What to Expect
In order to fully prepare for the writing, you need to know the specific expectations. You will have only 45 minutes to complete this section. In that time, you should write around 4-7 paragraphs (300-500 words) in response to a specifically designed prompt. Before you begin writing, you will read two pieces containing opposing arguments on the same issue. For example, you may be required to read two speeches on whether or not tweens should have personal cell phones. The writing prompt might read something like this:
- Analyze the opposing views presented in the two speeches. In your response, develop an argument in which you explain which position is better supported. Incorporate relevant and specific evidence from the text to support your claim. Remember, the better argued position is not necessarily the position with which you agree. This task should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
This may seem like a deeply involved analysis, which could be very overwhelming. However, if you break it down into smaller chunks, you can certainly attack this writing prompt successfully.
Evidence-based Writing
The first step is to understand the idea of evidence, which consists of the reasoning and support for an argument. In the above cell phone example, the speeches would contain evidence to explain why each speaker has formed his/her specific opinion. Imagine if there were a study that showed tweens with cell phones are less likely to join extra-curricular activities at school. This would be evidence to support the argument that tweens should not own cell phones.
You need to be able to spot this evidence in the speech as you read it. You can hardly expect to form a well-developed and supported response to the prompt if you don't first identify and understand the evidence. You will be using this evidence in your response, which means you will also be writing an evidence-based piece. Basically, the response you write will be very similar to the original pieces you read as you must use evidence from the writing to support your own opinion.
Analyze the Arguments
The next step is to analyze the argument, which is the claim that aims to persuade others that an action or idea is right or wrong. Let's return to the sample issue of cell phones for tweens. Each speech will have an argument: one for tweens having cell phones and one against.
In order to analyze each argument, you need to make some notes. How you organize your notes is up to you, but some suggestions include underlining, circling, or boxing in words or phrases, writing in the margins, or creating tables and charts.
The most important purpose of your notes is to mark the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. Remember, you need to come to a decision about which position is best supported, so you need to have reasons for your decision. Your notes will contain those reasons. For example, imagine you are reading the speech supporting tweens having cell phones. You can create a bulleted list with each reason the author makes for his opinion. Then do the same for the second speech. Whichever list is longer, or has the most convincing evidence, that is the best supported position.
However, do not assume the argument with more support must be the best one. Be sure the support is relevant and credible. In order for evidence to be relevant, it needs to pertain to the topic at hand. Furthermore, in order for evidence to be credible, it should come from a trusted source. For instance, if the statistics in the argument against cell phones came from an organization called Mothers Against Cell Phones, you may have biased information. Instead, data collected by an unbiased organization would be more credible.
Overall, you need to note the weaknesses or logical flaws in each argument. This can range from irrelevant information, to incredible sources, to any other errors in reasoning or illogical concepts. All of these notes can also be used in your response to support your opinion.
Plan Your Response
Lastly, you want to plan your response to the writing prompt. This is where your notes really come in handy. We have already seen how they can help you decide which position is stronger, but they will also direct the organization of your writing.
If you do not form a plan before you begin to write, your response might seem unfocused, repetitive, or underdeveloped. So to begin, write a short introduction. Since you only have 45 minutes, do not write a very in-depth introduction. Instead, come up with a sentence or two that presents the main focus of your response.
Near the introductory sentences, you want to state your thesis, or the statement of the main purpose or argument. In our cell phone example, your thesis will either state the speech advocating for tweens with cell phones is better supported, or the speech against it is.
For the rest of your plan, use your notes to direct your writing. Start by explaining the best support for whichever argument you decide is strongest. Be sure to include why it is strong support for that position. Then continue with the next important piece of evidence from your notes and so on until you have included all the significant items you marked.
Lesson Summary
To review, the GED Test consists of a series of exams to prove one has gained learning equivalent to a high school diploma. This exam includes an Extended Response portion focused on measuring writing skills like organization, development, and mechanics. In order to write a well-developed response, you must first break down the writing prompt. Here are three tips to do so:
- Understand evidence-based writing requires supporting details and reasons to prove a claim.
- Analyze the arguments provided and make notes in order to decide which position is better supported.
- Plan your response based on your notes, starting with an introduction/thesis and using the evidence you marked to support your opinion.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be sure to write a successful GED Extended Response.
