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GMAT AWA Topics – Sample Prompts

Before you start.

Remember that the AWA is testing your ability to effectively critique an argument being presented. There will be some common fallacies used in the prompts that you will need to address. Familiarize yourself with these flawed arguments so that you can quickly identify them as you write your essay:

Inappropriate Comparisons – comparing two things which are not necessarily similar, thus leading to a flawed conclusion. You will notice that in an inappropriate comparison, the argument will only note the similarities between two things with no explanation of why the differences do not change the outcome.

Example: "Dogs are highly motivated by food, which is a useful tool for training. Using this same method, you can help to encourage your children to repeat positive behaviors." This argument does not address early childhood development, nor does it address dog psychology – the person assumes that if a solution worked in one situation, it will work in the other.

Vague Language – using words such as "many", "few", "some", "more", or "less" without further qualification is often too vague to make a cogent point.

Example: "In Chicago, more people voted to add bike lanes than people did in Aurora, so it is clear that the citizens in Chicago are more pro-bike than the citizens in Aurora." This argument does not explain what 'more' means. Is it by percentage? Does it refer to raw number of votes, and if so, does it take into account the number of voters in Chicago vs. the number of voters in Aurora?

Correlation vs Causation – this common fallacy asserts that because something occurred, it must be a consequence of some specific variable observed before the result.

Example: "Students in Neighborhood A have higher test scores on average that students in Neighborhood B. Therefore, it is clear that the schools in Neighborhood A are better than the schools in Neighborhood B." This argument is flawed because it assumes the only meaningful variable in test scores was the school the children attend. This argument does not consider other various factors, such as poverty, school resources, home situations, and the parents' abilility to supplement educational opportunities, etc.

Sampling Issues – a case in which statistics are used inappropriately to compare unlike populations or to draw broad conclusions using a small sample.

Example: "56% of the reviews of Company A are negative, which shows that most customers are very unhappy with the service provided." The problem with this argument is that it does not address the percentage of overall customers who have written reviews. How do we know that this is representative of all customers vs. those who are upset about an issue and take the time to write a review?

Now that you have reviewed some common flawed arguments you may encounter, it is time to get started practicing!

Sample Prompt 1

The following appeared in the health section of a magazine on trends and lifestyles:

"People who use the artificial sweetener aspartame are better off consuming sugar, since aspartame can actually contribute to weight gain rather than weight loss. For example, high levels of aspartame have been shown to trigger a craving for food by depleting the brain of a chemical that registers satiety, or the sense of being full. Furthermore, studies suggest that sugars, if consumed after at least 45 minutes of continuous exercise, actually enhance the body’s ability to burn fat. Consequently, those who drink aspartame-sweetened juices after exercise will also lose this calorie-burning benefit. Thus, it appears that people consuming aspartame rather than sugar are unlikely to achieve their dietary goals."

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.

Sample Prompt 2

The following appeared in the opinion column of a financial magazine:

"On average, middle-aged consumers devote 39 percent of their retail expenditure to department store products and services, while for younger consumers the average is only 25 percent. Since the number of middle-aged people will increase dramatically within the next decade, department stores can expect retail sales to increase significantly during that period. Furthermore, to take advantage of the trend, these stores should begin to replace some of those products intended to attract the younger consumer with products intended to attract the middle-aged consumer."

Sample Prompt 3

The following appeared as part of an editorial in an industry newsletter:

"While trucking companies that deliver goods pay only a portion of highway maintenance costs and no property tax on the highways they use, railways spend billions per year maintaining and upgrading their facilities. The government should lower the railroad companies’ property taxes, since sending goods by rail is clearly a more appropriate mode of ground transportation than highway shipping. For one thing, trains consume only a third of the fuel a truck would use to carry the same load, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally sound mode of transport. Furthermore, since rail lines already exist, increases in rail traffic would not require building new lines at the expense of taxpaying citizens."

Sample Prompt 4

The following was excerpted from the speech of a spokesperson for Synthetic Farm Products, Inc.:

"Many farmers who invested in the equipment needed to make the switch from synthetic to organic fertilizers and pesticides feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point. But studies of farmers who switched to organic farming last year indicate that their current crop yields are lower. Hence their purchase of organic farming equipment, a relatively minor investment compared to the losses that would result from continued lower crop yields, cannot justify persisting on an unwise course. And the choice to farm organically is financially unwise, given that it was motivated by environmental rather than economic concerns."

Sample Prompt 5

The following is part of a business plan created by the management of the Megamart grocery store:

"Our total sales have increased this year by 20 percent since we added a pharmacy section to our grocery store. Clearly, the customer’s main concern is the convenience afforded by one-stop shopping. The surest way to increase our profits over the next couple of years, therefore, is to add a clothing department along with an automotive supplies and repair shop. We should also plan to continue adding new departments and services, such as a restaurant and a garden shop, in subsequent years. Being the only store in the area that offers such a range of services will give us a competitive advantage over other local stores."

GMAT AWA Writing Tips: 5 Steps for a 6.0 Score

Last Updated on May 12, 2023

GMAT test-takers tend to get a bit nervous about the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) because preparing for it doesn’t seem quite as straightforward as preparing for GMAT Quant or Verbal. Is it even possible to “study” how to write a high-scoring essay on an unknown topic with 30 minutes on the clock?

In truth, there is a formula to performing well on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment, and you don’t have to be Ralph Waldo Emerson to earn an enviable AWA score. In this article, I’ll give you 5 essential GMAT writing tips for scoring well on the Analytical Writing Assessment, including a 5-paragraph structure that will allow you to tackle any GMAT AWA question that gets thrown your way.

First things first, let’s review what exactly the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is and how it’s scored.

What Is the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment?

How is the analytical writing assessment scored, how do i interpret my awa score, paragraph 1: intro, paragraphs 2-4: supporting points, paragraph 5: conclusion, tip #2: include transition words, tip #3: don’t neglect the basics, tip #4: don’t expect time to revise, tip #5: practice formulating supporting points.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a 30-minute section of the in-person GMAT that consists of one essay task, an “analysis of an argument.” Depending on what section order you choose for your exam, you’ll complete the AWA section either first or last when you sit for your GMAT. If you choose the default section order, the AWA section will appear first. If you choose to complete either the Quant or Verbal section first, the AWA section will appear last.

In AWA, an argument is presented to you that you must critique in an essay that can be any length. Your job is to analyze the argument’s reasoning, point out flaws and assumptions in the argument, and assess how evidence is used to support the argument’s conclusion, all while logically organizing and clearly communicating your ideas. AWA questions typically focus on business-related topics and are presented in the form of an excerpt from a hypothetical magazine or newspaper article, editorial, company memo or report, corporate or organization newsletter, or business plan, to name a few examples. The given argument in an AWA question is always accompanied by the following instructional statement:

“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.”

Generally speaking, your AWA essay is evaluated on the basis of the overall strength of your analysis of the given argument, the relevancy of the points you make, how your essay is organized, and the effectiveness with which you communicate your ideas.

So, for example, an AWA question might present a short paragraph from a company memo. The paragraph explains the company’s reasoning behind a recent decision to change some aspect of the company’s operations. Your job is to find any flaws in the company’s reasoning, explain why they are flaws, and point out any further information that would be useful in assessing whether the company’s reasoning was valid. Fortunately, you are not required to give your personal views on the subject matter or have any specific knowledge of the given topic.

AWA questions do not require that you give your personal views on or have any specific knowledge of the given topic.

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics of what the GMAT AWA is, let’s take a look at how the section is scored.

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is scored in half-point increments on a scale of 0 to 6. Your AWA score is not factored into your total GMAT score and is not included in the unofficial score report that you see on test day immediately after you finish your exam. The reason the AWA score is not included in your unofficial report is that, unlike the other sections of the GMAT, which are scored by the computer, the AWA is scored by both a computer and a human scorer. A trained human reader scores your essay using whole points from 0 to 6, and a computer algorithm scores your essay using half-point increments from 0 to 6.

Then, the two scores are averaged to produce your final score. If there is a large disparity between the human score and the computer score, a second human scorer evaluates your essay, and your score may be adjusted. Additionally, if you feel that your AWA score does not accurately reflect your essay, you can submit a request to have your essay rescored by an independent reader, for a fee of $45. Rescoring requests can be made only once per essay and must be submitted within 6 months of your test date.

Since the AWA takes longer to score than the other sections of the GMAT, you and any score recipients you select on test day will receive your AWA score when your Official Score Report is available, about two weeks after your test date. In the case of revised AWA scores, your new score will be sent to you and any designated schools about 20 days after you submit your rescore request.

Now let’s look at how to interpret AWA scores.

As with other GMAT section scores , every possible AWA score is associated with a percentile ranking. Here are the current percentile rankings, as compiled by GMAC:

These percentile rankings tell us, for example, that if you earn a perfect score of 6.0 on the AWA section, then you have scored better than 88% of all GMAT test-takers. According to GMAC, the mean AWA score was 4.45 for all test-takers who sat for the GMAT during the period from January 2017 through December 2019. As you can see in the table above, that mean is just below the 46th percentile. In general, schools consider a score of 4.5, or better than 46% of all test-takers, about average and consider a score of 5.0, or better than 56% of all test-takers, “good.” For most programs, your AWA score is likely to raise some eyebrows if it’s below 4.0.

Most schools generally consider an GMAT AWA score of 4.5 about average and a score of 5.0 “good.”

So, we know what the GMAT AWA section tests, how it’s scored, and what those scores mean. Now let’s take a look at the 5 essential GMAT AWA writing tips for earning a great score.

Tip #1: Use a 5-Paragraph Template

As I’ll discuss in further detail later, there are dozens and dozens of possible essay topics that can appear on the GMAT, and you have no way of knowing which topic will appear on your test. Thus, it is not a realistic or efficient strategy to try to game out answers to all of the possible essay prompts or memorize what the prompts are (a full list of the possible AWA questions is published by GMAC here ).

The great news is that you don’t need to know which argument you’ll be presented with on test day in order to write a well-organized response to it within the 30-minute time limit. Instead, you can apply a simple 5-paragraph structure to any GMAT essay topic in order to write a logically organized response containing the elements necessary to earn a high AWA score.

The standard 5-paragraph essay structure consists of the following:

• An introductory paragraph
• Three supporting points (paragraphs 2, 3, and 4)
• A conclusion (paragraph 5)

Although there is no required word count for a GMAT AWA essay, a wise strategy is to shoot for around 500 words , give or take.

No matter the topic or argument, the basic template above will provide you with a logical framework for organizing your essay.

Apply a simple 5-paragraph structure to any GMAT essay topic to write a logically organized and complete argument analysis.

Let’s take a look at each part of the 5-paragraph structure in greater detail.

The purpose of your introductory paragraph is to restate the argument that has been presented to you and state your intention for critiquing it. In stating your intention, you should mention the flaws in the argument that you plan to address. Essentially, this prepares the reader for the points that they will encounter in paragraphs 2 through 4, without providing the specific details that those later paragraphs will include. In fact, your intro paragraph should accomplish everything it needs to in around 5 or 6 sentences.

The purpose of your introductory paragraph is to restate the argument that has been presented to you and state your intention for critiquing it.

The first sentence of the intro paragraph should always restate the given argument. So, you might start off your essay in one of the following ways, for example:

The argument states that … The argument claims that … The argument makes the claim that …

No need to get creative with the jumping off point for your AWA essay; you simply want to show that you understand what the argument is. When restating the argument, you can repeat much of the same language that is used in the question stem, but you should aim to rephrase the argument in as concise a manner as possible. You want to encapsulate the crux of the argument, not just rewrite the entire essay prompt. In particular, if the argument provides supporting evidence, that evidence is not necessary to repeat in your restatement of the argument. You’ll address the given evidence later, in your supporting points.

To better understand how to restate an argument, let’s look at an example of an actual GMAT AWA example that a test-taker could see on the exam:

The following appeared as part of an annual report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods:

“Over time, the costs of processing go down because as organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its 25th birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to minimize costs and thus maximize profits.”

So, your essay might start off with the following restatement of the given argument:

The argument claims that Olympic Foods’ nearly 25 years of experience in food processing will enable the company to minimize costs and thus maximize profits. This conclusion is based on the premise that the costs of processing go down over time because organizations become more efficient as they learn how to do things better.

As you can see, much of the exact same language used in the essay prompt is repeated in the restatement of the argument above. However, the information is reorganized somewhat; in this case, the premise and conclusion are in the reverse order, with the conclusion of the argument stated first, and the premise on which the conclusion is based stated afterward.

Furthermore, the perspective of how the argument is stated has changed. In the essay prompt, the perspective was that of a statement in an annual report sent to stockholders. Clearly, your essay response would not be written from such a perspective, so some changes to the wording of the prompt are necessary. Notice also that the somewhat conversational tone of the prompt has been eliminated in the restatement and that extraneous words are left out. Lastly, notice that the supporting example given in the prompt is not included in the restatement that begins our response.

Of course, how you restate a given argument will depend largely on what the argument is. In some cases, you may be able to restate an argument in one sentence. In other cases, as above, you may need two sentences. The goal is to clearly and succinctly state what the argument is, distilling it down to its essence using the language used in the prompt, but not including any of the “filler.” The good news is that no matter what AWA question you encounter, the first sentence or two of your response will essentially already be written for you!

Always begin a GMAT AWA with a restatement of the given argument.

Let’s continue with our Olympic Foods example above. Your next task in the intro paragraph, after you restate the argument, is to outline on what grounds you plan to attack the argument. For example, you might say that the argument fails to take several key factors into account in reaching its conclusion, and then list the 3 such factors that you will address in the paragraphs that follow. Or you might say that the argument makes faulty assumptions and bases its claims on insufficient evidence, and then mention what those assumptions are that you plan to critique. Again, your job here is to highlight only those weak points in the argument that you will critique in your supporting points, so you should not include any argument flaws in your intro that you won’t address later on. Quickly jotting down on your scratch pad which flaws you plan to address, before you start writing your essay, can help you organize your thoughts and pinpoint exactly what you want the focus of each supporting paragraph to be.

Remember, you may be able to find a dozen flaws in an argument, but you won’t have time to critique them all. Furthermore, you shouldn’t waste time finding more flaws than you need and trying to decide which are the “best” ones to write about. The flaws that are most obvious to you — in other words, the ones you notice first — are likely the ones that will be easiest for you to expound on. After all, you noticed them right away, so there are probably relatively clear reasons why they represent weak points in the argument.

So, your restatement of the argument should be followed by a brief summary or overview of what your response to the argument will be. Let’s take a look at how we might do that in the case of the Olympic Foods question:

However, the argument lacks relevant and sufficient evidence, making several assumptions that ignore key factors that could affect its conclusion. For example, the argument assumes that an organization becomes more efficient as time passes. Furthermore, the argument assumes that cost savings achieved in tandem with increased efficiency must be the result of increased efficiency. Finally, the argument assumes that the downward trend of costs that was observed in one sector of processing will replicate in another, unrelated sector of processing.

In total, our sample intro paragraph is 6 sentences: 2 sentences restating the argument, and 4 sentences laying out what our critique of the argument will be. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the essay prompt, but this basic framework can apply to whatever GMAT AWA question you see.

In the intro paragraph, follow your restatement of the argument with a brief summary or overview of what your critique of the argument (supporting points) will be.

After you’ve introduced the points you’ll touch on in your AWA essay, you’ll need to expand on those points in the next 3 paragraphs. Let’s talk about that now.

Paragraphs 2 through 4 represent the “meat” of your essay, with each paragraph elaborating on one of the points of critique you summarized in your intro. At the beginning of each of these paragraphs, you’ll want to state what aspect of the argument you’re critiquing in that paragraph, and then why that aspect is flawed. You may want to use real-world examples to support your critique, particularly if the word count of your essay is a little light. At the end of each supporting paragraph, you may want to mention a way that the aspect of the argument you’re discussing could’ve been strengthened.

Let’s take for example the second flaw that we set out to critique in our Olympic Foods essay, which will be the focus of the essay’s third paragraph: the argument assumes that cost savings achieved in tandem with increased efficiency must be the result of increased efficiency. In this paragraph, you might start off by saying that the argument supports its conclusion with an example of a decrease in cost and coinciding increase in processing speed that was realized after a number of years. You might then go on to say that the argument provides no evidence to demonstrate that this correlation is actually a causal relationship. Then, you might provide the real-world example of increased automation over those years as a factor that could simultaneously cut the labor costs associated with processing (and therefore reduce the total processing cost) and increase processing speed. Of course, automation and other technological advancements may or may not be readily available at any point in time and can be implemented at an organization regardless of how long it has been in existence, and both of those facts undermine the argument’s conclusion that Olympic Foods can expect to minimize costs because of its long experience. Thus, the argument would have been more convincing if it presented evidence that established that the observed cost savings were actually the result of faster processing times as opposed to some other factor, such as increased automation.

Each of the 3 paragraphs between your intro and your conclusion should elaborate on 1 of the supporting points you summarized in your intro.

Before we move on to the conclusion paragraph, I want to address a common question among GMAT students: whether writing 2 supporting paragraphs instead of 3 is a score-killer in AWA. The truth is, you may be able to earn a decent AWA score by including just 2 supporting points in your essay. And if for some reason you are running seriously low on time or absolutely can’t come up with a third supporting point, then I would say that a completed essay with just 2 supporting points is certainly better than an essay with 2 and a half supporting points and no conclusion, or 3 supporting points and no conclusion. However, there is really no way to say for sure what exact score difference 2 vs. 3 supporting paragraphs makes. So, to be on the safe side — unless you are truly stumped for ideas — plan to write 3.

Your conclusion paragraph is similar to your intro paragraph in that it should summarize the ways that the given argument is flawed. However, your conclusion should also summarize how the argument could be strengthened or the argument’s conclusion could be more accurately assessed. So, essentially, your conclusion paragraph pulls from all of the paragraphs that came before it, providing a tight summary of the main points of your critique and “wrapping a bow” around what you have stated about the validity of the argument’s reasoning.

A conclusion paragraph often begins with a phrase such as “In conclusion,” or “In summary,” but depending on how you organize your thoughts, you may choose to begin your conclusion paragraph differently. Additionally, you may decide to include a “concession” as part of your conclusion. A concession is a statement recognizing that some aspect of a given argument may be valid. For example, a concession could be phrased as such:

Although the argument rightly acknowledges that increased efficiency is one way that an organization can achieve cost savings …

Similar to the intro paragraph, the conclusion paragraph should accomplish its aims in around 4 or 5 sentences. This is not the place to reiterate details, give examples, or introduce new information.

In about 4 or 5 sentences, your conclusion paragraph should provide a tight summary of the main points of your critique and “wrap a bow” around what you have stated about the validity of the argument’s reasoning.

Before we move on to tip #2, take a look at the GMAT analytical writing example question, along with an essay response that received the highest possible AWA score, 6.0, at the bottom of this page . Notice that the essay follows the basic structure of introduction, 3 supporting points with real-world examples, and conclusion. In this case, the writer broke the introductory paragraph into two paragraphs, with the first paragraph restating the argument, and the second paragraph summarizing the intended response, but you can see that the component parts of the essay remain the same as those in our standard 5-paragraph structure.

An important part of scoring well on GMAT Analytical Writing is demonstrating logical organization and clear communication of your thoughts from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. If your essay seems to jump randomly from one idea to the next, then the reader scoring your essay will have a harder time following your train of thought. Thus, your analysis of the given argument may seem confusing and poorly thought out.

The fact is, even if your ideas are laid out in a logical order, in order to make your essay more readable and understandable, you need to create smooth transitions between paragraphs and between different ideas within the same paragraph. One of the main ways to create smooth transitions is to introduce new ideas using transition words and phrases. For example, the phrase “for example” is a transition phrase that we can use any time we want to shift from talking about a concept to talking about an example that illustrates that concept. Such words and phrases form the “connective tissue” that brings together all of the different parts of an essay into a cohesive whole.

Transition words and phrases form the “connective tissue” that brings together all of the different parts of an essay into a cohesive whole.

Transition words are commonly used to introduce new paragraphs, but you should also seek to incorporate them within the paragraphs of your essay in order to introduce examples or opinions, indicate contrast or support, help sum up your thoughts, show a result, or add emphasis to an important idea. Here are some key transition words and phrases that often come in handy in writing GMAT AWA essays:

• For example
• For instance
• Additionally
• In addition
• Furthermore
• In contrast
• On the other hand
• As a result
• Consequently
• In conclusion

The point is not to memorize this list but to be aware of the importance of transition words for clarifying your ideas and showing the logical progression of your analysis. In short, transition words make your essay more readable! Remember, there will eventually be a person reading and scoring your essay, a person who likely has to evaluate many, many GMAT essays. So, you want to make your essay as clear and engaging as possible. Transition words can help you do just that.

Use transition words throughout your essay to introduce new paragraphs, link different ideas within paragraphs, and show the logical progression of your thoughts.

Although the AWA section is primarily scored with an eye toward the overall structure, cohesiveness, and clarity of your essay, technical aspects such as grammar, spelling, and word choice are still factored into your AWA score. In this respect, the knowledge you’ve gathered while training for GMAT Sentence Correction should come in handy. Are your sentences well-structured, clear, and concise, or are they wordy and circular? Does your essay contain any run-on sentences, redundant words, or incorrect idioms? While you shouldn’t expect to have time to make sure that your essay is grammatically perfect, you do want to make sure that you don’t turn in sloppy, rushed writing.

Keep in mind that a few errors here and there are not going to sink your AWA score, but your essay will appear more polished and “finished” if you’re mindful of basic grammar rules and spelling. If a sentence is becoming overly long and winding, break it into two sentences. Demonstrate a broad vocabulary by varying your word choice. Most importantly, be aware that, even if your analysis is sound and your essay is well-organized, if you completely neglect the basics of grammar and spelling, your ideas will be less clear and your essay will be less readable overall.

Vary your word choice, break up overly long sentences, and be mindful of basic grammar and spelling in order to create a more polished essay.

You may be surprised at how quickly the time flies by when you’re writing your essay. So, don’t expect that you’ll have time at the end of the section to do significant revisions of what you wrote. In fact, you’re likely to find that you have no more than a minute or two — if that — to do a quick read-through of your completed essay. So, it’s important to construct your essay carefully and methodically as you’re writing it , because you probably won’t have time to go back later and do a major cleanup of your work or flesh out a bunch of half-formed ideas.

As you’re writing, make each sentence a “finished product” before you move onto the next one. Does that mean writing and rewriting the same sentence four times until you think it’s perfect? No. You will never be able to write a full and complete essay in the allotted time if you’re agonizing over every sentence. You don’t have time to seek perfection, nor do you need to in order to earn a great AWA score. If possible, use the last 2 minutes or so of your time to do a quick check for any spelling errors or glaring grammatical mistakes in your essay. Just don’t expect to have the last 10 or even 5 minutes of the section time to revise your work.

If possible, use the last 2 minutes of your time to do a quick check for spelling and grammar errors, but don’t expect to have 5 or 10 minutes to make significant revisions to your essay.

One of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is coming up with 3 supporting points. Your supporting points make up the bulk of your essay, and also the portion of your essay that requires the most critical thinking, creativity, and original thought. A great way to prepare yourself for this challenge is to practice thinking up supporting points for the actual essay topics published by GMAC. As a side benefit, this method of practice will also give you a chance to get acquainted with what AWA questions look like, the types of arguments they present, and how those arguments may be flawed.

Browse the topics list and choose a few at random for which you can practice coming up with 3 supporting points with real-world examples. You could also do a full practice essay or two, but I don’t recommend preparing for AWA by writing numerous, complete practice essays. The fact is, if you have the 5-paragraph template down, and you’ve reviewed the types of arguments presented in AWA questions, writing many practice essays really isn’t necessary in order to prepare for GMAT AWA. There is plenty to learn and practice for the GMAT , so you don’t want to waste valuable study time doing more than is actually needed to earn a high score. Thus, I also don’t recommend reading through the entire AWA question list (or attempting to memorize the essay prompts) as a productive use of your time.

Choose random essay prompts from the AWA question list published by GMAC, and practice coming up with 3 supporting points and real-world examples for them.

Now that you know these 5 key GMAT writing tips for scoring 6.0 on the Analytical Writing Assessment, check out these 8 tips for conquering GMAT Sentence Correction and these 8 GMAT Reading Comprehension dos and don’ts .

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About The Author

Scott Woodbury-Stewart is the founder & CEO of Target Test Prep. A passionate teacher who is deeply invested in the success of his students, Scott began his career teaching physics, chemistry, math, and biology. Since then, he has spent more than a decade helping students gain entry into the world’s top business schools, logging 10,000+ hours of GMAT, EA, GRE and SAT instruction. Scott also served as lead content developer and curriculum architect for the revolutionary courses Target Test Prep GMAT, Target Test Prep EA, Target Test Prep GRE and Target Test Prep SAT Quant.

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Gmat analytical writing assessment.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT contains one essay prompt and is 30 minutes long. The AWA tests your ability to analyze a logical argument and then write a coherent and convincing essay, evaluating the argument.

The topic on the argument essay can be extracted from a wide range of topics related to business. However, prior knowledge about the topic would not be required. The AWA only tests your ability to analyze the argument and write a cogent essay.

The AWA score would be published within 20 calendar days from the day of your exam and would be a part of your Official GMAT Score Report. If you feel that the score obtained on the AWA does not reflect your performance, you can choose to request rescoring your essay. Rescoring the essay is possible only once and requires additional payment. For rescoring, you need to make a request within 6 months from the date of your exam. AWA rescoring requests can result in a score increase or decrease.

Topics Tested on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Section

The AWA section tests a candidate’s ability to analyze a given argument, identify the inherent flaws in it, and provide logical and reasonable solutions in the form of an essay. The clarity in reasoning and coherence of thought are major assessment criteria for the AWA. The essay also needs to conform to elements of standard written English.

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GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Scoring Pattern

The Analytical Writing Assessment section is scored on a range of 0 to 6, in increments of 0.5 points.

The essay is evaluated by a human and also by a machine algorithm. If there is a difference between the way the human and the machine have scored your essay, a second human evaluator is brought in, and your essay score may be adjusted. You will receive only one essay score, which is an average of the evaluations.

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What is the GMAT analytical test?

In the Analytical Writing Assessment section or the essay section, you have to analyze an argument, identify the flaws in the argument and write an essay about it. Prior specific knowledge is not required.

Is analytical writing important in GMAT?

Analytical writing assessment (AWA)is important on the GMAT. Even though the AWA does not contribute to the composite GMAT score ( 200-800), it is used by different universities and departments during the application selection process. The writing skills tested in the AWA would prove beneficial even during your actual course as many programs require students to submit essays as a part of their coursework.

What should I study for GMAT Analytical?

In the Analytical Writing Assessment section or the essay, you have to analyze an argument, identify the flaws in the argument and write an essay about it. Prior specific knowledge is not required. You should practice evaluating arguments, understanding and working using relevant templates for these essays and writing the essays, all within 30 minutes (time available for this section on the GMAT).

What is the syllabus for the GMAT Analytical section?

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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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GMAT AWA Essay ...

GMAT AWA Essay Topics: Know About GMAT Essay Topics

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is required for admission to business schools. The GMAT tests your understanding of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, multi-source data processing, and grammar.

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Evaluation section, Integrated Reasoning section, Quantitative section, and Verbal section.

The GMAT AWA part of the GMAT exam assesses your analytical writing and critical-reasoning abilities. And, the best way to excel in this section is to practice rigorously.

In this blog, we will discuss the various GMAT essay topics and how to handle these GMAT writing prompts.

GMAT Analytical Writing Section

Listed below are a few facts about GMAT AWA essay section:

• There are a variety of GMAT AWA topics in the GMAT exam out of which you are expected to compose an analytical essay by crtiquing the rationale of an argument.
• You will be graded on how well you evaluate the reason and evidence for the argument, defend your thoughts, and structure your answer. You are given 30 minutes in this section to assess an argument.
• The AWA score is not included in the overall GMAT score of 800. It is a different score in which the test-taker earns points from 0 to 6 in half-point scores.
• Your essay will be evaluated and graded by both a computer and the examiner. You will get your AWA score, along with GMAT sores, within 15 days of taking the test.
• All education institutions have cut-offs for the GMAT score out of 800, but the AWA score is out of 6. The cut-off range for the GMAT AWA section is between 4 to 4.5 for admission into universities.

GMAT analytical writing topics are marked based on the following skills:

Suggested: How to Prepare for GMAT AWA Section?

Presentation and Organization of the Essay

You will be marked based on how you portray your ideas while evaluating your work. If you have natural flows between concepts and a defined opening, body, and closing, your essay will be regarded as meaningful. However, your score will decline if your ideas are disorganised and erratic.

Linguistic Abilities

Linguistic abilities cover a variety of topics. The examiner assesses your technical command of conventional written English elements. The examiner will also evaluate whether your writing style contributes to a compelling or incorrect argument.

Suggested: GMAT Waiver 2022

Analytical Reasoning

Examiners will assess the quality of the notions and assertions you put forward when evaluating the level of your logical reasoning. They will also consider if your instances and relevant facts are pertinent to the case you are expressing.

There are various GMAT essay topics, let’s further look into what kinds of topics are asked in the AWA section of the GMAT exam:

GMAT AWA Topics

GMAT AWA prompts do not necessitate any prior understanding or prior knowledge of a certain field. They address a wide range of topics, including economics, politics, leadership, education, social issues, marketing, and the environment.

Here are a few sample GMAT essay prompts to help you guide how to write AWA in GMAT :

“This past winter, 200 students from Waymarsh State College travelled to the state capitol building to protest against proposed cuts in funding for various state college programs. The other 12,000 Waymarsh students weren’t so concerned about their education: they either stayed on campus or left for winter break. Since the group who did not protest is far more numerous, it is more representative of the state’s college students than are the protesters. Therefore, the state legislature need not heed the appeals of the protesting students.”

"While trucking companies that deliver goods pay only a portion of highway maintenance costs and no property tax on the highways they use, railways spend billions per year maintaining and upgrading their facilities. The government should lower the railroad companies’ property taxes, since sending goods by rail is a more appropriate mode of ground transportation than highway shipping. For one thing, trains consume only a third of the fuel a truck would use to carry the same load, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally sound mode of transport. Furthermore, since rail lines already exist, increases in rail traffic would not require building new lines at the expense of taxpaying citizens."

Suggested: GRE AWA Template

“Our total sales have increased this year by 20 percent since we added a pharmacy section to our grocery store. Clearly, the customer’s main concern is the convenience afforded by one-stop shopping. The surest way to increase our profits over the next couple of years, therefore, is to add a clothing department along with an automotive supplies and repair shop. We should also plan to continue adding new departments and services, such as a restaurant and a garden shop, in subsequent years. Being the only store in the area that offers such a range of services will give us a competitive advantage over other local stores.”

Question: 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.

Suggested: GMAT AWA Template

Practising for the AWA section of the GMAT exam keeping in mind the kind of topics mentioned above will help you a great deal. You must begin your GMAT preparation in advance to obtain the necessary knowledge and confidence to perform well on the test. If you require further guidance and assistance, sign up for our Yocket Premium services now!

Frequently Asked Questions About GMAT AWA Topics

What is the score range of the AWA section?

The score range of the AWA section is between 0-6. 6 is outstanding, 5 is very good, 4 is good, 3 is adequate, 2 is less than adequate, 1 is poor, and 0 is no substantive response given.

What is the time duration of this section?

This section is 30 minutes long.

What are the topics included in the AWA section?

The topics asked in this section are Economics, Politics, Leadership, Education, Social Issues, Marketing, and the Environment.

How many points does one need in the AWA section to get into a good college?

Around 4-4.5 points are needed to get into a good college.

Is there a separate cut-off for the AWA section?

Yes, the cut-off for AWA section is separate from the general GMAT cut-off.  The cut-off for the AWA section is between 4-4.5 points for good colleges.

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GMAT Essay Topics- A Comprehensive Guide

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Updated on 04 January, 2024

Sr. Content editor

The GMAT Essay does not influence the total GMAT score or the scores in the other sections.  However, that does not mean that you can neglect this section altogether. Many B-Schools look for in candidates the ability to express and demonstrate sound critical thinking abilities. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section is an opportunity for you to express yourself and display critical thinking skills. You may also have to provide your Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) scores while applying to study at universities worldwide. 

Table of Contents

Brief about gmat essay scoring pattern and other awa aspects, tips for a high-scoring performance, frequently asked questions, study master programs in usa.

But what is the GMAT Essay all about? For starters, you can expect to find several GMAT essay topics which revolve around almost anything and everything under the sun. The topics cover diverse aspects, right from economics and politics to social issues, marketing, leadership, education, environment, and more. For practice purposes, you can find several GMAT essay examples online. Before that, learn more about the examination below. 

The AWA section will give you a single writing task of 30 minutes. It is scored between 0-6 in half-point intervals. The final score depends on the average of two independent scores, i.e., one from an electronic scoring engine and one from an evaluator. 

Here is a closer look at how the AWA is scored: 

Going through GMAT essay samples will give you an idea of the basic structure of the essay. You have to critique and analyze a flawed argument in the essay. Some of the fallacies in the given prompt include the following: 

• Unsuitable comparisons (if two non-similar things are compared, the conclusion may be erroneous)
• Vagueness of language (Using terms like  some, few, many,  etc. without any justification will always be flawed)
• Causation vs. Correlation (a common fallacy, it seems to assume that something has taken place due to consequences of particular variables prior to the result). You will find this in several GMAT essay examples while studying. 
• Issues with Sampling (Erroneous usage of statistics to draw conclusions or insufficient data used for making conclusions)

Here are a few templates that you can consider while writing different parts of your essay: 

1.  Introduction:

•  (The source) argues that (mention the argument).
•  As it stands at present, the argument relies on assumptions without any clear evidence, while failing to address crucial points that undermine the conclusion as a whole.
•   As a result, the argument contains numerous flaws, which make it implausible.
•  Until the (first flaw), (second flaw) and (third flaw) are tackled, the argument cannot be perceived as viable. 

2.  Body Paragraph 1

• (Firstly) the argument states…
• The claims of the author seem unlikely since/because…
• The argument could be strengthened, had the author provided evidence that (analysis or statement)..
• This possibility proves the vulnerability of the conclusion.

 3.  Body Paragraph 2

• (Secondly) the argument states/claims that (mention the fallacy or logical assumption that is erroneous).
• This is again a weak statement/claim without any substantive evidence/support of any correlation between (item 1) and (item 2).
• However, if evidence that (analysis or statement) had been provided by the author, then the argument would have been strengthened.

 4.  Body Paragraph 3

• Finally, the argument concludes that (state the final reasoning or conclusion of the argument)..
• Yet, it still remains unclear (statement of the questions that are not answered till now or the analysis that should be tackled).
• To strengthen the argument, evidence to support (analysis or information) should be furnished by the author.

 5.  Conclusion

• (To sum up/in conclusion/in summary), the argument is flawed/unconvincing/improbable/invalid due to the above-mentioned flawed reasoning.
• If the author had clearly stated (mention the missing information that is relevant or any other specific aspects mentioned in the earlier paragraphs), the argument would have been strengthened or regarded as valid.
• In the present state, the argument of the author that (state the argument again) is unsound and weak/invalid. 

You will find many other GMAT essay examples to help you practice better for the section. 

Here are some tips to perform well in this section: 

• Identify and study fallacies- Every argument in the prompt will come with inherent flaws in the basic premise or underlying logic. You should practice identifying logical fallacies swiftly, taking care to apply your knowledge of the commonest kinds of fallacies that are usually observed. Insufficient sample, straw man, non sequitur, ad hominem, and circular reasoning are a few types of these fallacies that you should do your homework on. 
• Practice under simulated testing conditions- Practice writing timed essays using the official GMAT preparation tools. You should not exceed 30 minutes or draw from external sources. Use a basic text editor and explore GMATWrite, which is the official writing tool of the GMAC for having expert readers score your practice essays. You will come across numerous GMAT essay samples for home practice. 
• Learn how to break down your core arguments- You should learn how to break down arguments into multiple parts. First, work out the basic/foundational logic/reasoning and then the conclusion and supporting points. You can practice it with any argument given in articles, newspapers, and other persuasive writing samples. 
• Get a good essay proofreader- If you are a non-native speaker, get someone experienced and competent to proofread your practice essays. This will help you understand and correct technical errors. 
• Always ask few intrinsic questions while organizing your response- Whenever you plan your response to the argument, you should always ask yourself about the assumptions that are questionable, the counterexamples that you can raise for the argument, any additional evidence that may help refute/boost the argument, and whether the response will be like a discussion with the suitable organization of ideas and full sentences. 
• Achieve a discussion-like response- Your final response should not seem like a general outline. It should be more of a discussion with full sentences, proper idea organization, and logical and accurate transitions between your points, and suitable examples. 
• Always use examples- Examples and illustrations are the lifeblood of the AWA section. You should always provide explanations/examples/counterexamples while starting points. Make sure that you develop the examples, without merely listing them. 

These are some tips that will help you score better in the GMAT AWA section. Go through as many sample GMAT essay topics as you can and remember to focus on organizing your ideas in a logical manner. 

Does essay affect GMAT score?

The AWA scores are separately computed from the multiple-choice section scores in the GMAT. They do not influence the Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, or the total GMAT score. 

Do you have to write an essay as a part of the GMAT examination?

Yes, you have to write an essay under the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. You will be given a task for 30 minutes, called Analysis of an Argument. An essay prompt will give you the argument that you have to critique extensively.

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GMAT essay topics | 3 examples included to ace the exam!

The gmat essay topics are distinct from most essays you’ve written in college. it involves critical thinking skills, how well you articulate the matter without picking a side, and so on. read on to know more, table of contents, all you need to know about the gmat essay section, gmat essay topics | things to keep in mind, example 1: it is an excerpt from the grocery store’s business plan, example 2: the publisher of the mercury, a weekly newspaper, issued the following announcement, example 3: protesters at waymarsh state college, #1. time your gmat essay practice, #2. write your gmat essays, #3. assess the quality of your gmat essays, key takeaways.

The GMAT essay section provides a one-paragraph prompt containing a specific argument. This document includes practice questions to help you improve your essay section , help you analyze how well you have reasoned the statement, and so on. While attempting the essay section, you have to keep certain aspects in mind. To help you nail the exam, here are some GMAT essay topics that you must practice positively. 

Before proceeding ahead with the GMAT essay topics, here are a few things you need to keep in mind –

• Ensure to analyze the argument’s logic and the incorporation of proof in the assertion during your discussion.
• Consider the debatable assumptions that underpin thoughts and the possible theories or counterpoints that might undermine the conclusion. 
• You can also talk about what kind of evidence would help or hurt the argument. 
• Additionally, consider what changes to the debate would make it more logical and what would help you help assess its outcome.

GMAT essay topics |Examples that you must know of

Now that we’ve covered what the essay task requires, let’s first look at some sample GMAT essay topics from the official list.

No clear categories of provokes affect your assessment , but for a representative sample. It’s worth noting that the construction of each assertion does not fall within these boundaries; political prompts can employ the same flawed confrontational strategies as business or health and science prompts, for example.

‘Even though we introduced a pharmacy segment to our supermarket this year, our overall sales have risen by 20%. The main concern of the customer is the convenience provided by one-stop shopping. Adding a clothing department and a vehicle supplies and repair shop is the most certain way to boost our profits in the coming years. In the coming years, we must also plan to add different departments and assistance, including a restaurant and a landscape shop. We will have a competitive edge over other local retailers since we are the only store in the district that offers such a wide range of services.’

Start writing answers wherein you discuss one or more clashing framework explanations and explain how the summaries can compensate for the proof stated in the proposition. Finally, look for logical flaws in the ending, facts, and rationale.

‘Since the launch of a competing lower-priced newspaper, The Bugle, five years ago, The Mercury’s circulation has dropped by 10,000 readers.” The best way to encourage more people to read The Mercury is to lower its price less than that of the Bugle until circulation returns to pre-recession levels. Mercury’s increased circulation will entice more businesses to purchase ad space in the paper.’

Attempt writing responses in which you deliberate one or more contending framework explanations and describe how your descriptions can account for the evidence stated in the argument. Finally, examine the conclusion, evidence, and reasoning for logical flaws.

The following appeared in a local newspaper’s editorial section:

‘This past winter, 200 Waymarsh State College students marched to the state’s capital to hold rallies against proposed budget cuts to various state college programs.  On the other hand, the other 12,000 Waymarsh students either remained on campus or left for the winter holidays, indicating that they were less concerned with their education. Because the non-protesters outnumber the protesters, they represent the state’s college students more. As a result, the state legislature should disregard the protesting students’ pleas.’

Start to write solutions in which you clarify a few conflicting arrangement reasons and illustrate how the overviews can make up the difference for the verification outlined in the hypothesis. Finally, take a glance for technical inaccuracies in the conclusion, factual information, and reasoning skills.

GMAT essay topics | Tips to ace the section!

The tips that follow will assist you in preparing for any GMAT essay topics you may encounter on test day –

When practicing GMAT essay topics, remember that you have a strict 30-minute time limit for your essay.

You should start writing all of your practice essays on a compute r to simulate the situations of the computer-based GMAT.

After you’ve completed your practice GMAT essays, try to grade them using the 6-point grading set of guidelines and by correlating your writing to the GMAC’s sample essay.

• The GMAT essay is unlike most of the essays you’ve written in college. 
• The GMAC provides a list of the most formal GMAT essay topics asked in the exam. 
• Ensure to practice the essay topics every day. 
• The more you practice, the better you get at it. 
• Answer mock GMAT essays. It will help you grasp the technique of writing excellent essays. 
• Ensure that you articulate the matter well. Use your critical thinking skills for the same. 

If you need assistance in your GMAT preparation, we are here for you. Get in touch with our experts today!

Liked this blog? Then read the blog on the GMAT score chart | 5 points to enhance your exam strategy!

Question 1: What happens if a student fails the GMAT?

Answer: A student can take the GMAT up to five times yearly. As a result, even if you fail once, you will be given another chance.

Question 2: What is the most effective method for preparing for the GMAT?

Answer: The most effective way to prepare for the GMAT is to continue attempting and solving practice papers. We also recommend that you thoroughly examine the most common GMAT questions.

Question 3: Can I find the GMAT essay topics for practice online?

Answer: You can find the GMAT essay topics for practice online. As a matter of fact, you can visit the GMAC site for mock papers. 

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Essay Questions for 2023-24 Application Cycle: Part 1

Essay Questions for 2023-24 Application Cycle: Part 1

Posted by Poonam Tandon | Aug 30, 2023 | MBA Admissions

The MBA application season is a challenging yet exhilarating time for aspiring business leaders. The process requires introspection, clarity of goals, and a deep understanding of one’s fit with the desired programs. For the 2023-2024 application cycle, several top business schools have announced their essay questions, giving insights into what they seek in potential candidates.

Unlock your full potential with “ My Essay Review ,” your go-to source for personalized, effective essay strategies that make you stand out in this competitive MBA application process.

The essays play a vital role in showcasing an applicant’s uniqueness, aspirations, and alignment with the school. The questions often mirror the values and culture of the institution, and understanding these nuances can be pivotal in crafting compelling narratives.

Summary of Essay Types

Comparison table of essay questions, 1) harvard business school (hbs), 2) stanford graduate school of business, 3) wharton school of the university of pennsylvania, 4) uc berkeley haas school of business, 5) columbia business school, 6) university of virginia darden school of business, 7) duke university’s fuqua school of business, acknowledgement.

Essay topics vary among schools, but some common themes and similarities can be identified. Here’s a summary:

• Career Goals: Most schools ask for short and long-term career goals (Stanford, Haas, Columbia, Darden).
• Community Contributions and Inclusive Impact: Questions focusing on contributions to community and experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (Wharton, Haas, Darden, Duke Fuqua).
• Personal Insights and Self-Reflection: Unique insights into personal character, hobbies, achievements, and life experiences (HBS, Stanford, Berkeley Haas, Duke Fuqua’s 25 random things).

We suggest reading this article to gain in-depth understanding of MBA essay questions. – MBA Essay Questions for the 2023- 24 Application Cycle .

School-by-School Analysis

• Class Size: 1015 (Class of 2024)
• Median GMAT Score: 730
• Average Work Experience: 5 years

Essay: HBS asks an open-ended question about what more you would like them to know (900-word limit). Be authentic and focused, highlighting what sets you apart and how your experiences have shaped your goals. The open-ended nature allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to share personal stories or unconventional career paths that align with your aspirations.

For detailed information please read this article – HBS Essay Analysis and Deadlines: 2023-24 .

• Class Size: 424 (Class of 2024)
• Average GMAT Score: 737
• Average Work Experience: 4.9 years

Essay #1: What matters most to you, and why? (650 words) Essay #2: Why Stanford? (400 words).

Reflect deeply on your values and experiences for Essay A. Consider life-defining moments, failures, and lessons learned. For Essay B, articulate how Stanford’s unique resources align with your goals. Research specific classes, clubs, and professors to show a tailored fit.

For detailed information please read this article – Stanford GSB Essay Tips and Deadlines: 2023-24 .

• Class Size: 874 (Class of 2025)
• Average GMAT Score: 728

Essay #1: Professional goals (500 words) Essay #2: Community contributions (400 words).

For Essay #1, be clear about your career trajectory and how Wharton fits into that plan. For Essay #2, highlight specific contributions you plan to make, drawing from past community involvement. Show that you understand Wharton’s culture of collaboration and innovation.

For detailed information please read this article – Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines -2023-24 .

• Class Size: 247 (Class of 2024)
• Average Work Experience: 5.6 years

Essay #1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words) Essay #2: How have you specifically demonstrated one of Haas’s four leadership principles in your work? (300 words) Essay #3: How have your experiences shaped your perspective on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging? (300 words).

For Haas, being authentic is crucial. Share personal passions and insights for Essay #1, link specific experiences to Haas’s leadership principles for Essay #2, and offer concrete examples of your commitment to DEI for Essay #3.

Begin your GMAT preparation by delving into our comprehensive article – GMAT Preparation 2023 – How to prepare for the GMAT exam .

• Class Size: 844 (Class entering 2022 – Jan and Aug) – enrolled
• Average GMAT Score: 729

Essay #1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters) Essay #2: Who is a leader you admire, and why? (250 words) Essay #3: How will you leverage the CBS community? (250 words).

Be concise and specific in your post-MBA goals. Share a personal connection with the leader you admire, reflecting on how you embody similar qualities. Research Columbia’s community to illustrate a genuine fit and intent to engage actively.

• Class Size: 352 (Class of 2025)
• Median GMAT Score: 710
• Median Work Experience: 5.3 years

Essay #1: Introduce yourself to your classmates. (150 words) Essay #2: Share a time when you learned something related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. (200 words) Essay #3: What are your short-term post-MBA career goals? (150 words).

Embrace the informal tone in Essay #1, revealing your personality and what you’ll bring to Darden’s community. Reflect on personal growth in Essay #2 and connect your career goals with Darden’s resources in Essay #3.

• Class Size: 399 (Class of 2024)
• GMAT Score Range: 680 – 760
• Median Work Experience: 5.58 years

Essay #1: What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan. (500 words) Essay #2: The “25 Random Things About Yourself.” (2 pages) Essay #3: How will you engage with the Fuqua community? (300 words).

Highlight both practical and aspirational career plans, showing flexibility and alignment with your skills. Embrace creativity in the “25 Random Things,” and show a deep understanding of Fuqua’s community, values, and how you’ll contribute.

The essay questions for the 2023-2024 application cycle reveal a keen interest in applicants’ career goals, community contributions, and personal insights. The challenge lies in authentic storytelling that resonates with the specific culture and opportunities of each school. Being thoughtful, self-aware, and specific can lead to compelling narratives that stand out in this competitive application process.

We would like to take a moment to express our profound gratitude for the invaluable contributions made to this article, that has benefited immensely from the wisdom, expertise, and experience of Poonam Tandon.

Poonam Tandon

Poonam Tandon, Founder of MyEssayReview , has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of this article. Her profound insight into the intricacies of the subject matter has provided us with a fresh perspective and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Poonam’s reputation as one of the top 5 admission consultants at GMAT Club, among more than 300 experts, underscores her proficiency and relentless dedication to her craft.

We are especially grateful for her contributions given the immense impact she has had on students’ lives, assisting them in securing over $5M in scholarships. Her commitment to her students and her drive for their success is evident in the numerous reviews and testimonials that bear witness to her effectiveness and dedication. To learn more about Poonam’s work and impact, we invite you to read her reviews [ here ] and hear firsthand from her students [ here ].

Want to start with your GMAT prep? Let us help you ace the first step of the process i.e., set up a baseline score and create your study strategy. Take a free GMAT mock to understand your baseline score and start your GMAT prep with our free trial. We are the most reviewed online GMAT Prep company with 2600+ reviews on GMATClub, as of July 2023.

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