Strong evidence on the GED RLA test is relevant, specific and checkable, such as measured results or counts that bear directly on the claim. Weak evidence is on topic but too thin to carry much weight. Practice telling them apart: sort each marked statement in two original passages, name any faulty reasoning, then judge which writer is better supported.
What the lab practices
Four original pairs of opposing passages (about 250 to 290 words each) on workplace, money, library and housing topics, with 56 marked statements to sort. Each statement has one defensible answer and an explanation. Then you decide which writer is better supported and why.
This mirrors the GED extended response task. GED.com says the essay shows your ability to “analyze two passages, decide which argument has more convincing evidence and explain why the evidence supports your choice.” It also builds the skill behind the RLA reporting category “Using evidence to understand, analyze and create arguments,” listed at 45 percent in the 2016 Assessment Guide for Educators.
The seven bins
Claim: The main position the writer wants you to accept.
Counterclaim: An opposing view the writer mentions, usually to answer it.
Relevant and specific evidence: Facts, numbers or results that bear directly on the claim and can be checked.
Relevant but weak evidence: On topic, but too small, vague or informal to carry much weight.
Irrelevant detail: Might be true, but does not help decide the question.
Unsupported opinion: A judgment stated as if it were obvious, with no support given.
Faulty reasoning: A broken link between reasons and conclusion. Name the type.
The six types of faulty reasoning
Hasty generalization: A big conclusion drawn from one or two cases.
False cause: Because B happened after A, A must have caused B.
Either-or (false choice): Only two options are offered when others exist.
Appeal to emotion: Feelings are stirred up in place of evidence.
Bandwagon: It must be right because many people do it or believe it.
Attack on the person: The person is criticized instead of the argument.
How to use it
Read both passages once for the main idea. Then find each writer’s claim.
Sort each numbered statement into a bin, using the drag handle or the “Move to” menu.
For faulty reasoning, pick the type. Read the explanation for anything you missed.
Decide which passage is better supported, then pick the reason that best explains why.
Questions and answers
What is a claim, and what is a counterclaim? A claim is the main position a writer wants you to accept, such as “the library should lend hotspots.” A counterclaim is an opposing view the writer mentions, usually so they can answer it. Writers who state the other side fairly and then respond often make a stronger case than writers who ignore it.
How do I tell strong evidence from weak evidence? Ask three questions. Is it relevant, meaning does it bear directly on the claim? Is it specific, with numbers, dates or sources you could check? Is it enough for how big the claim is? Results from a trial at the same workplace are strong. One coworker’s comment is on topic but weak, because one person cannot speak for everyone.
Which kinds of faulty reasoning should I know for the GED test? GED Testing Service does not publish a list of fallacy names. Its essay rubric does reward responses that tell supported claims from unsupported ones and identify faulty reasoning. This lab uses six common types: hasty generalization, false cause, either-or (false choice), appeal to emotion, bandwagon and attack on the person. Explaining why the reasoning fails matters more than the label.
How much of the RLA test is about arguments and evidence? In the 2016 Assessment Guide for Educators, GED Testing Service lists “Using evidence to understand, analyze and create arguments” as 45 percent of RLA reporting. The other categories are text features and technique (35 percent) and English conventions and usage (20 percent).
Do I have to agree with the better-supported passage? No. GED.com describes the essay task as deciding which argument has more convincing evidence and explaining why. You are judging the support, not giving your own opinion on the issue. The better-supported passage may even be the one you personally disagree with.
Can I use this lab without dragging? Yes. Every statement has a “Move to” menu, and faulty reasoning has a second menu for its type, so the whole lab works with a keyboard, a screen reader or a touch screen. Dragging is optional. With a keyboard you can also press Space on a drag handle, use the arrow keys to move between bins and press Space again to drop.
Next steps
Study GEDPilot lesson GP-R03, Arguments and the Quality of Evidence, then practice the full essay task in the extended response planner.
GED Ready, the official practice test, reports three bands: Likely to Pass (145-200), Too Close to Call (134-144) and Not Likely to Pass (100-133). The passing score on the real test is 145 in each subject.
Independent preparation materials. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACE or GED Testing Service. GED is a registered trademark owned by ACE. Practice results do not predict an official GED score, and GEDPilot does not guarantee a passing score.