Looking to get into Top 50 overall state school for MBA, rest of application is solid. Should I bother practicing for the writing section? I’ll give it a couple sessions, but wasn’t planning on doing much with it.
Nope
if you have time it does not hurt to practice. Remember that you start with this section so if it goes well you will feel confident about the rest of the test. Schools dont look at scores closely but < 4.0 can be considered a red flag. Good luck.
What does “Top 50” mean? If you’re aiming at school #50, then you probably don’t need to care. If you are aiming at #20, that’s a different story.
ohai Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What does “Top 50” mean? If you’re aiming at > school #50, then you probably don’t need to care. > If you are aiming at #20, that’s a different > story. It’s not going to make or break you either way.
good thing i got 4.5 lol
I took the GMAT about 12 months ago, and I did not practice the writing portion once and received a 5.5/6.0. Just make sure you have a clear structure, and mix up the sentence types. Its also important to note that it is graded by a human and a machine.
I didn’t study 1 minute for it and got a 6.0.
top 50…not even worth going. get into a top 20 school or save the 200k you’re giving up!
i didnt even take it and i got more than you all ever did. b.itches
I think I scored in the 40th percentile on the written part, and I got into a number of good schools. With all of the essays I had to submit with my applications, the adcoms knew I could write very well. I wasn’t overly worried about it. edit: I scored very well overall, and presumably made up for it with a raw verbal score that was several points over the 99% threshold.
I’m applying for a weekend program at a solid public institution. Save me the “don’t even bother going” BS. I’m not worried about the writing section, just wondered if I should even spend 5 minutes on it, and I’m leaning towards no.
I don’t think Analytical Writing Assessment is very important. However, if you do want to get 6.0/6.0, the guide below will help you. I spent about an hour re-reading it. AWA GUIDE by Chineseburned 1. General Structure 1.1 Argument Intro - Restate argument, point out flaws or state intention to discuss them below 1st Para - First,… 2nd Para - Second/In addition,… 3rd Para - Third/Finally,… Conclusion - The argument is flawed/weak/unconvincing because of the above -mentioned…Ultimately, the argument can be strengthened if/by… 1.2 Issue Intro - Restate issue, take a position 1st Para - First/One reason… 2nd Para - Second/Another reason… 3rd Para - Third/Perhaps the best reason… Conclusion - Acknowledge the other position but re-affirm yours and conclude that it is the stronger. 2. Structural Word (should be all over the essays) 2.1 Supporting examples - for example, to illustrate, for instance, because, specifically 2.2 Additional support - furthermore, in addition, similarly, just as, also, as a result, moreover 2.3 Importance - surely, truly, undoubtedly, clearly, in fact, most importantly 2.4 Contrast - on the contrary, yet, despite, rather, instead, however, although, while 2.5 Decide against - one cannot deny that, it could be argued that, granted, admittedly 2.6. Ying-yang - on the one hand/on the other hand 2.7 Concluding - therefore, in summary, consequently, hence, in conclusion, ultimately, in closing 3. Templates 3.1 Argument Intro: The argument claims that …(restate) Stated in this way the argument: a) manipulates facts and conveys a distorted view of the situation b) reveals examples of leap of faith, poor reasoning and ill-defined terminology c) fails to mention several key factors, on the basis of which it could be evaluated The conclusion of the argument relies on assumptions for which there is no clear evidence. Hence, the argument is weak/unconvincing and has several flaws. 1st Para: First, the argument readily assumes that… This statement is a stretch… For example,… Clearly,… The argument could have been much clearer if it explicitly stated that… 2nd Para: Second, the argument claims that… This is again a very weak and unsupported claim as the argument does not demonstrate any correlation between…and… To illustrate,… While,… However,…indeed… In fact, it is not at all clear…rather… If the argument had provided evidence that…then the argument would have been a lot more convincing. 3rd Para: Finally,… (pose some questions for the argument)…Without convincing answers to these questions, one is left with the impression that the claim is more of a wishful thinking rather than substantive evidence. Conclusion: In conclusion, the argument is flawed for the above-mentioned reasons and is therefore unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthened if the author clearly mentioned all the relevant facts… In order to assess the merits of a certain situation/decision, it is essential to have full knowledge of all contributing factors. In this particular case… Without this information, the argument remains unsubstantiated and open to debate. 3.2 Issue Intro: Many/some people think that…Others…(restate) The issue is a controversial one but a closer examination reveals that…(take a position)…for several reasons. 1st Para: One reason is that/for… For example,… Furthermore,… Clearly,… 2nd Para: Another reason is that/for… To illustrate,… As a result,… 3rd Para: Perhaps the best reason is (that)… Specifically,… Moreover/In addition… In fact,… Therefore,… Conclusion: In summary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides, it is clear that there are greater advantages to…(repeat the reasons). Certainly,…outweigh… Hence,…(re-affirm your position) 4. Going from the templates to full-fledged essays 4.1 Argument ESSAY QUESTION: The following appeared in the editorial section of a national news magazine: “The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years.” Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument’s logic and analyze the argument’s underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument’s conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound. YOUR RESPONSE: The argument claims that the electronic games rating system, although similar to the movie rating system, is not working because it is self regulated and violation fines are nominal, Hence, the gaming rating system should be overseen by an independent body. Stated in this way the argument fails to mention several key factors, on the basis of which it could be evaluated. The conclusion relies on assumptions, for which there is no clear evidence. Therefore, the argument is rather weak, unconvincing, and has several flaws. First, the argument readily assumes that because the electronic game rating system is self regulated, it is not working well. This statement is a stretch and not substantiated in any way. There are numerous examples in other areas of business or commerce, where the entities are self regulated and rather successful. For instance, FIA, the Formula1 racing organization is self regulated. Yet, the sport is very popular and successful, drawing millions of spectators around the world each year. Tickets are rather expensive, races are shown on pay-per-view, and nearly all drivers are paid very well. Another example is the paralleled movie rating system that the argument mentions. The author fails to clarify whether it is working well, but it is clear that the movie rating system is pretty well received by people, who often base their decisions to go see a movie with kids or not on the movie rating. It has never been a case when someone would feel cheated by the movie rating and express disappointment afterwards. Since the movie rating system is also self regulated, it follows that this regulatory method is working pretty well and it is not obvious how it can be the reason for the poor electronic game rating system. The argument would have been much clearer if it explicitly gave examples of how the self regulatory system led to bad ratings and customer dissatisfaction. Second, the argument claims that any violation fees for bad electronic game ratings are nominal. It thus suggests that this is yet another reason for the rating system not working. This is again a very weak and unsupported claim as the argument does not demonstrate any correlation between the monetary amount of the fines and the quality of the electronic game rating system. In fact, the argument does not even draw a parallel with the mentioned movie rating system and its violation fines. If any such correlation had been shown for the movie rating system, which supposedly works well, then the author would have sounded a bit more convincing. In addition, if the argument provided evidence that low violation fines lead to electronic game manufacturers to ignore any regulations with respect to the game rating system, the argument could have been strengthened even further. Finally, the argument concludes that an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that violate the rating system, should be punished. From this statement again, it is not at all clear how an independent regulatory body can do a better job than a self regulated one. Without supporting evidence and examples from other businesses where independent regulatory bodies have done a great job, one is left with the impression that the claim is more of a wishful thinking rather than substantive evidence. As a result, this conclusion has no legs to stand on. In summary, the argument is flawed and therefore unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthened if the author clearly mentioned all the relevant facts. In order to assess the merits of a certain situation, it is essential to have full knowledge of all contributing factors. 4.2 Issue ESSAY QUESTION: “Poor health and high stress levels diminish the productivity of today’s office workers. In order to maximize profits, companies need to provide white-collar employees with free exercise facilities and free wellness classes.” In your opinion, how accurate is the view expressed above? Use reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading to develop your position. YOUR RESPONSE: Some people think that productivity at work could be increased if workers are provided with free exercise facilities and wellness classes, as this will improve the workers health and diminish the level of stress in the office. Other people support the claim that people should manage their own health and stress level outside the work space. The issue is a controversial one but a closer examination reveals that companies that promote healthy living among their employees are indeed more productive. One reason is that people often do not find the motivation or the energy to go to a wellness class and exercise outside of work. Most people are usually very tired by the end of the work day and have other family duties or priorities to worry about. For example, doing grocery shopping, cooking, picking up the kids from practice, etc. Therefore, it is very difficult for such people to make time for exercising and maintain healthy habits. As a result, the stress from a long day of work at the office gets carried over to the next day and the pattern repeats. Eventually, the health of those people worsens and their productivity on the job diminishes. Another reason is that people often find it attractive to do what their friends or colleagues do. For instance, if five colleagues of a worker join a pilates class and are happy about it, they then tend to recommend it to the worker in question and she will eventually join the class. Contagious behavior such as this can be very easily achieved on the job if pilates classes are offered, because then the discovery of the opportunity and the motivation to join are easily found. Hence, exercising at work becomes a very comfortable activity easily fit into a schedule and promotes the health and happiness of the employees. They not only feel better heath-wise after exercise, but also strengthen relationships with co-workers by doing activities together. In a way, this whole experience can be viewed as team building. Consequently, workers are more energized, alert and therefore productive in their jobs. Perhaps the best reason is that by providing free exercise facilities and wellness classes companies improve their image and become attractive places to be at for future employees. Not only can such companies attract more viable candidates for new openings, but they can also retain longer the employees they already have. To illustrate this point, let us take Google for example. The company was recently ranked as the best one to work at. One of the main criteria for achieving this rank was the fact that the company takes very good care of its employees in terms of encouraging healthy living. There are numerous sports facilities on the Google campus which people are encouraged to use. Those include gyms, swimming pools, volleyball courts, massage chairs, etc. Personal trainers are also available for free for anyone that needs them. There is also a health center facility on site. With that kind of environment it is difficult to not take advantage and live a healthy living, resulting in better productivity on the job. In summary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides of the issue, it is clear that there are much greater advantages for companies to provide their workers with free health facilities and classes. Workers find it not only much easier to take advantage of such opportunities on site, but also are much more motivated to do so there. Participating in sports activities improves the workers’ mood, desire to work hard, keeps them healthy, and creates a bond among workers. As a result, this translates to a better productivity of the workers and ultimately to maximized profits for the company. 5. Final tips - During the tutorial type in a few sentences in the mock essay window to get used to the keyboard. - Again during the tutorial, jot down on your notebook the basic structure of your essays or the opening sentences in case you get too nervous and forget them when the clock starts ticking. - Write as much as you can. Try to write at least 500 words per essay. - Always have the e-rater in mind as your potential reviewer. Remember that the human rater will make every effort to grade just like the e-rater. In that sense, keep your structure and volume in mind over actual quality/content. - Be careful of spelling mistakes. Double check words that you normally know you misspell (e.g. exercise). Try to finish 2-3 minutes before time is up so you can slowly re-read your essay for the purposes of spell checking. Do not reorganize/delete sentences/paragraphs with less than 2 min left. - No matter how great you thought your essays went, try to stay humble and focused - remember this was just a warm-
You might not want to take it serious. But you might want to take it seriousLY.
Touche.
“Save me the “don’t even bother going” BS. I’m not worried about the writing section, just wondered if I should even spend 5 minutes on it, and I’m leaning towards no.” It seems like you’ve already spent more than 5 minutes trying to figure out whether you should spend 5 minutes on this.
Touche again!
I would have to say it is definitely worth taking a few minutes to go over some of the “Reccomended structures” provided in most GMAT prep books. I took a look at these, followed them and ended up scoring a 6.0. I am not sure how much that factored into my applications, but I know that it didn’t hurt. If you are spending months on Verbal and Quantitative, it makes sense to spend a day and figure out what the GMAC is looking for in these essays. That being said, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. If you are a decent writer you should be fine.
It’s worth taking a look at the writing section 1-2 days before and just do a mock passage or two at home before getting to the exam. As with the other sections of the GMAT, timing and exam situations can put pressure on the test taker, so it’s important to get comfortable with developing your thoughts and typing something out beforehand. I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time on the writing section, but I would still suggest writing out 1-2 passages the day before and time yourself accordingly - you don’t want to go in cold. In general, I think if you’re capable of writing well-articulated and thought-provoking response as many people on AnalystForum are, you should be able to get at least a 5.0/6.0. A 5.0 or above should be fine. Numi
BTW, last year I posted an AWA writing sample on AnalystForum for people to critique. You can see it in this thread here: http://www.analystforum.com/phorums/read.php?1,1049093,1049093#msg-1049093 I did this a couple days before my actual GMAT exam. Most people on AnalystForum predicted that the writing sample was a 6.0 quality. I ended up getting a 6.0 on the actual exam. I think one advantage I had is that I’m a very fast typer (over 160 WPM) – and I was told that sometimes volume of text can help drive your score (i.e. throw everything including the kitchen sink at your reader!). With that said, even the slowest typers can get their points across too and score well on this section. As others have mentioned, overall structure and organization are critical as well as your degree of insight. If you have interesting things to say and can articulate them with brevity and precision, you should be fine. You can also see that other AnalystForum posters said that they wrote something similar or even of lesser quality (based on their opinion), and they still got a 5.5 or a 6.0. Anyway, hopefully that post provides an interesting example to follow, in case you need one. Otherwise, there are also examples of good essays on the Official GMAT books and those are worth reading (including the reader’s critiques) so you can see how a good essay differs from a bad one.