GAMSAT prep

Question 1

Section 2 measures your ability to do what?

Answer 1

1. Develop a central idea
2. Synthesise ideas and concepts
3. Express ideas in a logical and cohesive way
4. Write clearly, using standard english and appropriate grammar, spelling and punctuation

Question 2

What does section 2 consist of?

Answer 2

2 separately timed, hand-written, 30 minutes essays.
You are provided 5 minutes reading time
Each essay is on a theme which is conveyed through a group of 5 quotes

Question 3

What is the writing style of writing task A?

Answer 3

Expository, argumentative

Question 4

What is the theme of writing task A?

Answer 4

Philosophical, political, sociocultural

Question 5

Give 5 examples of topics for writing task A

Answer 5

• Censorship
• Human nature
• Education
• Progress
• Wealth

Question 6

What is the writing style of writing task B?

Answer 6

Reflective, discursive

Question 7

What is the theme of writing task B?

Answer 7

Interpersonal, social

Question 8

Give 5 examples of topics for writing task B?

Answer 8

• Hatred
• Youth
• Self-discovery
• Conformity
• Humour

Question 9

Both tasks must have at least how many paragraphs?

Answer 9

3: introduction, body and conclusion

Question 10

What are ACER mostly concerned about with regards to the essays?

Answer 10

• Addressing the central theme
• Applying at least one of the quotations to your essay
• Control of thought, ideas, expression
• Organisation and technical issues (to a lesser extent)

Question 11

It is considered formal writing, what is the recommended usage of contractions and first/second person pronouns?

Answer 11

Minimise them if you can

Question 12

What typically gets the most marks?

Answer 12

Interesting ideas

Question 13

What are the 3 “tasks” of writing task A?

Answer 13

1. Thesis. First paragraph. Provide an explanation or an interpretation of the quotation or quotations that you have chosen.
2. Antithesis. The second paragraph (and sometimes the third or fourth). Provides an example, real or hypothetical, that demonstrates a point of view opposite to the one presented in the thesis.
3. Synthesis. The final paragraph concludes with a way for the conflict between the viewpoint expressed in the thesis and the one presented in the antithesis to be reconciled

Question 14

In terms of job skills, what is the main concern of writing task B?

Answer 14

They need to know whether you can imagine someone else’s perspective. Evaluates empathy, through ideas and imagination

Question 15

How should task B be written?

Answer 15

With feeling

Question 16

What is the organisation of the task B / bersonal essay?

Answer 16

1. Introduction.
2. The body.
3. Conclusion.

Question 17

What is the first part of the bersonal essay?

Answer 17

Introduction. Should acquaint the reader with the topic . In addition it should give the markers a glimpse of what to expect from the body of the text, which you can do by clearly stating your specific assertion and point of view. Make sure your introduction is written in an active tone, with strong verbs and powerful statements

Question 18

What is the second part of the bersonal essay?

Answer 18

The body. The second paragraph (and sometimes third or fourth) should focus on one main idea that supports your assertions in the introduction. Dissect that main idea into three distinct parts: the main assertion, a specific supporting example or examples, and a summary (each could be one paragraph depending on how much you can write effectively in the limited time)

Question 19

What is the final part of the bersonal essay?

Answer 19

Conclusion. The last paragraph summarises the main points, reasserts you view and ends the essay with impact. This will be the last thing markers will get from your essay, so make sure it ties everything together succinctly as well as creates a lasting impression in their mind