
Try to cover every major logical problem with the argument. Generalizing from particulars (relying on a small number of particular cases too small to reach a reliable general conclusion) Confusing chronology with causation (because one event occurs after another, the earlier event caused the later event) Drawing an unfair analogy (ignoring relevant dissimilarities between two things when comparing them) Here are the ones that appear most frequently among the arguments in the official test bank:

Present them in that order in your essay.Įach argument in the official test bank contains 2-4 major logical fallacies or other logical problems. (That’s how the test-makers design them.) To score high you must identify and discuss each major logical problem. Then number these problems from most serious to least serious. Spend 4-5 minutes brainstorming and jotting down the logical problems you intend to identify and discuss in your essay. Here are some Quick Tips for tackling the GMAT “Argument” writing task:

Just don’t overdo it otherwise the readers will suspect that you’re using big words as a smokescreen for poor content. There’s nothing wrong with demonstrating a strong vocabulary. Don’t try to impress the reader with your vocabulary.

Phrases such as “I think,” “it is my opinion that” and “in my view” are superfluous and a waste of your typing time.ħ. It’s okay to refer to yourself in your essays at your option. It doesn’t matter if your essay contains brilliant ideas if you can’t express them. Pay close attention to writing mechanics, grammar, sentence construction, word usage and diction (whether you’ve used the right word for the right job). For every point you make in a GMAT essay, always provide a reason and/or an example to support that point!ĥ. Why? Because you essay might evolve somewhat from your initial plan if you’ve composed your introduction first, you might need to rewrite it.Ĥ. Compose your introductory paragraph last after you’ve completed the rest of your essay. For ideas, check out the transitional devices I’ve used in my sample Issue essays and sample Argument essays.ģ. Use transition words and phrases to help the reader follow the flow of your discussion. Your essay must at least appear to be well organized. Be sure to include brief introductory and concluding paragraphs, which are consistent with each other and with the paragraphs in the body of your essay.Ģ. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, education, observation, or reading.ĭownload AWA sample essay (.pdf) responding to this prompt.1. "What really matters in the leadership of business and organizations is getting results, reaching benchmarks, and achieving success."ĭiscuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement above. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refuse the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.ĭownload AWA sample essay (.pdf) responding to this prompt. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument. Instead of spending time on peripheral issues such as education quality, community vitality, and job opportunity, the city council must realize that the crime issue is serious and double the police force, even if this action requires budget cuts from other city programs.ĭiscuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In order to rectify the burgeoning growth of crime that threatens the community, the city council must address this issue seriously.

The recent surge in violence in the southern part of the city is a result of a shortage of police officers and an absence of leadership on the part of the city council. The following paragraph recently appeared in an editorial printed in the opinion section of a local newspaper:
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GMAT AWA Sample Essays Analysis of an Argumentĭownload a free AWA sample essay (.pdf) responding to the following essay prompt.
