How to Prepare for Written Ability Test

How to Prepare for the Written Ability Test (WAT): A Complete Guide

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is a crucial part of the admission process for leading MBA programs, especially in Indian business schools like the IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, and others. The WAT assesses candidates on their ability to think critically, organize their thoughts coherently, and present arguments concisely in written form. Acing the WAT can significantly improve your chances of getting through the final selection rounds. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every aspect of WAT preparation, from understanding the test format to mastering writing strategies, ensuring that you attract maximum traffic and prepare holistically for this important test.

What is the Written Ability Test (WAT)?

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is a short essay writing test conducted by many MBA colleges in India. It replaced the Group Discussion (GD) round in several institutes due to its ability to assess candidates more individually on:

• Clarity of Thought
• Analytical Ability
• Writing Skills
• Knowledge of Current Affairs
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management

The WAT topics can range from current events to social issues, philosophical ideas, or business and economic concepts. Candidates are usually given 15 to 30 minutes to write an essay on the topic, and the word limit is generally between 200 and 400 words. The essay is evaluated on structure, content, coherence, grammar, and how well you can present logical arguments.

Why is WAT Important?

WAT has become a decisive factor in the selection process. Here are some reasons why excelling at WAT is crucial:

1. Individual Performance: Unlike group discussions, where group dynamics play a role, WAT allows you to showcase your individual thought process.
2. Academic and Analytical Skills: Institutes want candidates who can think critically and present ideas coherently, which WAT directly tests.
3. Preparation for Personal Interview (PI): Many interviewers refer to the WAT essay during personal interviews to ask follow-up questions, making WAT preparation complementary to the interview round.
4. Demonstrating Knowledge of Current Affairs: WAT often tests your awareness of contemporary social, political, or economic issues, making it a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for WAT

1. Cultivate a Strong Reading Habit

A robust reading habit forms the foundation of a good WAT performance. Many WAT topics are derived from contemporary issues, so it is crucial to stay updated with current events, policy changes, global business trends, and social movements. Additionally, reading well-written content improves your vocabulary, writing style, and comprehension skills.

Key Reading Areas:

• Current Affairs: Daily reading of national dailies like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economic Times will keep you updated on relevant issues. Focus on editorials and opinion pieces for a deeper understanding of topics.
• Business and Economics: Business magazines like Business Standard, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Economic and Political Weekly cover key trends in the business world. These will help you with WAT topics related to the economy, start-ups, and business leadership.
• General Knowledge and Philosophy: Some WAT topics are abstract or philosophical in nature, like “Success is a Journey, Not a Destination.” Reading philosophical essays, thought leadership pieces, and reflective articles can help you tackle such topics.

2. Master the Art of Writing

Once you have built a strong base of knowledge, the next step is effective writing. Writing for WAT requires clarity, brevity, and precision. Unlike open-ended essays, the WAT is time-bound, and every word must count. Here’s how to improve your writing skills:

• Write Regularly: Make writing essays a daily habit. Set a timer for 30 minutes and write on any topic (current events, abstract ideas, or business issues). This will help you practice under timed conditions.

• Stick to the Structure: The essay must have a clear structure:

  • Introduction: Use the first paragraph to introduce the topic. Clearly define any terms and present a thesis statement that lays out your central argument.
  • Main Body: Divide the body into 2-3 paragraphs, each addressing a different aspect of the topic. Support your points with relevant facts, data, examples, or case studies.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the key arguments and present a well-rounded conclusion. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Example of Essay Structure:

Topic: “Should India Focus on Digital Literacy for Rural Development?”

• Introduction: Define digital literacy and briefly discuss its importance for overall development, especially in rural India.

• Body:

  1. First Paragraph: Discuss the potential of digital literacy in empowering rural populations by providing access to information, education, and online services.
  2. Second Paragraph: Address the challenges, such as lack of infrastructure, low internet penetration, and digital divide, that hinder the implementation of digital literacy initiatives.

• Conclusion: Summarize the argument and suggest solutions, such as public-private partnerships and government-led initiatives like Digital India.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary and Use of Language

A diverse vocabulary allows you to express complex ideas in a succinct and precise manner. However, it’s important to strike a balance—don’t use unnecessarily complicated words just to impress the evaluator. Your goal should be clarity of communication.

Here’s how to build a better vocabulary:

• Learn 5-10 new words daily: Note their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences.
• Use Vocabulary Apps: Tools like Memrise, Anki, and Vocabulary.com can make learning new words more engaging.
• Synonyms for Common Words: Replace common words like “important” with alternatives like “crucial” or “pivotal” to add variety to your essay.

Also, improve your grammar and sentence structure by revisiting basic grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tenses, and punctuation). Clear and grammatically correct writing leaves a strong impression on evaluators.

4. Understand Different Types of WAT Topics

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the kinds of topics that are frequently asked in WAT. Topics can be divided into the following categories:

• Current Affairs: Topics related to politics, economy, environment, or social changes (e.g., “The Impact of GST on India’s Economy,” “The Role of AI in the Future of Jobs”).
• Abstract Topics: These are conceptual and philosophical in nature (e.g., “All that Glitters is Not Gold,” “Innovation Distinguishes between a Leader and a Follower”).
• Social Issues: Topics on societal challenges and policies (e.g., “Gender Equality: Myth or Reality?” “Should Capital Punishment Be Abolished?”).
• Business and Economics: Focused on economic policies, corporate trends, or global business (e.g., “The Role of Startups in India’s Growth,” “Is Globalization Beneficial for Developing Countries?”).

By preparing essays on these categories, you will be well-prepared to write on any topic.

5. Practice Time Management

Time management is crucial in WAT. The usual time given is 20-30 minutes, and you need to use this time effectively:

• 2-3 minutes for brainstorming: Before you start writing, take a couple of minutes to jot down your ideas. Outline your essay, noting the main points you want to cover in each section.

• 15-20 minutes for writing: Stick to the basic structure (introduction, body, conclusion). Ensure that your writing is fluid and that one idea flows into the next.

• 2-3 minutes for proofreading: Use the last few minutes to check for grammatical errors, unclear sentences, or any missing points. A quick revision can significantly improve the quality of your essay.

6. Develop Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

In WAT, it’s not just about writing but also about demonstrating analytical thinking. You should be able to:

• Analyze both sides of an issue: Even if you strongly support one side, it’s important to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint and provide a counter-argument. This shows balanced thinking.
• Use data to support arguments: Wherever possible, use facts, statistics, or case studies to back your claims. For example, if writing on environmental conservation, quoting data from reports like the IPCC or National Green Tribunal will add credibility to your argument.

You can hone these skills by engaging in debates, discussing current issues with peers, and reading analytical pieces from journals and magazines. Additionally, you can write essays on controversial topics and try to develop balanced viewpoints.

7. Mock WATs and Feedback

No preparation is complete without mock tests. Practice writing essays under exam-like conditions. This will help you:

• Get used to the time pressure.
• Improve your writing speed and clarity.
• Identify areas that need improvement.

Once you’ve written a few essays, seek feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors. Evaluate your writing on structure, argument flow, grammar, and conciseness. Continuous feedback helps you improve your weak areas and refine your writing.

8. Preparing for WAT in Sync with PI

The WAT is often followed by the Personal Interview (PI) round. Interviewers may ask you questions related to the essay you wrote, challenging you on your viewpoints. Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare for potential follow-up questions. For instance:

• If you wrote on “The Role of AI in Jobs,” be prepared to discuss different sectors where AI is impacting employment.
• If your essay was on “Gender Equality,” you may be asked how it is being addressed in various industries.

Align your WAT preparation with the interview to ensure consistency in your responses.

Sample WAT Essay

Topic: “Climate Change: A Global Threat”

Introduction: Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a reality affecting ecosystems, human health, and economies across the globe. Rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters are some of the visible consequences. The need for immediate and coordinated action cannot be overstated.

Body:

1. First Paragraph: Discuss the causes of climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrialization. Provide data on how these activities have contributed to global warming.
2. Second Paragraph: Examine the impact of climate change, including rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and human displacement. Cite examples such as the floods in Kerala or wildfires in California.
3. Third Paragraph: Discuss solutions, focusing on renewable energy, international agreements like the Paris Accord, and policy interventions at the national level.

Conclusion: Climate change is a complex issue that requires global collaboration. Individual nations, businesses, and citizens must take responsibility to combat its effects.

Conclusion

Preparing for the Written Ability Test (WAT) is a multi-step process that involves staying informed, improving writing skills, practicing regularly, and developing critical thinking abilities. By focusing on structure, clarity, grammar, and argumentation, you can craft well-rounded essays under time constraints. Remember, WAT is not just a test of knowledge but also of how well you can articulate your thoughts in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Continuous practice, coupled with regular feedback, will ensure that you excel in this crucial aspect of the MBA selection process.