Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Analytical Writing Section

Essay number one is Analysis of an Issue, which involves analyzing the given issue and explaining your point of view. It is important here to take a side in the argument and back it up successfully.

The second essay is Analysis of an Argument – here you are asked to give your understanding of the argument presented and the logic used to support it. Your opinion of the issue is not relevant here, but your opinion of the structure of the argument is. Does the argument stand up to scrutiny and, if not, why not?

Why You Are Asked to Analyze Issues and Arguments

The above two topics are asked to provide the examiners a measure of your ability to think clearly and then communicate your ideas. Although there are lists of topics available, unless you practice them all beforehand, you will have to both analyze the topics and create the essays within the 30-minute allotted time, so the pressure is on. However, this does not mean that you can’t study for these questions.

How to Prepare

Though you can’t plan your actual essays, you can certainly plan how you will construct them. A well thought out argument consists of a clear introduction to the topic, a restating of the argument under question, and possibly presenting your conclusion straightaway. You then develop a more detailed explanation of the thinking behind your position, giving several examples to back your view along the way. You finish with a summary of your argument and your conclusion.

It is possible to develop a framework to fit your essays into, irrespective of the actual question being asked. For example, the framework below could be used for an 'Analysis of an Argument' question:

Introduction

I believe that the conclusion offered is right/wrong because… <brief statement outlining your position on this subject>

2nd paragraph

Firstly… <Reason 1 to back up your point of view>

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04/30/02

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