GED - RLA - Extended Response

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword

RLA Extended Response preparation material focused on analyzing two provided passages and writing an evidence-based analysis within a 45-minute testing window. It explains that Extended Response scoring reflects analysis, development and organization, and writing conventions, and it lists concrete answer guidelines for planning, drafting, revising, and using transitional language. The document also breaks down argument components—conclusions or claims, evidence, and unstated premises—then outlines a five-step process from passage analysis to proofreading.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

Learning Objectives

The RLA Extended Response

Scoring Traits

Answer Guidelines

Arguments and Evidence

The RLA Extended Response Process

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

RLA Extended Response Learning Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: • Analyze an argument and plan a thoughtful response to that argument as instructed by the prompt • Meet the requirements for the Extended Response portion of the RLA Test The RLA Extended Response The Extended Response requires reading two passages and writing an analysis about the two passages using the text box. You will have 45 minutes to read, plan, type, and revise your response. The RLA Extended Response Your Extended Response (ER) score makes up about 20% of your total RLA score. ER responses are scored based on three traits: analysis, development and organization, and writing conventions. Extended Response Answer Guidelines These guidelines are provided to you while you test. You should read and memorize these guidelines before you take the test so you can focus on analyzing and responding for the entire 45 minutes. 1. Please note that this task must be completed in no more than 45 minutes. However, don’t rush through your response. Be sure to read through the passage(s) and the prompt. Then think about the message you want to convey in your response. Be sure to plan your response before you begin writing. Draft your response and revise it as needed. 2. Fully answering an ER prompt often requires 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each—that can quickly add up to 300 to 500 words of writing! A response that is significantly shorter could put you in danger of scoring a 0 just for not showing enough of your writing skills. Extended Response Answer Guidelines These guidelines are provided to you while you test. You should read and memorize these guidelines before you take the test so you can focus on analyzing and responding for the entire 45 minutes. 3. As you read, 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 positions. Extended Response Answer Guidelines 4. When you write your essay, be sure to: • determine which position presented in the passage(s) is better supported by evidence from the passage(s) • explain why the position you chose is the better-supported one • remember, the better-supported position is not necessarily the position you agree with • defend your assertions with multiple pieces of evidence from the passage(s) • build your main points thoroughly • put your main points in logical order and tie your details to your main points • organize your response carefully and consider your audience, message, and purpose • use transitional words and phrases to connect sentences, paragraphs, and ideas • choose words carefully to express your ideas clearly • vary your sentence structure to enhance the flow and clarity of your response • reread and revise your response to correct any errors in grammar, usage, or punctuation Arguments and Evidence Your response to the writing assignment will be based on identifying which writer’s argument is stronger and identifying and describing supporting evidence. An argument includes: •a conclusion statement, or claim. This is the point the author is trying to make. •evidence, which provides support for the author’s claim. •a premise, which is an unstated assumption that must be true in order for the argument to be logical. Arguments and Evidence Before you get to passages, use the prompt to quickly define the specific task you are asked to write about. Identify what the writing assignment is about. Two passages about clean coal Rephrase the task into the form of a question. Which passage is better supported? Determine what you are asked to include. Specific and relevant information from the text. The RLA Extended Response Process There are fiv

FAQs

What is the goal of the GED RLA Extended Response lesson?

Analyze an argument and plan a thoughtful response following the prompt, and understand the requirements of the Extended Response portion of the RLA test.

How is the Extended Response (ER) scored?

ER responses are scored using three traits: analysis, development and organization, and writing conventions.

What are the five steps to complete the RLA Extended Response?

Read Passage #1, read Passage #2, develop your argument using evidence from both passages, type the response including an introduction and conclusion, then proofread and fix grammar and clarity issues.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword