The MCAT test consists of four primary sections that are designed to evaluate an individual's basic reading and writing skills as well as the individual's basic scientific knowledge. These sections include a physical sciences section, a verbal reasoning section, a writing sample section, and a biological sciences section. The writing sample section of the exam is designed to evaluate the individual's writing ability. This section consists of two essay questions that the exam-taker will have to answer by following the instructions that accompany each question. Each essay question will present the exam-taker with a statement and the exam-taker will have to analyze that statement and write an essay that explains its meaning and establishes the individual's viewpoint regarding that particular statement. These questions will usually ask the exam-taker to give an example of a specific situation that proves or disproves the statement, to offer an opinion on the specific issue mentioned in the statement, and to offer examples and other support for the individual's opinion or view of the particular statement. There is not necessarily a single correct answer to the essay questions presented in this section of the exam, but the individual will receive points for the essay based on how effectively he or she establishes the central idea of the essay and defends that central idea with logical facts stated in a clear and logical order.
There are a wide range of different topics covered in the writing sample section of the MCAT, including topics such as education, ethics, media, morality, philosophy, privacy, politics, technology, and a variety of other similar topics. However, regardless of the exact topic presented, the individual taking the exam does not necessarily need to demonstrate significant knowledge of the topic itself, but instead must show his or her ability to formulate an essay that can establish an idea and defend that particular idea in an effective manner.
Writing a Good Essay
A Short and Simple Technique
Avoiding Common Spelling Mistakes
Avoiding Common Grammatical Mistakes
Reading Over Your Essay
Last Updated: 04/23/2012