

This means that whether you argue for or against the argument, your job is to analyze the argument.

Later, your essay will be graded by both a computer and a person on a scale of 0 to 6 your AWA score will be an average of these two scores.ĭon’t forget the main purpose of this task: to measure your GMAT analytical writing skills. You will have 30 minutes to read the prompt and construct your essay. The nature of this argument will generally allow you to argue for either side, and the side you choose does not affect your score. On your GMAT writing assignment, the test will present an argument, often in the context of a newspaper editorial or the statement of a company. You need to be able to make a strong first impression in your writing, through the arguments you present. Similarly, many people important for your advancement will meet you the first time through your writing. You may be thinking: why on earth would the GMAT even want to test my writing skills? In the modern global business world, you will always have contacts whom you know primarily through writing (email, reports, publications, etc.).
#GMAT ESSAY GRADER HOW TO#

An essay that is marked a two demonstrates a serious lack of structure and understanding of the argument. Evidence offered to support the argument is not persuasive.Ī score of two is very flawed. Command of the language is not particularly strong. This essay does not develop or express ideas well although some analysis of the argument is present. This essay may have some flaws.Ī score of three is flawed but competent. It develops examples but may not always connect ideas well. This essay identifies key features of the argument. It demonstrates an adequate analysis of the argument and a satisfactory command of the language. This essay may have minor flaws.Ī score of four is fair. The English is clear and demonstrates effective control of grammar rules. This essay uses good supporting examples.

It develops ideas clearly and transitions between them in a way that makes sense. This essay clearly identifies facets of the argument and presents them in a logical way. The essay demonstrates outstanding command of the language.Ī score of five is quite strong. Relevant supporting reasons and examples are effectively employed. This essay develops the argument thoughtfully and logically. The quality of ideas and structure of the argument are excellent. The AWA's scoring systemĪ score of six is superb. If the two scores vary by more than one point, another expert reads the essay and helps to determine the final grading. The GMAC writes that this program “evaluates more than 50 structural and linguistic features, including organization of ideas, syntactic variety and topical analysis.” The two scores are marked on a six-point scale and averaged together. The Analytical Writing Assessment, or the AWA, is the first section of the GMAT (if you select the default section order of the exam). AWA essays are scored twice – once by a trained expert and once by what the GMAC calls an “automated essay scoring engine,” which is essentially a computer program.
