Tips for AWA in last month prep for GMAT

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nobazinga: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 5; Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:45 pm

by nobazinga » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:08 pm

Hi all,
I have 25 more days left before GMAT and I seek some tips on how to improve AwA section in this phase of preparation. In last few practice tests, I could score only 3 in AWA. Ideas arenot as big problem as coming up with a structured piece of writing within 30 mins time limit.

I have also observed in practice tests that being the the first section to attempt, when AWA get botched up, it pulls down my morale and indirectly affects my next sections.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Essays (AWA) | Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:08 pm

Jim@StratusPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 2279; Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:51 amFollowed by: 266 members; Location: New York; Thanked: 660 times; GMAT Score:770

by Jim@StratusPrep » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:16 am

#1 The AWA is not a significant piece of your application so don't worry too much.

If you are struggling with structure, take 5 minutes to write an outline first.

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Brent@GMATPrepNow: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 16207; Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pmFollowed by: 1268 members; Location: Vancouver, BC; Thanked: 5254 times; GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:09 am

nobazinga wrote: I have also observed in practice tests that being the the first section to attempt, when AWA get botched up, it pulls down my morale and indirectly affects my next sections.

The AWA section can help to build confidence going into the main part of the test, or it can demoralize you.

If you're looking for some extra AWA instruction we have a free set of videos you can watch: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... assessment

Cheers,
Brent

Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com

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nobazinga: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 5; Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:45 pm

by nobazinga » Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:06 pm

Thanks Jim and Brent.
@Brent: The video was really helpful. With its help, I came up with my own template.
@Jim: I have had some practice as u suggested. Writing down the structure first was a good idea.
Now first I write down the basic start and end of the argument, and then put in my points. This way even if I feel short of time in the end, I cut down on the least important points and as the conclusion is already written, the argument does not look incomplete.

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