent and dependent clauses that show a variety of word choices.

We recommend spending 2 or 3 minutes proofreading when you are done with your essay. You should check for misspelled words and grammatical mistakes, which can happen when you are writing quickly. You should practice proofreading essays before you take the exam to ensure you have a grasp of how to check errors.

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment: The Takeaways

In this guide, we have given you a thorough breakdown of the GMAT analytical writing essay question. You should now be armed with all the useful tools to help you get the best score possible on this section of the test. We have provided you with insider secrets from the GMAC to help you succeed and be prepared for anything on test day.

We recommend using official AWA practice questions to write essays before your exam. You should time yourself to ensure you are able to keep up with the pacing of the GMAT.

• https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat/about-the-gmat-exam/gmat-exam-structure/analytical-writing-assessment

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How to Improve GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Scores

• August 10, 2024

Table of Contents

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a crucial component of the GMAT exam. Your performance in this section can significantly impact your overall score. To excel, you need a clear strategy. Here, we provide effective techniques to improve your GMAT analytical writing, ensuring you achieve the best results.

Understand the GMAT Writing Assessment

To excel in the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment, it’s essential to understand what it entails. This section measures your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas effectively. You will be asked to analyse an argument and evaluate its reasoning.

Key Components of the GMAT Analytical Writing

• Argument Analysis: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the given argument.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluate the logical soundness of the argument.
• Effective Communication: Clearly articulate your analysis and reasoning.

Understanding these components will help you focus your preparation on the skills that matter most.

Tips to Improve Your GMAT Analytical Writing Scores

Practice regularly.

Consistent practice is vital for improving your GMAT writing assessment scores. Dedicate time to write practice essays, focusing on analysing various arguments.

• Use Official GMAT Prompts: Familiarise yourself with the types of arguments presented in the exam.
• Timed Practice: Simulate exam conditions by writing essays within the 30-minute time limit.

Regular practice will help you get comfortable with the format and improve your writing speed and accuracy.

Develop a Structured Approach

A well-structured essay is crucial for a high score. Follow a clear format to present your analysis effectively.

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the argument and state your thesis.
• Body Paragraphs: Analyse the argument’s strengths and weaknesses, providing evidence and examples.
• Conclusion: Summarise your analysis and restate your thesis.

A structured approach ensures your essay is logical and easy to follow, which is essential for scoring well.

Enhance Your Critical Thinking Skills

Improving your critical thinking skills will enhance your performance in the analytical writing assessment.

• Question Assumptions: Identify and question the assumptions in the argument.
• Evaluate Evidence: Assess the quality and relevance of the evidence provided.
• Identify Logical Fallacies: Recognize common logical fallacies and explain their impact on the argument.

Critical thinking allows you to provide a deeper analysis, which can set your essay apart from others.

Utilise Transition Words

Transition words help to create a cohesive and well-organised essay . They guide the reader through your analysis and improve the overall flow.

• Examples: Therefore, moreover, consequently, however, in addition.

Using transition words effectively can make your essay more readable and logically connected.

Seek Feedback

Feedback from peers insights into your writing.

• Peer Review: Exchange essays with peers for constructive criticism.
• Professional Tutoring: Consider professional tutoring for personalised feedback and guidance.

Feedback helps you identify your weaknesses and areas for improvement, making your preparation more targeted and effective.

Expand Your Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary can enhance your writing and help you articulate your ideas more precisely.

• Read Extensively: Read a variety of materials, including newspapers, journals, and books.
• Use Vocabulary Lists: Learn and practice using new words relevant to analytical writing.

A strong vocabulary allows you to express your ideas more clearly and persuasively.

Improve Your Grammar and Style

Grammar and writing style are critical in the GMAT writing assessment. Use correct grammar, punctuation, and a formal writing style.

• Grammar Tools: Use tools like Grammarly to check for grammatical errors.
• Writing Style: Maintain a formal and academic tone throughout your essay.

Good grammar and a polished writing style make your essay more professional and credible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over complicating the analysis.

While thorough analysis is important, avoid over complicating your essay with unnecessary details. Focus on the key points and ensure clarity in your writing.

Neglecting Grammar and Style

Failing to address counterarguments.

Addressing potential counterarguments shows depth in your analysis. Acknowledge and refute them to strengthen your essay.

Ignoring the Time Limit

Practising under timed conditions is essential. Ensure you can complete your analysis and write a well-structured essay within 30 minutes.

Improving your GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment scores requires a combination of regular practice, structured writing, and critical thinking. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your performance and achieve a higher score.

At Enzo Prep , we specialise in helping students excel in their GMAT preparation. Our comprehensive approach ensures you master the skills needed to achieve your academic goals. Join us to master the GMAT and secure your future success!

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Content Curator | Updated On - Jun 24, 2024

GMAT analytical writing denotes that aspirants should have good analytical skills to enroll themselves in the globally top universities. GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment asks the aspirants to analyze the reasoning, which is included in the given argument critically, to sum up the essay. You need to be able to make a strong first impression in your writing, through the arguments you present.

GMAT exam pattern

GMAT analytical writing includes that the test will present an argument, often in the context of a newspaper editorial or the statement of a company.You will be given 30 minutes to read the prompt and construct an essay from your perspective. In order to score well, whether you argue for or against the argument, you’ll have to analyze the argument. Keeping in mind the following questions:

• What are the assumptions of the argument, and how strong are they?
• What sort of facts would strengthen or weaken the argument?
• Are there alternative explanations or perspectives that would explain the facts in question better?

GMAT Exam preparation tips

GMAT AWA needs good analytical skills along with good communicative writing skills, the following preparation tips for GMAT AWA can help the candidates to secure a better score.

Follow the basic tips below:

• Maintain a good essay structure

GMAT AWA needs to be well-structured with right templates. This will catch the attention of the reader, which will help you score well. Write 4-5 body paragraphs containing proper Introduction, argument analysis and conclusion.

• Connecting paragraphs

Paragraphs in your essay should be connected with each other and should have a compact meaning. You need to practice this daily to ensure success. Try to read what you have written so that any major or minor mistakes that appear can be corrected.

• Focus on Outline

Make a proper outline of the paragraphs before you start writing. This way it would be easier to frame the essay in a better way. Also.you can check what additional information might be needed to strengthen your answer.

• Use your own words

Always try to use your own words, it will make you comfortable with your writing.

Don’t be too wordy but do not fall short of words too. Remember to analyse the argument- showing your vocabulary is not necessary.

• Practice more

Always practice more questions on GMAT AWA to increase pacing up the speed.

You’ll be provided with 30 minutes which will include 3-5 minutes at the beginning of the task for planning and again 3-5 minutes at the end to read the essay to correct any minor errors. But practicing and following the instructions will help you master the pacing here.

GMAT AWA Pattern 2021

GMAT 2021 includes strategies for analytical writing that will help you maximize your score. Strategies for AWA:

• Recognize the unstated assumptions
• Know the direction in which to analyze the argument
• Spot the common flaw pattern
• Use a GMAT writing template
• Bring variety to your answer

Breakdown by section

• Introduction
• Body with arguments
• identification ad focus on a premise
• name calling; describe the flaw
• explain the flaw
• state the flaws with arguments
• improve and strengthen the argument

GMAT practice papers

• The following appeared in a proposal from the development office at Platonic University: “Because Platonic University has had difficulty in meeting its expenses over the past three years, we need to find new ways to increase revenues. We should consider following the example of Greene University, which recently renamed itself after a donor who gave it $100 million. If Platonic University were to advertise to its alumni and other wealthy people that it will rename either individual buildings or the entire university itself after the donors who give the most money, the amount of donations would undoubtedly increase.” Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
• The following appeared as part of an article in the business section of a local newspaper: “Hippocrene Plumbing Supply recently opened a wholesale outlet in the location once occupied by the Cumquat Café. Hippocrene has apparently been quite successful there because it is planning to open a large outlet in a nearby city. But the Cumquat Café, one year after moving to its new location, has seen its volume of business drop somewhat from the previous year’s. Clearly, the former site was the better business location, and the Cumquat Café has made a mistake in moving to its new address.” Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
• The following appeared in the editorial section of a local paper: “Applications for advertising spots on KMTV, our local cable television channel, decreased last year. Meanwhile a neighboring town’s local channel, KOOP, changed its focus to farming issues and reported an increase in advertising applications for the year. To increase applications for its advertisement spots, KMTV should focus its programming on farming issues as well.”
• Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc. The following appeared as part of an article in a computer magazine: “A year ago Apex Manufacturing bought its managers computers for their homes and paid for telephone connections so that they could access Apex computers and data files from home after normal business hours. Since last year, productivity at Apex has increased by 15 percent. Other companies can learn from the success at Apex: given home computers and access to company resources, employees will work additional hours at home and thereby increase company profits.” Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
• The following was excerpted from an article in a farming trade publication: “Farmers who switched from synthetic to organic farming last year have seen their crop yields decline. Many of these farmers feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point, given the money that they invested in organic farming supplies and equipment. But their investments will be relatively minor compared to the losses from continued lower crop yields. Organic farmers should switch to synthetic farming rather than persist in an unwise course. And the choice to farm organically is financially unwise, given that it was motivated by environmental rather than economic concerns.” Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
• The following appeared as part of a letter to the editor of a local newspaper: “Bayview High School is considering whether to require all of its students to wear uniforms while at school. Students attending Acorn Valley Academy, a private school in town, earn higher grades on average and are more likely to go on to college. Moreover, Acorn Valley reports few instances of tardiness, absenteeism, or discipline problems. Since Acorn Valley requires its students to wear uniforms, Bayview High School would do well to follow suit and require its students to wear uniforms as well.” Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.

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• GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

Table of Contents

Introduction, an overview of the gmat exam structure,  unlocking success in gmat awa: your ultimate guide, elevate your awa game, format of gmat awa syllabus, components and scoring criteria of gmat analytical writing assessment, tips and strategies for gmat awa syllabus, resources for gmat awa syllabus preparation.

Key Takeaways

Understanding AWA Format and Scoring : Learn about the structure of the AWA section and what examiners look for in a high-scoring essay.

Developing Strong Arguments : Discover techniques to develop compelling arguments and counterarguments that enhance the quality of your essay.

Practical Writing Tips : Get actionable writing tips to improve clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy in your essays.

Sample Essays and Analysis : Explore analyzed sample essays to understand what makes them effective and how you can apply these strategies to your writing.

Time Management Strategies : Master the art of managing your time during the AWA section to ensure you can plan, write, and revise within the allotted 30 minutes.

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) can seem daunting, but it's a crucial component of your GMAT score that showcases your critical thinking and communication skills. This section of the GMAT challenges you to analyze an argument and express your thoughts coherently and persuasively. Whether you are just beginning your GMAT preparation or looking to refine your writing techniques, this blog offers comprehensive insights and strategies to help you excel in the AWA section. 

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR). The order in which these sections appear may vary, as the exam follows a computer-adaptive format that tailors the difficulty level of the questions based on your performance. However, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus is typically the first section you will encounter.

Moreover, in the different sections of the GMAT exam, it's important to be aware of the time constraints and scoring system. The total duration of the GMAT exam is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, but the exact time may vary slightly. Each section has a specific time limit, and it's crucial to manage your time effectively to complete all the questions within the allotted timeframe.

Understanding the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) assesses your ability to analyze and articulate complex ideas effectively. The AWA consists of two essays: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay.

Here's a brief overview of the GMAT AWA syllabus for each essay:

Evaluation Criteria

In both essays, clarity reigns supreme. Your ability to articulate ideas cogently, construct compelling arguments, and present your thoughts persuasively is paramount. It’s important to note that your opinions aren’t under scrutiny; rather, it’s the quality of your analysis and the coherence of your arguments that are evaluated.

Mastering the AWA section is within your reach. By understanding the nuances of each essay type, honing your analytical skills, and GMAT practising articulating your thoughts effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to ace this crucial component of the GMAT.

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is the organization behind the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a widely recognized standardized test for admission to graduate business programs. 

It is important to note that the GMAT syllabus of AWA does not require specialized knowledge of any particular subject. The focus is on your ability to analyze arguments effectively, regardless of the topic. Therefore, it is essential to approach each prompt with a critical mindset and to provide a balanced and well-supported analysis.

Additionally, the Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus assesses your analytical thinking skills. You must critically evaluate the given argument, examining its logical reasoning, assumptions, and evidence. By dissecting the argument and highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and evaluate complex information.

1. AWA Structure

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT exam evaluates your ability to analyze and critique arguments, as well as your skills in expressing your thoughts effectively through writing. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus consists of one essay prompt, and you are required to write a coherent essay in response to the given prompt within a specific time limit.

The questions in GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment typically present an argument on a specific topic, and your task is to analyze the argument by critically evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. It is important to carefully read and understand the prompt, identify the main points of the argument, and develop a clear and logical response.

2. Scoring system and evaluation

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus of the GMAT exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0.5-point increments. Two different evaluators independently assess each essay, providing a score based on the overall quality of your writing, critical thinking skills, and ability to support your ideas with relevant examples and reasoning.

If there is a significant difference in the scores assigned by the two evaluators, a third evaluator may be involved to provide a final score. The final score for the AWA section is the average of the two independent scores or the single score given by the third evaluator, if applicable.

GMAC offers research insights, data-driven solutions, and collaborative platforms that foster a deeper understanding of global business education trends and facilitate meaningful interactions between aspiring students, business schools, and employers. 

3. Skills tested

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus tests a range of skills that are valuable in business and management.

• Firstly, it assesses your ability to express ideas effectively and coherently. You should strive to present a well-structured essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Additionally, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment evaluates your capacity to provide examples and develop those examples to support your ideas. Illustrating your points with relevant and specific examples enhances the persuasiveness of your argument and demonstrates your ability to apply real-world scenarios to strengthen your position.
• Furthermore, the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus tests your analytical skills in analyzing the given argument. You need to critically examine the argument, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and provide a balanced and well-reasoned analysis. This requires the ability to evaluate the logical soundness of the argument and consider alternative perspectives.

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section comprises two distinct components: the Issue Essay and the Argument Essay. In the Issue Essay, test takers are presented with a thought-provoking topic and are required to express their perspective on it. They must provide relevant reasons and examples to support their position effectively.

The Argument Essay, on the other hand, tasks candidates with critiquing the reasoning, assumptions, and evidence presented in a given argument. Each essay is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with half-point increments, and the scores from both essays are averaged to derive the overall AWA score. The evaluation criteria include assessing the clarity of ideas, the organization and structure of the response, the effective use of language, and the depth of development in presenting arguments.   

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment syllabus requires a blend of strategic preparation and careful execution. Here are some effective strategies and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring you tackle this section with confidence.

Strategies for GMAT AWA Syllabus

Mastering the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section is essential for achieving a competitive score. This guide provides proven strategies to navigate the AWA syllabus effectively. From understanding prompts to structuring responses, these strategies will elevate your performance and help you succeed on the GMAT. Let's Discuss 

1. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Dedicate specific study sessions to writing essays within the time constraints of the exam. This habituates you to the pressure and helps refine your time management skills.

2. Analyze GMAT Sample Papers

Delve into high-scoring AWA essays found on online GMAT resources or preparation materials. Analyze their structure, coherence, and argumentative prowess to glean valuable insights.

3. Pay Attention to Essay Structure and Coherence

Effective essays boast a clear structure, logical flow, and coherent arguments. Strive to emulate these qualities in your practice essays, emphasizing strong arguments supported by relevant examples.

4. Develop a Template for Essay Writing

Crafting a standardized essay template can streamline your writing process. Include sections for introduction, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a concise conclusion.

5. Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Structure

Start with a concise introduction that outlines your stance on the topic. Follow this with well-developed body paragraphs that present your arguments coherently. Finally, wrap up with a summary of your main points in the conclusion.

Common Mistakes for GMAT AWA Syllabus

Avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for success in the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. This guide highlights key mistakes to steer clear of, ensuring that your essays are clear, coherent, and impactful. By understanding these pitfalls, you can enhance your performance and maximize your score on the GMAT.

1. Use of Informal Language and Colloquial Expressions

Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay, avoiding slang or informal language. Opt for precise vocabulary and sentence structures to convey your ideas effectively.

2. Grammatical Errors and Typos

Carefully proofread your essays to eliminate grammatical errors and typos. Attention to detail reflects your professionalism and enhances the clarity of your arguments.

3. Deviation from the Given Prompt

Stay focused on addressing the specific argument or topic provided in the prompt. Straying off-topic can lead to disjointed arguments and lower scores.

4. Straying off-Topic

Ensure your essay remains tightly aligned with the prompt. Tangential discussions detract from the coherence of your argument and may impact your score negatively.

The table below showcases Strategies vs. Mistakes:

When it comes to preparing for the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, having the right resources at your disposal can make a significant difference. The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus evaluates your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments and communicate effectively through writing. To help you excel in this section, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources that will aid in your GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus preparation.

From GMAT prep books to online courses and practice tests, these resources offer valuable insights, strategies, and practice materials to enhance your essay-writing skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your existing abilities, these resources will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to tackle the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus with confidence. 

MBA.com is the official website for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the globally recognized entrance exam for graduate business programs. Managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA.com serves as a comprehensive resource hub for aspiring business school students. 

GMAT AWA Syllabus preparation

1. gmat prep books.

Books like "The Official Guide for GMAT Review" and "GMAT Advanced Quant" by GMAC provide practice essay prompts and tips for tackling the AWA section. GMAT prep books specifically dedicated to AWA can provide valuable insights and guidance. Look for books that offer strategies, essay prompts, and sample essays for practice.

2. Online Courses

Online courses designed for GMAT preparation often include specific modules or sections focusing on the AWA section. These courses provide video lessons, interactive exercises, and practice essay prompts. They also offer personalized feedback on your essay writing skills, helping you identify areas for improvement.

3. Practice Tests

Practice tests are essential for familiarizing yourself with the AWA section and simulating the actual exam experience. Many GMAT prep providers offer full-length practice tests that include AWA essay prompts. Taking these tests under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively and develop a comfortable writing pace. When you click on the link, it will take you to the GMAT practice page. Explore the GMAT practice page here. 

4. Online Writing Platforms

Utilize online writing platforms such as Grammarly or Hemingway to improve your writing skills, grammar, and sentence structure.

5. GMAT Prep Courses

Many GMAT prep courses, like those offered by Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, and Veritas Prep, include guidance and practice for the AWA section.

6. Essay Writing Guides

Explore writing guides and books focused on essay writing techniques, such as "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White.

7. AWA-Specific Prep Services

Specialized AWA prep services like Magoosh AWA Guide and others provide tips, sample essays, and strategies tailored to this section.

Ready to excel in the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)? You can consult an expert to craft impactful essays that can set you apart. Take the first step toward mastering your AWA performance – connect with us today!

Related Pages 

• What is GMAT exam
• GMAT syllabus
• GMAT quantitative reasoning
• GMAT verbal reasoning
• GMAT integrated reasoning
• GMAT analytical writing assessment

The GMAT analytical writing assessment syllabus tests your ability to think critically, express ideas clearly, and construct persuasive arguments. You will have 30 minutes to respond to one essay prompt. Key skills include expressing ideas effectively, using examples to support arguments, and critically analyzing given arguments. To succeed, practice writing timed essays, analyze sample essays, and create a template for structuring your responses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the GMAT Focus Edition still have the Analytical Writing part?

Yes, the GMAT Focus Edition still includes the Analytical Writing part.

The GMAT Focus Edition is designed to assess the skills necessary for success in business school, and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is an important part of this. In the AWA section, you'll be asked to write an essay analyzing an argument. This section tests your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

The AWA section is 30 minutes long, and you’ll need to evaluate the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique. Your essay will be scored by both a human grader and a computer-based grading system. They will look at how well you organize your thoughts, the clarity and logic of your argument, and your ability to use language effectively.

For many students, the AWA can seem intimidating, but with practice, you can improve your writing skills.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Practice Writing Essays:  Regular practice can help you get comfortable with the format and timing. Try writing a few practice essays under timed conditions.

Review Sample Essays:  Look at high-scoring essays to understand what makes them effective. Pay attention to how they structure their arguments and the kinds of examples they use.

Develop a Template:  Create a basic structure for your essays that you can adapt to different topics. This can save you time during the test.

Read Critically:  Improve your analytical skills by reading editorials and opinion pieces in newspapers and magazines. Practice identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the arguments presented.

Get Feedback:  If possible, have someone review your practice essays and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement.

Remember, the AWA is just one part of the GMAT, but it’s a great opportunity to showcase your critical thinking and writing skills. Good luck with your preparation!

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How to Improve Your GMAT Score – 16 Expert Tips

Your GMAT score is critical to helping you stand out above the crowd when it comes to your college admission application. More than 10 million students apply to college each year, and you’re judged largely on the success of your Graduate Management Admission Test. So how do you improve your GMAT score? You need to study and prepare of course. If only it were that easy though… 

It’s not about the time you invest; it’s how you use that time effectively. Here are 16 guidelines, tips and tricks that you can follow to improve your GMAT score.

Table of Contents

Getting Started

There is a correlation between time spent preparing for the GMAT and the final score. Most participants spend about 50 hours studying for the GMAT. Others spend over 200 hours. While more time does generally show higher test scores, there are some underlying factors.

Endless resources are available online between practice tests and prep books that will help you study for the GMAT. Knowing this, you might be wondering “how many prep books do I need to complete for the GMAT?” Or, “how long does a GMAT prep book take to finish?

The answer would be that a GMAT prep book can take over 30 hours. Does this mean if you go through two prep books in 60+ hours you’ll be studying better than the majority who spend an average of around 50 hours? No. If you thought that, you couldn’t be more wrong. 

While more studying generally leads to higher results, those who study more are typically better at studying. You can spend hundreds of hours pouring over prep books to prepare. However, that’s not the best way to study for the GMAT.

Sure, you can cover more topics in 200 hours than the average of 50 hours, but that’s not necessarily going to lead to higher test results. The top scorers on the GMAT spend on average over 120 hours, however, efficiency is key. 

To improve your GMAT score you’ll want to take the  official GMAT prep test  to see where you stand today. From there, you can focus on the different strategies explained below to improve your GMAT score efficiently and effectively.

How to Improve Your GMAT Score?

We’ve assembled 16 tips below that will teach you how to get the best possible score on your GMAT test. 

1. Set Goals

The first thing you need to do if you’re trying to get a better GMAT score is to set a target . Take a look at the schools you’re looking to get admitted to and find the average GMAT score for each school. 

Once you have a target score to surpass, you can determine the necessary steps and habits required to create an adequate study plan that will help you achieve your goals.

Everyone has heard that setting goals helps achieve them, but how useful are they?

A study published to the American Psychological Association concluded an increase in the value of output at nearly 18%. Imagine improving your GMAT score almost 20% just from setting goals? Now we’re not saying that’s what will happen, but by creating goals and using these expert tips will make a significant positive difference in your test results.

2. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Using your results from the aforementioned GMAT prep test you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you to enhance your strengths, but more importantly your weaknesses. 

The things you are best at will often be exceptional, but improving the areas in which you struggle offers the most opportunity for GMAT score improvement. 

That doesn’t mean you should avoid practicing areas where you excel. In fact, you should dedicate time to studying them directly. It’s the way you study these areas that should change. We’ll cover some of these differences in relevant tips below.

3. Create a Study Plan

The most important thing when preparing for the GMAT is the same thing that’s key to achieving anything… consistency. 

To score better on the GMAT, you need a plan. Dedicate time daily to both the strengths and weaknesses you’ve identified, however breaking them up is recommended. First, hone your top skills, then spend significant time focusing on the areas of struggle. 

Break up each segment into individual days at the beginning of your studying. Spend a few days on some math concepts, another few on grammar and writing prompts, etc. This way you can get a grasp on everything before zooming through resources touching on each area briefly. 

Having a balanced study habit is ideal but some areas require more practice for some individuals than others. Allocating your time towards narrow topics will help you understand better than going back and forth between different subjects. 

Here are a few sample study plans to get you started, depending on how much time you have left to improve your GMAT score: One Month , Two Month , Three Month GMAT Study Plans.

4. Get Familiar With the Format

Following your study preparation plan for the GMAT, you’ll want to prioritize getting to know the format. Understanding how questions are laid out will help you study, and also perform better on the test. 

A formula one race-car driver doesn’t head to the Monaco Grand Prix without practicing on the track to race at 200+ mph. They study every corner, every turn, for hours and hours. A PGA tour pro doesn’t show up for the Masters without practicing on the golf course. They know every hill, every green, studying for hours and hours. 

The GMAT is no different. 

Knowing what you’re dealing with helps reduce any shock or anxiety during test day. It also plays a pivotal role in studying. Practicing with the right equipment ensures you know how to use the equipment. 

5. Allocate Significant Time to Improving Your Weaknesses

Improving the areas where you struggle will ultimately take the most time. Allocate a significant proportion of this time to improving your weaknesses. 

You will naturally excel in some areas and struggle in others. Making your weaknesses just ‘average’ when combining them with your strengths helps ensure an above-average score. 

As we’ve mentioned above, these weaknesses also offer the most opportunity for a GMAT score improvement. 

6. Use High-Quality Prep Resources

You’ve set goals, identified strengths and weaknesses, and know the format that lies ahead. Next is studying. 

Only use high-quality and official resources presented by the GMAC (General Management Admissions Council). This makes certain that what you’re studying will be as close to the real GMAT questions as possible. 

The Princeton Review  offers possibly the best prep course in a self-paced environment, but there are so many accredited resources to choose from. Find the one best suited to your learning environment but  make sure  it is official and high-quality. 

Studying with second-tier resources results in second-tier test scores. High-quality resources lead to a better understanding of each subject and an overall higher GMAT score. 

7. Review and Correct Every Wrong Answer

Reviewing every wrong answer is one of the most critical preparation tactics you can use. It goes beyond finding and understanding the correct answer though. This is a common mistake that most test takers make. 

For a better GMAT score, take the time to go through each possible answer and identify why the others were wrong. Knowing the right answer is important, but knowing why the others were wrong will help you the most. 

Always remember that the GMAT is not about finding the perfect answer, it’s about finding the best answer. Knowing why an answer is wrong helps you eliminate answers right from the start. Having to choose between fewer options immediately raises the odds of you choosing the correct answer.

People hate making mistakes, but mistakes are beneficial for learning and memory. 

A study published in the Journal Memory found that making mistakes helps remember the correct answer.  Science Daily  quoted the lead researcher stating “our research found evidence that mistakes that are a ‘near miss’ can help a person learn the information better than if no errors were made at all.”

In essence, the study found that making a mistake on something you’ve studied for and prepared for (have an understanding of) will make it more likely you’ll remember the correct answer in the long run. 

If you want to improve your score on the GMAT, reviewing and correcting every mistake goes a long, long way. 

8. Simulate Test Conditions in a Realistic Environment

By practicing under realistic test conditions you give yourself the ability to be cool, calm, and collected when it comes to taking the GMAT. Being comfortable is key to your mental performance. 

And while the GMAT can be incredibly stressful, there’s no need to take on any additional points of stress. 

To simulate GMAT conditions, take the prep test at one time with your breaks set up like the real test would be. Don’t use google, prep books, or other resources that you won’t have access to on test day. Also, refrain from using a calculator. 

Lastly, consider preparing in quiet environments without interruptions. If you struggle with focusing, try doing some prep tests in new and unfamiliar places to get comfortable with people shuffling around you. This could be a library or even just different areas of your home.  

9. Prioritize Timing

You have approximately 2 minutes per question across the GMAT. Keep this in mind throughout your prep sessions. When you finish a prep test you will see your score report. 

If you want to improve your GMAT score, write down the different times you spent on each section.

Your time spent on each section is critically important to your score, so practicing your pace of completion should be at the front of your mind. Simply checking the clock every few questions will help you recognize your current pace and keep you on track. Pick a number of questions you’re comfortable with and check the clock regularly after that amount of questions passes. 

Another important note with your pacing is recognizing the areas you’re strong in, and struggle with. Correlate your score with the time you spent on each section. If you score extremely high on the integrated reasoning section , make sure you allocate the time you need to replicate that score on the real GMAT.

Scoring high but using up too much time that could go to an area of weakness can easily result in a lesser test score. This is why knowing about your strengths is vital.

On the other hand, if you struggle with something and it takes a considerable amount of time, you know that you’ll need to practice more to achieve a better score in less time. 

10. Dedicate Days/Time Strictly to Math Concepts

Instead of taking prep test after prep test, you’ll want to drill certain things into your brain. This is why it’s always recommended that you focus on just a few concepts for consecutive days, aiding in memorization. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean practicing calculus all day for an entire week, but spending considerable amounts of time studying calculus for several days. Taking breaks is needed for memorization and learning, so we recommend taking some time on each math concept every day for a few hours at the same time of day. 

Spending 1-2 hours every morning on calculus will make it significantly easier on the brain than say 6 hours of calculus. Once again, consistency is the key.

You will be able to see on your prep test results which category each question falls into. Note your scores on all categories be it algebra, geometry, statistics, etc, to identify any areas of weakness that you should focus on more heavily.

This leads to the next point. 

11. Know the Formulas

Don’t even think about stopping your studying until you know the formulas like the back of your hand. This tip is really important, but there’s not much to it. You’ve got to put in the time and know them.

Practice, practice, practice!

Beyond the formulas, recognize and remember tips and tricks to speed up your time.

Also, take advantage of estimating. If you can estimate a number or calculation quickly, you can eliminate wrong answers and quite possibly solve a question much faster than working through a solution. 

As we mentioned previously, you can see your results on prep tests to determine areas of struggle. Drill those formulas into your brain. 

12. Refrain from Using a Calculator While Practicing

You can’t use a calculator on your GMAT , so why would you practice with one? Getting the right answer on a prep test is meaningless if you can’t do it under real GMAT conditions. 

Try and never use your calculator, even when you’re not studying. Get used to doing calculations in your head during your regular day and it’ll be second nature come test day. 

13. Dedicate Days/Time Strictly to Writing Prompts

Just like with math concepts, getting familiar with writing prompts takes time. Luckily there are resources where you can practice your Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) . This section gauges your ability to think critically and efficiently communicate those thoughts. 

Get familiar with the formatting and practice prompts to improve your written communication. Use this resource for  writing sample guidelines for the GMAT . We break down how the AWA of the GMAT is scored , describe essay prompts, give style guide/writing suggestions, and provide sample essays and practice prompts. 

14. Study Past GMAT Writing Prompts

Studying writing prompts from previous years is another GMAT preparation tip that will help improve your test scores. You can find 32 pages of prompts  here , an invaluable resource. 

What better way to know what to expect on the GMAT than looking at past GMAT questions? 

15. Analyze Complex Texts

The verbal section of the GMAT takes approximately 60 minutes to read. Practicing your reading with academic writings, novels, and business publications or news.

Writing down a list of words you’ve never seen before helps to improve your vocabulary. Although the GMAT doesn’t test your vocabulary directly, this habit will help you build a better vocabulary for yourself. The more academic words you know, the higher chance you will understand any written questions on the GMAT. 

16. Learn How to Outline

You only have 30 minutes to complete a writing sample in the analytical writing assessment section. This leads to many test takers rushing to begin writing immediately. 

Creating a system for outlining your essay is an essential step for all writers to complete their best work. By practicing outlining you will build a much better essay structure helping you communicate your thoughts effectively and professionally. 

Just using 3 or 5 minutes to plan your key points will reduce the time of your overall writing. It also helps keep a clear mindset as you cover each point when you know exactly what to focus on now, and next. 

When it comes to getting a higher score on your GMAT, you’ll need to put in the time. These tips will ensure that you use your time best, learning the things  y ou need to know.

Set a goal, create a plan, and study right. What everyone can do in the time they spend studying is vastly different between person to person. What you can do to get ahead of the competition is to study better. Improve the areas you struggle with and lean into your strengths.

This article has given you the tools for you to succeed on your admission test and outshine your peers. By combining the hours of practice with an intelligent strategy and study plan, you’re certain to improve your GMAT score. 

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GMAT essay topics: Expert tips for a high-scoring performance

The GMAT essay, also known as the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), is a section of the GMAT exam that can often be intimidating for test-takers. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the essay topics, test-takers can excel and achieve a high score.

The AWA section is designed to evaluate the test-taker's ability to analyse arguments, express ideas clearly and concisely, and support their viewpoints with evidence. This section consists of two types of essay prompts, an Analysis of an Issue and an Analysis of an Argument, each of which requires specific skills and strategies.

In this article, we will provide expert examples of both types of GMAT essay topics and tips on how to approach them to help you achieve a high-scoring performance in the AWA section.

Table of Contents

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The GMAT essay, also known as the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), is a section of the GMAT exam that requires you to write two essays within a total of 60 minutes.

There are two types of essay prompts in the GMAT AWA section:

• Analysis of an Argument
• Analysis of an Issue

In this type of essay prompt, you will be given an argument that you need to analyse and critique. You will be required to identify the assumptions that the argument makes and evaluate the evidence that it provides. You will need to explain why the argument is flawed or weak and suggest ways to improve it.

In this type of essay prompt, you will be given a statement or question related to a social or political issue, and you will be asked to take a stance on the issue and support your position with evidence and examples. You will need to provide a clear argument and present evidence that supports your viewpoint.

Also read: 5 IELTS Sample Essays

GMAT Analytical Writing Section

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section assesses your ability to analyse arguments and communicate your thoughts effectively in written form. In this section, you are presented with an argument or an issue prompt and are required to critically evaluate and provide a well-structured response within a given time frame.

Although the AWA section is not as heavily weighted as the Quantitative and Verbal sections, it still plays a role in showcasing your analytical abilities and written communication skills to business schools. A well-written essay in the AWA section can leave a positive impression on the admissions committee and contribute to your overall application.

• The construction of a new highway through the rural town of Pineville is essential to improve connectivity and drive economic growth. Discuss the validity of this argument and evaluate its potential impact on the community.
• The introduction of a mandatory recycling program in our city is necessary to combat the growing environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices. Analyse the reasoning behind this argument and assess its potential effectiveness.
• Expanding the public library's operating hours in the urban neighbourhood of Riverton will provide greater access to educational resources and foster a culture of lifelong learning. Evaluate the logic behind this proposal and its potential benefits for the community.
• Establishing stricter regulations on the use of single-use plastics is crucial to mitigate the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution. Assess the reasoning behind this argument and discuss its potential impact on businesses and consumers.
• The implementation of a tax incentive program to encourage the adoption of solar energy systems in residential areas will promote renewable energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. Evaluate the logic behind this proposal and its potential long-term effects.
• Constructing a new sports stadium in the city centre will not only revitalise the local economy but also enhance the city's reputation as a sports destination. Analyse the soundness of this argument and its potential implications for the community.
• Implementing stricter gun control measures is necessary to address the rising concerns of public safety and reduce gun-related violence. Evaluate the reasoning behind this argument and discuss the potential challenges associated with its implementation.
• The introduction of a comprehensive sex education curriculum in schools is vital to promote safe and responsible behaviour among adolescents. Assess the validity of this argument and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an initiative.
• Investing in the development of affordable housing units in urban areas is essential to address the housing crisis and ensure social equity. Analyse the rationale behind this proposal and evaluate its potential impact on both residents and the local economy.
• The implementation of stricter regulations on the advertising and sale of unhealthy food products will contribute to improving public health and combating the obesity epidemic. Discuss the validity of this argument and its potential implications for businesses and consumers.
• Increasing funding for arts and culture programs in schools can have a positive impact on students' creativity, critical thinking skills, and overall academic performance. Evaluate the logic behind this proposal and discuss its potential benefits for the education system.
• Enforcing mandatory financial literacy courses in high schools will equip students with essential skills to make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial stability. Assess the reasoning behind this argument and discuss the potential outcomes of such an educational initiative.
• The adoption of telecommuting policies in organisations can lead to improved work-life balance, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced productivity. Analyse the reasoning behind this proposal and discuss its potential advantages and challenges for both employers and employees.
• Investing in the development of public parks and green spaces in urban areas can have numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical well-being, enhanced community cohesion, and increased property values. Evaluate the soundness of this argument and its potential impact on urban environments.
• Introducing a universal basic income program can help alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, and provide individuals with a safety net in an increasingly automated world. Analyse the reasoning behind this proposal and discuss its potential implications for society and the economy.
• Discuss the impact of social media on interpersonal communication and relationships.
• To what extent should governments prioritise funding for space exploration?
• Explain your views on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work.
• Discuss the ethical considerations of genetic engineering and its potential impact on society.
• Explain your perspective on the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in promoting equality.
• To what extent should the government regulate the sharing economy platforms such as Uber and Airbnb?
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the globalisation of markets and its impact on local economies.
• Explain your views on the role of government in promoting sustainable development.
• Discuss the ethical implications of data privacy and the use of personal information by technology companies.
• Explain your perspective on the importance of arts and humanities education in today's society.
• Discuss the impact of climate change on global food security and the role of international cooperation.
• Explain your views on the ethical considerations surrounding animal testing in scientific research.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for employees and organisations.
• Explain your perspective on the role of the government in regulating the use of social media platforms.
• Discuss the implications of income inequality and the role of government in addressing this issue.

GMAT practice questions provide an opportunity to develop and refine your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. By engaging with a variety of prompts, you can familiarise yourself with different argument structures, evaluate evidence, and effectively express your ideas within the given time constraint.

We have listed ten GMAT sample questions that cover a range of topics and argument types to challenge you to analyse arguments, identify flaws, consider counterarguments, and develop well-structured responses.

GMAT sample question #1

The following appeared in a company memo:

Our new advertising campaign was a great success. The number of customers visiting our website increased by 50% in the first month after the campaign's launch. Therefore, the campaign should be credited with attracting new customers and boosting sales.' Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, analyse the argument's assumptions and evidence.

GMAT sample question #2

The following appeared in a research paper:

Implementing a four-day workweek will significantly enhance employee productivity. A survey conducted among companies that adopted a shorter workweek showed a 20% increase in employee output and a 15% decrease in absenteeism rates. Therefore, all organisations should consider adopting a four-day workweek to boost efficiency.' Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, analyse the argument's assumptions and evidence.

GMAT sample question #3

The following appeared in a political campaign speech:

Increasing the minimum wage will improve the economy and reduce income inequality. Studies have shown that when the minimum wage is raised, low-income workers experience a rise in their earnings, leading to increased consumer spending. As a result, businesses thrive, unemployment rates decrease, and the wealth gap narrows. Therefore, it is imperative to raise the minimum wage to stimulate economic growth.' Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, analyse the argument's assumptions and evidence.

GMAT sample question #4

The following appeared in a blog post:

Investing in early childhood education is crucial for fostering future academic success. Research has consistently shown that children who receive quality early education perform better academically and are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Therefore, policymakers should prioritise funding and expanding early childhood education programs.' Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, analyse the argument's assumptions and evidence.

GMAT sample question #5

The following appeared in a marketing presentation:

Social media marketing is the most effective strategy for reaching and engaging with the target audience. A survey conducted among consumers revealed that 75% of respondents made a purchase based on social media ads or recommendations from influencers. Therefore, companies should allocate a significant portion of their marketing budget to social media campaigns to maximise their reach and sales.' Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, analyse the argument's assumptions and evidence.

GMAT sample question #6

Prompt: Evaluate the argument that increasing taxes on sugary beverages will effectively reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve public health. Discuss the key assumptions and evidence used to support this claim, and identify any potential counterarguments or limitations that may challenge the effectiveness of this approach.

In your analysis, you should consider the relationship between sugary beverage consumption and obesity rates, as well as the potential impact of higher taxes on consumer behaviour. Additionally, assess the strength of the evidence presented to support the argument and examine any potential flaws or biases in the data. Consider alternative approaches to tackling obesity, such as education campaigns or regulations on advertising, and discuss their potential advantages or disadvantages. Ultimately, evaluate the argument's overall persuasiveness and suggest any additional evidence or considerations that could strengthen or weaken the case for increased taxes on sugary beverages.  

GMAT sample question #7

Prompt: Analyse the argument that social media platforms should be held legally responsible for moderating user-generated content. Evaluate the reasons and evidence presented to support this viewpoint, and discuss the potential consequences of imposing legal obligations on these platforms. Consider issues such as freedom of speech, platform liability, and the challenges of content moderation at scale. Additionally, explore alternative approaches to addressing harmful or illegal content online and discuss their potential advantages or drawbacks. Finally, assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of different regulatory or self-regulatory measures in ensuring a safe and responsible online environment.  

GMAT sample question #8

Prompt: Evaluate the argument that increasing access to higher education will lead to greater socioeconomic mobility and reduce income inequality. Analyse the evidence and reasoning used to support this claim, and consider potential counterarguments or limitations to this approach. Assess the impact of factors such as rising tuition costs, disparities in educational quality, and the relevance of certain degrees in the job market. Explore alternative strategies for promoting social mobility, such as vocational training or income redistribution, and discuss their potential advantages or disadvantages. Ultimately, critically examine the argument's validity and provide recommendations or additional considerations that may strengthen or weaken the case for increasing access to higher education.

GMAT sample question #9

Prompt: Analyse the argument that the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture is essential for ensuring global food security. Evaluate the evidence and reasoning presented to support this claim, and discuss any potential counterarguments or concerns related to the environmental, health, or socioeconomic impacts of GMOs. Assess the effectiveness of current regulations and labelling practices in addressing these concerns, and explore alternative approaches to achieving food security, such as organic farming or agroecology. Finally, critically evaluate the overall persuasiveness of the argument and provide recommendations or additional considerations that may enhance or challenge the case for GMO usage.

GMAT sample question #10

Prompt: Evaluate the argument that implementing a universal basic income (UBI) would be an effective solution to address poverty and income inequality. Analyse the evidence and reasoning used to support this viewpoint, and consider potential counterarguments or limitations of a UBI system. Assess the economic implications, including funding mechanisms and potential effects on workforce participation and productivity. Explore alternative policies or approaches to poverty alleviation, such as targeted welfare programs or job creation initiatives, and discuss their potential advantages or disadvantages. Ultimately, critically examine the argument's validity and provide recommendations or additional considerations that may strengthen or weaken the case for implementing a universal basic income.

GMAT essay topics

Some common topics that may be covered in the GMAT essays include:

• The research indicates that the success of a shopping mall is directly related to its location. Therefore, we should build a new shopping mall in the small town of Oakville, which has a growing population and no competition from other shopping malls. Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument.
• To remain competitive, companies need to embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. Employees who resist these changes are hindering progress and putting their jobs at risk.' Evaluate the argument presented in the editorial.
• Our company should offer tuition reimbursement to all employees who want to pursue a degree or certification. This will increase employee loyalty, productivity, and skill level, which will benefit the company in the long run.' Discuss the validity of this recommendation.
• Our new cleaning products are environmentally friendly and safe for use around children and pets. You can trust our products to not only clean effectively, but also protect your family and the planet. Evaluate the claims made in the advertisement."
• The city should ban all smoking in public parks. Secondhand smoke is a health hazard to all park visitors, and it is unfair to subject non-smokers to this danger. Evaluate the argument presented in the letter.

Also read: TOEFL sample essays

• It is better to be practical than to be creative when it comes to problem-solving.
• Governments should prioritise funding for space exploration over other scientific endeavours.
• The widespread use of social media has had a negative impact on society.
• The pursuit of happiness should be considered a fundamental human right.
• The use of technology has had a more positive than negative impact on society.
• Businesses have a responsibility to prioritise environmental sustainability over profit.
• The government should provide free healthcare for all citizens.
• The increasing popularity of e-books will eventually lead to the end of traditional bookstores.
• Individuals have a responsibility to prioritise their own health and well-being over their career ambitions.
• The benefits of globalisation outweigh the drawbacks.

Also Read: GMAT Self-Study Plan

Tips for a high-scoring performance

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve a high-scoring performance on the GMAT essay.

The first step to writing a successful GMAT essay is to understand the prompt and the task. Take the time to read the prompt carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked of you. Pay close attention to the specific instructions, such as the length requirement, the number of examples you need to provide, and the time limit.

Before you start writing, take a few minutes to plan your essay. This will help you organise your thoughts and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. Create an outline that includes your main points and supporting evidence, and make sure that your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

For the Analysis of an Argument task, carefully analyse the argument presented in the prompt. Identify the assumptions and evidence used to support the argument, and consider whether these are valid and sufficient. For the Analysis of an Issue task, consider both sides of the issue and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.

To support your arguments, use specific examples from your own experiences or the world around you. These examples should be relevant and support the points you are making in your essay. Be sure to explain how each example supports your argument.

The GMAT essay is not a test of your writing ability per se, but rather a test of your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments and express your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Use simple and straightforward language, avoid overly complex sentences or jargon, and be sure to proofread your essay for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

The GMAT essay should follow a standard essay format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Your introduction should provide an overview of your argument, while your body should provide supporting evidence and examples. Your conclusion should summarise your main points and restate your thesis statement concisely.

Like any skill, the ability to write a successful GMAT essay takes practice. Take advantage of the practice exams and sample essays provided by GMAC, the organisation that administers the GMAT exam. Consider working with a tutor or taking a prep course to help you improve your essay writing skills.

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The GMAT essay is an important part of the GMAT exam and requires careful preparation and planning. By following these expert tips, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score on the GMAT essay and increase your chances of being accepted into your dream MBA program.

Frequently asked questions

The GMAT essay, also known as the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), is a section of the GMAT exam that assesses a candidate's ability to think critically and communicate ideas in written form.

The GMAT essay is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. Two independent readers will score the essay, and if their scores differ by more than one point, a third reader will be brought in to resolve the discrepancy.

To prepare for the GMAT essay, candidates can practise writing essays using free GMAT essay prompts available online, develop a plan before writing, use specific examples to support their arguments and practise good grammar and syntax.

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Mastering the GMAT: Your Ultimate Guide to Success in 2024

MBA & Beyond Team

08/01/2024 | 3:11 pm

A. Brief Overview of the GMAT

The GMAT, known as the Graduate Management Admission Test, plays a crucial role in the admissions process of graduate business schools. Serving as a standardized assessment, the GMAT assesses the skills and readiness of individuals entering the challenging field of business education. It acts as a gatekeeper, providing a common metric to evaluate candidates on a level playing field. By offering a standardized evaluation, the GMAT allows admissions committees to compare applicants objectively, ensuring fairness and equity in the admissions process.

B. Importance of GMAT in the MBA Admissions Process

The GMAT holds great importance in the MBA admissions process as it serves as a crucial assessment tool. This standardized test evaluates candidates’ quantitative, verbal, analytical, and writing skills, providing business schools with a common benchmark to gauge academic potential. By measuring aptitude and critical thinking abilities, the GMAT offers insight into an applicant’s readiness for the rigorous curriculum of an MBA program. Admissions committees rely on the GMAT to assess candidates’ ability to excel in areas relevant to the business field. This comprehensive assessment of skills and abilities makes the GMAT an influential factor in the selection process for MBA programs.

C. Significance of Staying Updated on GMAT Trends in 2024

Staying updated on GMAT trends is crucial for effective test preparation in 2024. By understanding the current trends, test takers can tailor their strategies and focus on the areas that are most likely to be emphasized in the exam. These trends can include changes in question types, format, or content areas that receive greater emphasis. Being aware of such trends allows test takers to allocate their study time and resources effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared for the specific challenges they may face. Additionally, staying updated on trends allows individuals to access the most relevant study materials and resources that align with the current GMAT requirements. As the test evolves, being aware of the latest trends helps test takers stay ahead of the curve and enhances their chances of achieving their desired GMAT score. Therefore, it is essential to actively seek out and engage with the latest GMAT trends to optimize test preparation efforts in 2024.

II. Understanding the GMAT Format

A. overview of the gmat structure.

The GMAT is a complex examination, designed meticulously to assess a wide range of skills. Let’s break down the structure to gain insight into each section:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This segment examines the candidate’s ability to effectively analyze and evaluate arguments.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): It tests the candidate’s ability to interpret and synthesize data from various sources, requiring a comprehensive understanding.
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): This section focuses on the candidate’s proficiency in solving quantitative problems accurately, using mathematical concepts.
• Verbal Reasoning (VR): It’s a holistic assessment that includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction, evaluating the candidate’s linguistic and analytical abilities.

B. Changes and Updates in the GMAT Format for 2024

The temporal dimensions of the GMAT could potentially change in 2024. Being aware of the updated exam duration is essential for candidates to refine their test-taking strategies according to the revised time limits. It is important to understand the sectional breakdown and the weightage given to each section. This knowledge empowers candidates to manage their time effectively and approach all segments in a balanced manner. The adaptive nature of the test adds complexity, as the difficulty of subsequent questions depends on the candidate’s performance in preceding ones. Being prepared for this adaptive feature is a crucial aspect of a comprehensive GMAT strategy.

III. GMAT Calendar and Important Dates

A. gmat registration deadlines.

Starting your GMAT journey requires strategic planning, particularly when it comes to early registration. The registration deadlines vary depending on the format of the GMAT you choose:

• Classic GMAT: You have until January 31, 2024, to register for the traditional GMAT.
• GMAT Focus Edition : Registration for the new GMAT Focus Edition is currently open.

To know more about MBA exam deadlines and updates, click here

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) suggests signing up 2-3 months prior to your desired test date. However, if necessary, you can register online or by phone up to 24 hours before the exam. It is crucial to register early since popular test centers tend to fill up quickly. By doing so, you can secure your preferred location and date, allowing ample time for preparation without unnecessary stress.

B. Test Date Selection Strategies

Strategically choosing the test date is of utmost importance. Test takers should consider personal commitments, identify their peak performance times, and allocate enough time for thorough preparation. Thoughtful test date selection can have a significant impact on overall performance in the exam.

C. Importance of Planning Ahead

A robust study plan is crucial for GMAT success. It includes a detailed schedule, resources, and allocated study time. Planning ahead ensures comprehensive content coverage. A well-structured plan helps with organization, time management, and progress tracking. With a clear plan, productivity increases and preparation stress decreases. A strong study plan is key to a successful GMAT journey.

D. Managing Retake Schedules

Understanding when and why to consider retaking the GMAT is crucial for strategic planning. By analyzing the initial test results, candidates can pinpoint specific areas for improvement and adopt a targeted approach to retake preparation.

E. Importance of Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is crucial for effective GMAT preparation and plays a vital role in a candidate’s journey to success. This strategic process encompasses several essential elements:

• Creating a Study Plan: Crafting a well-structured study plan is crucial when it comes to creating a study plan. It provides a systematic and organized approach to covering the extensive GMAT syllabus. By thoughtfully allocating time, one can ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant topics without overwhelming themselves. 
• Gathering Resources: The selection of appropriate study materials is of utmost importance when gathering resources for studying. This includes making a wise choice of books, online resources, and practice tests. Accessing high-quality materials significantly contributes to the effectiveness of the preparation process. 
• Setting Realistic Goals: Setting clear and realistic goals is not just a mere formality but a guiding principle in the study plan. Such goals serve as a roadmap for focused preparation, keeping the candidate engaged and motivated throughout the process. Additionally, they provide a tangible endpoint to strive towards.

F. Managing Retake Schedules

Understanding when and why to retake the GMAT is a strategic consideration. Analyzing the results of the initial attempt serves as a diagnostic tool, allowing candidates to:

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Devise a targeted approach for improving : By identifying areas of weakness, candidates can tailor their preparation strategies. This focused approach ensures that efforts are concentrated on enhancing specific skills that may have contributed to challenges during the first attempt.

Catapult your MBA dreams into reality! Explore our YouTube video: ‘ Master the GMAT – Boost Scores & Secure Your MBA Spot! ‘ for essential insights and success strategies.

G. Free Mock Paper Links and Crash Courses for GMAT Prep

When commencing your GMAT preparation journey, having access to complementary practice papers and intensive courses can greatly heighten your level of readiness for the exam. Here are a few recommended resources that you should consider:

• E GMAT: E GMAT offers comprehensive GMAT preparation courses that encompass adaptive learning modules and customized study plans. Make sure to visit their website to avail yourself of their free trial access and available resources.
• Magoosh: Magoosh provides a user-friendly platform that offers a diverse range of GMAT prep resources. Take the opportunity to explore their blog, practice questions, and free trial options in order to strengthen your preparation.

Recommended Free Mock Paper Links:

• GMAT Club : A platform driven by the community that offers a wide variety of realistic GMAT practice tests and engaging discussion forums for free.
• Veritas Prep : Access realistic and engaging GMAT practice exams and resources to enhance your skills and evaluate your progress.
• Manhattan Prep : Manhattan Prep offers engaging and realistic GMAT resources, such as practice exams and valuable insights into various GMAT sections.

Additionally, consider exploring crash courses from reputable providers like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan Prep. These courses often condense important concepts, offering a concentrated yet efficient study experience. 

Remember, incorporating a variety of resources into your preparation plan will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the GMAT format and help you pinpoint areas for improvement. Always take advantage of free trials and sample materials to ensure that the chosen resources align with your learning preferences.

IV. Setting Your GMAT Goals

A. importance of goal setting.

Setting clear and realistic goals is not only a preliminary step but an ongoing process in the GMAT preparation journey. These goals act as a dynamic roadmap, providing a simplified and engaging way to guide your preparation.

A Simplified Roadmap for Engaging Preparation: Setting clear goals allows for focused preparation by breaking down the extensive syllabus into manageable milestones. This organized approach prevents overwhelm and ensures consistent progress.

Alignment with Aspirations: Goals should correspond to the candidate’s aspirations, establishing a personalized connection to the journey. Aligning aspirations improves motivation and commitment to the preparation process.

Aligning goals with the requirements of target MBA programs ensures that the candidate’s efforts directly contribute to the competitiveness of their application. This reflects a thoughtful and strategic approach to the admission process, making it simpler and more engaging.

B. Assessing Your Target MBA Programs

Understanding the specific expectations and criteria of the MBA programs a candidate aims for involves tailoring their preparation accordingly. Gaining insights into the program expectations allows candidates to customize their preparation process, ensuring alignment with the unique characteristics and values of the targeted institutions.

C. Aligning GMAT Scores with MBA Program Requirements

The GMAT score is crucial for MBA admissions. It ensures applicants have necessary skills. Aligning GMAT scores with program requirements helps identify suitable candidates. Programs set a minimum score as a benchmark for readiness. Some programs may have different requirements based on background and competitiveness. Researching and understanding score expectations is essential for admission.

D. Personalized Tips

Tailor your GMAT preparation to suit your specific needs by first setting realistic and engaging goals. Consider the specific requirements of your desired MBA programs in order to ensure a smooth timeline. Schedule your GMAT exam at least 2 months in advance of your planned test date to allow for ample preparation time. Incorporate regular mock exams into your routine, aiming for a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, to enhance your readiness. This proactive approach will not only help you assess your progress but also build the stamina and confidence required for success on the actual GMAT.

V. Creating a Study Plan

A. establishing a realistic timeline.

A realistic timeline is crucial for effective GMAT preparation, ensuring the prevention of burnout. By spreading out the preparation over an adequate duration, candidates can engage in sustained focus and enthusiasm, thus enhancing their overall performance.

B. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Analyzing strengths and weaknesses is crucial for personal and business development. By thoroughly assessing and understanding our strengths, we can uncover hidden potentials and unlock new opportunities. Similarly, recognizing our weaknesses provides us with the chance to improve and grow. This self-analysis not only enables informed decisions but also empowers us to set specific goals that align with our individual growth trajectory. Taking the time to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses is an invaluable investment in our personal and professional journey towards success.

C. Choosing the Right Study Materials

When choosing study materials, evaluate credibility and reputation of sources like publishers, institutions, or professionals. Assess content relevance, organization, and structure. Consider preferred formats: physical textbooks, online resources, video lectures, or interactive platforms. Review feedback from others who have used materials. By carefully evaluating based on credibility, relevance, organization, format, and feedback, make an informed decision and choose materials for learning journey.

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VI. Utilizing Technology for GMAT Prep

A. adaptive learning platforms.

In the realm of individualized education, adaptive learning platforms serve as technological companions in GMAT preparation. These platforms dynamically customize study plans based on individual performance, optimizing the efficiency of learning. The flexibility ensures that candidates concentrate on areas requiring enhancement, maximizing the effectiveness of their study sessions.

B. Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Study

Embracing the true essence of flexibility, mobile applications surface as indispensable tools for GMAT preparation on the move. Ideal for maximizing study opportunities while commuting or taking breaks, these applications cater to the dynamic lifestyles of GMAT test-takers. MBAandBeyond takes this flexibility to the next level by providing carefully selected content and support, ensuring candidates make the most of their busiest moments and maintain consistent and adaptable study schedules.

C. Virtual Tutoring and Study Groups

Breaking the barriers of traditional education, virtual tutoring and study groups bring a sense of community to GMAT preparation. Engaging in these collaborative learning experiences nurtures a shared journey towards a common objective. The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and support within these virtual platforms not only deepens comprehension but also enhances motivation. Portals like GMAT Club and Collegedunia amplify this communal approach by offering tailored resources, expert insights, and a vibrant community, thereby enriching the collaborative learning experience for aspiring GMAT test-takers.

VII. Mastering GMAT Quantitative Skills

A. reviewing fundamental math concepts.

To excel in the Quantitative Reasoning section, it is essential to have a strong understanding of basic math concepts. Candidates should devote time to refreshing their knowledge of these fundamentals, ensuring they have a solid grasp on the fundamental principles necessary for solving more complex problems.

B. Strategies for Tackling Data Sufficiency Questions

Data Sufficiency questions present a unique and engaging challenge. It is crucial to master strategies specific to this question type. Navigating the intricacies of Data Sufficiency effectively requires a realistic understanding of how to approach and dissect these questions.

C. Tips for Improving Problem-Solving Speed

Enhancing problem-solving speed is a multifaceted and engaging goal that requires a realistic approach. It revolves around finding a delicate balance between accuracy and efficiency. Candidates should engage in focused practice, honing their ability to swiftly solve problems without compromising accuracy.

D. Utilizing Technology for Quantitative Practice

Technology becomes a valuable ally in the pursuit of mastering quantitative skills. Interactive and dynamic practice tools, along with AI-driven platforms, offer a comprehensive approach to reinforcing quantitative abilities. These tools actively engage candidates, reflecting the adaptive nature of the GMAT exam and preparing them for its dynamic challenges.

Explore in-depth insights into GMAT Quantitative Skills Mastery with our Conversations with MBA Alumni webinar. Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel.

VIII. Excelling in GMAT Verbal Skills

A. strengthening reading comprehension abilities.

Improving reading comprehension skills is a crucial aspect of excelling in the GMAT Verbal section. This can be accomplished by:

• Focused Practice: Engaging in targeted practice exercises that concentrate on reading comprehension helps to refine the ability to extract essential information and comprehend intricate passages.
• Active Reading Strategies: Employing active reading techniques, such as taking notes and summarizing, enhances understanding and memory of the information presented in GMAT passages.

B. Effective Strategies for Sentence Correction

Developing mastery in sentence correction requires a comprehensive approach, which includes:

• Understanding Grammar Rules: A strong foundation in grammar rules is essential. Candidates should spend time comprehending the intricacies of sentence structure and grammatical conventions.
• Practicing with a Focus on Structure: Engaging in practice exercises that specifically target sentence structure allows candidates to efficiently identify and rectify errors.

C. Analyzing Critical Reasoning Questions

Critical reasoning questions require analytical thinking, and effective analysis strategies include:

• Developing analytical thinking skills: It is crucial for candidates to practice dissecting arguments, identifying premises, conclusions, and logical fallacies.
• Strategic dissection: Strategies for systematically dissecting critical reasoning questions help unravel complex arguments and reach well-reasoned conclusions.

D. Leveraging Technology for Verbal Practice

The usage of technology allows individuals to engage in simplified and more engaging verbal practice. By utilizing interactive apps and online platforms, candidates can focus on specific verbal skills during targeted practice sessions. Furthermore, adaptive learning technologies tailor these practice sessions based on individual performance, optimizing the efficiency of improving verbal skills.

IX. Enhancing Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning

A. understanding the awa section, essay structure and content.

Understanding the AWA section entails familiarizing oneself with the expected essay structure in GMAT. This includes the introduction, body, and conclusion, which should be presented cohesively for a well-constructed response. Additionally, addressing content requirements such as presenting a clear argument and providing relevant examples is crucial for success in the AWA section.

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Identifying and avoiding common pitfalls can greatly improve candidates’ performance by helping them steer clear of mistakes. It is essential to recognize these pitfalls to enhance your AWA response and make it more polished and effective.

X. Test-Taking Strategies and Time Management

A. simulating test conditions during practice.

Preparing for the GMAT involves more than just mastering the content; it also requires adapting to the exam environment. By simulating test conditions during practice sessions, candidates can become more familiar with the exam setting, increasing their comfort and confidence on test day.

B. Developing an Efficient Time Management Strategy

Strategic time management is essential for achieving success on the GMAT. Each section requires careful time allocation, and developing an effective strategy ensures that candidates can address every question within the given time frame. Striking the right balance between speed and accuracy is key to achieving optimal results.

C. Recognizing When to Skip and Return to Questions

This tip is a game-changer for test-taking. It’s all about knowing when to leave tough questions and come back to them. This way, you won’t get stuck on hard ones, but instead, you’ll focus on the ones you can handle better. This smart plan helps save time and keeps stress levels low during the exam.

XI. GMAT Updates and Preparation Tips

A. staying informed about gmat updates.

Keeping up-to-date with GMAT changes is a must for test-takers. Checking for updates regularly helps you stay in the loop about any changes to the test format or content. Being proactive about this shows you’re dedicated to being well-prepared and informed.

B. Incorporating New Test Trends into the Study Plan

The GMAT isn’t static; new trends can pop up. Tweaking your study plans to match these trends keeps you ready for the GMAT’s ever-changing landscape. Being open to new strategies and ready for new types of questions is key to staying ahead in the exam.

C. Tips for Adapting to Changes on Short Notice

Things can change suddenly in the GMAT, so being ready to adapt swiftly is key. Having strategies for quick adjustments keeps your prep on track. But don’t just take our word for it, a survey found that 75% of successful test-takers credit their success to their ability to adapt to unexpected changes in the exam.

XII. Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment

A. regular progress assessments.

Checking in on your progress regularly is a smart way to prepare. It helps you spot the areas you need to work on, so you can shift your focus and effort where it’s needed.

B. Modifying the Study Plan Based on Performance

Being flexible is crucial when tweaking your study plan as your needs change. Regular checks help you spot your strong and weak areas, making it easier to make focused adjustments for better prep.

C. Seeking Feedback from Practice Tests

Going over feedback from practice tests is a game-changer for improvement. It helps you figure out what to tweak in your study sessions and shows you where you messed up, so you can nail similar questions next time.

A. Techniques for Managing Test Anxiety

Feeling anxious on test day can affect your performance. Here are some strategies to manage test anxiety:

• Breathing Exercises: Deep breaths can help calm your nerves and keep you focused during the exam.
• Positive Visualization: Imagine success and positive results. This can boost your confidence and lower anxiety.

B. Preparing for the Test Day Logistics

Knowing and preparing for what test day entails can help reduce stress. This includes:

• Getting to Know the Test Center: A visit beforehand can make you feel at ease with the place.
• Preparing Your Stuff: Make sure you have all the necessary items like your ID and admission ticket ready ahead of time.

C. Final Review and Relaxation Strategies

The best final review strategies and relaxation techniques before the exam include

• Focused review: focusing on key concepts and strategies rather than attempting to learn new material.
• Relaxation techniques: such as meditation or gentle exercise, can be used to promote a calm state of mind.

XIV. Post-Test Reflection and Score Improvement

A. analyzing test results.

A comprehensive review of test results is crucial for identifying strong and weak areas. This involves two steps:

• Sectional Analysis: This involves evaluating performance in each section to accurately identify areas that need improvement.
• Question-level Analysis: This process involves an evaluation of performance on each question, allowing for a precise identification of weaknesses.

B. Identifying Areas for Improvement

Improving specific areas based on test performance involves two main steps. First, there’s ‘Weakness Identification’, which is the process of identifying patterns of weaknesses and comprehending their root causes. The second step is ‘Goal Setting’. This entails setting precise objectives to enhance performance in the areas that have been identified as weak.

C. Adjusting Study Plan for a Retake If Necessary

When you need to retake a test, it’s crucial to modify your study plan to focus on any areas you’ve struggled with. This includes:

• Tailoring Techniques: Adjust your study techniques to address your specific areas of difficulty effectively.
• Preparing for a Retake: Develop a timetable for your retake that guarantees enough time for comprehensive enhancement.

XVI. Navigating Exam Registrations and Considerations

A. comprehensive step-by-step guide to gmat/gre registration:.

Are you gearing up to tackle the GMAT or GRE ? The first critical task is to successfully register for the exam. Our in-depth guide simplifies this process with step-by-step instructions for a seamless and easy experience. It covers everything from preparing necessary documents to comprehending unique requirements. Consider this guide your essential tool for an effortless registration process.

• GMAT Focus Edition: Streamlined format emphasizes critical thinking. Ideal for business school aspirations. (Learn more: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-focus-edition )
• GRE General Test: Broader coverage, suitable for various postgraduate programs. (Learn more: https://www.ets.org/ )
• Visit the official website: https://www.mba.com/
• Register with basic information and set a strong password.
• Explore available test centers and dates near you. https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
• Prioritize weekday mornings for optimal focus and availability.
• Remember, the GMAT Focus Edition is currently offered online and at test centers, while the GRE is mainly test center-based.
• Pay the registration fee using a valid credit card.
• Confirm your appointment and download any necessary preparation materials.

B. Additional Assessments Worth Considering: 

The Roles of TOEFL, IELTS, and Their Importance: The GMAT/GRE are not the only evaluations to take into account in the admissions process. Understand the importance of language proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): For computer-based tests. (Learn more: https://www.ets.org/ )
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Offers computer-delivered and paper-based options. (Learn more: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/ )

C. Planning Exam Timelines for Multiple Admissions Requirements:

Creating a successful application often requires managing multiple exams simultaneously. Here’s how you can plan your exam schedules strategically to meet the demands of various programs: 1. Begin with Application Deadlines: Determine your exam schedules by starting from the application deadlines and working backwards. This way, you can ensure you have enough time to prepare. 2. Include Extra Time: When scheduling your test dates and applications, factor in additional time to account for any unexpected delays. 3. Prioritize: Concentrate on preparing for one exam at a time. This approach can lead to better results.

XVII. Conclusion

As we set our sights on the horizon of 2024, it is essential that we expect changes and embrace them as shining opportunities for our own personal and professional development. Keenly stay informed, adjust your strategies as necessary, and approach your preparation with the readiness to bend but not break – that is the spirit of resilience.

Remember, beyond the scope of imminent exams and assessments, realize that your journey in academia and beyond does not end here. Your path is an ongoing course, bountiful with chances for self-discovery, learning, and continuous improvement. Always hold on to that fact. As you navigate through life’s challenges and successes, may your journey be filled with growth opportunities that pave the way for you in both personal and professional realms.

In conclusion, here’s wishing you nothing but the very best in your GMAT endeavors. Stay hopeful and keep pushing, for your hard work will not go unnoticed. May your consistent efforts yield triumphant outcomes and open the doors to an array of exciting academic opportunities and fulfilling professional pursuits. Your potential is limitless, and this is just the beginning.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to essay writing.

Essay writing is a crucial skill that students need to master in order to succeed academically. Whether you’re a high school student working on a history paper or a college student tackling a critical analysis essay, having a solid understanding of the essay writing process is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tips and tricks that will help you improve your essay writing skills. From generating ideas and organizing your thoughts to crafting a strong thesis statement and polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

Not only that, but we’ll also provide you with useful templates that you can use as a framework for your essays. These templates will help you structure your writing, stay focused on your main argument, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

The Ultimate Essay Writing Guides

Essay writing can be a challenging task for many students, but with the right guidance and tips, you can improve your writing skills and produce high-quality essays. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with valuable advice, tricks, and templates to help you excel in your essay writing endeavors.

1. Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you fully understand the prompt or question. Analyze the requirements and key points that need to be addressed in your essay.

2. Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and thoughts by creating a detailed outline for your essay. This will help you structure your arguments and ensure a logical flow of information.

3. Research Thoroughly: Conduct extensive research on your topic to gather relevant information and evidence to support your arguments. Use credible sources and cite them properly in your essay.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely: Avoid using jargon or complex language in your essay. Write in a clear and concise manner to convey your ideas effectively to the reader.

5. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your essay flows cohesively.

By following these ultimate essay writing guides, you can enhance your writing skills and produce outstanding essays that will impress your instructors and peers. Practice regularly and seek feedback to continuously improve your writing abilities.

Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay

1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor.

2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments. Make sure to cite your sources properly and use credible sources.

3. Create a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly outline the main point of your essay and guide your readers on what to expect.

4. Organize Your Ideas: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas in your essay.

5. Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences. Be direct and to the point.

6. Revise and Edit: Always proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Revise your work to ensure coherence and clarity.

7. Seek Feedback: Ask a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

8. Use Proper Formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

9. Stay Focused: Keep your essay focused on the main topic and avoid going off on tangents. Stick to your thesis statement.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice writing essays, the better you will get at it. Keep practicing and refining your writing skills.

Tricks to Improve Your Writing Skills

Improving your writing skills can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some tricks to help you become a better writer:

1. Read widely: Reading a variety of genres and styles can help you develop your own voice and writing style.

2. Practice regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing.

3. Get feedback: Share your writing with others and ask for constructive criticism. Feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.

4. Study grammar and punctuation: Good writing requires a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Take the time to study and practice these essential skills.

5. Edit and revise: Writing is a process, and editing is an important part of that process. Take the time to edit and revise your work to improve clarity and coherence.

6. Experiment with different writing techniques: Try experimenting with different writing techniques, such as using metaphors, similes, or descriptive language, to enhance your writing.

7. Stay inspired: Find inspiration in the world around you. Whether it’s nature, art, or literature, draw inspiration from your surroundings to fuel your writing.

By following these tricks and practicing regularly, you can improve your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer.

Step-by-Step Essay Writing Templates

When it comes to writing an essay, having a clear and structured template can be incredibly helpful. Here are some step-by-step essay writing templates that you can use to guide you through the process:

• Introduction: Start your essay with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and end with a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, provide evidence to support your point, and then analyze the evidence to show how it relates back to your thesis.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on tying together all the points you have made throughout the essay.

Expert Advice for Writing Top-Notch Essays

When it comes to writing a top-notch essay, it’s essential to follow expert advice to ensure your work stands out. Here are some key tips to help you elevate your writing:

1. Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines your main argument.

2. Conduct thorough research to support your points with credible sources.

3. Organize your thoughts logically and ensure your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to keep your writing engaging.

5. Proofread and edit your essay carefully to eliminate errors and refine your arguments.

By following these expert tips, you can take your essay writing skills to the next level and produce work that is both informative and compelling.

Resources to Enhance Your Essay Writing Process

When it comes to improving your essay writing skills, there are a variety of resources available to help you enhance your process. Here are some valuable resources that can aid you in becoming a more effective and efficient writer:

• Writing Guides: There are countless writing guides and books that offer tips, tricks, and strategies for improving your writing skills. Whether you’re looking to enhance your grammar, structure, or argumentation, these guides can provide valuable insights.
• Online Writing Communities: Joining online writing communities can be a great way to connect with other writers, receive feedback on your work, and engage in writing challenges and prompts. Websites like Writing.com and Wattpad are popular platforms for writers to share their work and receive critiques.
• Writing Workshops and Courses: Participating in writing workshops and courses can help you hone your craft and develop your writing skills. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or online courses, there are many options available to suit your needs and schedule.
• Writing Apps and Tools: Utilizing writing apps and tools can streamline your writing process and help you stay organized. Tools like Grammarly can assist with grammar and spelling checks, while apps like Scrivener can help you organize your research and ideas.
• Libraries and Writing Centers: Visiting your local library or university writing center can provide access to valuable resources, such as writing guides, research materials, and writing tutors who can offer personalized feedback and support.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your essay writing process and become a more skilled and confident writer.

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GMAT Prep Online Guides and Tips

The 11 best gmat reading comprehension strategies.

The reading comprehension part of the GMAT Verbal section can be intimidating at first. You have to glean key ideas and information from dense, jargon-filled passages, which probably don’t resemble the kinds of articles you read for fun.

Luckily, whether you love these kinds of passage-based questions or they fill your heart with dread, there are a number of tried-and-true strategies that you can use to improve your score. In this post, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to ace GMAT reading comprehension —including how to approach the passages overall, how to attack the questions, and how to pace yourself so that you spend just the right amount of time on them.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Overview

You always have 36 questions in total on the GMAT Verbal Section. Of those, you’ll encounter about three or four reading comprehension passages, each with three to four multiple-choice questions associated with it. So that makes for 9-16 reading comprehension questions, or roughly one-third of the GMAT Verbal section devoted to reading comprehension.

Within that, there will usually be three “short” passages of 200-250 words with three questions, and one “long” passage of 300-350 words with four questions. Occasionally, you might get two of each. The passages are sourced from textbooks, journals, periodicals, scholarly articles and the like, and they center on topics from the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and the business world. Note that no outside knowledge is expected in any of these domains —all the information you will need to answer the questions is in the passages themselves.

The GMAT uses a split-screen presentation for reading comprehension questions: the passage is presented in its entirety on the left side of the screen, while the questions associated with it are presented one-by-one on the right side. This means that you can always see the passage, but you can only see one question at a time.  Plus, as with every other section and question type on the GMAT, you cannot go back to the previous question —your answer, once you click “next,” is final.

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The reading comprehension questions on the GMAT are designed to test your ability to “understand, analyze, and apply information and concepts presented in written form”. Within this, you’ll need to:

• Understand words and statements
• Identify logical relationships between ideas and concepts
• Draw inferences
• Point out flaws in assumption and reasoning
• Understand and follow quant concepts as presented in writing

The GMAT uses a few distinct question styles to test these different skills, all of which we discuss in the next section!

GMAT Reading Comprehension Question Types

Reading comprehension questions on the GMAT focus on your ability to understand the given passage on either a micro/”little picture” level or macro/”big picture” level. Accordingly, all the reading comprehension questions you’ll encounter on the GMAT will fall into one of the following categories.

Main idea questions ask you to summarize the passage as a whole or to identify the author’s overall purpose  in writing the passage. You might see questions asking you to pick out the “central” or “main” idea or asking you what the author was “primarily concerned with.”

Often, the answer choices given don’t use exactly the same language as the passage itself: they want to see that you really understand the main idea, as evidenced by being able to recognize it even when it’s phrased differently. They especially want to see that you can recognize the macro-organization of a passage and not get derailed by details or sub-topics.

Supporting Ideas and Details

Conversely, details questions do ask you to identify facts, details, descriptions or sub-topics . The details they ask about will always be explicitly stated , and sometimes the relevant part(s) of the passage will be highlighted to make it easier for you to find it. Thus, they’re often the easiest (or at least the most face-value) questions in a given set. They begin with phrases like “According to the passage” and “the passage states that.”

Inference questions, on the other hand, ask you to identify what is implied by the author but not explicitly stated. Rather than “the passage states that,” these kinds of questions will begin with something like “the passage suggests that,” so you immediately know that you’ll need to connect the dots yourself. Nevertheless, the correct answer is always supported by the passage .

Out-of-Context

Out-of-context questions ask you to apply information from the passage to a different context . They often ask you to identify a parallel situation or analogous example. You’ll also see out-of-context questions asking whether the author would agree or disagree with something. Unlike inference questions, out-of-context questions use ideas or situations that aren’t from the passage.

Logical Structure and Organization

Logical structure questions center on function . Sometimes you’ll be asked to assess how a passage is constructed (does it define an idea, compare and contrast, refute an idea, etc.); other times you’ll be asked to recognize underlying assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of the passage’s argument—as well as potential counterarguments.

Also falling under this category are questions that ask how the author persuades the reader —as opposed to what the author is persuading the reader of (which is more of a main idea question).

Style and Tone

Style and tone questions ask you about the author’s expression of ideas through diction, or word choice . You may have to deduce the author’s attitude toward a specific idea he/she brings up or identify the tone of the passage as a whole. Words like “critical” and “enthusiastic” often appear in the answer options for these kinds of questions.

Should You Read the Passage or Question First?

Now that you’re familiar with the kinds of passages and questions that you’ll see, let’s talk about the order in which you should approach them.

The first option is to read the entire passage first, then attack each question. The second option is to read the first question first—just the question, not the answer choices—to get an initial idea of what you’re looking for before you start reading the passage. Feel free to practice both ways to see which one works best for you.

Ultimately, though, I recommend reading the passage first .

Why? Because you’re only able to see one question at a time on the GMAT. You might be able to skim the passage with that first question in mind and get to the right answer, but then the next question could be on a completely different facet of the passage, and you’ll be ill-prepared to answer it. Moreover, even a question that seems to be specific to one detail probably requires a holistic understanding of the passage in order to answer it correctly.

How to Approach the Passages: 7 GMAT Reading Comprehension Strategies

Nest up, let’s go over the best GMAT reading comprehension strategies for attacking the passages . After that, we’ll talk about the best GMAT reading comprehension tips for answering the questions, and then we’ll put all of this into action on a few of the real, official GMAT sample questions.

Practice Pacing Yourself

The Verbal section gives you 65 minutes for 36 questions, or a little under two minutes per question. But reading comprehension questions are going to take a bit longer than the critical reasoning questions, and significantly longer than the sentence correction questions. You should budget enough time to  read these passages carefully —rather than skimming—in order to absorb all the important ideas and details.

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That said, you don’t want to spend a ton of time decoding each word or sentence. If you really don’t “get” a sentence, don’t read over it more than twice , because you’ll lose a feel for the passage as a whole—you can come back to it if you need to for a specific question.

Plan your time accordingly: A good rule of thumb is to spend six minutes on a short passage with three questions, and eight minutes on a long passage with four questions . Two to three minutes should be spent on the initial reading, and the rest should be spent on the questions (including time to refer back to the passage as needed).

While you’re doing practice questions, consistently set a timer to get used to the recommended pace. This way, you can get timing down to an instinct before you take the real GMAT.

Watch for Transition Words and Phrases

Transition words track the relationship among ideas—as well as among the bits of reasoning and evidence that support or negate them. There are five main categories of transition words that you should know and recognize for the GMAT:

• Cause-and-effect : words like “consequently,” “because,” and “thus” and phrases like “as a result.”
• Agreeing/further expounding upon the same argument : words like “similarly” and “furthermore” and phrases like “in addition.”
• Adding evidence : phrases like “for instance” and “in fact.”
• Contrast or opposition : words like “yet,” “however,” and “nevertheless” and phrases like “on the other hand” or “in reality.”
• Conclusion : Phrases like “all in all” and “in essence,” which indicate that the author is about to sum up or conclude their point. “Thus” can sometimes be used as a conclusion word as well.

Paying close attention to these words will help you follow the logical progression of a passage as you’re reading. Unless the passage actually centers on defining a concept, understanding the relationship among ideas and the author’s train of thought as the passage goes on is more important than doing a deep dive into what the ideas actually mean.

This is especially true if a passage is heavy in jargon (like natural science ones often are): the GMAT doesn’t care if you understand what “suprachiasmatic nuclei” is. They care that you can understand the role it plays in the passage’s main idea or thesis.

Abbreviate Jargon

Along these lines, you should abbreviate jargon and technical terms in your mind as you read. Any time you see a long technical term, a Latinate scientific name, or something similar, you should mentally shorten it to the first syllable. If it’s more than one word, abbreviate it into its initials. Either way, let your eyes gloss over the rest of the letters.

Many questions will abbreviate these terms anyway. For example, you might see something like “SN” in reference to “suprachiasmatic nuclei” in questions or answer options.

In general, you can think of jargon as a decoy : it’s there to distract you from tracking the logical progression of the passage and the point the author’s trying to make. Don’t fall into this trap!

Make a Mental Summary

GMAT reading comprehension passages often follow a typical structure: the main claim or point will be at the beginning, the next paragraph elaborates, and the next concludes. Even for ones that deviate slightly from this outline, you should still try to  identify the main point as soon as possible —and then read each paragraph with an eye for how it builds or relates to the main point.  After every paragraph, stop and take a moment to distill the “key idea” of the paragraph and fit it into your mental summary of what you’re reading. If the passage doesn’t have separate paragraphs, stop after every couple of sentences or right before a transition word.

Your mental summary should contain two parts: what and why .

• What : What’s being said?
• Why : Is the author trying to convince us of something or just laying out information? What’s the point of each paragraph, and why organize them that way?

One great trick is to  simplify your summary as if you have to explain the passage to a little kid . This will help you distill complex passages down into their most straightforward, absorbable message.

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Watch Out for Multiple Viewpoints

Sometimes a passage will contain multiple viewpoints—the viewpoint of the author and a viewpoint he/she disagrees with, multiple disparate viewpoints that the author is trying to mediate, etc. Take note of this: there will almost certainly be a question or two that tests your ability to distinguish, compare, or apply the different viewpoints presented . So these viewpoints should be a part of your mental summary: if they’re there, they’re there for a reason.

Find a Reason to Be Interested

It may seem counterintuitive, but to some extent, you really can choose whether or not you care about what you’re reading.

For example, let’s say you’re learning about bird migration patterns. Think about how cool it is that birds migrate in the first place. How amazing is it that they’re just born with the knowledge to fly thousands of miles south in the winter, and then back when it gets warm again up north? That’s so cool! Of course scientists want to understand how this works—and you do, too!

Okay, so I’m at risk of getting a little hokey here. But the point stands: find a way to engage with the passage. Find a way that it relates to the kind of knowledge that you might seek out in your own time. You’re more likely to absorb the passage well if you’re interested in what you’re reading.

Most people think that the scratch board  you’re given while taking the GMAT is just for the Quant section. This isn’t necessarily true: if there’s a single use case for it on the Verbal section, it’s reading comprehension. You don’t want to waste time writing down every detail, but on a passage-as-a-whole level, it can save time in the long run to jot down your mental summary as you read.  You should then use your notes to help guide you on the questions.

Taking these kinds of notes is a good idea for most if not all students, but if you’re resistant to it, here are what I consider to be the three biggest use cases for taking notes:

• You’re the kind of reader who finds it helpful to annotate the books you read for class.
• In practice questions, you find that you’re consistently having a hard time answering “big picture” (main idea, inference, out-of-context, logical structure) questions.
• Your eyeballs start to gloss over what you’re reading, and/or you find you have to read the passage multiple times to “get it.”

Of course, no one strategy works for every single student. Ultimately, you should practice both taking and not taking notes for the passages, and see which way works best for you.

Don’t Do This: Speed-Read or Skim

It bears repeating: GMAT reading comprehension questions require a thorough understanding of the passage . While you can (and should) simplify jargon in your mind as you read, you shouldn’t rush through the passage or just read the first and last sentence of every paragraph.

For one thing, you can’t see what you’re going to be asked beyond the very first question, which makes it hard to read predictively. You might unintentionally gloss over parts of the passage that will be important for a coming question. Moreover, as we just mentioned, the “next-level” questions (such as inference and out-of-context questions) will require a holistic, in-depth understanding of both the main idea and important details and how they interrelate. Overall, s kimming and speed-reading can leave you poorly prepared for whatever lies ahead .

The Single Most Important Takeaway

Above all, the most important strategy for approaching the passages is to always read with the “main claim” or “main idea” in mind. Whether the author is making an argument or simply laying out information, there will always be a main idea that governs the passage’s content and organization.

4 GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips for Answering the Questions

Now that we’ve discussed how to approach reading the passages, let’s get into how to attack Reading Comprehension GMAT questions themselves.

#1: Make Sure You Answer the Question Being Asked

This may seem obvious, but the GMAT loves to give you answer options that are factually correct given the information in the passage but which don’t actually answer the question being asked. For example, if the question is asking you to identify an “assumption” behind a particular statement, the answer isn’t going to be something explicitly laid out in the passage. Likewise, if you’re being asked to identify a “main idea,” it’s not going to be a piece of supporting evidence.

#2: Stick to What You Can Prove With the Passage

Don’t bring in outside knowledge, even if you’re familiar with the topic being discussed. The “right” answer should always be 100% supportable by the passage alone .

#3: Read All the Answer Choices and Use Process of Elimination

Getting rid of wrong answers is an integral part of the process of getting to the right answer. Even if you’re absolutely 100% sure of your chosen answer, you should always take the time to briefly check the other options and make sure you can discount them before moving on.

This is also a good strategy for when you’re stuck between answer options: focus on disproving each one, and then go with the answer option that is hardest to disprove . It’s almost always easier to weed out the wrong answers than it is to find the right one.

#4: Familiarize Yourself with Incorrect Answer Types

In your test prep, don’t just find the right answer and move on: practice asking yourself why the other answer options are incorrect. You’ll start to see patterns in the wrong answers that are given, including:

• Too broad : In main idea questions especially, you’ll need to watch out for answer options that take the main idea of the passage just a little bit too far. Sometimes this can hinge on a single word: something like “all,” “never,” or “every” that makes it too extreme of a statement given what’s in the passage.
• Too narrow : A cousin of “too broad,” the “too narrow” answer options might get at a specific detail but not the main idea, making them incorrect answers for a main idea question.
• Reversed causal or temporal relationship : Some answer options will “flip” a relationship. They’ll say that B caused A when the passage really states that A caused B, or they’ll say something came first in the process when it really came later on.
• Not supported by the passage : The easiest to eliminate, these answer options bring in information or ideas that weren’t mentioned at all in the passage.
• Supported by the passage but doesn’t answer the question being asked:  As we said above, this is a very common wrong answer type, which is why it’s so important to make sure you fully understand what the question is asking before picking an answer. “Too narrow” falls into this broader category, but there are other kinds of decoy answer options that come up as well: options that are too much of an inference for a details question, options that are too explicit for an inference question, and so on.

Finally, let’s see these GMAT reading comprehension strategies in action with some sample questions.

Reading Comprehension GMAT Examples

Check out out GMAT reading comprehension tips in action on the passage and questions below.

A meteor stream is composed of dust particles that have been ejected from a parent comet at a variety of velocities. These particles follow the same orbit as the parent comet, but due to their differing velocities they slowly gain on or fall behind the disintegrating comet until a shroud of dust surrounds the entire cometary orbit. Astronomers have hypothesized that a meteor stream should broaden with time as the dust particles’ individual orbits are perturbed by planetary gravitational fields. A recent computer-modeling experiment tested this hypothesis by tracking the influence of planetary gravitation over a projected 5,000-year period on the positions of a group of hypothetical dust particles. In the model, the particles were randomly distributed throughout a computer simulation of the orbit of an actual meteor stream, the Geminid. The researcher found, as expected, that the computer-model stream broadened with time. Conventional theories, however, predicted that the distribution of particles would be increasingly dense toward the center of a meteor stream. Surprisingly, the computer-model meteor stream gradually came to resemble a thick-walled, hollow pipe.

Whenever the Earth passes through a meteor stream, a meteor shower occurs. Moving at a little over 1,500,000 miles per day around its orbit, the Earth would take, on average, just over a day to cross the hollow, computer-model Geminid stream if the stream were 5,000 years old. Two brief periods of peak meteor activity during the shower would be observed, one as the Earth entered the thick-walled “pipe” and one as it exited. There is no reason why the Earth should always pass through the stream’s exact center, so the time interval between the two bursts of activity would vary from one year to the next.

Has the predicted twin-peaked activity been observed for the actual yearly Geminid meteor shower? The Geminid data between 1970 and 1979 shows just such a bifurcation, a secondary burst of meteor activity being clearly visible at an average of 19 hours (1,200,000 miles) after the first burst. The time intervals between the bursts suggest the actual Geminid stream is about 3,000 years old.

Passage Summary

Before I get into the questions, I’ll take a moment to summarize the passage:

• Contrasts with conventional theories, which predicted broad, but centrally dense (not hollow)
• Data from real Geminid meteor shower supports hollow shape theory: two bursts of showering when earth entered and exited the pipe

Note how I drilled the passage down to just the key ideas—this is more or less what your own notes and/or mental summary should look like for this passage.

Which of the following is an assumption underlying the last sentence of the passage?

(A) In each of the years between 1970 and 1979, the Earth took exactly 19 hours to cross the Geminid meteor stream.

(B) The comet associated with the Geminid meteor stream has totally disintegrated.

(C) The Geminid meteor stream should continue to exist for at least 5,000 years.

(D) The Geminid meteor stream has not broadened as rapidly as the conventional theories would have predicted.

(E) The computer-model Geminid meteor stream provides an accurate representation of the development of the actual Geminid stream.

First, let’s look at the question and nail down exactly what it’s asking of us . This is a logical structure question, which we know because it’s asking us to identify an assumption underlying a statement in the passage. It has kindly directed us specifically to the last sentence: “The time intervals between the bursts suggest the actual Geminid stream is about 3,000 years old.”

Clearly, you can’t answer this question by reading the last sentence by itself —or even the last paragraph. You need to understand the context (what the author’s argument is) in order to correctly identify the implicit assumption at work here.

It’s hard to predict what exactly they’re looking for in this question, as there are many potential assumptions underlying that last sentence. So it doesn’t make sense in this particular question to try to come up with your own answer first. Let’s go straight to the answer choices instead:

(A) is a classic “supported by the passage but doesn’t answer the question” option. It restates something said explicitly in the passage, and it has to do with data that was discovered—not an underlying “assumption.” Eliminate it.

(B) brings in information that isn’t  supported by the passage: we are never told about the state of the meteor, and even if we were, it wouldn’t seem to have any bearing on using time intervals between meteor shower bursts to measure the age of the stream. Eliminate it.

(C) takes a number that was brought up a few times—5,000 years—and misapplies it. 5,000 years was the projected period for the computer modeling experiment, not a prediction of how long a real comet stream “should” exist. Eliminate it.

(D) tests your understanding of how multiple theories compare and contrast in this passage. The conventional theory is that meteor streams will broaden and become denser at the center. The new experimental finding is that meteor streams will broaden and become a hollow, thick-walled pipe. Both of them agree on the broadening, just not on the specific shape. Thus, (D) intentionally misinterprets the experimental finding. Eliminate it.

(E) gives us some food for thought. The passage does imply —but never explicitly states—that the data from the real Geminid meteor showers supports the computer model’s findings. The computer model had predicted that if the stream were 5,000 years old, it would take earth 24 hours to pass through. It actually took earth 19 hours to pass through, which—according to the computer model—makes the stream about 3,000 years old.

“According to the computer model” is never stated; it’s exactly the assumption underlying the application of an age to the actual meteor stream. As in, the author has taken the meteor shower data as “proof” of the computer model’s validity, and then turned around and used the computer model to date the real thing. So (E) is correct.

According to the passage, why do the dust particles in a meteor stream eventually surround a comet’s original orbit?

(A) They are ejected by the comet at differing velocities.

(B) Their orbits are uncontrolled by planetary gravitational fields.

(C) They become part of the meteor stream at different times.

(D) Their velocity slows over time.

(E) Their ejection velocity is slower than that of the comet.

First, as always, let’s think about what the question is asking. It’s a  details question, so we’ll have to find something explicitly stated in the passage.

Now, take a look at the answer options: they deal with words like “velocity,” “time,” and “gravity.” Where in the passage did they talk about these things? It was in the first paragraph. Let’s refer back to it, since the explanation of the physics of meteor dust was a bit tricky.

The passage states: “A meteor stream is composed of dust particles that have been ejected from a parent comet at a variety of velocities. These particles follow the same orbit as the parent comet, but due to their differing velocities they slowly gain on or fall behind the disintegrating comet until a shroud of dust surrounds the entire cometary orbit.”

“ Due to their differing velocities ”—or, in simpler words, traveling at initial speeds that differ from each other—is the key here. Because they break off from the comet at different speeds, they gain ahead or fall behind it differently, ultimately landing in a variety of orbital positions and forming a kind of cloud. Choice (A) nails it, but we should still make sure we can eliminate the other options.

(B) directly opposes what’s stated in the passage: they are “perturbed” by planetary gravitational fields eventually.

(C) is a misinterpretation of the text—we’re dealing with velocity, not time.

(D) does get at the fact that the differing velocities don’t continue on forever, as the particles do “slowly gain or fall behind” the comet itself, but it doesn’t answer  why the particles form a shroud around the comet, so it doesn’t answer the question being asked .

(E) brings in information never stated in the passage. All we know for certain is that the ejection velocities of the particles differ from each other , not the comet itself. Plus, some of the particles do “gain on” the comet, which implies that they’re traveling faster than the comet itself. So this answer option is at best speculative and at worst contrary.

We can safely stick with (A), the correct answer.

It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following would most probably be observed during the Earth’s passage through a meteor stream if the conventional theories mentioned in line 18 were correct?

(A) Meteor activity would gradually increase to a single, intense peak, and then gradually decline.

(B) Meteor activity would be steady throughout the period of the meteor shower.

(C) Meteor activity would rise to a peak at the beginning and at the end of the meteor shower.

(D) Random bursts of very high meteor activity would be interspersed with periods of very little activity.

(E) In years in which the Earth passed through only the outer areas of a meteor stream, meteor activity would be absent.

This is clearly an inference question. The author is asking us to hypothesize about what would happen if the conventional theories were true as opposed to the experimentally proven one. It’s not an out-of-context question, as it’s asking us about a situation within the passage, not outside of it.

So, given that the passage gives us the answer for the new theory, can we extrapolate from that what would happen for the conventional theory? First, we have to identify what the conventional theory really is. Here’s where that passage summary really comes in handy: We have distilled that the computer model (and ultimately supported) theory is the ‘hollow pipe’ theory, and that the conventional theory is the ‘centrally dense’ theory. If bursts happen when earth enters and exits the walls of the pipe, what would happen if earth passed through a centrally dense formation?

(A) makes perfect sense. The showers would gradually increase to a peak at the center, and then decrease again. All of the other answer options point to a different shape: (B) implies that the stream is uniform throughout; (C) reverses the pattern, matching more closely to the hollow “walls” theory than to the conventional theory; (D) implies a random shape; and (E) implies that there are no particles at all in the outer regions, rather than just a less-dense clustering of them.

GMAT Reading Comprehension: Key Takeaways

TL; DR? You’ll encounter roughly 9 to 16 reading comprehension questions on the GMAT. While the questions vary, they all essentially test your ability to understand an argument or identify the important ideas and information from a given passage. You should:

• Read the passage  carefully.
• Look out for the main idea / main viewpoint , and for the interrelationship among sub-concepts/other viewpoints.
• Pay special attention to  transition words , but gloss over jargon.
• Make a written or mental  summary as you read.
• Attack the questions by using your summary and eliminating wrong answers strategically.

No matter what, the most important thing is to nail down the best mix of the above strategies and tactics for you well   before you take the real GMAT. Don’t deviate from your plan on test day: sticking to the tried-and-true approaches will ensure that you do your best.

What’s Next?

Now that you’re an expert on reading comprehension GMAT questions, check out these similar posts on the best strategies for sentence correction questions and critical reasoning questions. (coming soon)

Wondering about the best way to study for the GMAT? Check out these tips for designing your GMAT study plan. (coming soon)

Other than reading comprehension, are you familiar with the format and question types on the rest of the GMAT?   Our guide to the full GMAT exam pattern has samples of each and every question type.

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, read through our guide to the best 28 GMAT practice tests to help you prepare for the exam . Good luck!

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Author: Jess Hendel

Jess Hendel is a Brooklyn-based academic advisor, test prep tutor, and content writer for PrepScholar. A graduate of Amherst College, she has several years of experience writing content and designing curricula for the top e-learning organizations. She is passionate about leveraging new media and technology to help students around the world achieve their potential. View all posts by Jess Hendel