GAT - Should I bother with English?

[casbanjo]

I'm only doing Chemistry and Specialist this year, no English subjects. Can I skip the essay section of the GAT?

[clidedescope]

I wouldn't. Last year I was only doing psychology as a 3/4 subject, which the GAT had nothing to do with, but it was still necessary for me to do the entire thing.

You're given more than enough time to do the entire thing, so I'd definitely do the writing component. It can't hurt.

[chasej]

The English section still matters. Like of course the mst section is most important for you. But they don't exclude sections which aren't directly related to your subjects from their calculations when working out predicted marks etc.

E.g. For spesh the mst section may be 75% of the calculations with the rest divided equally between the other two parts. (Completely random numbers)

[Jono_CP]

There is a criteria for the English section of the GAT that says: "Use of the correct mechanics of English."

Completely frustrated because in the Practice Exam guys who fail English were getting some of the top marks for the English component.

I got 6/10 and 8/10 for the two sections. Usually I get a bit higher - not sure if they marked mine properly.

[Jono_CP]

I got medium for the "correct mechanics" criterion which is absurd, how do they know what constitutes efficient grammar?

E.g. commas out of place, possible full stop here, sentence is too long etc... Too subjective, unless 5 people mark that not just 2 or whatever it is.

[brenden]

Grammar and punctuation are pretty objective things (perhaps many just feel it intuitively and mate you want to take issue with that method) but it's relatively simple to look at a series if sentences and gauge how masterful the writer is.

[Jono_CP]

I guess so...

I will pay extra attention to detail when the real one comes around if that is the case.

[Jono_CP]

I take umbrage more so with the vagueness of the criterion rather than the objective nature of it.

E.g. I suggest having a separate criterion, e.g. spelling and punctuation instead of one entitled the "mechanics" of English.

[radicalness123]

for gat don't use to many commas and try to improve on your grammar with that you should succeed

[Jono_CP]

Also with the "mechanics" of English, do they mark upon the complexity of word usage or rather the simplicity of it?

I am just frustrated with this criterion, as I do not know how to improve with my medium score without comments or anything.

[MJRomeo81]

It's the GAT...why even waste time looking at the GAT English criteria?

With that being said, attempt to write a decent piece during the GAT. You're going to be there for three hours so use the experience as an exercise in writing. Studying for the GAT isn't an efficient allocation of resources.

[casbanjo]

Thanks for the replies, I'll make sure I at least finish the essays, even if they're not amazing.