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Guide to Perfect 6.0 AWA GMAT Score
LikeI said in other threads, I took the GMAT twice and scored 6.0 each time. I didput a lot of time in it the first time....too much actually. Being a non-nativespeaker and having not written a damn essay (of any kind) in many many years, Iwas very scared of the AWA. So, I went through every guide that I could findand wrote nearly 25-30 essays. Even had a friend grade them forme.....Pathetic, huh? Anyway, for my second time, I just looked over mytemplates I created and wrote one of each the day before test just to refreshmy memory on faster typing without making too many typos......
So,here it is....Enjoy, and please do not blame me if the 6.0 percentile goes downto 80 soon
AWAGUIDE
byChineseburned
1.General Structure
1.1Argument
Intro- Restate argument, point out flaws or state intention to discuss them below
1stPara - First,...
2ndPara - Second/In addition,...
3rdPara - Third/Finally,...
Conclusion- The argument is flawed/weak/unconvincing because of the above-mentioned...Ultimately, the argument can be strengthened if/by...
1.2Issue
Intro- Restate issue, take a position
1stPara - First/One reason...
2ndPara - Second/Another reason...
3rdPara - Third/Perhaps the best reason...
Conclusion- Acknowledge the other position but re-affirm yours and conclude that it isthe stronger.
2.Structural Word (should be all over the essays)
2.1Supporting examples - for example, to illustrate, for instance, because,specifically
2.2Additional support - furthermore, in addition, similarly, just as, also, as aresult, moreover
2.3Importance - surely, truly, undoubtedly, clearly, in fact, most importantly
2.4Contrast - on the contrary, yet, despite, rather, instead, however, although,while
2.5Decide against - one cannot deny that, it could be argued that, granted,admittedly
2.6.Ying-yang - on the one hand/on the other hand
2.7Concluding - therefore, in summary, consequently, hence, in conclusion,ultimately, in closing
3.Templates
3.1Argument
Intro:
Theargument claims that ....(restate)
Statedin this way the argument:
a)manipulates facts and conveys a distorted view of the situation
b)reveals examples of leap of faith, poor reasoning and ill-defined terminology
c)fails to mention several key factors, on the basis of which it could beevaluated
Theconclusion of the argument relies on assumptions for which there is no clearevidence. Hence, the argument is weak/unconvincing and has several flaws.
1stPara:
First,the argument readily assumes that......
Thisstatement is a stretch....
Forexample,...
Clearly,...
Theargument could have been much clearer if it explicitly stated that...
2ndPara:
Second,the argument claims that....
Thisis again a very weak and unsupported claim as the argument does not demonstrateany correlation between....and...
Toillustrate,...
While,...
However,....indeed....
Infact, it is not at all clear...rather....
Ifthe argument had provided evidence that.....then the argument would have been alot more convincing.
3rdPara:
Finally,...
(posesome questions for the argument).....Without convincing answers to thesequestions, one is left with the impression that the claim is more of a wishfulthinking rather than substantive evidence.
Conclusion:
Inconclusion, the argument is flawed for the above-mentioned reasons and istherefore unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthened if the authorclearly mentioned all the relevant facts....
Inorder to assess the merits of a certain situation/decision, it is essential tohave full knowledge of all contributing factors. In this particular case....
Withoutthis information, the argument remains unsubstantiated and open to debate.
3.2Issue
Intro:
Many/somepeople think that....Others.....(restate)
Theissue is a controversial one but a closer examination reveals that....(take aposition)...for several reasons.
1stPara:
Onereason is that/for...
Forexample,...
Furthermore,...
Clearly,...
2ndPara:
Anotherreason is that/for...
Toillustrate,...
Asa result,...
3rdPara:
Perhapsthe best reason is (that)....
Specifically,...
Moreover/Inaddition....
Infact,....
Therefore,....
Conclusion:
Insummary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides, it is clear thatthere are greater advantages to....(repeat the reasons).
Certainly,.....outweigh.......
Hence,....(re-affirmyour position)
4.Going from the templates to full-fledged essays
4.1Argument
ESSAYQUESTION:
Thefollowing appeared in the editorial section of a national news magazine:
"Therating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system inthat it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine ifthe subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game ratingsystem is not working because it is self regulated and the fines for violatingthe rating system are nominal. As a result an independent body should overseethe game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system shouldbe prohibited from releasing a game for two years."
Discusshow well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument'slogic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluatehow supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument'sconclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used tostrengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logicallysound.
YOURRESPONSE:
Theargument claims that the electronic games rating system, although similar tothe movie rating system, is not working because it is self regulated andviolation fines are nominal, Hence, the gaming rating system should be overseenby an independent body. Stated in this way the argument fails to mentionseveral key factors, on the basis of which it could be evaluated. Theconclusion relies on assumptions, for which there is no clear evidence.Therefore, the argument is rather weak, unconvincing, and has several flaws.
First,the argument readily assumes that because the electronic game rating system isself regulated, it is not working well. This statement is a stretch and notsubstantiated in any way. There are numerous examples in other areas ofbusiness or commerce, where the entities are self regulated and rathersuccessful. For instance, FIA, the Formula1 racing organization is selfregulated. Yet, the sport is very popular and successful, drawing millions ofspectators around the world each year. Tickets are rather expensive, races areshown on pay-per-view, and nearly all drivers are paid very well. Anotherexample is the paralleled movie rating system that the argument mentions. Theauthor fails to clarify whether it is working well, but it is clear that themovie rating system is pretty well received by people, who often base their decisionsto go see a movie with kids or not on the movie rating. It has never been acase when someone would feel cheated by the movie rating and expressdisappointment afterwards. Since the movie rating system is also selfregulated, it follows that this regulatory method is working pretty well and itis not obvious how it can be the reason for the poor electronic game ratingsystem. The argument would have been much clearer if it explicitly gaveexamples of how the self regulatory system led to bad ratings and customerdissatisfaction.
Second,the argument claims that any violation fees for bad electronic game ratings arenominal. It thus suggests that this is yet another reason for the rating systemnot working. This is again a very weak and unsupported claim as the argumentdoes not demonstrate any correlation between the monetary amount of the finesand the quality of the electronic game rating system. In fact, the argumentdoes not even draw a parallel with the mentioned movie rating system and its violationfines. If any such correlation had been shown for the movie rating system,which supposedly works well, then the author would have sounded a bit moreconvincing. In addition, if the argument provided evidence that low violationfines lead to electronic game manufacturers to ignore any regulations withrespect to the game rating system, the argument could have been strengthenedeven further.
Finally,the argument concludes that an independent body should oversee the gameindustry and companies that violate the rating system, should be punished. Fromthis statement again, it is not at all clear how an independent regulatory bodycan do a better job than a self regulated one. Without supporting evidence andexamples from other businesses where independent regulatory bodies have done agreat job, one is left with the impression that the claim is more of a wishfulthinking rather than substantive evidence. As a result, this conclusion has nolegs to stand on.
Insummary, the argument is flawed and therefore unconvincing. It could beconsiderably strengthened if the author clearly mentioned all the relevantfacts. In order to assess the merits of a certain situation, it is essential tohave full knowledge of all contributing factors.
4.2Issue
ESSAYQUESTION:
“Poorhealth and high stress levels diminish the productivity of today’s officeworkers. In order to maximize profits, companies need to provide white-collaremployees with free exercise facilities and free wellness classes.”
Inyour opinion, how accurate is the view expressed above? Use reasons and/orexamples from your own experience, observations, or reading to develop yourposition.
YOURRESPONSE:
Somepeople think that productivity at work could be increased if workers areprovided with free exercise facilities and wellness classes, as this willimprove the workers health and diminish the level of stress in the office.Other people support the claim that people should manage their own health andstress level outside the work space. The issue is a controversial one but acloser examination reveals that companies that promote healthy living amongtheir employees are indeed more productive.
Onereason is that people often do not find the motivation or the energy to go to awellness class and exercise outside of work. Most people are usually very tiredby the end of the work day and have other family duties or priorities to worryabout. For example, doing grocery shopping, cooking, picking up the kids frompractice, etc. Therefore, it is very difficult for such people to make time forexercising and maintain healthy habits. As a result, the stress from a long dayof work at the office gets carried over to the next day and the patternrepeats. Eventually, the health of those people worsens and their productivityon the job diminishes.
Anotherreason is that people often find it attractive to do what their friends orcolleagues do. For instance, if five colleagues of a worker join a pilatesclass and are happy about it, they then tend to recommend it to the worker inquestion and she will eventually join the class. Contagious behavior such asthis can be very easily achieved on the job if pilates classes are offered,because then the discovery of the opportunity and the motivation to join areeasily found. Hence, exercising at work becomes a very comfortable activityeasily fit into a schedule and promotes the health and happiness of theemployees. They not only feel better heath-wise after exercise, but alsostrengthen relationships with co-workers by doing activities together. In away, this whole experience can be viewed as team building. Consequently,workers are more energized, alert and therefore productive in their jobs.
Perhapsthe best reason is that by providing free exercise facilities and wellnessclasses companies improve their image and become attractive places to be at forfuture employees. Not only can such companies attract more viable candidatesfor new openings, but they can also retain longer the employees they alreadyhave. To illustrate this point, let us take Google for example. The company wasrecently ranked as the best one to work at. One of the main criteria forachieving this rank was the fact that the company takes very good care of itsemployees in terms of encouraging healthy living. There are numerous sportsfacilities on the Google campus which people are encouraged to use. Thoseinclude gyms, swimming pools, volleyball courts, massage chairs, etc. Personaltrainers are also available for free for anyone that needs them. There is alsoa health center facility on site. With that kind of environment it is difficultto not take advantage and live a healthy living, resulting in betterproductivity on the job.
Insummary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides of the issue, itis clear that there are much greater advantages for companies to provide theirworkers with free health facilities and classes. Workers find it not only mucheasier to take advantage of such opportunities on site, but also are much moremotivated to do so there. Participating in sports activities improves theworkers' mood, desire to work hard, keeps them healthy, and creates a bondamong workers. As a result, this translates to a better productivity of theworkers and ultimately to maximized profits for the company.
5.Final tips
-During the tutorial type in a few sentences in the mock essay window to getused to the keyboard.
-Again during the tutorial, jot down on your notebook the basic structure ofyour essays or the opening sentences in case you get too nervous and forgetthem when the clock starts ticking.
-Write as much as you can. Try to write at least 500 words per essay.
-Always have the e-rater in mind as your potential reviewer. Remember that thehuman rater will make every effort to grade just like the e-rater. In thatsense, keep your structure and volume in mind over actual quality/content.
-Be careful of spelling mistakes. Double check words that you normally know youmisspell (e.g. exercise). Try to finish 2-3 minutes before time is up so youcan slowly re-read your essay for the purposes of spell checking. Do notreorganize/delete sentences/paragraphs with less than 2 min left.
-No matter how great you thought your essays went, try to stay humble andfocused - remember this was just a warm-up and the real stuff hasn't startedyet! |
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发表于 2010-11-15 02:31:04
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