The GED essay test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and written communication skills. Writing is an important part of the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the exam. Test-takers will have 45 minutes to respond to one of the GED writing prompts provided.
The GED essay prompt will ask you to discuss and support your perspective on a timely issue or topic. Prompts try to reflect current public policy debates, cultural phenomena, scientific issues, or historical trends. Topics cover a wide range of issues from education to healthcare, the environment, technology, communication methods, and more.
Exam administrators provide test-takers with two essay options to choose from. Each prompt presents a debatable claim and asks the writer to agree or disagree and justify their perspective. Your job is to thoughtfully analyze the issue presented and take a clear stance while supporting it with well-researched evidence and examples. GED essays are scored based on critical thinking demonstrated, organization of ideas, vocabulary and sentence structure used, and following correct grammar and punctuation guidelines.
Here is an example of a potential GED writing essay prompt:
“With the continued growth and popularity of social media platforms, some argue that face-to-face communication is becoming obsolete and less important. Others believe that in-person interactions are still essential for building meaningful relationships. Do you agree or disagree with the argument that face-to-face communication is becoming obsolete? Why or why not?”
To answer this prompt successfully, a high-scoring GED essay response may:
clearly state their position of agreeing or disagreeing that face-to-face communication is becoming obsolete
define what is meant by “face-to-face communication” and “social media platforms”
acknowledge both sides of the argument but focus the body paragraphs on supporting their own stance
provide real-world examples and data from credible sources to back up key points
discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of online versus in-person interactions
consider factors like age groups, types of relationships, and cultural variables
anticipate and address potential counterarguments to preempt weaknesses
maintain a formal, objective tone without personal anecdotes
demonstrate complex thinking by analyzing nuances of the issue
use varied, advanced vocabulary tailored to the academic register
adhere to standard rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics
Let’s look at a sample high-scoring response to this prompt:
“While social media has proven useful for staying connected with friends and family from afar, I disagree that face-to-face communication is becoming obsolete. Building meaningful relationships requires establishing trust, understanding body language cues, and sharing authentic experiences together – skills best developed through in-person interactions.
Undeniably, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat have radically changed how people communicate daily. A 2019 Pew Research study found that 71% of U.S. adults used at least one social media site. Digital interactions lack the depth of nuanced nonverbal signals we rely on to interpret others’ true emotions and gauge interpersonal chemistry. Studies by psychologists at UCLA and Harvard have shown nearly half of Americans feel more socially isolated and more than 80% find establishing close connections increasingly difficult.
Some may argue technology helps overcome barriers to togetherness like distance or disability. Building intimacy necessitates vulnerability which thrives best when cultivating genuine human presence, eye contact, and physical proximity. The oxytocin and serotonin released during hugs, high-fives, and other affectionate touches enhance relationship bonding in ways a “like” or emoticon cannot replace.
While social media plays an undeniably important supplementary role, only face-to-face interactions provide the holistic feedback needed for humans – as innately social creatures – to truly feel understood, validated, and emotionally supported within close community ties. Perhaps technology supplements but does not substitute for the in-person interactions integral to our well-being.”
This response scores well because it:
Clearly states its position in the introduction paragraph
Defines key terms like “social media”, “face-to-face communication”, and “meaningful relationships”
Acknowledges technology’s benefits while focusing on supporting its own stance
Uses credible data and studies to back up points about isolation and connection difficulties
Discusses complex factors like nonverbal cues, intimacy, and human dependence on community
Anticipates and convincingly refutes the counterargument that technology enables togetherness
Provides specific examples comparing online versus in-person bonding techniques
Demonstrates nuanced, insightful analysis of the issue from a psychological perspective
Employs formal, objective language appropriate for the context
Follows standard rules of English grammar, usage, and mechanics
This GED essay example response would likely earn a high score by thoroughly answering the prompt, supporting its position with well-researched evidence, demonstrating critical thinking skills, and communicating ideas clearly in proper written form. Keeping this sample in mind can help GED test-takers understand what is expected when responding to prompts on the exam. With practice writing responses to sample questions, candidates can gain experience crafting high-scoring essays to feel confident on test day. Preparing for the GED writing section by analyzing essay examples is an effective way to understand scoring criteria and what it takes to earn a passing score.
Andrew Stroud