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Thursday, September 3, 2009
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Analytical writing
Managing Your Time
You will have 30 minutes for each section. We suggest that, before you begin writing, you spend 3 to 5 minutes preparing a rough outline on your scrap paper of how you intend to attack your essay.
You should spend the next 20 to 22 minutes actually writing the essay, leaving yourself 5 minutes for proof-reading
Try to finish writing the essay when there are 5 minutes remaining on the GMAT CAT's clock. Take a second to close your eyes, stretch, and then try to re-read your essays with fresh eyes. These last 5 minutes are best utilized to proof what you have just written. Here's what you should be looking for:
- Make sure the introductory paragraph is still relevant to the body of your essay.
- Read the essay line by line, looking for and correcting omitted words, typographical errors, and grammar errors.
- Make sure your thoughts come across clearly.
- Check for use of appropriate transition words.
- Do not, however, attempt to begin a drastic overhaul of your essay.
Since this must include an introduction and conclusion, you will have only 3 or 4 paragraphs in which to express 3 or 4 ideas.
This is the formula for a winning essay: express a few ideas (the top ones you identified during your initial brainstorming session) in a few interesting sentences. Keep the essay structure simple.
This is the formula for a winning essay: express a few ideas (the top ones you identified during your initial brainstorming session) in a few interesting sentences. Keep the essay structure simple. Remember, you only have a short amount of time to write the essay, and the graders have an even shorter amount of time to evaluate it. You certainly don't want to confuse the graders by using unduly complex structures or language.
Use transition words generously. Phrases like "for example", "consequently", or "first, second, ... lastly" will help the reader follow your essay's structure more easily. Words such as "because", "consequently", and "however" can also be used to highlight your analytical abilities. In addition, these words are so succinct that it is difficult even for a time-pressed grader to miss them
Be specific. One of the key criteria graders look for is your ability to present ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively
Do not use big words just for the sake of using them. Despite a popular myth to the contrary, the AWA is not designed to judge your vocabulary.
Grammar is important. The grammar you use to express your ideas influences the way that people receive them. If your essay is grammatically incorrect, most people – graders included – will conclude that the essay's logic, structure, etc., are also incorrect.
Vary the length of your sentences. This will make your essay easier for the grader to read. It also signals that you are a smart and effective writer.
The Analysis of an Argument Essay
You will be given a one-paragraph argument to critique. You are not asked to present or discuss your own opinion on the subject. Instead, you are supposed to find fault with the argument's reasoning.
Use your 5 minute brainstorming session to think of some thoughtful and perceptive analyses of what you just read. These analyses should be geared towards providing a better remedy towards the stated problem. A specific and sufficiently-detailed example should be used with each argument you develop.
The Analysis of an Issues Essay
You will be given a one-paragraph text discussing the pros and cons of some issue. You will be asked to select the position with which you agree. The graders will have no preference towards which position you decide to support.
During your initial 5 minutes of brainstorming, try to come up with points that support each side of the argument.
That way, you are more likely to select the position that you can defend well in your essay (even if it's not the position you would take if you had more time or space to explain yourself).
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