GMAT Analytical Writing: What the Graders Really Look For
Did you know that many business schools still see the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) as a clear measure of your real-world communication and thinking skills? While many test-takers focus on Quant and Verbal sections, the AWA is your chance to show the clarity and critical reasoning expected in graduate programs.
What is the Analytical Writing Assessment section?
The AWA ( also known as the Business Writing Assessment ) consists of a single 30-minute essay in which you analyze and critique an argument. You are not asked to give your personal beliefs.
Your AWA is scored separately from the rest of your GMAT, but admissions teams consider it carefully. Understanding how the GMAT Analytical Writing section is scored, you can prepare smarter and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s break down exactly what graders — both human and AI — are looking for, and how you can deliver it.
Understanding the GMAT AWA Task
Many test-takers preparing for the GMAT Business Writing Assessment misunderstand what’s expected. The prompt presents an argument with questionable reasoning. Your job is to evaluate the logic, not the topic or your opinion.
You will not be defending or rejecting a position. Instead, you should identify flaws in the argument, explain how these flaws undermine its conclusion, and suggest how the argument could be improved. Remember, the AWA section does not ask for your beliefs but your logic skills and written critique.
Key features of the Analytical Writing Assessment for GMAT:
Your goal is to evaluate the logic, not to agree or disagree.
Critique the argument’s reasoning, not the topic’s merits.
Essays receive two test scores: One comes from a trained human grader and the other from a computer algorithm called the e-rater. If the scores differ significantly, a second human review dissolves discrepancies.
What Graders Are Really Looking For: The Core Criteria
Understanding the GMAT scoring process is crucial. Both human and computer graders rely on five key elements when they assess your GMAT Analytical Writing response. Each area below affects your final AWA essay score and signals your ability to communicate like a future business leader:
1. Clarity and Organization
A strong essay must be easy to follow. GMAT Business Writing Assessment graders expect to see a clear structure: a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion.
Each paragraph should move smoothly to the next, guided by transition words. Topic sentences at the start of each section help the reader track your argument. For example, starting a paragraph with, “Another flaw in the argument is…” shows your reader where the discussion is headed.
When your GMAT essay’s structure guides the reader smoothly from point to point, it stands out. That clarity can make a big impact on both the computer e-rater and the human score.
2. Analysis of the Argument
The core of the GMAT Analytical Writing is identifying logic flaws. Common mistakes include stating your own opinion or summarizing the argument without critique.
Key steps to follow:
Identify at least two or three assumptions made by the author.
Highlight gaps in reasoning (missing evidence or overgeneralizations).
Explain how these flaws weaken the argument’s conclusion.
For example, if an argument claims a company will boost profits solely through marketing changes while ignoring other business factors, highlight those logical flaws.
3. Use of Relevant Examples
Support each critique with logical, illustrative examples. In the GMAT Business Writing Assessment accuracy in real life is less important than demonstrating clear reasoning. For example, you might write, “If the sales data does not separate repeat and new customers, the argument’s projection for market growth is shaky.”
4. Language and Style
Business schools want to see your ability to communicate in a professional, academic tone. Graders reward essays that avoid wordiness or convoluted sentences. Use a mix of simple and complex sentences and choose vocabulary that shows clear, precise writing.
Do not try to impress with flowery language. Instead, aim for concise, direct statements.
5. Grammar and Mechanics
Minor errors may not hurt your Analytical Writing GMAT score, but frequent mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation will. Watch for issues with subject-verb agreement and sentence structure. Make sure your language remains formal throughout; slang and awkward phrasing can quickly cost valuable points.
What the Computer Scorer (E-Rater) Looks For
Every GMAT Analytical Writing response is first evaluated by the e-rater (an automated AI scoring system). While the human grader emphasizes the depth of your reasoning, the e-rater focuses on surface-level features that signal clarity and structure.
Key elements the e-rater checks:
Length: Aim for at least four to five paragraphs.
Organization: Use clear transitions and distinct paragraphs.
Vocabulary: Choose precise, academic words and vary your word choice.
Sentence Structure: Mix short and complex sentences, but keep them clear.
Clarity: Start paragraphs with strong topic sentences and use logical signposts.
Ultimately, your AWA essay should be polished, well-structured, and easy for both a human reader and a machine to follow.
What High-Scoring Essays Typically Include
Here is a quick checklist for getting a high score on the AMA section of the GMAT exam:
Pinpoint and thoroughly explain at least three clear logical flaws in the argument.
Open with a brief summary of the argument, then state your thesis: what’s wrong with the author’s logic.
Include a body section for each major flaw; start each with a strong topic sentence.
End with a brief conclusion that sums up the weaknesses covered.
If you apply this structure, you help both a computer and humans see your logic at a glance.
Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score
It’s easy to fall into traps that drag scores down. Here are specific habits to avoid:
Do not argue for or against the claim. Your goal is not to pick a side but to analyze.
Avoid scattered or jumbled paragraphs. Lack of flow makes your critique hard to follow.
Do not use vague or generic language. Statements like “the argument is bad” are not enough; specify why.
Stay away from personal opinions or personal stories. The GMAT essay is an exercise in critical logic, not personal reflection.
Sample Outline for a High-Scoring Essay
While there’s no one-size-fits-all structure, most high-scoring essays use a pattern similar to this template. Consider it a starting point—flexibility is key, depending on the argument you receive.
Introduction: Briefly summarize the author’s argument and clearly state that it is flawed. List the main issues.
Body Paragraph 1: Explain the most serious flaw with a logical example.
Body Paragraph 2: Expose a second weakness using a different example or scenario.
Optional Body Paragraph 3: Address a third flaw or discuss when the argument might be valid.
Conclusion: Restate why the argument is not strongly supported, based on your analysis.
At Score at the Top, we often coach students to practice with this outline. Then, we adapt their analytical writing skills as they grow more confident.
Final Tips to Boost Your AWA Score
Strong writing on the GMAT comes down to consistent practice and focused preparation. Here are a few strategies that make a noticeable difference:
Practice under timed conditions. The 30-minute limit can feel tight, so simulate real test day conditions. Write full essays and time yourself to build speed and comfort.
Study real prompts and responses. Review GMAT prompts (from official sources like MBA.com) and sample high-scoring essays. This helps you recognize common argument patterns and see how strong critiques are structured.
Adapt, don’t memorize. Templates and rigid formats can make your writing feel mechanical. Use outlines as guides, but be flexible in applying them to each unique argument.
Seek feedback. A tutor, mentor, or writing coach can identify blind spots in your analysis or writing style. Even a peer review can help you spot areas for improvement.
When you combine structure, analysis, and practice, you’ll not only boost your GMAT Analytical Writing score—you’ll also sharpen skills that business schools look for in future leaders.
Final Tips to Boost Your AWA Score
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment is more than an optional test section. It’s an opportunity to show admissions committees that you can think critically and communicate with clarity. Human graders and the e-rater system both reward essays that are structured, logical, and professional.
By focusing on the core criteria—organization, analysis, relevant examples, polished language, and clean mechanics—you can stand out. With the right preparation, scoring high on the AWA is entirely within reach.
Want to refine your GMAT writing skills? Score at the Top offers personalized AWA coaching and essay reviews to help you craft top-scoring responses.
Contact us today to get expert feedback and strategies that give you an edge on test day.
