Top GMAT Tips — the AWA Argument Writing Task

Following are some practical tips that apply specifically to the GMAT Argument writing task. (Also see these GMAT essay tips, which apply to both writing tasks.)

1. Ferret out at least three major flaws in the argument. Built into each GMAT Argument are at least three or four reasoning problems such as the following three (this list is by no means exhaustive):

   • Drawing an unfair analogy (ignoring relevant dissimilarities between two things when comparing them)

   • False cause (overlooking one or more alternative or contributing explanations for particular facts or events)

   • Generalizing from particulars (relying on a small number of particular cases — too small to reach a reliable general conclusion)

   Your essential task is to recognize and address each such problem. Unless you do so, you're unlikely to attain a top score even if your essay is outstanding in other respects.

2. Think in terms of underlying assumptions. Most reasoning problems with GMAT arguments have to do with certain unstated assumptions — conditions or facts assumed but not shown to be true — upon which the argument relies. Thus one good approach to this writing task is to critique the stated argument as a series of unproven or unsubstantiated assumptions.

3. Avoid relying on the terminology of formal logic. Latin terms such as ipso facto and post hoc may very well apply to the reasoning flaws in a GMAT Argument. But you won't score extra points just for using these terms. So leave them out of your essay and describe the argument's problems in plain English.

4. Devote no more than 4-5 sentences to each major problem. Budget your time to be sure that you discuss every major reasoning problem with the argument rather than dwell on just one. As a rule of thumb, four or five sentences on any single major problem should suffice.

5. Don't rehash the stated argument. It's perfectly acceptable, though entirely optional, to begin your response with a brief (one- or two-sentence) introduction indicating the argument's conclusion and describing the sorts of evidence the argument relies on. But avoid restating the entire argument. Your time is far better spent critiquing it.

6. Incorporate optional elements if you have time. In addition to identifying each major problem with the argument, try to make time to discuss one or both of the following:

   • What additional information is needed to better evaluate the argument

   • What additional evidence (facts) would serve to strengthen the argument

   Your essay's final paragraph is a good place for either discussion, but you can incorporate these points into your body paragraphs if you prefer.