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