How to master GAMSAT Section 2

Summary

This video script by tutor Summer offers strategies for tackling the challenging Section Two of the GAMSAT, focusing on written communication with two essay parts. She advises identifying common themes in quotes, brainstorming ideas, and developing a clear outline. Summer emphasizes the importance of practice, reading widely, and building an 'ideas bank' for effective essay writing. She differentiates between argumentative Part A and reflective Part B essays, suggesting various structures and tones. Confidence and timing are key, with practice papers recommended as the exam approaches.

Takeaways

• 📚 Section Two of the GAMSAT is the written communication section, requiring two essays to be written within a limited time frame.
• 🔍 Identifying a common theme in the provided quotes is the first step in preparing for the essays.
• 📝 Rephrasing quotes in your own words and noting them down can be beneficial, especially during initial practice.
• 🤔 Select quotes you feel a connection with or can discuss in an engaging manner for your essays.
• 💡 Brainstorming ideas, examples, and thoughts related to the quotes is crucial for essay content.
• 📈 Organizing your brainstormed ideas into a coherent essay outline helps in structuring your writing.
• 📝 The thesis statement should be a concise summary of your main points, placed at the end of the introduction.
• ⏱ Time management is key; aim to complete both essays within the allotted time and use remaining time for editing.
• 📈 Part A is often argumentative or persuasive, while Part B is more reflective or narrative, but strict formats are not required.
• 📝 For Part A, structure includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences and examples, and a conclusion.
• 🎨 Part B invites creativity and reflection, allowing for a more personal and narrative style in the essay.
• 📚 Regular reading and exposure to a variety of topics can help build a repository of ideas and improve writing skills.
• 📝 Practice is essential; start early, write complete essays, and refine them over time to improve clarity and flow.
• 📅 A structured study plan, including timed practice and feedback, is recommended to build confidence and skill.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide strategies for tackling Section Two of the GAMSAT exam, which is the written communication section consisting of two essays.

What is the first step suggested for preparing for Section Two of the GAMSAT exam?

The first step is to identify a common theme throughout the quotes provided in the essay prompts.

Why is it important to rephrase the quotes in one's own words during preparation?

Rephrasing the quotes in one's own words helps in better understanding and interpretation of the quotes, and it's also helpful for brainstorming ideas for the essay.

What is the significance of creating an ideas bank during the preparation process?

Creating an ideas bank allows the test taker to build up a repository of opinions, examples, and personal experiences that can be referred back to and applied to various essay prompts.

How much time is given to complete Section Two of the GAMSAT exam?

Test takers are given 60 minutes plus 5 minutes of writing time to complete Section Two, which includes two essays.

What is the recommended approach to writing the essays in Section Two?

The recommended approach is to write with a continuous flow of ideas, guided by an outline, without getting stuck on perfecting sentence structure or word choice initially.

What is the difference between Part A and Part B of Section Two?

Part A is often an argumentative or persuasive essay on sociopolitical or environmental topics, while Part B is a more reflective or narrative essay on topics like friendship or humor.

How should the thesis statement be used in the essays?

The thesis statement should summarize the main points of the essay and be placed at the end of the introduction to guide the reader through the essay's argument.

What is the recommended structure for Part A essays?

The recommended structure for Part A essays includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences and examples, and a conclusion summarizing the main ideas.

How can personal experiences be used in Part B essays?

Personal experiences can be used in Part B essays to provide a reflective or narrative piece that discusses personal challenges and learnings related to the essay topic.

What is the main advice for maximizing confidence in Section Two of the GAMSAT exam?

The main advice is to practice extensively, build up an ideas bank, and develop a strong understanding of different essay structures and writing styles to tackle any essay prompt confidently.