WRITTEN ABILITY TEST(WAT) GUIDEAn initiative of MPRC, IIM Kashipur

Outline

• How to prepare for WAT?• Evaluation Criteria• WAT Format

– Topic based writing– Case based analysis

• Topic based writing– Length of essay– Time distribution– Structure of essay

• Case based analysis– 5 Step Strategy

• How to prepare for WAT?

What are you being evaluated on?

• Analytical• Decision making• Application• Written Communication

Formats used

For WAT, the following 2 formats are widely used:

• Topic Based Writing• Case Based Analysis

Topic Based Writing

• A topic with a word limit is to be attempted, in a given time limit.

• Themes for Topic Based Writing:-– Current Affairs/General issues– Abstract

• Focus - Clarity of ideas in a structured manner

Length of Essay

• 15-25 Minutes = 250-300 Words• 25-30 Minutes = 350-400 Words• > 30 Minutes = 500-600 Words

Suggested Time Distribution

• Distribute time in 1:2 ratio of thinking and writing.

• 15 Minutes = 5(Thinking) + 10 (Writing).• Structure before you write.

Detailed Time Distribution

• Jot down the points (4 minutes)• Make a logical structure using these points.• Decide which point will come first and which one

later (1 minute)• Write (8 minutes)• Check the flow of the essay. Correct grammatical

& spelling mistakes, syntax errors etc. (2 minutes)• Caution – Here, don’t try to modify the essay too

much.

Structure of Essay

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

1. Introduction

• If your introduction is good, 70% of your battle is already won.

• Try to use a quote, (only if it is relevant) or a generic observation pertaining to the topic at hand.

• Length = Maximum of 50 words.

2. Body

• Body should reflect your analysis and knowledge about the topic.

• Recognize key words from the topic.• Try to find out the root cause of the problem and

propose short term and long term solutions (depends on the topic whether it is needed or not).

• Give real life examples. Don’t try to show off your knowledge by quoting unrelated examples.

• Try to give diversified opinions about the topic.• It is advisable to write in bullet points.

3. Conclusion

• Generally we make an opinion about a topic. Example: ‘FDI in retail’ We take a stand and try to explain why its needed or why not needed.

• But here, it is recommended to express generic and neutral views covering all aspects you know about the topic instead of supporting one side, unless specifically asked in the question.

2.Case Based Analysis

• Focus - Consider the situation at hand from several perspectives.

• Recommendation - Get familiarized with this methodology.

• It would also be a good starting point for candidates who get selected for IIMs this year.

Strategy (5 Steps)

Five step Strategy for Case Analysis:-

1. Problem definition

2. Alternatives generation

3. Criteria for evaluation of alternatives

4. Evaluation of alternatives

5. Recommendation(s)

1.Problem definition

• Most critical step• Concentrate on key words in the case• Articulate problem briefly and precisely

2.Alternatives generation

• Generate different ways of solving the problem

• Should have reasonable chance of being adopted

3.Criteria for evaluation of alternatives

• Jot down the criteria on which you’ll evaluate which alternative is better than others

• State the assumptions clearly

4.Evaluation & 5.Recommendation

• Evaluate the alternatives (step 2) on the basis of criteria (step3)

• After this, you are ready to make recommendation.• It is the option that has passed all the criteria you have

identified.• If none (of the options) clears all the criteria, recommend

the option that meets most of the criteria, especially the most important one(s).

• If none (of the options) passes the criteria, you may want to go back to the analysis of the situation, generate more options, and repeat the process.

How to enrich your knowledge

• Read a variety of topics: You have to read voraciously, to broaden your knowledge so that you can write well in this round.

• Topics range-– Economics– Politics– Sociology– Psychology– Philosophy– Environmental issues etc.

How to use reading stuff for WATPrep.

Beware!!!!

• Do not Criticize political parties/ political leaders unnecessarily.

• Don’t take your stand unless specifically asked.• Don’t use unnecessary Jargons and too lengthy

words.• Try to be concise and simple.• Essay should be coherent and logically well

organized.• Don’t be rhetorical.