Complete Guide to GMAT Essay Writing: 50 AWA Topics for 2023

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment, commonly referred to as the AWA section, is the essay portion of the Graduate Management Admission Test. Although it constitutes a small part of the overall GMAT experience, it serves a unique and valuable role in your application. A strong AWA score demonstrates your ability to think critically and communicate effectively—two essential skills in business school and beyond.

In this part of our three-part series, we’ll dive deep into what the AWA section entails, why it matters to MBA admissions, how it’s scored, and what kinds of prompts you can expect. We’ll also examine the common flaws found in arguments and provide an annotated example of a high-scoring AWA essay to illustrate the ideal approach.

What is the AWA Section of the GMAT

The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of one task: the analysis of an argument. You are given a brief argument taken from a hypothetical scenario that touches on business, politics, education, or another real-world topic. Your job is not to agree or disagree with the conclusion but to analyze the reasoning behind it. This task tests your ability to dissect an argument, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and articulate a coherent critique in a formal essay format.

You are given 30 minutes to complete the task. The prompt typically presents a short paragraph in which a conclusion is drawn based on a set of premises. Your task is to identify flaws, such as unjustified assumptions, alternative explanations, and lack of evidence.

Why the AWA Matters for MBA Admissions

Even though the AWA score does not contribute to your overall GMAT score out of 800, it is still a part of your official score report and is reviewed by admissions officers. AWA scores can provide context for your application, especially your written essays and any personal statements.

Admissions committees look for consistency. A strong GMAT AWA score supports your ability to craft essays and arguments, while a low AWA score might raise concerns if your application essays appear polished but your test-day writing suggests otherwise.

Additionally, some consulting and finance firms may consider AWA scores when evaluating applicants, especially for roles that require analytical writing or client communication.

Scoring the AWA Section

Your AWA essay is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Two ratings are provided for each essay—one by a trained human rater and one by a machine algorithm known as the E-rater, developed by ETS. If the two ratings differ by more than one point, another human reader evaluates the essay to resolve the discrepancy.

The final score is the average of the two ratings and reflects the quality of your critical thinking, logical analysis, coherence, grammar, and structure. Here’s how the score levels break down:

6.0 – Outstanding: Insightful analysis, well-organized, fluent writing with minimal errors
5.0 – Strong: Clear reasoning and structure with minor errors
4.0 – Adequate: Reasonably clear but with more structural or logical weaknesses
3.0 – Limited: Disorganized or overly simplistic argument analysis
2.0 and below – Deficient: Lack of coherence or a serious misunderstanding of the task

Understanding the AWA Prompt Structure

The AWA prompt always asks you to analyze the reasoning in a short argument. This argument usually contains a conclusion based on several assumptions or pieces of evidence. It is typically written in a persuasive style, aiming to convince the reader that a particular course of action or interpretation is correct.

AWA prompts do not test specific knowledge of the subject matter. Instead, they test your ability to evaluate reasoning. You are not supposed to agree or disagree with the conclusion but rather critique the logic and evidence presented.

The structure of most prompts includes:

A general situation or context
A conclusion drawn by the author
One or more assumptions that connect the evidence to the conclusion
Evidence that supports the conclusion, which may be weak or insufficient

Identifying Common Logical Flaws in AWA Arguments

The best way to score well on the AWA section is to become familiar with the common types of logical flaws you may encounter. These include:

Unwarranted assumptions: The argument assumes something to be true without providing justification. For example, it might assume that a solution that worked in one city will work in another without accounting for contextual differences.

Causal flaws: The argument confuses correlation with causation. It may state that because two events occurred together, one caused the other.

Overgeneralization: The argument draws a broad conclusion from limited or specific evidence. A single example is often presented as sufficient proof for a general claim.

False dichotomy: The argument presents only two choices when more options may exist.

Circular reasoning: The conclusion is essentially a restatement of the premises, offering no new information or proof.

Failure to consider alternatives: The argument does not acknowledge other possible explanations, causes, or solutions.

Weak or irrelevant evidence: The evidence used to support the conclusion may not be convincing, relevant, or sufficient.

Your job is to point out these flaws, explain why they weaken the argument, and suggest ways the argument could be improved.

How to Structure Your AWA Essay

A clear and consistent structure is crucial to scoring well on the AWA. The ideal essay includes the following components:

Introduction: Paraphrase the argument and state your thesis—that the argument is flawed. Preview the main reasons you will discuss.

Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first major flaw in the argument. Explain why it undermines the conclusion.

Body Paragraph 2: Present another logical flaw or unjustified assumption. Provide examples or hypotheticals to illustrate your point.

Body Paragraph 3 (optional but recommended): Offer an additional critique or examine the implications of the flawed logic.

Conclusion: Summarize your key points and explain how these flaws collectively weaken the argument. End with a comment on what additional evidence or information would strengthen the argument.

Each paragraph should transition smoothly into the next, and your writing should be clear and concise.

A Sample GMAT AWA Prompt

Let’s take a look at a sample AWA prompt and how a high-scoring test taker might approach it.

Prompt: The following appeared in a memo from the vice president of Butler Manufacturing.

“During the past year, workers at our newly opened factory in the Midwest have reported significantly fewer on-the-job accidents than workers at our factories located in the Northeast and South. Therefore, to reduce the number of job-related accidents, we should close our factories in the Northeast and South and move all operations to the Midwest.”

Sample Analysis Overview

The argument makes a bold conclusion based on limited data and includes several assumptions that need to be questioned.

First, the argument assumes that the lower number of accidents at the Midwest factory is due to its location, rather than other possible factors such as newer equipment, better management, or a more experienced workforce.

Second, the memo fails to consider the cost and feasibility of relocating all operations, including potential losses in productivity and morale.

Third, there is no mention of whether the nature of the work in each region is the same. If the Midwest factory produces less hazardous materials or uses safer methods, the comparison is not valid.

To improve the argument, the author should present data that accounts for differences in equipment, employee training, and operational procedures across locations. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis would be essential before making such a significant business decision.

Tips for Planning and Writing Under Time Constraints

Given the limited 30-minute timeframe, time management is critical. Here’s a rough timeline to help you stay on track:

First 3-4 minutes: Read the prompt carefully. Identify the conclusion, premises, and assumptions. Jot down the flaws you find.

Next 20-22 minutes: Write your essay. Start with a concise introduction, follow with two to three body paragraphs, and wrap up with a strong conclusion.

Final 3-4 minutes: Proofread your essay. Look for grammar errors, awkward sentences, and unclear phrasing.

Avoid spending too much time perfecting any one part. Aim for clarity over style. A well-organized and logically sound essay will score higher than one that’s beautifully written but lacks substance.

What Makes a High-Scoring AWA Essay

High-scoring AWA essays are characterized by:

Clarity: Clear sentence structure, logical flow, and organized paragraphs

Insightful analysis: The ability to go beyond surface-level flaws and identify deeper issues in the argument

Concrete examples: Effective use of hypothetical examples or analogies to illustrate points

Conciseness: Avoiding wordy or overly complex language

Grammar and mechanics: Few, if any, grammatical mistakes

You don’t need to sound like a novelist. Admissions committees are looking for business-ready communication, not literary flair.

Practice and Preparation for the AWA

You don’t need to write a full essay every day to prepare for the AWA. Try the following activities:

Read sample AWA prompts and practice outlining your responses.

Identify flaws in arguments you encounter in articles or news reports.

Practice typing under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

Use online AWA scoring tools or have a friend or tutor review your writing and provide feedback.

Study sample responses from official GMAT materials and compare them to your own work.

While the GMAT AWA section may be only 30 minutes long, it plays a strategic role in presenting you as a thoughtful, analytical, and articulate candidate. It gives business schools a window into your critical reasoning skills and your ability to write clearly under pressure.

By understanding how AWA prompts are structured, what logical flaws to look for, and how the essay is scored, you can approach this section with confidence. In the next installment of this series, we’ll provide a detailed blueprint for writing top-scoring essays, including templates, time-saving tips, and sentence starters to help you succeed on test day.

Developing a Strategy for the GMAT AWA Essay

Now that you understand the structure, purpose, and scoring criteria of the GMAT AWA essay, it’s time to develop a practical strategy. Unlike the Verbal or Quantitative sections, the AWA essay can be tamed through a consistent process and a well-crafted template. In this part of the series, we will cover how to plan, write, and polish an essay efficiently in 30 minutes. We’ll also introduce a universal essay template and provide tips on avoiding common pitfalls.

How to Analyze the Argument Effectively

The first step to writing a high-scoring AWA essay is analyzing the argument with a critical eye. The prompt will always present a short argument filled with assumptions and generalizations. Begin by reading the passage carefully and identifying three core components.

Conclusion: What is the author trying to convince the audience to believe or do
Premises: What facts or reasons are presented to support the conclusion
Assumptions: What is the author taking for granted without proof

Once you identify these components, ask yourself a few critical questions. Is the conclusion logically supported by the premises? Are there any gaps in logic? What evidence is missing? Are there alternative explanations?

Mark these issues quickly, as you will use them as the foundation for your body paragraphs.

Crafting a High-Scoring Essay Structure

The best AWA essays are not necessarily the longest but the most organized and analytical. A clear and logical structure helps both human graders and the E-rater understand your reasoning.

A four-paragraph structure is commonly used by top scorers:

Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Conclusion

If you have time, adding a third body paragraph can enhance your essay further. Let’s break down what each part should include.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction sets the tone for your analysis. Use this paragraph to clearly identify the argument and signal that you understand its weaknesses. A well-written introduction should paraphrase the argument and state your thesis.

Here’s a sample structure:

The argument claims that [summary of the conclusion].
To support this conclusion, the author provides [summary of evidence or reasoning].
However, the argument suffers from several critical flaws that undermine its validity.
This essay will examine these weaknesses and show that the conclusion is not well supported.

Avoid starting with vague statements or clichés. Your goal is to demonstrate clarity and analytical focus right from the beginning.

Writing Body Paragraphs with Logical Critique

Each body paragraph should highlight a specific flaw in the argument. Start with a clear topic sentence that identifies the flaw. Then, support your point with reasoning and, if possible, a relevant example.

Here’s a simple format:

The argument assumes that [state the assumption or flaw].
However, this is problematic because [explain why the assumption is questionable].
For example, [hypothetical scenario that shows the assumption may not hold].
Without addressing this issue, the conclusion remains unconvincing.

Aim for at least two fully developed body paragraphs. If time permits, add a third paragraph to address another flaw or point out missing evidence. This adds depth to your analysis and demonstrates thorough reasoning.

Writing the Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your analysis and restate your position. It’s your final opportunity to show that the argument is logically unsound.

A typical conclusion might read:

In conclusion, the argument relies on weak assumptions, lacks supporting evidence, and overlooks important alternatives.
To strengthen the argument, the author would need to provide more data, address counterexamples, and justify the assumptions made.
Without these improvements, the conclusion remains speculative and flawed.

Keep your conclusion concise and avoid introducing new ideas at this stage.

AWA Essay Template for Test Day

Having a ready-to-use template can save you valuable time on test day. Below is a general-purpose template that you can adapt to any GMAT AWA prompt.

Introduction:
The argument claims that [summary of claim].
To support this, the author provides [evidence or reasoning].
However, this argument contains several logical flaws and lacks convincing evidence.
This essay will examine the weaknesses in the argument and show that its conclusion is not well-founded.

Body Paragraph 1:
First, the argument assumes that [identify assumption].
This assumption is questionable because [why it is flawed].
For instance, [example or hypothetical that contradicts the assumption].
Without solid support, this assumption significantly weakens the argument.

Body Paragraph 2:
Additionally, the argument fails to consider [another flaw or missing evidence].
This omission undermines the argument by [explain why].
For example, [hypothetical or real-world context where the argument would fail].
Without addressing this issue, the argument cannot be considered persuasive.

Conclusion:
In summary, the argument is based on weak reasoning and unsupported assumptions.
To make it more compelling, the author would need to [list necessary improvements or evidence].
Until then, the conclusion remains unconvincing and logically flawed.

Use this template as a scaffold. You can customize the content to fit the specific prompt, but the structure should remain stable.

Managing Your Time During the Essay

Time management is essential to writing a complete and polished essay within 30 minutes. Here’s a suggested timeline to follow:

3–4 minutes: Read the prompt and analyze the argument
1 minute: Jot down key flaws and outline your essay
20–22 minutes: Write the essay, following your structure
3–4 minutes: Review and proofread

Avoid spending too much time planning or rewriting a sentence. Focus on communicating your ideas clearly. A complete essay with logical structure will always score better than an incomplete essay, no matter how well-written the first half may be.

Sentence Starters and Transitional Phrases

Using appropriate sentence starters and transitions will make your essay more coherent and professional. Here are some examples you can use:

To introduce flaws:
The argument fails to consider that
One of the primary weaknesses is that
The assumption that

To provide examples:
For instance
Consider the case where
Suppose that

To show contrast:
However
On the contrary
Nonetheless

To conclude:
In summary
Therefore
Consequently

These phrases help guide the reader through your logic and improve the overall flow of your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many test-takers lose valuable points due to avoidable mistakes. Below are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Agreeing with the conclusion: The AWA task is to critique the argument, not express personal agreement or disagreement. Focus on analyzing logic, not offering your opinion.

Failing to identify assumptions: If you only restate the prompt or critique surface-level issues, your analysis will lack depth. Always dig into the underlying assumptions.

Using emotional language: Avoid exaggerated or emotional statements. Stay formal, objective, and analytical.

Writing too little: A very short essay often signals poor analysis. Aim for 350–450 words to ensure enough content for evaluation.

Neglecting to proofread: Spelling and grammar errors can lower your score. Save a few minutes to check for basic issues.

Practicing the AWA with Self-Review

Practice is key to improving your AWA performance. Set aside time each week to respond to a new AWA prompt under timed conditions. After writing your essay, review it using the following checklist:

Did I clearly identify at least two logical flaws
Is my structure easy to follow with an introduction, body, and conclusion
Did I support each point with logical reasoning or examples
Are my sentences grammatically correct and well-formed
Did I avoid unnecessary repetition and filler content

You can also use AI-based scoring tools or have a peer review your work to get more feedback.

Enhancing Your Writing Skills Gradually

Improving your AWA performance doesn’t require overnight changes. Here are a few long-term strategies:

Read editorials and opinion pieces in reputable business publications
Study model AWA responses and compare them to your own
Summarize and critique arguments from business case studies
Keep a journal of argument flaws you identify in daily reading

The goal is to sharpen your analytical thinking and develop a clear writing voice. These skills will benefit not only your GMAT performance but also your MBA studies and professional communication.

Writing a high-scoring AWA essay on the GMAT doesn’t require literary brilliance—it requires structure, logic, and practice. By mastering the argument analysis process, following a proven essay template, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can tackle this section with confidence. Clear writing, supported by strong reasoning and examples, is the key to success.

We’ll provide a categorized list of 50 GMAT AWA practice prompts from 2023. We’ll also offer brainstorming advice for each prompt type and tips on how to develop your own topics for effective self-practice.

Ready to test your skills with real prompts? Continue to Part 3 for 50 practice questions and expert-level guidance.

Introduction to GMAT AWA Practice Topics

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) on the GMAT doesn’t test your knowledge of facts or opinions. Instead, it evaluates your ability to dissect and evaluate arguments. The best way to prepare is through consistent practice using realistic prompts. In this final article, you’ll find 50 categorized GMAT AWA prompts from the 2023 question bank and guidance on how to analyze and write responses to them effectively.

Understanding the Purpose of AWA Practice

Each GMAT AWA prompt presents a short argument drawn from a fictional business or public policy scenario. Your job is to critique the reasoning behind the conclusion. Regular practice will help you:

Recognize flawed assumptions quickly
Structure your thoughts clearly under time pressure
Build consistency and confidence in writing
Refine grammar, tone, and coherence in essay form

Practicing with a diverse set of topics improves your adaptability. GMAT AWA questions follow a predictable pattern, and many prompts fall into identifiable themes. Mastering these themes will make test day much easier.

How to Use This List Effectively

Before jumping into the practice questions, it’s important to understand how to use them. Here are a few steps:

Select a prompt from a category you’re less confident in

Set a timer for 30 minutes and write your response under test conditions

After writing, use the AWA scoring rubric to self-assess

Identify flaws you missed or ideas you could have developed more

Rewrite your response after reviewing top-scoring sample essays

Repeat this process consistently—two to three times per week—to build mastery.

Category 1: Business Plans and Company Strategies

These prompts often critique marketing strategies, business expansions, or pricing models. The reasoning usually involves unjustified projections or flawed cause-effect logic.

The following appeared in a business memo: “Our company should switch to online-only advertising to save costs and increase visibility.”

A CEO suggests that reducing product prices by 10% will double market share in six months.

A manager argues that opening more stores in urban areas will lead to higher revenue.

A company claims that increasing salaries will reduce employee turnover and improve profits.

A start-up justifies expanding internationally based on a single survey of foreign customers.

A marketing executive proposes launching a celebrity endorsement campaign to boost brand loyalty.

A car manufacturer plans to switch all advertising to social media based on one successful campaign.

A business report suggests increasing production due to rising online interest in their product.

An entrepreneur claims that copying a competitor’s business model will ensure similar success.

A consulting firm recommends merging with another company without evaluating cultural fit.

Category 2: Public Policy and Government Proposals

These arguments often involve flawed comparisons, assumptions about voter behavior, or lack of evidence for policy effectiveness.

A city government plans to reduce traffic by banning all non-electric vehicles downtown.

A mayor suggests that increasing police presence will automatically reduce crime rates.

A state wants to introduce a tax on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates.

A town proposes building a new sports stadium to boost local economic growth.

A governor recommends offering free public college based on rising student loan debt.

The city council argues that expanding bike lanes will significantly decrease car usage.

A government memo claims that banning smartphones in classrooms will improve test scores.

A city claims that building a shopping mall will increase tourism and local revenue.

A mayor plans to cut funding to public libraries due to a drop in physical book checkouts.

A regional government justifies highway toll increases by citing maintenance costs.

Category 3: Surveys and Statistical Errors

These prompts usually present survey results or statistical studies and use them as the sole basis for broad conclusions.

A magazine claims that 80% of readers prefer their new format based on a voluntary email survey.

A technology firm believes its new app will be successful because beta users gave it high ratings.

A food chain concludes that most customers enjoy their service after surveying 100 in-store visitors.

A gym bases membership pricing on a poll of only current users.

A study finds that children who play musical instruments get better grades and suggests all students learn music.

A local paper claims that traffic accidents are down because of a new speed limit law, without citing actual data.

A hotel chain argues its loyalty program is effective because 60% of repeat visitors use it.

A business justifies expanding its operations due to a recent rise in Yelp reviews.

A school district mandates uniforms after a small pilot group reported fewer disciplinary incidents.

A company claims that offering free lunches boosts productivity based on a three-week internal study.

Category 4: Health, Education, and Social Trends

These topics cover health initiatives, education policies, and societal behaviors. They often rely on oversimplified logic or unsupported assumptions.

A school board decides to eliminate recess to improve academic performance.

A hospital introduces a new scheduling system, expecting shorter wait times.

A city claims that banning soda in vending machines will reduce teen obesity.

A university plans to eliminate liberal arts majors to focus on high-paying STEM careers.

A doctor argues that taking daily vitamins leads to longer life expectancy, based on anecdotal evidence.

A local community center links higher participation to the launch of a yoga program.

A teacher proposes banning smartphones during school hours to increase focus.

A government panel suggests removing homework to reduce student stress.

A wellness blog claims that meditation improves job performance without citing research.

A parent group argues for banning online classes, believing students are more distracted at home.

Category 5: Assumptions and Causal Errors

These arguments are built on weak cause-and-effect relationships or unjustified generalizations.

A hotel manager claims that installing a new elevator will increase customer satisfaction.

A manager argues that because a new hire has a strong academic record, they will succeed in sales.

A product developer says that low sales must be caused by poor packaging.

A gym owner suggests that offering more classes will guarantee increased memberships.

A financial advisor claims that investing in green energy stocks is always profitable.

A bookstore blames declining sales on the location without considering market trends.

A restaurant attributes a drop in customers to a local food festival, ignoring other factors.

A city blames rising homelessness on housing costs without exploring addiction or mental health data.

A company concludes that employee productivity increased due to a new dress code policy.

A sports team claims that switching coaches caused their recent winning streak.

Tips for Self-Scoring Your Essays

After practicing each essay, use this checklist to evaluate your work:

Did I identify at least two major flaws in the argument
Did I explain each flaw with clear reasoning and examples
Did I maintain a logical structure: introduction, body, and conclusion
Did I avoid repeating the prompt or going off-topic
Did I write clearly with few grammar and spelling mistakes
Did I manage my time effectively and finish the essay within 30 minutes

You can also cross-reference your writing with sample 6.0 essays or use AI tools to estimate your score and get detailed feedback.

How to Brainstorm Quickly on Test Day

During the 3–5 minutes before you begin writing, use these brainstorming techniques:

Scan the argument and underline the conclusion
Identify at least three questionable assumptions
Ask yourself: what evidence is missing
Consider alternative explanations that weaken the conclusion
Think of real-world or hypothetical examples to support each flaw

Jot these ideas down quickly. You’ll use them as the backbone of your essay.

Create Your Own Prompts for Ongoing Practice

Eventually, you may exhaust official prompts. To continue improving, create your own mock prompts. Use real business articles, editorials, or product reviews. Reframe the central claim as a flawed argument. Then challenge yourself to write a critique of its reasoning using the structure we’ve discussed.

Final Thoughts

Practicing for the GMAT AWA doesn’t require perfect grammar or literary skill. Instead, it demands a sharp mind, a logical process, and consistent effort. With this list of 50 categorized practice prompts and the techniques from Parts 1 and 2, you now have a complete toolkit to prepare confidently for the AWA section.

Remember, your goal is not to argue for or against an issue, but to identify flawed reasoning and suggest how the argument could be strengthened. Treat every essay as a business case analysis—and you’ll be one step closer to a top GMAT score.