RLA extended response structure and scoring

The standard GED RLA extended response structure

On the GED RLA, your extended response is basically a short, focused essay: clear structure makes it much easier to write under time pressure and to score well.

A simple, reliable pattern is:

• Introduction
• Body paragraph 1
• Body paragraph 2
• Conclusion

Think of it as: tell them what you’ll say (intro), say it with reasons and evidence (bodies), remind them what you said (conclusion).

A sample outline from passages

Imagine a common GED-style prompt:

Two passages discuss whether students should be required to do community service to graduate from high school.
Write an essay arguing which author makes the stronger argument and explain why, using evidence from both texts.

You might decide that Passage 1 is stronger. Your outline:

• Thesis (your main answer to the prompt)

  • “The author of Passage 1 makes the stronger argument because they use clear statistics and address possible objections, while Passage 2 relies mostly on personal stories.”

• Body paragraph 1 — Supporting point 1

  • Focus: Passage 1 uses specific statistics and facts.
  • Evidence example: Passage 1 says “schools with mandatory service saw graduation rates rise by 15 percent.”
  • Explanation: Show how this statistic makes the argument logical and convincing compared to Passage 2.

• Body paragraph 2 — Supporting point 2

  • Focus: Passage 1 addresses counterarguments, Passage 2 doesn’t.
  • Evidence example: Passage 1 mentions that some students might feel forced, but then explains that flexible options reduce this problem.
  • Explanation: Show how acknowledging the other side makes Passage 1 more balanced and trustworthy.

• Conclusion

  • Restate: Passage 1 is stronger.
  • Briefly sum up: It uses data and addresses objections, which makes its reasoning more convincing than Passage 2’s personal stories.

This outline hits what scorers want: a position, at least two reasons, and evidence from the texts.