The New pattern GRE has 3 different test sections. Firstly, the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) is a writing section in which the test taker is assessed on a scale of 6, in half point increments. The objective of AWA section is to test the critical thinking and Analytical writing skills. In this section, the ability to construe complex ideas, evaluate and support arguments and sustain a coherent discussion is evaluated.
The AWA section consists of 2 separately timed (30 mins each) writing tasks. The first task is the 'Analyze an Issue' task. The issue task presents an opinion on an issue of general interests. It is very important to closely read the question accompanying the issue. The test taker is required to closely evaluate the question and respond accordingly. Factors like issue complexity, argument development and appropriate examples are to be considered while answering.
http://download.chasedream.com/GRE/AWA/%E5%8C%97%E7%BE%8E%E8%8C%83%E6%96%87%E8%80%81G.pdf
“Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.”
 |
| image from www.darton.com |
Tips:
It is good to use metaphors and quotations. A standard 5 paragraph format with a couple of suitable example ensures that you don't score badly. While preparing for the AWA task it is good to mug up a few quotations on topics such as slavery, art, hard work, career, goals, life, love, money, relation ships etc. These can be peppered here and there. An ornate essay is a delight to read amidst a 1000 others.
Make sure you don't use cliched examples such as those on Bill Gates, Mahatama Gandhi, Steve Jobs and Abraham Lincoln. I would suggest reading some literature on personalities like Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Picasso, Beethoven, John F. Kennedy, Frida Kahlo etc. This would help in enriching your task with vivid and unique examples.
Stick to what has been asked in the question. Test takers usually tend to divert from the given question. So it is very important to keep in mind the requisites of the task. A good essay would focus on the subtleties of the issue. Reinforcing the ideas with quotations and phrases leaves a strong impression on the reader.
Keep an eye on the watch! Leave at least 7-8 minutes for proof reading your essay. Ensure there is no typographical or grammatical mistake. Usually, the test taker tends to be a little sluggish at the beginning, this causes a lot of wastage of time. Hence, it's better to roll up your sleeves right from the start.
The second task is 'Analyze an Argument task'. The Argument task requires the writer to analyze and evaluate the given argument . It is expected out of the writer to throw light on faulty analogies and misinterpretations. Usually, the fault in the argument is clearly visible. However, in cases there are very few points to consider the logical soundness of the argument. In such a case, the only way out is practice. At least 20-25 tasks should be practiced before appearing for exam. This would give the writer a better sense of understanding and approaching the argument.
Statements such as ' The argument holds no water', ' the argument has a faulty line of analogy', 'fails to throw light on', 'hidden assumptions', 'problem with statistics and survey', 'conclusion seems unwarranted', 'casts doubt upon', 'fails to convince' etc are useful in supporting and conveying of ideas in the task.
Tips:
In the first paragraph reiterate the argument in your own words. Conclude the first paragraph with a statement such as 'the argument has a faulty line of analogy', depending on how appropriate it sounds.
In the body of the essay, explain what alternative facts should have been considered before reaching a conclusion. Again, read the question asked very carefully and then accordingly work on the body of the essay.
It is best to keep your suggestions for the concluding paragraph. Also, it is useful to finish the essay on a rhetoric note. Suggesting the need for more valid data to reach a proper conclusion.
Useful Links :
http://download.chasedream.com/GRE/AWA/%E5%8C%97%E7%BE%8E%E8%8C%83%E6%96%87%E8%80%81G.pdf
“Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.”
No comments:
Post a Comment