ISB WAT Preparation 2025: A Comprehensive Guide with Sample Questions

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is a key component of the ISB admission process, assessing your ability to analyze, articulate, and present arguments coherently and concisely.

There are typically 2 WAT questions, and the time duration is 20 min. There is no word limit for your responses.

To ace this test, one must focus on both content and presentation. This guide on ISB WAT preparation will provide you with a proven strategy, practical tips, and insights into recent topics to help you succeed.

What is the ISB Written Ability Test (WAT)?

The ISB Written Ability Test is a short, timed, written assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to formulate and articulate a coherent argument on a given topic. Unlike a long essay, the WAT requires you to be concise, structured, and impactful within a limited timeframe.

• Typical Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Mode: Usually conducted offline at the interview venue, but can be online.

Why is the ISB WAT So Important?

The WAT is not just about testing your English; it’s a window into your thought process. The ISB admissions committee uses it to assess:

• Clarity of Thought: Can you understand a topic and form a logical opinion quickly?
• Structured Communication: Can you present your ideas in a well-organized manner?
• Knowledge of Current Affairs: Are you aware of the world around you?
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Can you analyze an issue from multiple perspectives?

A strong WAT performance can significantly bolster your application and create a positive impression right before your personal interview.

Strategies to Excel in ISB WAT

1. Understand the Topic Thoroughly:

• Clarify the scope of the topic
• Rephrase it mentally to ensure focus and relevance

2. Structure Your Essay:

• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and a clear thesis statement
• Body: Use 2-3 paragraphs to discuss key points supported by examples or evidence
• Conclusion: Summarize the key arguments and reinforce the thesis

3. Be Concise and Clear:

• Avoid unnecessary jargon
• Edit out redundant sentences

4. Practice Regularly:

• Write essays under timed conditions on diverse topics
• Seek feedback to identify areas of improvement

5. Stay Updated on Current Affairs:

• Follow credible news sources
• Analyze issues critically to form balanced opinions

6. Focus on Grammar and Syntax:

• Proofread to eliminate grammatical errors
• Use appropriate vocabulary to convey ideas effectively

7. Develop a Unique Perspective:

• Incorporate insights from personal or professional experiences
• Analyze the topic from various angles to add depth to your essay

5-Step Guide to Writing a Winning Essay

Step 1: Identify the Core and Analyze

• Dissect the topic to uncover the central issue
• Frame your response by identifying the essential elements
• Highlight the nuances and implicit dimensions of the topic

Step 2: Acknowledge the Counterargument

• Demonstrate awareness of alternative perspectives
• Highlight any potential oversimplifications in your argument
• A balanced approach demonstrates critical thinking

Step 3: Support with Real-World Examples

• Use concrete instances to illustrate your points
• Examples can be drawn from recent events, history, or personal experiences
• Leverage examples that are relevant and impactful

Step 4: Suggest Alternative Approaches

• Where relevant, propose practical solutions or strategies
• Highlight their feasibility and potential impact
• Address the possible challenges in implementing these solutions

Step 5: Conclude Effectively

• Summarize your key arguments succinctly
• End with a compelling remark that leaves a lasting impression
• Reinforce the significance of your viewpoint in a broader context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lack of Structure: Disorganized essays can confuse the reader. Always start with a clear outline
2. Overgeneralization: Avoid sweeping statements without evidence
3. Going Off-Topic: Stick to the main argument; avoid tangential discussions
4. Weak Conclusions: Ensure your essay ends with a strong, lasting impression

Sample ISB WAT Questions

1. You are at an MBA internship, and your employer offers high-value gifts. What would you do?
2. Your colleague’s stress is affecting team performance. How would you address this?
3. In a group project, you made a mistake. Would you tell your teammates?
4. In a group project, someone made a serious mistake, and the professor has asked to replace the person. What would you do?
5. In your group, if one person is not contributing, how will you handle the situation?
6. You have a PPO from a company, and that company gives you an expensive gift. How would you react?
7. One of your high-performing groupmates is stressed and unable to attend group meetings. How will you handle the situation?
8. You were doing a group project, and your teammate suggested showing inflated results for better grades. What would you do?
9. You are part of a student committee selecting a vendor, and one is a family friend. How do you avoid conflict of interest?
10. You need to provide feedback to a sensitive peer. How will you proceed?
11. You work part-time in a company, and your friend wants data from your company for their project. How would you approach the situation?
12. A team member is dissatisfied with others’ contributions during a PPT review. How would you resolve this?
13. Someone is being late and taking time off. How would you handle this situation?
14. The manager is giving you high-value gifts, and some of your coworkers have accepted the gift already. What would you do?
15. A teammate writes inefficient code that may delay delivery. How would you handle the situation while maintaining team morale?
16. A supplier consistently delays shipments, causing bottlenecks. How would you address this while maintaining a good relationship?
17. A client offers a big deal in exchange for unethical concessions. How would you handle this?
18. Your marketing campaign is criticized on social media for insensitivity. How would you manage the backlash?
19. AI and Climate Change
20. One of your seniors is trying to make you a scapegoat for a mistake at work
21. During a case competition, you come across the company’s competitor’s business model, and your teammates urge you to use it to get an edge. What would you base your decision on, and how would you navigate this situation?
22. During a group presentation project, there is apparent acrimony between your whole team and a particular member who has been raising his voice to express disagreement with certain presentation strategies. Your team members expect you to lead – how would you deal with this situation and revive the team spirit?
23. A situation in which one of the team member is not satisfied with the presentation strategy and is raising their voice. How would you handle the situation?
24. A new case competition is coming up, and the team is interested in taking part in that by compromising a little on the current ongoing project. As a leader, how would you handle the situation?
25. You are a team lead working on a project and have to submit before the deadline, well in advance, because of some competition prep. Team members came up with shortcut solutions; however may have issues in the project later. What are the challenges, and what would you do?
26. ⁠A key team member made an error in a project, which can affect my grade. The professor asks me to replace the team member. What will my actions be? How will we ensure project completion?

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Final Thoughts

Preparing for the WAT requires a combination of analytical thinking, structured writing, and ethical clarity. By practicing regularly, staying informed, and reflecting on your own experiences, you can develop compelling arguments that stand out.

Remember, the key is not just to write well but to think critically and present your perspective effectively. With consistent effort and a strategic approach, you can excel in the ISB WAT and leave a positive impression on the evaluators.