While you still have time before you must begin studying for your BMAT test, there is good reason to get in the right state of mind now. While practice tests can certainly be great aids as you await the testing date, it is also a very good idea to think about your approach to the written portion. This is not as simply as the general question and answer part of the test, which you can practice for well in advance of taking the test. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should overlook the importance of preparation when it comes to essay writing. BMAT Courses will also spend some time focusing on this section as well.
While you can’t possibly know what the topics will be in advance, you can get in a habit of executing proper essay writing techniques. Additionally, it is recommended that you stay informed of current events. Consider sources like the Student BMJ and BBC Health News. That being said, in general, it is considered best practice to break your essay down into four distinct parts. Familiarize yourself with this pattern and the task of writing it won’t seem so daunting.
- Introduction The introduction should not be long. Just a few short sentences are generally needed to accomplish this goal. The introduction has one objective – to tell the reader what he or she can expect to find in the remainder of the essay. What is the point of the piece? What argument are you making?
- For Argument Once you have clearly stated the point of the BMAT essay, then it is time to more concisely explain your argument. This can be considered the positive paragraph, where you write very clearly what your thoughts on the topic happen to be. Always take a stance. Even if you are not overly opinionated on the topic, take a side and stand by it for the sake of the essay.
- Opposing View (and Rebuttal) In the third paragraph, you will have to examine the arguments made against your opinion. It is important to point out these opposing opinions, but also to provide a rebuttal of them. Remember, the essay is being written to provide concrete support of your stance on the topic.
- Conclusion This is an opportunity to draw the piece together nicely. Restate your claim and provide a clean ending to the essay.
As a final note, the biggest mistake that many students make is allotting too much time for the essay. The time could be better allotted elsewhere. As such, it is recommended that you plan ten minutes for essay writing at the start of the test.
