The GED extended response gives you up to 45 minutes to read two passages, decide which argument is better supported and explain why with evidence from both. Use this free planner to practice that task: a 45-minute timer with suggested phases, an outline, a draft box and a three-trait self-check.
The official essay task
The RLA test is 150 minutes and includes 45 minutes for the written essay and a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3 (GED.com test subjects page). The official instructions say: “You have up to 45 minutes for reading, planning, writing, and editing your response,” and suggest “approximately 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each.”
You read two passages with different views, decide which writer presents the stronger case, and explain it with relevant and specific evidence from both sources.
How it is scored
Trait 1: Creation of arguments and use of evidence: Make a clear argument about which side is better supported, back it with evidence from the passages and judge the reasoning in them.
Trait 2: Development of ideas and organizational structure: Develop each idea, put the ideas in a sensible order, connect them with transitions and keep a formal tone.
Trait 3: Clarity and command of standard English conventions: Write clear sentences with mostly correct grammar, usage and punctuation. The guide calls the essay on-demand draft writing, so it does not need to be perfect.
Each trait is scored 0, 1 or 2, for up to 6 raw points (2016 Assessment Guide for Educators).
The essay is double-weighted (2022 Technical Manual) and makes up about 20 percent of the RLA score (2019 Educator Handbook).
Spelling is not scored as long as the words attempted are understandable (2019 Educator Handbook).
The extended response is not scored on GED Ready, the official practice test (GED.com).
Suggested time plan (GEDPilot advice, not a GED rule)
Read, about 10 minutes: Read both passages. Mark each writer’s claim and best evidence.
Plan, about 5 to 8 minutes: Choose the better-supported side and fill in the outline.
Write, about 20 to 25 minutes: Turn each outline point into a paragraph that explains its evidence.
Review, about 5 minutes: Fix sentence boundaries, agreement and confused words.
Practice prompts
All passages are original GEDPilot practice material. The planner does not score your writing, and drafts are saved only in your own browser; nothing is uploaded.
Working from home two days a week: Should Northfield Home Health let its office staff work from home two days a week?
A mobile health clinic: Should Riverside County use a state grant to buy a mobile health clinic van?
Online-only evening classes: Should the Lakeside Adult Learning Center move all of its evening classes online?
How to use it
Pick a prompt and press Start. The timer suggests when to move from reading to planning, writing and review.
Fill in the outline: a thesis that names the better-supported side, two or three points with evidence, a counterpoint and a conclusion.
Copy the outline into the draft box and turn each line into a paragraph that explains its evidence.
Use the three-trait checklist to review your draft. Fix the biggest problem first.
Questions and answers
How long is the GED essay, and how long should it be? The official instructions give you up to 45 minutes for reading, planning, writing and editing. They suggest a response of about 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each. The 45 minutes are part of the 150-minute RLA test.
How is the GED extended response scored? It is scored on three traits, each worth 0 to 2 points: creation of arguments and use of evidence, development of ideas and organizational structure, and clarity and command of standard English conventions. The 2022 Technical Manual says the essay is double-weighted, and the 2019 Educator Handbook says it makes up about 20 percent of the RLA score.
Does this planner score my essay? No. GEDPilot does not score essays here, and nothing you type is sent anywhere. The three-trait checklist helps you review your own draft against the official traits. Ask a teacher or tutor to read your practice responses for feedback.
How should I split the 45 minutes? GEDPilot suggests about 10 minutes to read, 5 to 8 to plan, 20 to 25 to write and about 5 to review. These are study targets, not GED rules. Adjust them as you learn your pace; a finished, supported response is worth more than a perfect plan.
Does spelling count on the GED essay? The 2019 GED Educator Handbook says spelling is not scored as long as the words you attempt are understandable. Grammar, usage and punctuation are part of Trait 3, and the rubric treats the essay as on-demand draft writing, so it does not need to be perfect.
Should I skip the essay if I am short on time? No. The 2019 GED Educator Handbook says GED Testing Service recommends that all students answer the extended response, and a blank response scores zero. A response with a clear thesis and explained evidence from both passages gives you a chance at points even if it is shorter than you hoped. Practicing with the timer helps you leave enough time to finish.
Is the essay scored on GED Ready? No. GED.com says the extended response is not scored on the GED Ready practice test. That makes timed practice like this, plus feedback from a teacher, a useful way to prepare.
Next steps
Study GEDPilot lesson GP-R06, Writing the Extended Response, and sort evidence in the argument evaluator first if choosing a side feels hard.
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.