Purpose of the AWA Section
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT is designed to measure your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas effectively. You are required to write an essay that critiques an argument. This section tests your ability to analyze the reasoning behind an argument and to write a clear, concise, and well-organized critique.
Structure of the AWA Section
In the AWA section, you are presented with a brief argument that is often flawed in some way. Your task is to analyze the argument and discuss how well-reasoned you find it. You have 30 minutes to complete this task.
Scoring Criteria
The AWA is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The scoring is based on several factors:
- Analysis of Argument: Your ability to identify and analyze the argument’s reasoning.
- Organization: The clarity and logical flow of your essay.
- Development: The depth and persuasiveness of your analysis.
- Language Use: Grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
Example 1: Critique of a Business Plan Argument
Prompt
The following appeared in a memo from the owner of a chain of cheese stores located throughout the United States:
“To increase sales, we should promote a new line of specialty cheeses from various regions of the world. Last month, we introduced a similar line in our stores in the Midwest, and sales increased by 15% in those stores. Therefore, we should introduce this new line of specialty cheeses in all our stores to boost overall sales.”
Sample Essay
The argument that introducing a new line of specialty cheeses in all stores will boost overall sales is not entirely convincing as presented. The owner cites the success of the initiative in the Midwest as evidence for a nationwide rollout, but several critical assumptions and potential flaws need to be addressed.
First, the argument assumes that the success of the specialty cheese line in the Midwest can be replicated in other regions. This assumption may not hold true due to varying consumer preferences across different regions. For instance, customers in the Midwest might have a higher preference for specialty cheeses compared to those in other parts of the country. The argument would be stronger if it provided evidence that consumer tastes for specialty cheeses are similar nationwide.
Second, the increase in sales in the Midwest stores may not be solely attributable to the introduction of the specialty cheese line. Other factors could have contributed to the sales increase, such as seasonal promotions, local economic conditions, or even coincidental market trends. The argument would benefit from ruling out these alternative explanations by providing data that isolates the impact of the specialty cheese line on sales.
Additionally, the argument does not address the potential costs associated with introducing the new line of specialty cheeses in all stores. These costs could include marketing expenses, distribution logistics, and potential wastage of unsold products. A thorough cost-benefit analysis is necessary to determine whether the anticipated sales increase would justify these expenses.
Finally, the argument would be more compelling if it included information on customer feedback and satisfaction with the new specialty cheeses in the Midwest. Positive customer feedback could indicate a sustainable demand for these products, which would strengthen the case for a nationwide rollout. Conversely, if the sales increase was driven by initial curiosity rather than genuine interest, the long-term success of the new line might be in question.
In conclusion, while the idea of expanding the specialty cheese line to all stores has potential, the argument as it stands is flawed due to several unaddressed assumptions and lack of supporting evidence. To make a more convincing case, the owner should provide data on regional consumer preferences, isolate the impact of the new line on sales, conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and include customer feedback from the Midwest stores.
Example 2: Critique of a Health Club Argument
Prompt
The following appeared in a memo from the manager of a health club:
“Members have expressed concern over the cleanliness of our facilities, and we have received several complaints about equipment malfunctions. To address these issues and improve member satisfaction, we should increase our cleaning staff and invest in new equipment. These changes will likely lead to higher membership retention and attract new members.”
Sample Essay
The manager’s argument that increasing cleaning staff and investing in new equipment will lead to higher membership retention and attract new members seems logical at first glance, but it is not entirely convincing as it stands. Several underlying assumptions need to be examined for a more thorough evaluation.
First, the argument assumes that the concerns about cleanliness and equipment malfunctions are the primary reasons for member dissatisfaction. While these are important factors, there may be other significant issues affecting member satisfaction that the memo does not address. For example, factors such as membership fees, class availability, and customer service could also play crucial roles. The argument would be more robust if it provided data from member surveys that identify cleanliness and equipment as the top concerns.
Second, the manager assumes that increasing the cleaning staff and purchasing new equipment will directly result in improved member satisfaction and retention. While these measures could certainly help, they do not guarantee increased satisfaction or retention. The effectiveness of these changes would depend on how well they are implemented and whether they meet members’ expectations. The argument would benefit from including a plan for how the new cleaning protocols and equipment maintenance will be monitored and evaluated for effectiveness.
Furthermore, the argument does not consider the potential financial impact of hiring additional cleaning staff and buying new equipment. These actions could involve significant costs, and the manager does not provide any analysis of whether the health club can afford these expenses or how they will affect the club’s overall budget. A more convincing argument would include a cost-benefit analysis showing that the expected increase in membership and retention will offset these costs.
Additionally, the manager’s argument implies that cleanliness and equipment quality are the only factors influencing potential new members. However, prospective members might also consider other aspects such as the variety of services offered, the qualifications of trainers, and the overall atmosphere of the club. To attract new members, the health club might need to address a broader range of factors than just cleanliness and equipment.
In conclusion, while the manager’s proposal to increase cleaning staff and invest in new equipment could potentially improve member satisfaction, the argument is weakened by several unexamined assumptions and a lack of supporting evidence. To strengthen the case, the manager should provide comprehensive survey data from members, outline a clear plan for implementing and evaluating the proposed changes, and conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis. Addressing these areas would make the argument more compelling and reliable.
Example 3: Critique of a Corporate Training Program Argument
Prompt
The following appeared in a memo from the director of a corporate training program:
“Our recent survey indicates that employees are dissatisfied with the current training programs. Many employees mentioned that the training sessions are too long and not relevant to their daily work. To address these issues, we should shorten the duration of the training sessions and focus the content more on practical skills that employees can use immediately. This change will likely lead to higher employee satisfaction and increased productivity.”
Sample Essay
The director’s argument that shortening the training sessions and focusing on practical skills will lead to higher employee satisfaction and increased productivity seems reasonable, but it is not entirely convincing as it stands. Several assumptions need to be examined to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the proposed changes.
First, the argument assumes that the dissatisfaction with the current training programs is solely due to the length and relevance of the sessions. While these factors are significant, there may be other underlying issues contributing to employee dissatisfaction. For example, the quality of the training materials, the effectiveness of the trainers, and the overall training environment could also be impacting employee perceptions. The argument would be stronger if it included more detailed survey data identifying all the factors affecting employee satisfaction.
Second, the director assumes that shortening the training sessions and focusing on practical skills will directly result in higher satisfaction and increased productivity. While these changes could be beneficial, they do not guarantee improved outcomes. The success of the new training programs would depend on how well they are designed and implemented. The argument would benefit from providing a detailed plan for how the new training sessions will be structured and how their effectiveness will be measured.
Furthermore, the argument does not consider the potential impact of reducing the training duration on the comprehensiveness of the training. Shorter sessions might lead to important topics being covered inadequately, which could affect the overall effectiveness of the training. A more convincing argument would include a strategy to ensure that the shortened training sessions still cover all necessary content in a meaningful way.
Additionally, the director’s argument implies that practical skills are the only important aspect of training for employees. However, employees might also value theoretical knowledge, soft skills, and opportunities for professional development. To enhance satisfaction and productivity, the training program should provide a balanced approach that includes both practical and theoretical components.
In conclusion, while the director’s proposal to shorten training sessions and focus on practical skills has potential, the argument as it stands is weakened by several unexamined assumptions and a lack of supporting evidence. To make a more compelling case, the director should provide comprehensive survey data identifying all factors affecting employee satisfaction, outline a clear plan for implementing the proposed changes, and ensure that the new training programs cover all necessary content adequately. Addressing these areas would strengthen the argument and increase the likelihood of achieving higher employee satisfaction and increased productivity.
