–VERBAL SECTION GLOSSARY–
a sentence with at least one dependent and one independent clause
a sentence with at least two independent clauses
comparison the discovery of similarities between two or more items or ideas complex sentence compound sentence conclusion in critical reasoning, the main claim of an argument (the assertion it aims to prove) conjunctive adverb a word or phrase that often works with a semicolon to connect two independent clauses
and show the relationship to one another (e.g., however, therefore, likewise)
the discovery of differences between two or more items or ideas
contraction a word that uses an apostrophe to show that a letter or letters have been omitted (e.g., can’t) contrast coordinating conjunction one of seven words—and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet—that serve to connect two
independent clauses
a clause that has a subordinating conjunction and expresses an incomplete thought
the person or thing that receives the action of the sentence
an event or change created by an action
an incomplete sentence (it may or may not have a subject and predicate)
dependent clause diction word choice direct object effect fragment gerund the noun form of a verb, which is created by adding -ing to the verb base helping verb (auxiliary verb) verbs that help indicate exactly when an action will take place, is taking place,
did take place, should take place, might take place, and so on.
a clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own
the person or thing that receives the direct object
the base form of a verb plus the word to (e.g., to go)
reasonable, based upon reasoning and good common sense, not emotional
a flaw or error in reasoning the controlling idea of a passage the rules governing punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
a word or phrase that describes or qualifies a person, place, thing, or action
independent clause indirect object infinitive intransitive verb a verb that does not take an object (the subject performs the action on his-/her-/itself) logical logical fallacy main idea mechanics modifier non sequitur a logical fallacy in which the connection between a premise and conclusion is unstated; jump-
ing to conclusions
order of importance when ideas are arranged by rank, from most to least important or least to most
important
the adjective form of a verb, which is created by adding -ing to the verb base
paragraph one or more sentences about one main idea, set off by indenting the first line participial phrase passive voice when the subject of the sentence is being acted upon (passively receives the action) past participle the verb form expressing what happened in the past, formed by a past-tense helping verb
plus the simple past-tense form of the verb
a group of words that do not contain both a subject and a predicate (e.g., in the box, will be going)
a logical fallacy that assumes X caused Y just because X preceded Y
the part of the sentence that tells us what the subject is or does
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phrase post hoc, ergo propter hoc predicate premise a claim given in support of a conclusion in an argument
–VERBAL SECTION GLOSSARY–
present participle the verb form expressing what is happening now, which is formed by a present-tense
helping verb and -ing form of the main verb
a word or phrase that limits the scope of a claim (e.g., never, always)
a logical fallacy in which the arguer brings in an irrelevant issue to divert the argument the unnecessary repetition of words or ideas (e.g., Lana’s mentally out of her mind!)
proper noun a noun that identifies a specific person, place, or thing (e.g., Elm Street) qualifier red herring redundancy run-on a sentence that has two or more independent clauses without the proper punctuation or connect-
ing words (e.g., subordinating conjunction) between them
a logical fallacy that presents an if/then situation as an absolute
slippery slope straw man a logical fallacy in which the opponent’s position is distorted, oversimplified, exaggerated, or
otherwise misrepresented
style the manner in which something is done; in writing, the combination of a writer’s sentence structure
and word choice
the person, place, or thing that performs the action of the sentence
subject subjunctive the verb form that indicates something that is wished for or contrary to fact subordinating conjunction a word or phrase that introduces an adverb clause, making the clause depend- ent and showing its relationship to another (usually independent) clause (e.g., because, since, while)
superlative the adjective form showing the greatest degree in quality or quantity, which is formed by adding
-est (e.g., happiest), most (e.g., most boring), or least
the main idea or theme of a passage
the mood or attitude conveyed by words or speech
a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph
thesis tone topic sentence transition a word or phrase used to move from one idea to the next and show the relationship between
those ideas (e.g., however, next, in contrast)
transitive verb a verb that takes an object (someone or something receives the action of the verb) wordiness the use of several words when a few words can more clearly and concisely express the same idea
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(e.g., the pen that belongs to Jill)
P A R T
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
III
C H A P T E R
Analytical Writing Assessment Pretest
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In the following chapters, you will learn all about the GMAT® Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section: the kinds of topics you will be asked to write about, how you will be expected to write about those topics, and how your essays will be scored. You will also review strategies for effective analytical writing and learn spe- cific tips and strategies that can be used on the exam.
Before you begin the AWA review, take the following pretest. Use this practice test to help you determine
(cid:2) Pretest
how much preparation you need for this section of the exam.
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The following AWA pretest contains two essay prompts, one of each kind of prompt you will see on the actual exam. This pretest is designed to give you a sense of what to expect and help you assess your strengths and weaknesses for this portion of the exam. When you are finished, compare your results to the scoring guide and sample essays in the answer key. Use the results to plan your study time effectively and determine the areas where you need the most careful review and practice.
