Asked by: IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow
WAT Topic: "The gig economy: liberation or exploitation?" - economic category, medium difficulty. Consider 2 perspectives for a balanced essay.
Open with India's 15+ million gig workers statistic. State that the answer lies in regulation, not binary judgment.
Para 1: Benefits of flexibility with examples (Uber drivers, freelancers)
Para 2: Exploitation concerns with data on earnings and working conditions
Para 3: Regulatory solutions from other countries (UK, California AB5)
Call for portable benefits and platform accountability while preserving flexibility.
India has 15+ million gig workers (2024)
Gig economy expected to grow to $455 billion by 2024
47% of gig workers earn less than minimum wage equivalent
Taking an extreme position without acknowledging nuance
Ignoring the worker's perspective entirely
Not providing concrete regulatory suggestions
IIM panelists value nuanced takes. Acknowledge both sides, then propose a solution.
Rhetoric (4th Century BC)
Insight: Persuasion requires ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) working together.
How to apply: Structure your WAT with logical arguments (logos), establish credibility through data/examples (ethos), and connect to human impact (pathos). IIM evaluators look for all three.
Made to Stick (2007)
Insight: Ideas that stick are Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and tell Stories (SUCCESs).
How to apply: Open with an unexpected fact or angle. Use concrete examples, not abstractions. Ground arguments in credible data. Make it memorable.
The Sense of Style (2014)
Insight: Good writing is about showing the reader something in the world, not performing your knowledge.
How to apply: Don't write to impress—write to illuminate. Avoid jargon and pompous language. Show you understand the issue, don't just list points.
Politics and the English Language (1946)
Insight: Clear thinking leads to clear writing. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
How to apply: Prefer active voice. Cut unnecessary words. If you can cut a word, cut it. Clarity beats complexity in 200-word essays.
Values original thinking and nuanced positions over conventional wisdom.
Tip: IIMA loves contrarian but well-reasoned takes. Don't be afraid to challenge the premise of the topic itself.
Practical, business-oriented evaluation. Values structured thinking.
Tip: IIMB appreciates when you connect topics to business/management implications. Always include "so what" for managers.
Rigorous analytical approach. Values data and economic reasoning.
Tip: IIMC loves numbers. Include at least one relevant statistic. Show you understand economic trade-offs.
Balanced evaluation of content and expression.
Tip: IIML values clear structure. Use explicit transitions and signposting.
Ethics-focused, values human-centric perspectives.
Tip: XLRI's Jesuit heritage means they value ethical dimensions. Always consider the human/social impact angle.
There's no "right" stance. What matters is taking a clear position and defending it well. IIM panelists value nuanced takes. Acknowledge both sides, then propose a solution.
This topic has been asked by: IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow.
Open with India's 15+ million gig workers statistic. State that the answer lies in regulation, not binary judgment. Your body should cover: Para 1: Benefits of flexibility with examples (Uber drivers, freelancers); Para 2: Exploitation concerns with data on earnings and working conditions; Para 3: Regulatory solutions from other countries (UK, California AB5).
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