Lecture Notes: Writing and Editing Task B GAMSAT Essays

Introduction

• Presenter: Kate Robson
• Focus: Writing and editing a Task B essay for the GAMSAT
• Achieved a score of 87 for a Task B essay
• Reflective essay style discussed
• Theme of the essay: Childhood

Previous Resources

• Task A essay video: How Kate writes and edits Task A essays
• Tips on scoring 80 in section two of the GAMSAT are available on Kate's channel

Reflective Essay Approach

• Task B essays often suit a reflective, personal style
• Reflective style involves looking at personal life experiences and lessons learned
• Kate's approach: Focused on the mindset of maintaining a childlike perspective as an adult

Essay Prompts

• Prompts related to childhood and mindset differences between children and adults:
  1. Happiness as a child throughout life with the right attitude
  2. Childhood as a mindset of dreaming
  3. Adults behaving like children around parents
  4. Better to behave like a child than live in adulthood
  5. Cleverness and innocence of children
• Kate chose to focus on the mindset and behavior comparison between childhood and adulthood

Essay Reading and Analysis

• Essay uses a personal anecdote about Kate's nono (grandfather)
• Key questions raised:
  • Can adopting a childlike mind lead to happiness in adulthood?
  • Is ignorance truly bliss?
• Essay explores the complexity of growing up and the benefits of age

Essay Structure

1. Anecdote: Narrative style to engage the reader

   • Example: Nono’s attitude and philosophy on life
   • Use of humor and imagery to connect with the reader

2. Impact on Self

   • Personal reflections on embracing childlike attitudes
   • Empathy shown towards different life philosophies

3. Philosophical and Societal Impact

   • Use of Aristotle’s perspective on maturity
   • Discusses the importance of adulthood in societal contribution
   • Counterpoints with examples of influential young individuals

4. Conclusion

   • Restate arguments and acknowledge counterarguments
   • Links back to initial anecdote
   • Emphasizes maturity for navigating complex life

Tips and Insights

• Importance of using a hook in the introduction
• Empathy and maturity are critical components
• Balance between personal narrative and wider societal examples
• Use of a structured argument format (PEEL)
• Acknowledge opposing views to show depth of understanding

Recommendations

• Analyze essays to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Consider incorporating personal lived experiences into essays
• Engage with philosophical and societal contexts

Final Thoughts

• Encourages exploration of essay writing styles
• Open to providing feedback on essays via her website or Instagram
• Aims to help others improve their GAMSAT section two scores

Connection Information

• Website and Instagram links provided for further engagement and questions