AWA Scoring and Criteria 5

Question 1

How soon after a GRE test are AWA scores typically available?

Accepted Answer

10–15 days after the test date

Answer

AWA scores require human rating and are typically available 10–15 days after the test date, unlike Verbal and Quantitative scores which appear sooner.

Question 2

Which of the following best captures what 'development' means in the AWA scoring rubric?

Accepted Answer

The extent to which ideas are elaborated with reasons, examples, and analysis

Answer

Development refers to how fully ideas are explored and supported—not paragraph count or vocabulary complexity.

Question 3

A test taker's AWA essay heavily plagiarizes published material. What is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

ETS cancels the test scores and may ban the test taker

Answer

ETS has strict policies against score fraud; plagiarism can result in score cancellation and potential testing bans.

Question 4

Which AWA score range is generally considered competitive for admission to top-tier graduate programs?

Accepted Answer

4.5–6.0

Answer

Most competitive graduate programs expect AWA scores of 4.5 or higher, with 5.0–6.0 being particularly strong.

Question 5

What is the correct interpretation of 'coherence' as an AWA scoring criterion?

Accepted Answer

Ideas are logically connected and flow smoothly from one to the next

Answer

Coherence means the essay hangs together logically—transitions, topic sentences, and sequencing all guide the reader through the argument.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Scoring and Criteria 5