The GED Testing Service® approached New Readers Press, ProLiteracy’s publishing division, for help addressing some unfortunate patterns they were seeing from test takers on the extended response portion of the GED® test.
Test scores were low. Very few test takers were even coming close to earning the maximum number of points available on the test. Instead of using the full 45 minutes allotted, they were using just 23 minutes, on average. And, instead of writing the suggested 300-500 words, the average word count was 150.
Some of the recurring problems within the responses included not understanding how to write argumentatively, not rephrasing the passages correctly, and not quoting correctly.
Our Solution
To address these problems, New Readers Press, in partnership with the GED Testing Service, developed How to Pass the GED Extended Response, an eight-video series explaining in detail how to score well and pass the extended response portion of the GED test. The videos are based on New Readers Press’ four-book Writing for the GED® Test series.
The videos walk GED test takers through the Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response Test by giving helpful tips, explaining the instructions in the prompt, providing advice to plan a response, and much more.
By helping adults pass the GED test, it is our goal to open the doors to postsecondary education, advanced training, and employment in higher-earning positions.
Click here for tons of free GED free resources and to learn more or if you are interested in purchasing any of these materials from New Readers Press.
If you want to check out any of the videos, click on the drop-down list below.
Video 1: Overview of the GED Extended Response
Video 1 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice gives you an overview of what to expect on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response Test. She shows you what the prompt will look like, how to move around the screen, and what tools will be available to you on test day, including the Extended Response Answer Guidelines.
Video 2: How to Determine Which Position is Best Supported
Video 2 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice explains that on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response Test, the prompt will include two passages with opposing views. The prompt will ask which author’s position is better supported. Alice tells you that you will need to read the passages closely to identify both strong evidence and weak evidence, and she provides an example of a graphic organizer that can help you organize ideas before writing your response.
Video 3: How to Write a Well-Supported Argument
Video 3 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice tells you what an argument is and explains how to use the evidence from the passages to answer a prompt on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response. She explains how to use reasoning to build your response and cautions against using faulty reasoning.
Video 4: How to Make a Plan and Write an Introduction
Video 4 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice focuses on how to plan and write the introductory paragraph of your extended response. She says the introduction should be used to clearly state your claim as a fact that you can prove. You should also use evidence from the passages to give a brief overview of your reasoning in the introduction. Don’t forget that the prompt does not ask for your opinion on the topic, but asks which argument is better supported.
Video 5: How to Write the Body and Conclusion
Video 5 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice explains that on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response Test, the body of your response should be used to back up the claim you made in the introduction. Alice explains that you can earn a higher score if your essay flows logically from one idea to the next and if each idea links back to support your claim. She also tells you how to use quotations, but points out the importance of using your own words to show your understanding. Finally, she tells you how to wrap up your response in the conclusion.
Video 6: How to Write a Fully Supported Response
Video 6 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice answers how you will know if your response is complete, how much you should write, and whether your response is fully supported. She also tells you what structure your essay should follow, that your ideas should be expressed clearly, and to pay attention to whether your ideas strengthen your claim. She also gives tips on how to use the 45 minutes of test time.
Video 7: How to Check and Revise Your Response
Video 7 Inside
In this video, recent GED graduate Alice goes over the importance of checking and revising your essay on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Extended Response Test. She encourages you to fix major grammar, usage, and spelling mistakes, but says what is most important is that your response is clear and logical. She explains that you should use the last five minutes to read through your response and clarify any confusing sentences—these steps could lead to a higher score.
Video 8: Understand How Your Response is Scored
Video 8 Inside
In the final video, recent GED graduate Alice explains how the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test is scored. She covers the three traits each essay is scored on and how to earn the maximum number of points on each trait.