In the following chapters, you will learn all about the GMAT® Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section: the kinds of topics you will be asked to write about, how you will be expected to write about those topics, and how your essays will be scored. You will also review strategies for effective analytical writing and learn spe- cific tips and strategies that can be used on the exam. Before you begin the AWA review, take the following pretest. Use this practice test to help you determine how much preparation you need for this section of the exam. Pretest The following AWA pretest contains two essay prompts, one of each kind of prompt you will see on the actual exam. This pretest is designed to give you a sense of what to expect and help you assess your strengths and weaknesses for this portion of the exam. When you are finished, compare your results to the scoring guide and sample essays in the answer key. Use the results to plan your study time effectively and determine the areas where you need the most careful review and practice. CHAPTER Analytical Writing Assessment Pretest 13 213 Test-Taking Tip When practicing essays on your computer, be sure to turn off the spell check and grammar check; the word- processing program on the GMAT exam will not include either of these features. 214 To practice the timing of the GMAT exam, spend 30 minutes on each essay. On the test, you will have to write both essays in one hour, so do both essays consecutively for the most realistic practice test scenario. Make every effort to write your essays on a computer with a basic word processor. The more practice you have composing and revising on the computer, the more comfortable you will be on the exam. If you cannot practice composing on a computer, use the following lined paper to write your responses. Also, be sure you have scratch paper available so that you can brainstorm and outline your essays. DO NOT READ THE ESSAY PROMPTS UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO BEGIN THE PRETEST. READ ONLY THE FIRST PROMPT. READ THE SECOND PROMPT ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE FIRST ESSAY AND ARE READY TO BEGIN THE SECOND. Analysis of an Issue “Successful corporations have a moral responsibility to contribute to society by supporting education, nonprofit services, or the arts.” Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this opinion. Support your position with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 215 Analysis of an Argument The following idea was proposed in a meeting of the owners of an upmarket restaurant. “The only way to expand our customer base is to move to a location that gives us much more expo- sure. In our current location, we don’t get enough business because we are too isolated. We should find a space next to another store or near a transportation hub.” Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argu- ment are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if anything, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 216 – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 217 Answer Explanations The following model essays earn a 6 on the AWA section, the top score on the written exam. Both essays have most or all of the following characteristics: – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 218 The content of your written response shows an under- standing and inter- pretation of the issue or argument and the task pre- sented in the prompt. The development of your written response gives a clear and logical explanation of ideas using specific and relevant support. The organization of your written response shows a coherent, orderly, and well-reasoned approach. The expression of your ideas reflects an awareness of audience, a com- mand of vocabulary and sentence struc- ture, and an ability to use language to convey purpose. The use of standard English in your writ- ten response exhibits the correct use of spelling, punctuation, para- graph organization, capitalization, and grammar. ■ Forms a thesis statement that reveals an in- depth under- standing of the issue or argu- ment. ■ Presents a sophisticated and insightful analysis of the issue or argu- ment. ■ Develops ideas clearly and fully. ■ Provides a wide range of relevant and specific evi- dence to support the thesis state- ment. ■ Maintains the focus of the the- sis statement. ■ Uses a logical and coherent structure. ■ Applies skillful writing devices and transitions. ■ Exhibits a mature, sophisti- cated use of lan- guage that is precise and engaging. ■ Has a voice and a sense of aware- ness of audience and purpose. ■ Varies the struc- ture and length of sentences to enhance meaning. ■ Shows control of the conventions of standard English. ■ Has few, if any, errors even when using sophisti- cated language. CONTENT DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION EXPRESSION CONVENTIONS Sample Essay — Analysis of an Issue (Score: 6) All for-profit corporations have a moral responsibility to contribute to society by supporting education, non- profit services, or the arts. In today’s increasingly global marketplace, companies that embrace their social responsibilities and empower their leaders and employees to serve local and world communities will reap rewards now and for years to come. These companies will realize that they will reap long-term benefits in morale and bottom-line growth and sustainability by giving their personnel the opportunity to work toward . reasonable, or what information, if anything, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 2 16 – ANALYTICAL WRITING. ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST– 217 Answer Explanations The following model essays earn a 6 on the AWA section, the top score on the written exam. Both essays have most or all of the following. correct use of spelling, punctuation, para- graph organization, capitalization, and grammar. ■ Forms a thesis statement that reveals an in- depth under- standing of the issue or argu- ment. ■ Presents