ged rla essay practice

Home > High School Equivalency > GED > GED Reading Language Arts (RLA) Practice Test

GED Reading Language Arts (RLA) Practice Test

Exam summary.

0 of 8 Questions completed

Information

You have already completed the exam before. Hence you can not start it again.

Exam is loading…

You must sign in or sign up to start the exam.

You must first complete the following:

Exam complete. Results are being recorded.

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 point(s), ( 0 )

Earned Point(s): 0 of 0 , ( 0 ) 0 Essay(s) Pending (Possible Point(s): 0 )

• Not categorized 0%

Congrats on taking our GED Reading Sample Quiz. Upgrade for 16 full-length practice exams and complete GED prep course.

1 . Question

Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised.

For homes in typically colder geographic regions , it is particularly important to have effective and efficient heating systems.

• a. For homes in typically colder geographic regions
• b. For people in homes in typically colder geographic regions
• c. For homes in typically cold geographic regions
• d. People in typically colder geographic regions
• e. Homes in typically colder geographic regions

2 . Question

Inside the glove compartment were legal documents, pictures,  and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.

• a. and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.
• b. and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but not any gloves.
• c. and napkins from the coffee shop, no gloves were there.
• d. and napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.
• e. and napkins from the coffee shop, there were no gloves.

3 . Question

Concerns about global warming have grown into actual efforts sanctioned by non-governmental organizations and governments that not only work to  understand global warming and also to prevent it.

• a. understand global warming and also to prevent it.
• b. understand global warming but also to prevent it.
• c. understand global warming yet also to prevent it.
• d. understand global warming but also to prevent its growth.
• e. understand global warming yet also to prevent it’s growth.

4 . Question

Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.

The term “frivolous” implies that the author

• a. is fascinated by the endless capabilities on smart phones.
• b. hopes that technology ceases to expand its scope.
• c. believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone.
• d. has a smart phone.
• e. wants to see more developments added to smart phone technology.

5 . Question

What is the purpose of the conclusion sentence?

• a. Draw a conclusion about what we know smart phones can do
• b. Assume where technology is headed and how it will affect society
• c. Comment on human connectivity through the use of smart phones
• d. Predict how the government will regulate and guide future technology
• e. Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones

6 . Question

But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.

The main point from the author’s view is that

• a. Man's soul and spirit can not be destroyed by superpowers.
• b. Man's destiny is not fully clear or visible.
• c. Man's soul and spirit are immortal.
• d. Man's safety is assured by the delicate balance of power in terms of nuclear weapons.
• e. Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation.

7 . Question

The phrase ‘Go to the brink’ in the passage means

• a. Retreating from extreme danger.
• b. Declare war on each other.
• c. Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.
• d. Negotiate for peace.
• e. Commit suicide.

8 . Question

In the author’s opinion

• a. Huge stockpiles of destructive weapons have so far saved mankind from a catastrophe.
• b. Superpowers have at last realized the need for abandoning the production of lethal weapons.
• c. Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.
• d. Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.
• e. There is a silver lining over the production of deadly weapons.

GED RLA Prep Course (100% Pass Guarantee)

All ged rla practice tests.

Take our GED RLA practice test below. It is a diagnostic exam, so you will get a good idea of how well prepared you are.

Utilize our answer explanations to learn how to solve the problems.

GED RLA Diagnostic Practice Test

• 20 Questions
• 20 Minute Time Limit

16 Full-Length (Simulated) Exams

• 1,000+ Questions
• Simulate the Actual Exam

If you want to practice other subjects, visit our  GED practice test  home.

GED Language Arts Overview

The GED language arts test includes 3 main topics:

• Reading for Meaning (35%)
• Identifying and Creating Arguments (45%)
• Grammar and Language (20%)

You will have 150 minutes to complete this portion of the GED exam. Of the 150 minutes, 3 minutes will be slotted for instructions and final review, 10 minutes for a break between parts 2 and 3, and 45 minutes dedicated for the written essay.

In terms of format on the GED language arts test, there are 3 sections. Question types include multiple-choice, drag and drop, select an area, and drop-down questions. 1 of the 3 sections is a written essay (extended response).

You can practice for the other sections of the exam by visiting our free GED practice test home. Here is the official GED RLA page .

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ged language arts section.

The number of questions varies, but you can expect there to be around 46 questions and a written essay.

What is a passing score for the GED language arts section?

You will need to score a 145 or higher to pass this section of the exam. For more information, read our guide to  GED scores .

What kind of topics are tested on GED language arts?

There are 3 main topics tested. Those 3 topics are reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, and grammar and language.

• Authored By: Dave Evangelisti
• Last Updated: March 5, 2024

How to Write & Pass a GED Essay

By: Jen Denton, Student Success Coach on January 3, 2023 at 3:21 AM

The GED essay intimidates a lot of people. Writing a whole essay from scratch in 45 minutes or less can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. This GED essay writing guide will help you know what to expect and how to pass the written portion of the test. Learn all about the GED extended response with examples, tips, and a breakdown of everything you'll be graded on.

Table of Contents

What is the ged essay, example ged essay questions, example ged essay, ged essay practice, ged essay structure, how is the ged essay scored, 8 tips to help you pass the ged essay.

The GED test is made up of four subjects: mathematical reasoning, social studies, science, and reasoning through language arts (RLA). The RLA subject test includes two parts, one of which is the GED extended response, sometimes called the GED essay. You will have 45 minutes to complete the essay to the best of your ability. If you don’t finish in time, don’t worry! The essay is only worth 20% of your final RLA score, so you can still pass the test even if you don’t get a high score on the essay.

The extended response can be on a variety of topics, but it will always follow the same format. You will be given two different articles on the same topic, usually argumentative essays with a firm position. You will be asked to evaluate the two arguments and write your own argumentative essay determining which article presented the strongest position. The essay should be 3-5 paragraphs long, with each paragraph between 3-7 sentences.

All GED essay questions will ask you to read and evaluate two passages that take different stances on the same topic. Essays should determine which passage presents a stronger argument and back up that claim with analysis of evidence from the passages.

Here is an example GED essay question:

Analyze the arguments presented in the press release and the letter to the editor. In your response, develop an argument in which you explain how one position is better supported than the other. Incorporate relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your argument.

Remember, the better-argued position is not necessarily the position with which you agree. This task should take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 1

1  "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf . Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

The following is an example high scoring essay:

Both the press release and the letter to the editor offer positions that are supported by both fact and opinion. The press release seeks to exhort the new bill for expansion of Highway 17, while the letter argues that the passing of the bill could prove detrimental to the district. While both sides make an acceptable case, the latter provides a stronger argument.

One example of the letter’s stronger argument is the explanation that federal tax dollars pay for the road, as it will incorporate six different states, therefore eliminating this particular state’s ability to strike the bill down. This proves, with factual information, that the district did not have a fair say in the bill. The notion that few residents will use the road that their tax dollars are providing is an opinion. However, a resident and small-business owner in the town is more credible in the awareness of the town’s concern, as compared to a representative who attended a few meetings in the town hall.

Another example of the better supported argument in the letter is the reference to the construction jobs as temporary. The press release praises the new jobs created by the highway construction, as this is a valid point. However, the author of the letter is correct in the fact that the jobs will not create a boom in the district’s economy, or fill in the gap caused by the closures in the manufacturing plants, as the press release leads listeners to believe. The road construction does not solve the long-term issue of unemployment in the town. In addition, the author of the letter counters the argument that new motels, restaurants, and gas stations along the highway will create permanent jobs for the residents of the town. She explains that, “…only minimum wage jobs will remain.” This is a valid argument also, as unemployed residents that need enough income to support a household would not be much better off. Providing restaurant or motel jobs is very unlikely to feed or support an entire family. It will not pick up the laid-off employees of the manufacturing plants, who may have worked for many years towards promotions and a pension.

Another example of the letter’s stronger argument is the author’s explanation of the 2001 study. She concedes that the representative is correct in citing that bypasses are proven to reduce noise and traffic in town, but she argues that the study shows a negative effect on local businesses. This piece of the study was not mentioned by Representative Walls or the press release, and it is a proven fact. This draws more credibility to the argument in the letter. Also, although it is a speculation, it is more reasonable that traveler’s will stick to the main highway and not venture miles off their path into small town when chain gas stations, restaurants, and motels are conveniently located directly at the highway exits. It is less likely that old roads in the towns will become historical locations, attracting tourists and boosting small business sales.

Despite the argument and evidence given by the press release, it appears that the letter to the editor offers a stronger case. The author’s ideas are backed up by logical explanations and facts with a few speculations. Though the press release offers some fact, it is mainly specked with anticipations and hopes, driven to overshadow any doubts and quell any concerns. The letter is penned by a resident of the town and owner of a business, subject to firsthand opinions of the citizens of the district. The press release is pushed by an elected representative who, upon visiting the town a number of times and consulting a small percentage of the constituents, is convinced she understands the majority. Although both parties may very well have the best interests of the district in mind, and either position could be correct, it is clear that the letter provides a better-supported argument. 2

2  "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf . Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

For GED essay practice, try writing your own essay based on the example above. Set a timer for 45 minutes and do your best to write an essay with your own analysis and ideas.

You can practice more writing skills with this free test or enroll today in the GED Academy to get access to more GED essay prompts and personalized feedback from GED Essay graders.

The structure for the GED essay can take a few different forms, depending on how you decide to organize your ideas. No matter what, it should include an introduction paragraph, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. To receive a passing score, your essay must present a clear topic supported by details from both passages. Include your main idea in an introductory paragraph. In middle paragraphs, make connections between your details and your main idea. Your conclusion should also fit logically with the details.

The introduction should demonstrate your understanding of the overall topic based on the passages you read and a claim. The claim is a statement of your argument. It doesn’t need to go into detail, but should state your essay’s position on the questions presented.

The body paragraphs will go into more detail. They will include a combination of summary, analysis, and evidence to back up your claim. Be sure to include analysis of both passages.

The conclusion should explain the result of your findings and reinforce your original claim.

You can earn up to six points on the GED extended response. There are three main categories your essay is graded on, and you can earn up to two points for each.

Creation of arguments and use of evidence: Craft a strong claim and use analysis of the arguments and evidence from the passages to support it.

Development of ideas and organizational structure: Write a substantial essay with clear transitions between ideas, including a strong introduction and conclusion.

Clarity and command of standard English conventions: Use appropriate language and demonstrate strong language and grammar skills.

The extended response accounts for 20% of the total RLA score.

• Read all the instructions. The most common reason people score low on the essay is because they misunderstand the prompt.
• Make an outline. After reading the passages and the prompt, write down your ideas and organize them during your pre-writing.
• Make a list of evidence. When you read the passages, take notes on the important details you want to remember later, so you don’t have to spend time searching for it later.
• Write your introduction last. A lot of people get tripped up by how to start the essay. If that’s you, just skip this step and go back to it once you’ve written the rest of the essay.
• Write first, edit later. You only have 45 minutes, so use your time wisely. Write your first draft of the essay before you start fine-tuning and editing it. Save that for your remaining time so you don’t turn in a half-written essay.
• Use formal language. Avoid “I” statements like, “I think” or casual language like slang.
• Don’t check the clock. Time always seems to go faster when you need it to go slow. Every time you look at the clock, that’s breaking your focus on your essay.
• Practice! The only way to get better at writing essays is to write more essays. Practice using the GED Writing Practice Test , and remember to time yourself!

Related Posts

How to drop out from high school successfully in 2024, ged reading & writing study guide 2024 [ged academy], how to study for the ged: 6 proven tips for 2024.

GED Essay: Everything You Need To Know In 2024

Learn all you need to know about the GED essay, its structure sample, topics, tips, and how it is scored in this post.

January 1, 2022

The GED essay is intimidating to many people. Writing an entire essay from scratch in 45 minutes or less may seem difficult, but it does not have to be. This GED essay writing overview will help you prepare for and learn about the written section of the exam . In this post, Get-TestPrep will show everything you need to know about GED essays , including their structure, sample topics, tips, and how they are stored .

What Is The GED Essay?

The GED exam consists of four subjects : Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts Reasoning (RLA ). The GED extended response , sometimes known as the GED essay, is one of the two portions of the RLA subject test. You’ll have 45 minutes to finish the essay to your best capacity. Don’t worry if you don’t finish on time! Because the essay accounts for just 20% of your ultimate RLA score, you can still pass the test even if you don’t receive a high essay score.

The GED extended response can cover a wide range of topics, but it will always be formatted in the same way. You will be assigned two articles on the same topic, which will typically be argumentative essays with a firm position. You’ll be asked to assess the two arguments and create your own argumentative essay based on which article delivered the more compelling argument. The essay should be three to five paragraphs long, with each paragraph including three to seven sentences.

GED Essay Structure

An introduction, a body, and a conclusion are included in every well-written GED essay. You have to write an argument or an argumentative essay. Keep in mind that you are not expressing your own view on the subject. You’re analyzing two of the author’s points of view and determining which one is more compelling. Keep in mind that the Extended Response (GED Essay) is graded by machine intelligence that has been designed to detect the right responses. So, instead of trying to be creative, simply be accurate. Also:

• Make sure you’re using proper grammar and sentence structure.
• Practice writing a 300-500 word essay.

Let’s take a look at the format of a GED Essay : an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

• The introduction outlines your claim or thesis statement and explains the topic you’re writing about. Maintain your position.
• The body of the essay includes facts and arguments to back up your claim. This section of the response should be at least two paragraphs long.
• The concluding paragraph restates your claim and summarises your important points.

GED Essay Topic Examples

Here are a few GED Essay Topics to get you started:

Topic 1: An Analysis of Daylight-Saving Time

The article presents arguments from proponents and opponents of Daylight Saving Time, who disagree on the practice’s impact on energy consumption and safety.

Topic 2: Should the Penny Stay in Circulation?

Analyze the arguments offered and pick which one has the most support.

Topic 3: Is Golf a Sport?

Golf , according to proponents, satisfies the criteria of “sport.” Opponents argue that golf more closely resembles a “game” than a “sport.” Analyze both points of view to see which one has the most support.

Visit our website for more topics as well as full articles on each topic and take our free latest FREE GED practice test 2024 to get ready for your exam!

GED Essay Examples

Getting to know the GED essay sample  can assist you in planning your essay and determining which elements are most vital.

When reading the essay topic, you should truly take your time to collect your views. You will be able to articulate your views better on paper if you organize your thoughts properly. Concentrate on the standards that you learned in English class before you begin writing.

Pay attention to how you use the English language (grammar); you must use proper punctuation and capitalization, and you must use appropriate word solutions.

Tips For Writing Your GED Essay

Make sure you carefully read the stimulus and prompt.

Putting this into practice is an excellent idea. Examine each question carefully and set aside some time to determine the topic and the type of response that will be requested. It is critical to read the questions thoroughly. Students frequently skip past the stimulus and prompt and get right into writing, assuming that they will save time this way. 

This is, by far, the most uninteresting thing to do. Take a few moments to attempt to fully comprehend the questions so that you can reply accurately. If you like, underline the important words and phrases in the stimulus so you can go over it again later to make sure you’re on track.

Make a rough outline for the GED language arts essay

In general, planning your essay will only take a few minutes, but it is critical that you spend that time. Make an outline of the essay and follow it as soon as you have a complete understanding of the questions and have scribbled down some early ideas.

Make an outline for your introduction, body, and conclusion. Following this procedure will save you a lot of time and aid in the development of a logical thought process.

Keep your focus on the topic

To describe your evidence, each paragraph in the body of your response should explain why a piece of evidence supports your claim or disputes the opposing claim. You have the option of describing or restarting it. This demonstrates that you know exactly what it means and how it applies to your claim. Refer to the specifics or facts of a certain issue that you’ve discussed and tie them to your claim.

Include evidence from both passages in your response, and explain why strong evidence supports one thesis and why flawed evidence undermines the other.

Revision and proofreading

By the time you’ve finished writing your essay, you should go back to the beginning and reread it attentively, since you may easily have missed a comma or misspelled a term while doing so.

Pay great attention when rereading your essay to see if it has well-targeted arguments, is arranged properly, contains particular information and facts, has good sentence construction, and has no grammatical or spelling mistakes.

Learn more about how to practice GED essays as well as the whole Language Arts section in GED Language Arts Study Guide  

How To Write a GED Essay?

When writing the GED essay, you should allocate the time as follows:

• 3 minutes to read the directions and the topic
• 5 minutes of prewriting (freewriting, brainstorming , grouping, mapping, etc.)
• 3 minutes to organize (create a thesis statement or controlling idea, and summarize important points)
• 20 minutes to draft (write the essay)
• 8 minutes to revise (go over the essay and make adjustments to concepts)
• 6 minutes to edit (check for grammatical and spelling errors). 

How Your GED Essay Is Scored?

Smart machines that are designed to detect the right answers score your GED essay. So don’t try to be creative; just be accurate.

They will evaluate your essay based on five factors.

• Organization : did you give a well-thought-out approach to writing your essay and were you clear on the main idea?
• Clear and swift response: Did you deal with the matter appropriately, without straying from one emphasis point to another, with a clear and quick response?
• Progress and specifics: instead of utilizing lists or repeating the same material, did you use relevant instances and particular details to expound on your initial notions or arguments?
• Grammar Rules of English: Did you apply proper writing strategies such as sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and grammar, and did you shape and revise your essay after you finished the initial draft?
• Word choice : How well did you pick and use appropriate phrases to express your points of view?

Your 45 minutes will fly by, so focus on these key elements to get the best score possible. What is more important is to state unequivocally which side is more popular. Check that your phrases are clear and that your paragraphs are organized logically.

Each of the four modules (independent subtests) in Mathematical Reasoning (Math), Reasoning via Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies can be taken independently. To pass the subtest(s) for which you registered, you must study thoroughly and be efficient on test day. Consider taking our GED Language Arts Practice Test for the Language Arts section.

GED essay writing can be difficult, but you can keep a list of everything you need to know and switch to proper essay writing approaches before the exam. Simply practice a lot and you’ll notice that it gets better over time. So you’ve learned everything there is to know about writing the GED Essay .

How to write an essay for the GED?

• Read through all of the instructions.
• Create an outline.
• Make a list of all the evidence.
• Last, write your introduction.
• Write first, then edit.
• Make use of formal language.
• Don’t look at the time.

Is there an essay portion on the GED test?

How is the ged essay graded.

The essay is graded on a four-point scale by two certified GED essay readers. The scores of the two GED readers are averaged. If the essay achieves a score of 2 or above, it is merged with the language arts multiple-choice score to generate a composite result.

Final Words

In conclusion, this guide on the GED essay provides valuable insights and strategies to help you excel in the GED essay section. By understanding the structure of the GED essay , practicing effective writing techniques, and familiarizing yourself with the scoring rubric, you can approach the GED essay with confidence and achieve a successful outcome. Remember to plan your essay, organize your thoughts, and support your ideas with relevant examples and evidence. Additionally, refining your grammar and punctuation skills will enhance the overall quality of your writing. With consistent practice and a thorough understanding of the expectations for the GED essay, you can showcase your writing abilities and earn a strong score on the GED essay.

Eligibility Requirements For GED In District of Columbia

November 25, 2022

Eligibility Requirements For GED In New York

Eligibility Requirements For GED In Wyoming

You may learn more about how to obtain a GED in Wyoming by reading the answers to the questions related to GED requirements in Wyoming we receive below.

September 19, 2022

DTW GED PREP

GED Math/Science/Social Studies/RLA – PREP

• LIFE SCIENCE
• EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE
• PHYSICAL SCIENCE
• SCIENCE PRACTICES
• CIVICS AND GOVT
• GEOGRAPHY/WORLD
• SS PRACTICES
• NUMBER SENSE
• DECIMALS/FRACTIONS
• RATIO/PROPORTION/PERCENT
• EQUATIONS/INEQUALITIES/FUNCTIONS
• ALGEBRA/POLYNOMIALS
• DATA/STATISTICS/PROBABILITY
• FREE GED ONLINE COURSES
• GED SCIENCE

Master the GED RLA Exam with Free Practice Tests for Success

Unlock your full potential and conquer the GED RLA exam with confidence. Take advantage of our free practice tests designed to help you master the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section. These practice tests are meticulously crafted to simulate the actual exam experience, providing you with valuable insights into the test format and types of questions you can expect. Sharpen your reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills as you tackle a wide range of practice questions. With focused preparation and consistent practice, you can boost your performance and increase your chances of success on the GED RLA exam. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to excel – take the practice test today and pave the way to a brighter future.

Welcome to your Free GED RLA Practice Test

We would love to hear your feedback on the GED RLA Quiz. If you enjoyed it and would like to have more quizzes like this, please share your thoughts in the comment box below. Your feedback is valuable to us!

Congratulations on attempting the GED test, regardless of whether your answers were all correct or not. The important thing is that you took the initiative to participate, showcasing your determination to pass the GED test. Remember, even small progress is still progress, so keep up the hard work and continue striving towards your goal!

Time is Up!

3 thoughts on “Master the GED RLA Exam with Free Practice Tests for Success”

Good morning, I found your GED RLA practice test very interesting. I’ll love to have access to more. Thank you and God bless.

You are welcome, will create more

where can I see the answers?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Last Updated on 3 months by admin

GED Essay Question

The Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the GED includes an “Extended Response” question. This is simply an essay question. You will have 45 minutes to type your answer. This is a tricky part of the GED test, so it’s very important to familiarize yourself with this task ahead of time. First read our essay guide and then review our sample question. Try typing out your own essay before you look at our sample response.

• GED Essay Writing Guide
• GED Essay Practice Question
• GED Essay Sample Response

GED Essay-Topics, Samples, And Tips

Last Updated on May 16, 2024.

This language Arts lesson is part of this website’s free online GED classes a nd practice tests, generously provided by the accredited comprehensive GED prep course created by Onsego.

Online GED Classes

Get a ged diploma quickly. it doesn’t matter when you left school., easy lessons | practice tests | add-ons.

Get Started

Our free support is a great way to start with your GED prep, and if you like these free practice tests and video lessons, you may easily switch to Onsego GED Prep’s full-scope, accredited course to earn your GED fast!

One part of the GED Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) test is writing a GED Essay, also known as the Extended Response. You have 45 minutes to create your essay. The GED essay is an argumentative essay.

A common method for writing this type of essay is the five-paragraph approach.

Writing your GED Essay is not about writing an opinion on the topic at hand. Your opinion is irrelevant. You are asked to determine and explain which of the arguments is better.

This lesson is provided by Onsego GED Prep.

Fast & Easy Online GED Course

Get Your Diploma in 2 Months It doesn’t matter when you left school

Table of Contents

• 0.1 Video Transcription
• 1 GED Essay Structure
• 2 GED Essay Topics
• 3 GED Essay Samples
• 4 Tips for Writing your GED Essay
• 5 How your GED Essay is Scored

Video Transcription

After reading the stimulus with two different arguments about a subject, your task is to explain why one of these arguments is better.

Remember, when writing your GED Essay, you are NOT writing your opinion on the topic. That’s irrelevant. You must write about why one argument is better than the other.

You are writing an analysis of the author’s two positions and explaining which argument is stronger. These two arguments are presented in the stimulus, so you don’t need to create any own examples.

So again, you only need to decide what argument is stronger and claim it and prove it. It is NOT about your opinion.

Since in your essay, you need to determine which argument is best supported, your claim should clearly state which of the two positions is stronger.

You will be provided with the stimulus material and a prompt.

The stimulus is a text that provides 2 opposing opinions about a certain subject. The prompt provides instructions and tells you what you need to do.

I’ll say it again because so many students make mistakes here, it’s NOT about your opinion on the topic but the subject that matters!

You need to analyze the arguments and determine which opinion is best supported throughout the text.

You are NOT asked which argument you agree with more, and you should NEVER respond with a personal opinion.

So, don’t use the word “I” such as “I think that…” “I agree because…” “In my opinion…”.

The GED essay is graded on a machine that uses algorithms to figure out your score.

So, no teacher will decide about the score in any way.

It’s very important that you remember this!

Let’s take a look at the structure, topics, and format of the GED Essay.

GED Essay Structure

Ged essay topics.

• GED Essay Sample
• GED Essay Scoring
• GED Essay Writing Tips

Remember: you need to analyze which of the presented arguments is better and explain why it’s better.

Likewise, make sure your reasons come from the text – you aren’t making up your examples; you’re talking about the ones in the passages.

How should you prove that one argument is stronger? – Look at the evidence in the text.

Did the author use a relevant statistic from a reliable source, or did he/she assume something with a hypothetical anecdote?

Once you know which is better supported, you’re on your way.

Keep in mind: Don’t Summarize!

It’s easy to substitute a simpler task (summarize each side) for the more complex task of evaluating arguments. But if all you do is summarize, your response will be considered off-topic and likely will not receive any points.

The GED Essay should contain:

• 4-7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each and 300-500 words in total.
• An essay (or response) that is significantly shorter could put you in danger of scoring a 0 just for not showing enough of your writing skills.
• As you read the stimulus material (text), think carefully about the argumentation presented in the passage(s). “Argumentation” refers to the assumptions, claims, support, reasoning, and credibility on which a position is based.
• Pay close attention to how the author(s) use these strategies to convey his or her position.

Every well-written GED essay has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Your response will be an argument or an argumentative essay. Remember that you are NOT writing your opinion on the topic.

You are writing an analysis of two of the author’s positions and explaining which argument is stronger.

Things to keep in mind: the Extended Response (GED Essay) is scored by smart machines that are programmed to recognize correct answers. So, don’t try to be creative; just be correct. Also:

• Use proper grammar and sentence structure.
• Practice writing a 300 to 500-word essay.

Let’s look at the GED Essay structure: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

• The Introduction introduces the topic you are writing about and states your claim or thesis statement. Stand your position.
• The Body of the essay presents reasoning and evidence to support your claim. This is the longest part of the response and should be at least two paragraphs.
• The concluding paragraph sums up your main points and restates your claim.

Here are a few examples of GED Essay Topics. Click on the title to read a full stimulus and a prompt.

An Analysis of Daylight-Saving Time

The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of Daylight-Saving Time who disagree about the practice’s impact on energy consumption and safety. Check here to read the full article.

Should the Penny Stay in Circulation?

Analyze the presented arguments and decide which one is better supported. Check here to read the full article.

Is Golf a Sport?

Proponents say that golf meets the definition of “sport.” Opponents say that golf better meets the definition of “game” than “sport. Analyze both opinions and determine which one is better supported. Check here to read the full article.

GED Essay Samples

Click here to access a sample of a GED essay with an explanation of the structure. Getting familiar with GED essay samples will help you plan your essay and understand what elements are important.

When reading the essay subject, you really should take the time to pull together your thoughts. By arranging your ideas rationally, you will be able to express your thoughts far better on paper. When you start writing, concentrate on the guidelines that you came to understand in English class.

Pay attention to English language usage (grammar); you must use the right punctuation and capitalization and decide on suitable word solutions.

Check here to read a GED Essay Sample with our comments.

Tips for Writing your GED Essay

1. Make sure you read the stimulus and prompt cautiously

It’s good to practice this carefully. Check out each question carefully and take a little time to figure out the topic and what kind of answer will be expected.

It is important to read the questions meticulously.

Usually, students simply run over stimulus and prompt and begin to write immediately, believing that they will save time this way.

Well, this actually the most undesirable thing to do. Take a short while and try to understand the questions completely in order to respond to them appropriately. If you wish, highlight the essential words and phrases in the stimulus to be able to look at it from time to time to be certain you stick to the topic.

2. Sketch an outline for the essay

In general, you will only need a few minutes to plan your essay, and it is imperative to take that time. As soon as you grasp the questions entirely, and once you have scribbled down some initial ideas, make an outline of the essay and follow that.

Plan an introduction, body, and conclusion. Following this process is going to save you a lot of time and it helps establish a rational development of thoughts.

3. Stick to the subject

Each paragraph in the body of your response should explain why a piece of evidence supports your claim or disputes the opposing claim to explain your evidence.

You can describe or restate it. This shows that you understand precisely what it means and how it relates to your claim.

Cite the mentioned details or facts of a specific point and relate them to your claim.

Your response should include evidence from both passages and explain what strong evidence supports one argument and why faulty evidence weakens the other argument.

4. Proofreading and Revision

By the time you completed writing your essay, you should go back to the beginning and read your essay carefully again, as you quite easily could have forgotten a comma or have misspelled a word while writing your essay. See also this post ->  Is the GED Language Arts Test Hard?

While rereading your essay, pay close attention to whether your essay provides well-targeted points, is organized clearly, presents specific information and facts, comes with proper sentence construction, and has no grammar or spelling mistakes.

How your GED Essay is Scored

Your GED essay is scored by smart machines that are programmed to recognize correct answers. So don’t try to be creative; just be correct.

They will be using five criteria to assess your essay.

• Organization: were you clear about the essential idea, and did you present a well-thought strategy for composing your essay?
• Clear and swift response: did you deal with the subject adequately, without shifting from one focal point to another?
• Progress and details: did you apply relevant examples and specific details to elaborate on your original concepts or arguments, as opposed to using lists or repeating identical information?
• Grammar Rules of English: did you use decent writing techniques like sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and grammar, and did you shape and edit your essay after you penned the first draft?
• Word choice: how far did you choose and employ suitable words to indicate your points of view?

Your 45 minutes will go quickly, so focus on these important points to get the best score.

What’s important is to make a clear statement about which position is better supported. Write clear sentences and arrange paragraphs in a logical order.

GED testing includes four modules (independent subtests) in Mathematical Reasoning (Math), Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies that can be taken separately. You should study very well, be effective on test day, and pass the subtest(s) you registered for.

GED writing for essays may be a bit tricky, but you can store all this information for proper learning on a list and change to proper write essay techniques before test day has arrived. Just practice a lot, and you’ll see that it’ll be getting better and better. So now you know all about writing the GED Essay.

In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

GED Essay Tips & Strategies

Most of the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) exam is multiple-choice, but there is also one “Extended Response” question. This question requires you to write a short essay in response to two passages of text. The passages will present two different viewpoints on a topic. You must read both of the passages and then decide which argument is best supported . Your essay should include evidence from both passages to prove that one of the authors crafts a better argument.

Please note that you are not being asked to write about which opinion is correct or which opinion you believe to be true. You are being asked to write about which passage best supports its claims. You will have 45 minutes total to read the prompt, read the passages provided, and to draft your essay.

Essay Quick Tips

• Begin your paragraphs with topic sentences that separate your major ideas and keep your argument organized.
• Utilize logical transition words/phrases to seamlessly move from one paragraph to the next.
• Use correct spelling and proper grammar.
• Vary your sentence structure and incorporate appropriate, advanced vocabulary words.
• Stay on topic! Create an outline prior to beginning your essay to organize your thoughts.

Essay Scoring

Your GED essay will be evaluated across three areas:

• Analysis of Arguments and Use of Evidence.
• Development of Ideas and Organizational Structure.
• Clarity and Command of Standard English Conventions.

The task may seem intimidating, but you more than likely already have these skills! Your essay will receive three scores—one for each of the listed areas.

Since you only have 45 minutes, you must make sure to effectively utilize your time. The best way to accomplish this is by practicing essays under the same 45-minute time limit.

Writing Guidelines

Rely upon these timing guidelines as you write your GED essay:

• PLAN — Spend 10 minutes reading the source material and organizing your essay response.
• PRODUCE — Spend 30 minutes writing your (ideally) 5-paragraph essay.
• PROOFREAD — Save 5 minutes for re-reading what you wrote and making necessary changes and improvements.

Remember, since you are typing your essay on the computer screen, proofreading and editing can be done much more quickly than if you were reading over a handwritten essay! Five minutes may not seem like much, but you should be able to read the entire essay over at least once and correct any obvious spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Pro-tip: Don’t start writing until you have every paragraph planned out! Outlining your argument is the best method for producing a coherent and cogent response.

Since the GED RLA extended response is graded by the ACS (Automated Scoring Engine), it is relatively easy to score well if you rely on the organization of a good essay template. Here are a few quick tips regarding clarity to help you score as highly as possible on the GED RLA Extended Response:

Essay Template

Paragraph 1 — Introduction

Start with a 1-sentence general statement regarding the topic. Show that you understand the argument(s) by identifying the topic and its significance, and then present a bold and concise thesis statement; Consider the following example thesis:

Though the first passage highlights important considerations regarding (the topic of) ________, ultimately the second passage is better supported and more convincing.

Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 — Body Paragraphs

When you plan your essay, you should formulate your thesis (choosing which side you found to be best-supported), and carefully lay out three major reasons why it is best-supported. Each of your body paragraphs should explore one of these ideas.

Use specific examples to support your point of view. Pull selections from the argument you are stating is best supported, and explain why they are good supporting examples, or why they make valid points of consideration.

Each body paragraph should only focus on one major idea, and the 1–2 selections from the passage that support that idea. Try to keep the paragraphs between 4–6 sentences so that they are succinct, direct, and clear. Avoid excessive wordiness; more is not always better!

Paragraph 5 — Conclusion

In 2–3 sentences, wrap up your thoughts, reiterate the accuracy of your thesis (why the argument you chose is better-supported), and leave the reader with an idea of WHY they should give more consideration to the topic. You can also use the conclusion to offer a degree of concession to the opposing argument, conceding that there are one or two good qualities of the other passage, before echoing that the passage you selected is ultimately better-supported and more convincing.

Finally, don’t worry about choosing the “wrong” side. It doesn’t matter which side you choose, just be sure that you can quote specific examples from the source texts to support your ideas!

Now, review our sample prompt and practice writing an essay!

GED Essay Prompt >>

Adult Learning Center

The Adult Learning Center provides quality instruction in reading, writing, math, and the English language to help adults transition into college and/or prepare for the GED tests. Services are available in Grangeville, Lewiston, Moscow, and Orofino.

What is Adult Basic Education?

ABE is a basic skills program for adults 16 years of age and older who are not currently enrolled in high school. We also serve adults who have graduated from high school and want to improve their reading, writing, or math skills so they can transition into college or the workforce. All new students attend an orientation session that covers program expectations and provides assessments.

Each student's course of study is framed by an educational plan based on the unique needs of the student. ABE offers structured classes at various levels of reading, writing, and math. Our students have the option of online instruction as well.

ABE can help you:

• Improve math, reading, and writing skills.
• Prepare for college.
• Prepare for and pass the GED.
• Become digitally literate.
• Learn to speak English (for non-native learners).
• Prepare for U.S. Citizenship

Contact Information

Clearwater Hall

400 Main Street

Lewiston, ID 83501

• 208-792-2238
• [email protected]
• Mon-Thu, 8:00 - 5:00

521 S. Main, Moscow,  Idaho 83843 | (208) 882-2669 | [email protected] | 10am - 6pm Mon-Sat, 10am - 4pm Sun

GED Test Prep 2022-2023: 2 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online (Kaplan Test Prep) (Paperback)

• Description
• About the Author
• Reviews & Media
• More than 1,000 practice questions
• Two full-length practice tests: one in the book and one online with feedback
• A diagnostic pretest to help you set up a personalized study plan
• Essential skills and review for all GED subjects: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies
• Effective strategies for writing the RLA extended response
• Clear instructions on using the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView calculator
• Our books and practice questions are written by teachers who know students—every explanation is written to help you learn.
• We know the test: The Kaplan team has put tens of thousands of hours into studying the GED—we use real data to design the most effective strategies and study plans.
• We invented test prep—Kaplan (www.kaptest.com) has been helping students for 80 years, and our proven strategies have helped legions of students achieve their dreams.
• Study Aids / High School Equivalency (incl. GED & TASC)
• Study Aids / Study Guides
• Young Adult Nonfiction / Study Aids / Test Preparation

Scheduling Your GED Test

You can schedule your tests one at a time or take up to all four at once. If you need a testing accommodation, you can request one prior to scheduling your test.

Scheduling Your Test

Once you’re ready, you will schedule your test online and you will take the test at an official GED ®  test center or through online proctoring.

To schedule:

• Simply log into your GED ®  account.
• Select whether you’ll test at a test center or with online proctoring.
• Choose which test subjects you’ll be taking.
• Pick a day and time that works for you.
• Pay for the test online using a credit or debit card.

Don’t have a credit or debit card? Some students use American Express Bluebird. Register for a free Bluebird card online and add funds with cash at a Walmart location.  Learn more about Bluebird.

We are committed to ensuring access to the GED ®  test for all individuals with disabilities. Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. If you need a testing accommodation, you can request one prior to scheduling your test.  Learn more.

Create the Future You Want!

START YOUR GED HERE