GMAT Mock Test 1 - Analytical Writing Assessment

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Analytical Writing Assessment

Duration: 30 minutes | 2 essays

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

The Analytical Writing Assessment measures your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas through writing.

You will be asked to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a response.

Your essay will be evaluated on your ability to:

  • Analyze the issue or argument presented
  • Develop and support your position with relevant examples
  • Maintain a coherent and focused discussion
  • Control the elements of standard written English

Analysis of an Issue

The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of one 30-minute writing task-Analysis of an Issue. The issue topic will present an opinion on an issue of general interest followed by specific instructions on how to respond to that issue. You are required to evaluate the issue, consider its complexities, and develop an argument with reasons and examples to support your views. Your essay will be given a score from 0 to 6, based on the overall quality of your critical thinking and writing, as well as your command of written English.

Recommended: 400-600 words•Time: 30 minutes
0 words

Essay Prompt

The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.

Analysis of an Argument

The Analysis of an Argument task assesses your ability to analyze a given argument according to specific instructions. You will be presented with a short argument followed by specific instructions on how to analyze that argument. Your task is to discuss how well reasoned you find the 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 may also address possible changes in the argument that would make it more convincing. Your essay should be 400-600 words and will be scored from 0 to 6.

Recommended: 400-600 words•Time: 30 minutes
0 words

Essay Prompt

The following appeared in a memorandum from the manager of WWAC radio station: "To reverse a decline in listener numbers, our owners have decided that WWAC must change from its current rock-music format. The decline has occurred despite population growth in our listening area, but that growth has resulted mainly from people moving here after their retirement. We must make listeners of these new residents. We could switch to a news and talk format, a format particularly popular among retirees. To this end, we should discontinue the employment of our current disc jockeys and replace them with news and talk personalities whose on-air style will be accessible to retirees."
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