Welcome to GEDessay.com! It’s your go-to resource for GED writing practice and extended response preparation. Our collection of GED essay samples is designed to help you prepare for the GED RLA Extended Response. Find real examples of high-scoring essays, writing strategies with model answers, grammar guides, and vocabulary lists for crafting strong, evidence-based writing. Our goal is to make GED prep simple, focused, and accessible to every learner.
Understanding the GED Essay Format
The GED essay requires you to write an argumentative response based on two given passages. You must analyze both texts, decide which argument is stronger, and explain why using evidence from the readings. Here’s what you need to know about the format:
Time Limit: 45 minutes
Word Count: 300–500 words (recommended)
Structure: Respond to 2 reading passages with a clear, well-organized essay
Writing Format: Typed on a computer, no handwriting allowed
List of GED Essay Samples
Below is a list of GED essay samples created to support your GED writing practice and help you prepare for the Extended Response section of the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test. Each sample includes a full response to a realistic GED prompt, demonstrating clear structure, critical thinking, and effective argumentation.
- 01. Remote Work
- 02. School Uniforms
- 03. Plastic Bags Ban
- 04. Four-Day School Week
- 05. Cursive Writing
- 06. Cashless Society
- 07. Justice vs. Law
- 08. Daily Physical Education
- 09. Trust in the Workplace
- 10. Impact of Social Media
- 11. Layoffs: A Tough Choice
- 12. School Calendars
GED Essay Basics: What You Should Know
The GED essay, officially called the Extended Response, is an important part of the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test. Many students overlook this section or feel nervous about it. However, understanding how the essay works can make a big difference in your overall performance.
Below are key facts every test-taker should know about the GED essay, including why it matters, how it’s graded, and how to manage on test day.
Why You Should Not Skip the Essay
The GED essay, also known as the Extended Response, counts for approximately 20% of your total Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) score. Despite being just one part of the test, it plays a major role in your overall performance.
Some GED preparation programs suggest skipping the essay and focusing only on the multiple-choice questions. However, this approach can seriously lower your final score. A clear, organized essay with basic reasoning and evidence can still earn valuable points — even if your writing is not perfect.
Since the essay is built into the RLA test and cannot be taken separately, it is important to prepare for it. Skipping it means missing a key opportunity to improve your score.
The Essay Is Graded by AI
The GED essay is scored by a computer system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) — not by a human grader. This means your writing is evaluated by software trained to recognize structure, logic, and clarity.
The AI looks for specific elements such as clear organization, use of evidence from the texts, proper grammar, and logical argumentation. It does not look for creativity or complex vocabulary. Instead, it rewards essays that follow academic structure — an introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion.
The Essay Is Not a Separate Test
You cannot take the essay separately from the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test. It appears as the final task in the RLA section and must be completed during the same test session.
The Essay Must Be Typed on a Computer
The GED is administered on a computer at an official test center, and the essay section must be typed. Handwritten essays are not allowed.
If you are not confident using a keyboard, you should practice before test day. You do not need to be a fast typist, but you should be able to:
Use a keyboard comfortably
Type with correct punctuation and capitalization
Edit and organize your text using basic typing skills
How Long Should the Essay Be?
While there is no official word count requirement, most successful GED essays are roughly 300–500 words in length. A strong essay typically includes:
An introduction with a clear thesis statement
Two or three body paragraphs with evidence and reasoning
A conclusion that summarizes your argument
Writing too little may not give the AI enough information to assess your skills. Aim for at least 3 full paragraphs, and be sure to use examples from the reading materials provided.
Grammar for GED Essay Writing
On the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test, you’ll be expected to write in standard English, with correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Frequent errors can make your writing hard to follow and may lower your score. Below are the key grammar topics you should know to write a clear and effective GED essay.
Essential Punctuation for Better Writing
- Periods
- Commas
- Semicolons and colons
- Quotation marks
- Apostrophes
- Hyphens and dashes
- Parentheses and brackets
VOCAB for GED Essay Writing
A strong vocabulary can make a big difference in your GED essay. The words you choose affect how clear, persuasive, and mature your writing sounds. You don’t need to use complicated or advanced terms, but you should be able to choose the right word for the right context. A well-written essay uses a mix of academic words, transition phrases, and precise vocabulary to clearly express ideas. The resources below will help you build the word power you need to write confidently and score higher on the GED essay.
- 50 must-know words for GED
- 25 transition words for writing
- 10 phrases to express opinions
- Academic vs. everyday words
- GED vocab in a sentence
GED Essay Samples by Topics
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