The first two timed sections of the GMAT involve two separately timed writing tasks:

• Analysis of an Issue (30-minute time limit)
• Analysis of an Argument (30-minute time limit)

Together, these two writing tasks are called the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). The two AWA sections are administered consecutively and always before the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the exam. However, the two AWA sections may appear in either order.

During each of the two AWA sections, you'll compose an essay in which you respond to a specific essay question, or prompt. The testing system will select each prompt randomly from a large pool. You'll record your response using the word processor built into the GMAT CAT. Handwritten responses are not permitted.

Analysis of an Issue

This 30-minute section tests your ability to present a position on an issue effectively and persuasively. Your task is to compose an essay in which you respond to a brief (1-2 sentence) opinion about an issue. You should consider various perspectives, take a position on the issue, and argue for that position.

The test will present you with one and only one Issue topic. You will NOT be able to choose your essay's topic from a list.

Analysis of an Argument

This 30-minute section is designed to test your critical-reasoning and analytic (as well as writing) skills. Your task is to compose an essay in which you critique the stated argument and indicate how it could be improved, but not to present your own views on the argument's topic.

The test will present you with one and only one Argument. You will NOT be able to choose your essay's topic from a list.