WAT: The Written Ability Test can sometimes seem a bit scary, but with the proper techniques in place, one can successfully pen down an effective and impressive response to demonstrate good writing and critical thinking ability. Let's find out what anatomy of a perfect WAT response is, along with those techniques that work for you.
Anatomy of a Perfect WAT Response:
1. Understanding the Prompt:
This is the first step toward producing a perfect WAT response - understanding the prompt or topic assigned to the candidate. Read the question over and over again, and understand the main elements to be covered and what is required. Brainstorm ideas and angles under which to approach the question.
2. Planning and organizing:
Once you have a general idea of how you should generally go about answering the question, the planning and organizing become necessary. Start with creating an outline or structure for your answer and allocate space for each main point or argument. This will keep you focused and ensure your answer is cohesive and well structured.
3. Write a response which is clear and concise
Write your response now, but keep in mind that you are being graded on the clarity of your ideas and your writing skills generally, so take pains to use compact language that does not rely on repetition or unnecessary filler words; strive to state your points clearly and concisely.
4. Use examples, arguments, evidence
Supporting your arguments, evidence and examples will back your claims. Not only is this going to make your argument sound more rational, but it is also going to make it believable to readers. You want to make use of credible sources and facts-statistics or expert opinions-to back up the argument.
5. Review and Proofread:
Once you are done writing, take time to review your response. Go over it to remove grammatical mistakes, typos, or unclear parts of your writing. Also ensure that paragraphs follow one after the other properly and that your response is comprehensive and coherent.
6. Format and Style:
To answer the questions, format it with proper font size, spacing, and margins. Ensure that the layout is neat and readable. Include details such as avoiding abbreviations or acronyms unless it is widely used or explained.
7. Proofread:
Before submitting, re-read what you have written for errors. If at all possible, ask someone to read it to you or ask that person to listen while you read it to him so he'll know it's error-free too. A well-polished, error-free response really shows you are proud of your work and pay close attention to the details.
8. Time Management:
Monitor time that is available for the test and manage your response in keeping with that. When time is limited, just focus on making essential points. Mark the structure as well as clarity of argument among the priorities.
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Previous Years WAT Topics in IIMs
WAT Topics for IIM Ahmedabad Admission
Views about Union Budget Presentation Date Change
What do you think about the Effectiveness of Brexit? Share your Opinion/Views
How is the State of News Media in India?
Your comments on Performance of Refineries in India
Money spent on Statue of Unity proved to be a waste
Previous years WAT Topics in IIM Bangalore Admission
Aadhar has been a game changer as it has enrolled more than 100 crore people in India. However, many people are worried that all this would breach their privacy and data protection. What is your take on the same
WAT Topics in IIM Calcutta Admission
Social media has given the freedom of speech to the masses. However, it has led to a lot of false information being spread resulting in incidents of violence and riots. What are your views on the same?
Types of WAT Topics
There are various types of WAT topics on which you would be asked to write a well-worded fact or opinion based coherent piece in 20-30 minutes. The types of WAT Topics for MBA admission in an IIM or other top B-school can be based on:
Current Affairs
Business
Economics
Finance
Social or Political issues
Sports related news
Abstract topics
Techniques that Work for your WAT essay
1. Begin Strongly: Your response should lead off with a clear and arresting introduction that catches the reader's eye and fairly states your main point or position of argument.
2. In-depth: Your response should be comprehensive; it should answer all aspects of the question. Be sure that you touch on all the important points you are bringing forth and provide a good amount of detail to support and explain your arguments.
3. Use Transitions: Between paragraphs, use transitions to make sure your thoughts and ideas flow smoothly as well as make logical sense.
4. Critical Thinking: Demonstrate that you can think critically about the material by bringing forward some perceptive, reflective ideas to bring to the table. Steer clear of restating concepts or mouthing phrases memorized by almost everyone.
5. Show rather than tell: Make your points with concrete examples, anecdotes, personal experiences, etc., rather than listing or stating them. This is toward making the answer interesting and memorable.
6. Argumentation: Use persuasive language, logical sense, and emotional appeal to persuade the reader that your position is the one they should agree with. Be not too aggressive or biased on the one hand; however, on the other hand, try to present a balanced argument, presenting both sides.
7. Address the Question: The response should be focused on the one giving the main question or topic presented. Any attempt to add meaningless information or be off-topic will find no praise.
8. Make it Your Own: While following the guidelines and structure you're expected to strictly use in the prompt, do not hold back in bringing your voice and personality into your response-in this, greatness happens, and in your unique voice, you are presenting your perspective.
9. Edit and proofread: Finally, proofread and edit your response. Be sure to read through it at least twice for minor things like grammar, spelling, and punctuations. Ask someone to give you some feedback if possible and change it up if necessary.
10. Resources to Use: There are certain web-sites through which sample questions related to WAT and answers can be availed besides suggestions and strategies relating to the best way to present a WAT response. Utilize these for your learning and skill development.
To put it straight, there is thorough planning, organization, and writing skills required to provide a flawless WAT response. Proper comprehension of the prompt in planning and organizing thoughts, clear and concise writing, effective support, and proper reviewing and editing will make for an excellent, well-structured, and persuasive answer that will distinguish you from all those competing for a chance.
Access to such resources and requests for feedback might help toward improvement of what is being written as well as gain valuable insights. With practice, confidence, and dedication, one can become a master at crafting the perfect WAT response.
It is also true that following these techniques is important, but it is not them that finally matter. It is the substance and quality of your response. You show that you can present your ideas well and that you have handled your thinking in a critical analysis manner with something deep on the topic as opposed to doing your best to make your response perfect.
Ready to ace your Written Ability Test and set yourself apart in the competitive MBA admissions process? With expert guidance, tailored techniques, and personalized feedback, you can craft compelling, impactful WAT responses that leave a lasting impression.
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