GMAT Essay Sample

GMAT Essay Sample Prompt

Here is a typical GMAT AWA essay prompt:

"The following appeared in a memorandum from the chief financial officer of a large manufacturing company: 'In the past year, our company’s profits have decreased by 10%. While this may seem like a decline, it is important to note that our competitors have experienced even greater losses. Therefore, we should not take drastic measures to cut costs, as doing so would harm our ability to grow and expand in the future. Instead, we should continue our current course of action and focus on long-term goals.'"

GMAT Essay Sample Response

The following is a sample response to the essay prompt. In this response, we will analyze the argument presented and highlight logical flaws, unsupported assumptions, and weaknesses in reasoning.

The argument presented claims that the company should not take drastic measures to cut costs, citing the fact that competitors have experienced even greater losses. While this may seem reasonable at first glance, the argument is flawed in several important ways. Specifically, it relies on unsupported assumptions, lacks sufficient evidence, and fails to consider alternative courses of action. This essay will analyze these weaknesses and suggest ways the argument could be improved. First, the argument assumes that the company’s financial situation should be evaluated solely in comparison to its competitors. While this may seem logical, it overlooks the possibility that the company’s own financial health is more important than how its competitors are performing. If the company is already experiencing a 10% decline in profits, further losses could have serious consequences, even if competitors are doing worse. The argument fails to provide any evidence that the company’s financial situation is sustainable, and it assumes that simply continuing the current course of action will lead to long-term success. Second, the argument assumes that maintaining the current course of action is the best strategy for long-term growth. However, it does not explain why this strategy is appropriate given the company’s current performance. If the company’s profits have already decreased by 10%, continuing business as usual without making necessary adjustments could lead to even greater financial strain. The argument fails to consider the possibility that cost-cutting measures or restructuring might be necessary to maintain the company’s stability and future growth. Third, the argument ignores the possibility of other factors that could be influencing the company’s financial performance. For example, external market conditions, changes in consumer demand, or internal inefficiencies may be contributing to the decline in profits. Without addressing these factors, the argument fails to provide a complete picture of the company’s situation. The company could benefit from conducting a thorough analysis of its internal operations and external market conditions to identify areas for improvement. Finally, the argument fails to provide any concrete evidence or data to support its claims. It simply states that competitors have experienced greater losses, but this comparison does not justify the decision to avoid cost-cutting measures. The argument does not present any data on the company’s financial outlook, the potential impact of cost-cutting, or the specific long-term goals the company is pursuing. Without this evidence, the argument lacks credibility and fails to persuade the reader that the proposed strategy is sound. In conclusion, while the argument suggests that the company should avoid drastic cost-cutting measures, it is based on several logical flaws and unsupported assumptions. To strengthen the argument, the author should provide evidence of the company’s financial stability, explain why the current strategy is the best option, and consider alternative courses of action. A more comprehensive analysis would help make the case for maintaining the current course of action or adjusting it as needed.

Key Elements of a Strong GMAT Essay

A strong GMAT essay is organized, focused, and well-structured. Below are the key elements to include in your essay to achieve a high score on the AWA section:

• Introduction: Restate the argument in your own words and briefly introduce the flaws you will address in your critique.
• Identify Logical Flaws: Identify and explain the logical flaws or weaknesses in the argument. Focus on assumptions, evidence, and reasoning that are unsupported or flawed.
• Provide Evidence or Counterarguments: Provide reasoning or examples that challenge the argument’s assumptions or conclusions. This could involve offering alternative explanations, scenarios, or data that could weaken the argument.
• Conclusion: Summarize your critique and suggest ways to improve the argument. Focus on strengthening the argument by addressing the weaknesses you’ve identified.

How the GMAT Essay is Scored

The GMAT essay is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. The essay is evaluated by both a human rater and a computer algorithm. The human rater evaluates the quality of your writing, logical analysis, and how well you address the prompt. The computer algorithm evaluates your grammar, sentence structure, and overall coherence.

• Score of 6: Exceptional essay with insightful analysis and clear, well-organized writing.
• Score of 5: Strong essay with good analysis, but may have minor flaws in organization or clarity.
• Score of 4: Adequate essay that addresses the argument but lacks depth or clarity in analysis.
• Score of 3: Limited analysis with weak organization or unclear writing.
• Score of 2 or below: Poor writing with minimal analysis or off-topic content.

Conclusion

Writing a strong GMAT essay requires careful analysis, clear organization, and well-reasoned critique. By following the structure outlined in this guide and practicing with essay prompts, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score on the AWA section. Remember to focus on identifying logical flaws, providing evidence to support your critique, and presenting your analysis in a clear and coherent manner.