The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment - Pretest

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 higher goals (social responsibilities) and to make a difference in their lives and the lives of the people around them. Every organization has a legal responsibility to serve its immediate (or local) community as a produc- tive “citizen” by obeying and upholding the laws that govern its operations and by giving its employees a safe place to work. Yet, a select group of modern companies take their social responsibilities a step further, mov- ing beyond mere compliance and into a heightened awareness of social responsibility. These companies oper- ate under “enlightened self-interest.” They realize that what is good for the community and for society is good for the company, and they spend a tremendous amount of effort and money incorporating social programs into their corporate infrastructures and even encouraging and rewarding social involvement and leadership. These companies go beyond merely making grants to nonprofit groups or arts programs. Even more importantly, in addition to monetary gifts to these types of social organizations, they set up hearty volun- teerism programs through which employees at all levels are encouraged to participate in organized volun- teer activities. Typically, they match skills to needs. For instance, researchers at a pharmaceutical company might be organized to help tutor students in science. Although some may argue that corporations have a responsibility only to their stakeholders and their bottom line and do not legally have a responsibility to “do good” in society, they miss the point that social responsibility is in the best interest of the company. Companies that actively participate in social programs aimed at curbing crime, fighting poverty and illiteracy, and teaching skills to those in need reap bottom-line benefits from their social programs every day. These programs not only have a positive impact on the local communities where they are enacted, but they also continue to deliver dividends to the organization in pos- itive public relations, building the image of the company in the eyes of the community and developing a more effective employee base. Corporations that contribute to society benefit on the inside as well. Employees involved in volunteerism programs are more motivated to perform in their business environment because their commitment to oth- ers improves morale and fulfills an important psychological need. These same employees build leadership skills and interpersonal skills while performing their volunteer work, and these skills are not left at home. Fur- thermore, employees are more likely to feel strong loyalty to a company that helps them improve others and themselves. In summary, corporations that take their moral responsibility to contribute to society seriously and develop corporate programs such as volunteerism programs will fare better than their counterparts who shirk their social duties. A healthy community equals a healthy business.  Sample Essay — Analysis of an Argument (Score: 6) Location is everything . . . or is it? The owners of an upmarket restaurant are considering a proposal to move next to another store or near a transportation hub in order to expand their customer base. Without offering any evidence, the proposal concludes that moving to a location that offers more exposure is the only way to increase exposure and clientele. Although moving to a new location is certainly one method that could improve the restaurant’s patron base, it is not the only method, nor does it guarantee that numbers would – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST – 219 improve. The owners must weigh the costs of moving against staying in their current location and using other techniques to improve business. The first issue is whether location could help expand the customer base. Certainly in the real-estate mar- ket, the mantra is “location, location, location.” If a new restaurant is placed near another store, customers may plan to stop in for a meal before or after shopping or running errands. Similarly, proximity to a trans- portation hub could increase patronage because more people would be aware of its existence and its location would provide convenient access for customers. But a restaurant’s location is only one factor that patrons con- sider when choosing to spend a large amount of money on a meal. For most people, food quality and serv- ice are most important. Atmosphere and cleanliness are other persuasive factors. If a restaurant has excellent food served in a clean, comfortable setting at reasonable prices, chances are patrons will come, even if the restaurant is a little out of the way. Another issue the owners should review is how the cost of a move would affect the bottom line. First, how would new lease or mortgage payments vary from the current costs? Second, moving is an expensive ven- ture, particularly when it involves a lot of furniture and fragile objects such as dishes that need to be packed securely. The owners could be faced with some or all of the following costs: renting trucks, paying movers, buying boxes, purchasing insurance for items in transit, and paying overtime to staff to assist with the move. An even bigger expense could be the loss of income while the move is being made because the restaurant would have to shut down to pack, move, and get reestablished in the new location. Because location isn’t everything and moving costs are so high, the owners should seriously examine ways to increase the customer base from their current location. First, however, they need to determine the true cause of their lack of business. If people just are not impressed with the food or if they feel the price is too high, moving is not going to solve anything and might only exacerbate the problem. If, on the other hand, the owners determine (via customer survey/comment cards or other feedback mechanism) that the restau- rant’s isolated location is the problem, they can draw in new customers in many ways and make people aware of their existence. For example, they could send flyers with special discounts to names on purchased mailing lists or to previous customers, publish ads with coupons to attract new and existing customers, and invite restaurant reviewers from area newspapers to generate interest. With these considerations, I think the owners would be wise to inventory the current customer satis- faction and attempt to increase business from their present location rather than trying to improve business with a move. If customers are currently not satisfied with food quality, price, or service, moving to a new loca- tion is not likely to generate more business, despite the increased exposure. Moving will also increase short- term costs and does not guarantee that a new location will bring more customers. Location is not the only factor these owners need to consider when aiming to expand their customer base, and even if it is the prob- lem, a move is not the only or best answer. – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST – 220 . better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST – 216 – ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT PRETEST – 217. 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