Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) was the writing section of the old GMAT. It asked test takers to analyze an argument, identify weaknesses in the reasoning and write a clear critique. Although AWA is no longer part of the current GMAT Exam, the underlying analytical-writing skill remains valuable for MBA essays, admissions interviews and business-school communication.
- AWA belonged to the old GMAT format, not the current GMAT Exam
- Main task: Analysis of an Argument
- Old timing: 30 minutes for one essay
- Still useful for MBA essays, interviews and analytical business writing
What was GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment?
Analytical Writing Assessment, commonly called AWA, was the analytical writing section in the old GMAT. Unlike a general opinion essay, AWA did not ask test takers to take a personal position on a broad topic.
The main task was Analysis of an Argument. Test takers read a short argument and evaluated whether the conclusion was logically supported by the evidence provided. A strong response identified assumptions, weak evidence, alternative explanations and gaps in reasoning.
AWA is no longer part of the current GMAT Exam, but this page remains useful for understanding older GMAT materials and strengthening analytical writing for MBA admissions. Important update
Is AWA still on the current GMAT?
No. The current GMAT Exam has been redesigned around three scored sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Therefore, students preparing for today’s GMAT should not treat AWA as a current scored test section.
- The old GMAT included AWA and Integrated Reasoning.
- The current GMAT focuses on Quantitative, Verbal and Data Insights.
- Current GMAT Total Score ranges from 205 to 805.
- AWA remains useful as a writing and reasoning skill, not as a current GMAT section.
If your goal is to take the current GMAT, prioritize the current exam format. Study AWA only as a supplemental skill or when reviewing older GMAT resources. Old AWA format
How did AWA work in the old GMAT?
In the old GMAT, AWA required test takers to write one analytical essay in 30 minutes. The AWA score was reported separately and was not part of the old GMAT Total Score.
| Element | Old GMAT AWA | What it meant for test takers |
|---|---|---|
| Task type | Analysis of an Argument | Critique a given argument rather than write a free opinion essay. |
| Time | 30 minutes | Plan quickly, write clearly and leave a few minutes for proofreading. |
| Score scale | 0–6, commonly in half-point intervals | Measured analytical quality, structure, clarity and language control. |
| Main focus | Logical critique | Identify assumptions, evidence gaps, weak comparisons and unsupported conclusions. |
| Score reporting | Separate from the main GMAT Total Score | Provided additional evidence of written analytical ability in the old format. |
AWA did not require specialized business knowledge. The key was the ability to read a claim, evaluate its logic and write a structured critique. Core skills
What skills did AWA test?
LogicSpotting flawed reasoning
Test takers needed to identify unsupported assumptions, weak evidence, causal gaps and conclusions that went beyond the data.
StructureOrganizing a clear essay
A strong AWA essay had a concise introduction, focused body paragraphs and a direct conclusion.
AnalysisAnalyzing, not summarizing
The goal was not to restate the prompt. The essay needed to explain why the argument was not fully persuasive.
EvidenceEvaluating support
Good responses asked whether the evidence was sufficient, representative, relevant and directly connected to the conclusion.
LanguageUsing precise academic English
AWA rewarded clear, controlled and professional writing rather than overly complicated sentences.
TimingManaging 30 minutes
Writers had to read quickly, select the strongest flaws and produce a polished response under time pressure.
Common flaw typesTypical reasoning flaws in AWA prompts
- Unstated assumption: the argument relies on an assumption that has not been proven.
- Weak evidence: the evidence is too limited, unrepresentative or indirectly related.
- False cause: the argument confuses correlation with causation.
- Faulty comparison: two groups, markets or situations are treated as similar when they may not be.
- Overgeneralization: the conclusion is drawn from too small or narrow a sample.
- Alternative explanation: the argument ignores other possible causes or explanations.
What made a strong AWA essay?
- Accurately identifies the argument’s main conclusion.
- Selects the most important logical weaknesses instead of listing minor issues.
- Explains why each weakness damages the conclusion.
- States what additional evidence would be needed to strengthen the argument.
- Uses clear organization, smooth transitions and precise language.
- Minimizes grammar, spelling and sentence-control errors.
Suggested AWA essay structure
Because AWA allowed only 30 minutes, test takers needed a stable writing structure. The goal was not fancy prose, but logical critique presented with clarity.
1Find the conclusion
Identify what the author is trying to prove and what evidence is used.
2Select 2–3 major flaws
Prioritize assumptions, evidence, causal logic or faulty comparisons.
3Write a concise introduction
State that the argument is not fully persuasive because it depends on weak assumptions.
4Build body paragraphs
Use one body paragraph for each major flaw and explain its impact.
5Request better evidence
Explain what information would be needed to evaluate the argument fairly.
6Conclude briefly
Summarize why the argument remains unconvincing as written.
7Proofread
Use the final minutes to check grammar, spelling and sentence clarity.
8Stay objective
Critique the reasoning, not the author or the topic personally.
ExampleExample of how to analyze an AWA-style argument
AWA prompts often involved a short business, policy or organizational argument. The task was to evaluate whether the conclusion was justified by the evidence.
Sample argument
“Store A increased its social media advertising budget and sales rose by 20%. Therefore, Store B should also increase its social media advertising budget to achieve the same sales growth.”
| Possible flaw | Why it weakens the argument | Additional evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty comparison | Store A and Store B may differ in product mix, customer base, location or brand awareness. | Comparable data about store size, customers, market and product category. |
| Correlation vs causation | Sales may have increased because of seasonality, discounts, pricing changes or new products, not advertising alone. | Data controlling for other sales drivers during the same period. |
| Assumption of repeatability | A campaign that worked for Store A may not work for Store B. | Details about the advertising channel, creative, conversion cost and target audience. |
A strong AWA response did not merely say “the argument is weak.” It explained exactly where the logic failed and what evidence would be needed to make the conclusion more reliable. Current GMAT
What should current GMAT students focus on instead?
Students preparing for the current GMAT should focus on the active structure of the exam. Analytical thinking still matters, but AWA should not be treated as a current scored section.
- Quantitative Reasoning: mathematical problem solving and quantitative judgment.
- Verbal Reasoning: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and argument analysis.
- Data Insights: analyzing graphs, tables, data sources and decision-oriented information.
- Test strategy: pacing, review, time management and consistent performance.
Where are AWA skills still useful?
Even though AWA is no longer on the current GMAT, analytical writing remains highly relevant for business-school admissions and graduate study.
- Writing MBA essays with clearer claims, evidence and reflection.
- Answering admissions interview questions with structured logic.
- Analyzing business cases and managerial arguments.
- Writing concise emails, memos and reports in academic or professional settings.
Common mistakes in AWA writing
| Mistake | Why it hurt the score | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Giving too much personal opinion | AWA asked for argument analysis, not agreement or disagreement with the topic. | Focus on assumptions, evidence and logic. |
| Only summarizing the prompt | Summary does not show analytical ability. | Use each body paragraph to explain a specific flaw. |
| Listing flaws without explanation | The reader needs to see why the flaw weakens the conclusion. | Connect every flaw to its effect on the argument’s reliability. |
| Writing too much without control | A long essay can still be unclear or poorly organized. | Use a 4–5 paragraph structure and focus on 2–3 major points. |
| Leaving no time to proofread | Frequent grammar and spelling errors reduce professionalism. | Reserve the final 2–3 minutes for quick editing. |
Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT AWA
What was GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment?
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment, or AWA, was the writing section of the old GMAT. It required test takers to write an Analysis of an Argument essay in 30 minutes.Is AWA still part of the current GMAT Exam?
No. The current GMAT Exam no longer includes Analytical Writing Assessment. Current GMAT students should focus on Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.How was AWA scored?
In the old GMAT, AWA was scored on a 0–6 scale, usually in half-point intervals. The score was reported separately and was not part of the old GMAT Total Score.Was AWA an opinion essay?
No. AWA was mainly an Analysis of an Argument task. Test takers did not need to express a personal opinion; they needed to evaluate the logic of a given argument.Should I study AWA if I am taking the current GMAT?
You should not study AWA as a current scored GMAT section. However, AWA-style analytical writing can still help with Critical Reasoning, MBA essays, interviews and business writing.How could test takers write a strong AWA essay?
A strong AWA essay identified the main conclusion, selected two or three major logical flaws, explained why those flaws weakened the argument and stated what evidence would be needed to strengthen it.Where can I prepare for the current GMAT?
Students can explore GMAT preparation at Clever Academy or request course consultation to build a study plan based on current level, target score and MBA or master’s application timeline.Prepare for the current GMAT with the right exam format
Clever Academy helps students understand the current GMAT structure, build a roadmap for Quantitative, Verbal and Data Insights, and strengthen analytical thinking for MBA applications and business-school success.