GMAT Analytical Writing Syllabus

GMAT analytical writing syllabus is designed to test the ability of a candidate, to think critically, to frame the ideas, and to understand the logical content of a given text. Analytical thinking is a must to identify the logical substance. This skill plays an important part in decision making matters. GMAT analytical writing syllabus is structured to serve this purpose.

The analytical writing part of GMAT syllabus is divided into two sections namely analysis of an argument and analysis of an issue. An essay or a passage to be analyzed critically is given for the two sections mentioned in the former sentence. Each section needs to be completed in 30 minutes. Please go through the sections detailed below:

Complete GMAT Analytical Writing Syllabus

1. Analysis of an Argument

In this section of GMAT analytical writing syllabus, a paragraph or an argument is presented to candidates, which need to be analyzed critically. They should find the underlying reason through critical thinking and construct an argument on the given passage.

The critical review or the argument of the passage should reflect a clear understanding of the three aspects mentioned above (assumptions, strengths and weakness).Only from those aspects a candidate would be able to decide if the argument is logically strong.

After a profound understanding of the strengths and weakness of an argument, candidates are required to evaluate them to construct a logical argument. The main rule of the analysis of an argument is that the candidates should not take sides or argue against anything. Concrete examples should be given along with the arguments.

There are three concepts covered in GMAT analytical writing syllabus as:

• Argument Construction – In this concept a comparison of supporting and unsupporting facts should be done to highlight the weakness and strength of the statement.
• Argument Evaluation - This conceptcan be defined as identifying the assumptions and facts to analyze the strength and weakness in a statement..
• Formulating a Plan Of Action – In this part of argument, examples are given to strengthen or weaken the conclusion.

All these concepts in analytical writing syllabus can be prepared only if the candidates are thorough with the three divisions of argument constructions namely:

• General Strategies – General strategies for analysis includes tips like assembling ideas as a first step, then arranging them in a logical order, and to provide the conclusion from the candidate’s point of view.
• Essay Template – Essay template may be defined as presenting an essay with aspects like a relevant introduction, body and conclusion.
• Timing – Its is also called as time management. Making notes while analyzing the statement will help the person who is taking up the test to save time in spending more time in writing the essay.

The details given above are the concepts and divisions, in the section of analysis of an argument.

2. Analysis of an Issue

In this section of analysis of an issue, the candidates will be presented with a paragraph to analyze the complex ideas, from their view point. They have to understand the pros and cons of both the sides of the issue to take sides.

A good organization of complex ideas through critical thinking will help them to debate the issue. They have to observe various perspectives of the issue to substantiate their side, with strong examples.

The candidates should present their observations in a simple and an effective language. Along with their critical thinking and observing skills, the lessons in this section also cover the need of an effective communication. It is always advised to use short and appropriate words.

Analysis of issue section GMAT syllabus covers the following two concepts as:

• Argument Evaluation - In this process an analysis of pros and cons in a statement is done along with identifying the facts, assumptions to determine whether to agree or disagree with author’s point of view.  
• Formulating and Evaluating an Action Plan –This is phase in analysis of issue where the claim of a candidatei.e. agreement or disagreement with statement is explained with examples.

This section is divided into the following four vital parts:

• What You are Expected to Do? - Before writing an essay, spend 3 to 4 minutes in identifying complications of essay, and make a note of them in brief points. Then start writing the essay.
• Three Common Logical Fallacies - Logical fallacies are nothing but the misconceptions given in a statement. There are three types of fallacies in most of the statement namely invalid arguments, wrong usage of terminologies and false assumptions.  
• Essay Template - A good essay with systematic structure as an introduction, body and conclusion.
• Timing - To complete an essay within the given time by following tips and strategies.

This is detailed description of the analysis of issue section in AWA or analytical writing assessment.

These are the two detailed sections GMAT analytical writing section. Critical thinking and a good presentation of thoughts plays as a common aspect between these two sections of GMAT.

More in GMAT

• Rescheduling GMAT Appointment

  GMAT aspirants looking for ways to rescheduling a GMAT appointment, read on for full details and information. Answers to all your queries on how to reschedule and service fees for rescheduling or retaking GMAT test are available in this page.

• Identification Documents for GMAT Registration

  GMAT candidates would be able to get through to take up a GMAT test only if they submit correct identification documents for GMAT registration. These important proofs need to be sent well in advance, to get test appointment as per individual choice.

• GMAT Tax Rates

  GMAT tax rates for different countries, varies depending on the candidates and their nationalities. Other than U.S citizens, candidates from certain countries are liable to pay GMAT tax rate. Read on for complete list of information on the same.

• GMAT Test Centers

  It is imperative to find GMAT test centers before GMAT registration. Global standard ensures GMAT test centers are located all over the world. Read on for more details on nearest test centers, test environment, do’s-don’ts, technical glitches etc.

• GMAT FAQs

  The main purpose of GMAT FAQs is to provide answers for the commonly asked questions regarding information like GMAT test structure, test center etc. Its mission is to widen the knowledge base of GMAT, with general tips.

• How to Prepare for GMAT

  People, who want to get an MBA from a business school, opt for GMAT. The instructions on how to prepare for GMAT test will educate the GMAT candidates on test structure, with tips and advice that is in need to take up the test

• GMAT Verbal Test Structure

  This article is intended to provide details on the major sections of GMAT Verbal Test structure. Read on to get clarity on the important sections of GMAT Verbal Test.

• GMAT Quantitative Test Structure

  The objective of this article is to provide detailed information on GMAT Quantitative Test Structure. The guidelines below give you a brief idea on test structure of GMAT quantitative section.

• GMAT Analytical Writing Test Structure

  This article throws light on the important sections of GMAT analytical writing test structure. The tips and information given in this article are handy, easy and very helpful. Read on to know the facts of analytical writing test in GMAT.

• GMAT Verbal Syllabus

  The aim of a detailed GMAT verbal syllabus is to cover expertise in Standard English skills and to organize complex ideas. The structure of GMAT syllabus serves to equip the candidates, to excel in International Business School environment.

• GMAT Important Dates

  This article explains about the GMAT important dates. It is important to know the complete information about the dates related to test to plan ahead for the test. Read on to know more.

• Computer Based GMAT

  This article stresses on the important facts about the Computer Based GMAT and the there are few important points in article which is worth mentioning and quite helpful. Read on to know the complete information on computer based GMAT.

• The GMAT Advantage

  This article highlights the information on The GMAT advantage. It is important to know the benefits of the test which is to be taken. Read on to know the various advantages of GMAT test.

• GMAT vs GRE

  This page states the key differences between GMAT vs GRE. Choosing a better test among many becomes easier when the comparison between tests is made. Read the below article to know the differences.

• Next Generation GMAT

  This article illustrates the important information on Next Generation GMAT. Read this piece of writing to know how different the next generation GMAT is from the present one.

• GMAT Verbal Preparation Books and Material

  Equipping yourself for GMAT test with the best study materials and guides is very important. This article gives you clarity with some samples of GMAT Verbal Preparation Books and Material.

• Paper Based GMAT

  This article describes the key information on paper based GMAT. Read to know the details on what is offered by GMAT in paper based test.

• Computer Based GMAT vs. Paper Based GMAT

  GMAT gives you two alternatives to choose the mode of writing the test, which can be either computer based GMAT or paper based GMAT. Read this article to know the differences between computer based GMAT vs. paper based GMAT.

• GMAT Checklist and Test Day Essentials

  This article highlights some useful tips and essential information on on GMAT checklist and test day essentials. It is very important to have a checklist so that all goes well on the test day. Read on to know more about this.

• GMAT Quantitative Section Preparation Books and Material

  This write up highlights the GMAT Quantitative preparation books and material. Read on further to know the best guides and reference books available for quantitative section in GMAT.

• GMAT Registration For Persons With Disabilities

  The advantage of GMAT is it is flexible to all the groups of people. GMAT registration for test takers with disabilities is a procedure which accommodates disabled candidates to take up the GMAT test, provided they submit the supporting documents.

• Strategy for GMAT Sentence Correction and Reading Comprehension

  This page highlights the GMAT Strategies for Sentence Correction and Reading Comprehension. Read on to know the information on various strategies that can be implemented for the sentence correction and reading comprehension sections in GMAT.

• GMAT Analytical Writing Preparation Books & Materials

  This article explains in detail about GMAT analytical writing preparation books and materials. Lists of a few important books for preparing for analytical writing section in GMAT are listed here which will be helpful to TOEFL aspirants. Read on.

• GMAT Quantitative Practice Questions

  Proficiency in Mathematics is important to take up GMAT test. GMAT quantitative practice questions explain about different types of mathematical questions and it also shows how to find solution for those questions.

• GMAT Verbal Practice Questions

  GMAT verbal practice questions helps a candidate to get familiar with the types of questions in verbal test section and it also gives detailed information on sub sections of practice questions in GMAT verbal section.

• GMAT General Tips

  This article presents important GMAT General Tips. The following tips will help improve test preparation. Read on to know easy useful tips on preparing for GMAT test which will help in achieving good scores.

• GMAT Problem Solving Strategies

  This article throws light on GMAT strategies for problem solving. The tips and information to solve problems in GMAT quantitative section are given in detail below.

• GMAT Data Sufficiency Strategy

  The tips to solve data sufficiency problems are provided in this page. It also contains detailed information on GMAT strategies for data sufficiency. For further details read the article.

• GMAT Quantitative Syllabus

  The purpose of complete GMAT Quantitative syllabus is to provide a clear understanding about the mathematical concepts related to GMAT test. It will help the candidate for preparation and solving any of the calculations with logical thinking skills.