The AWA is made up of two parts. One section is the analysis of an argument and the other is the analysis of an issue. The purpose of the AWA is to measure your ability to critique the subject, create a rationalized argument, organize your thoughts and use correct syntax and grammar. You will be given 30 minutes to complete each of these two components. The order of the two questions will vary by test, as will the specific topic.
There are over 100 topics for both the analysis of an issue and the analysis of an argument section. You will be randomly assigned one of each. Topics of the argument section may include something from business letters, news articles, newsletters or memorandums. Possible issue questions may include your response to television censorship, business tactics or environmental issues. You can view the list of all of the possible topics online or through printed study materials.
Study material is available online through the GMAT's official website (mba.com). This site provides free software for registered users. You can also take practice tests. When preparing for the AWA, it's important to focus on how you will formulate a response to the topic, rather than the specific question. Instead of trying to answer every question, select a few and practice how you will create and defend your response.
The GMAT is comprised of three sections. There is the AWA, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are all multiple choice. It is important that you pace yourself so you can answer each question as accurately as possible. You will have a total of three and one-half hours to complete the test.
The GMAT is scored as you go along, and the questions will vary in difficulty depending on your response to the preceding question. If you answer correctly, the next question will be more difficult and if you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier.
The highest score you can achieve on the GMAT is 800. Each school will have a different minimum test score. You may take the test once a month, up to five times in a year. If you take it multiple times, all of your scores from the past five years will be sent to the recipient school.