WAT and AWT are important parameters of the MBA admissions. WAT stands for the Writing Ability Test, and AWT is the Analytical Writing Test. WAT checks your writing skills, and AWS assesses your thinking ability. Those who clear the CAT cutoff marks prescribed by IIMs will be shortlisted for this round. Hence, it is crucial to be familiar with all aspects of WAT and AWT for MBA admissions. It can help them plan their strategy better. Aspirants should first understand what these terms are all about and how to commence their preparation. They should practice relevant topics to prepare effectively for these two selection stages. Read ahead to know the complete details of WAT and AWT for MBA admissions.
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What is WAT?
The full form of WAT is Writing Ability Test. It is conducted by various IIMs for MBA admissions. In this stage, you will be given a topic based on current affairs, abstract, social issues, etc. You need to write a short essay of around 200-300 words. WAT round checks your clarity of thought, structure, grammar, reasoning, and articulation. You will have to write a structured essay on the given topics. For example: “Is AI a threat to jobs?”
What is AWT?
The full form of AWT is Analytical Writing Test. It is conducted mainly at IIM Ahmedabad and is usually more difficult than WAT. It is not only about essay writing. It basically checks your analytical skills. You will be provided a situation, passage or argument. You should analyse it, discover assumptions, check logic, and argue your stance. AWT checks your critical thinking and academic reasoning. Example task: Provided a paragraph with arguments- Identify flaws, assumptions, and conclude.
How to Prepare for WAT and AWT for MBA Admissions
You must first understand the frameworks of WAT and AWT to simplify your preparation. Both demand a unique approach and strategy. Hence, you need to learn and practice separately for these two stages. To help, we have shared below the preparation hacks for WAT and AWT for MBA admissions:
Framework 1 for WAT
The WAT framework follows a clear structure. This includes intro, pros, cons, and conclusion. This framework helps you present a balanced perspective before you arrive at the conclusion.
- Introduction: You should clearly define the topic. Focus on providing an unbiased context.
- Pros: You need to highlight the benefits, advantages, or positive outcomes.
- Cons: You should explain the drawbacks, risks, or negative impacts.
- Conclusion: State your opinion after carefully evaluating both sides.
Framework 2 for WAT
The PESTEL framework helps analyse a topic from six dimensions. This includes political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. Below is the complete detail of every dimension:
- P- Political: Government policies, regulations, taxation, trade laws, and political stability.
- E-Economic: Impact on the economy, employment, inflation, GDP, and cost–benefit factors.
- S-Social: Influence on society, culture, lifestyle, and public opinion.
- T-Technological: Role of innovation, R&D, automation, and digital disruption.
- E-Environmental: Issues related to pollution, climate change, and sustainability.
- L-Legal: Laws, compliance requirements, standards, and safety norms.
Framework for AWT
The framework for AWT is different from the WAT framework. AWT is not about arguing your own opinion. You need to evaluate someone else’s argument. The AWT framework includes the following points:
- You should identify the central argument
- Next, examine the underlying assumptions
- You must discover logical gaps or missing evidence
- Present your counter-arguments
- You can conclude with an overall evaluation
5 Point Checklist for WAT
You should remember certain points to perform well in the WAT round. This includes topic clarity, clear structure, balanced view, etc. Take a look at the strategy to score well in the WAT:
- Understand the topic clearly: You must read the topic carefully. It helps you identify whether you need to explain, discuss, or share your opinion.
- Follow a clear structure: Start with an introduction. You can then develop your points in the body. Do not forget to add a well-defined conclusion for smooth flow.
- Maintain a balanced view: Discuss both positive and negative aspects (where relevant). You should do this before presenting your conclusion.
- Support your arguments: You should use real-life examples, facts, statistics, or current events to strengthen your points. It will make your argument data-oriented.
- Write clearly and accurately: You must use simple language, correct grammar, and avoid repetition. Use short sentences and avoid fancy words.
5 Point Checklist for AWT
Candidates must use the right approach to ace the AWT round. Start by identifying the argument, recognising missing evidence, and using your reasoning ability. Take a look at the tips to score high in AWT:
- Identify the core argument: Start by understanding the author’s intention in the passage. It reveals what they are trying to prove or claim.
- Check assumptions and missing evidence: You must look for statements that lack facts or logical backing.
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses: You should identify where the argument is strong. Check where it appears weak or lacking clarity.
- Rely on logic, not personal opinion: You must assess the argument using reasoning and examples. Do not rely on your emotions or beliefs.
- Deliver a clear judgment: Conclude by specifying whether the argument is strong or weak. You should also suggest possible improvements.
List of WAT and AWT Topics
Aspirants should regularly practice AWT and WAT topics to perform well on the D-day. This helps improve their thinking ability, logical reasoning, and critical analysis. The best part? Consistent practice leads to better-quality answers. Here is the list of 20 important WAT and AWT topics for your practice:
20 WAT Topics
- Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs
- Social Media’s Influence on Mental Health
- Privatization of Public Sector Companies
- Is Online Education the Future of Learning?
- Climate Change and Global Responsibility
- Cryptocurrency: Boon or Bubble?
- Electric Vehicles in India- Opportunities and Challenges
- Reservation System in India- Still Relevant?
- Is GDP a True Measure of Development?
- Remote Work- Permanent or Temporary Shift?
- Gender Equality in the Workplace
- India’s Healthcare System- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Data Privacy vs National Security
- The Rise of Startup Culture in India
- Digital Payments and the Cashless Economy
- Should Social Media Be Regulated?
- Space Exploration vs Earthly Problems
- Is Consumerism Killing Sustainability?
- Globalization- Advantage or Threat?
- Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail
20 AWT Topics
- “Increasing taxes on the rich will automatically reduce poverty.”
- “Electric vehicles will definitely solve India’s pollution problems.”
- “Social media causes depression, so banning it is the only solution.”
- “Online education is better because students score higher.”
- “Advertising guarantees a rise in sales.”
- “Wearing seatbelts reduces accidents, so all accidents are due to not wearing them.”
- “Since most successful entrepreneurs dropped out, education is not important.”
- “If a country increases exports, its economy will always grow.”
- “Because one city succeeded with metro rail, all cities should adopt it.”
- “Minimum wage laws always increase employment.”
- “Banning plastic will immediately stop pollution.”
- “More screen time causes poor eyesight, so phones should be banned.”
- “Tourism boosts the economy, so it should always be promoted.”
- “Electricity subsidies prove renewable energy is cheaper.”
- “Hiring more police reduces crime automatically.”
- “If one medicine cured a patient, it will cure everyone.”
- “If a company’s ads went viral, its product must be high quality.”
- “Since online shopping increased, offline retail will soon die.”
- “Higher literacy always leads to less corruption.”
- “Because one country achieved universal healthcare, all countries can.”
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