GED RLA Extended Response: How to Write a Passing Essay in 45 Minutes

The GED RLA extended response — better known as the GED essay — is the section that causes the most anxiety. You have just 45 minutes to read two passages, analyze them, and write a multi-paragraph response. Here’s exactly how to do it.

What You’re Actually Being Asked

The GED essay is not a creative writing exercise. You’re given two passages that present opposing viewpoints on a topic. Your task is to analyze which argument is better supported by evidence and explain why.

You are not being asked for your personal opinion. You’re evaluating the strength of each author’s argument based on their evidence, reasoning, and logic.

How the Essay Is Scored

The GED essay is scored on three traits, each worth 0-2 points:

Your total essay score (0-6) gets combined with the multiple-choice RLA score. You need a combined 145+ to pass the RLA section.

The 45-Minute Blueprint

Time management is everything. Here’s how to split your 45 minutes:

• Minutes 1-10: Read both passages. Underline key evidence, claims, and data points.
• Minutes 10-15: Plan your essay. Decide which argument is stronger. Jot down 3 pieces of evidence.
• Minutes 15-38: Write your essay using the 5-paragraph template below.
• Minutes 38-45: Proofread. Fix grammar errors, check spelling, ensure your conclusion exists.

The 5-Paragraph Essay Template

Use this structure every single time. It’s simple, reliable, and exactly what scorers want to see:

Paragraph 1: Introduction (3-4 sentences)

• State the topic briefly
• Mention both authors’ positions
• Thesis: “[Author A]’s argument is better supported because [reason 1] and [reason 2].”

Paragraphs 2-3: Body (5-6 sentences each)

• Topic sentence stating your first/second reason
• Quote or paraphrase specific evidence from the passage
• Explain how this evidence supports the argument
• Optional: contrast with the weaker argument’s evidence

Paragraph 4: Counterargument (3-4 sentences)

• Acknowledge the other author’s strongest point
• Explain why it’s still not as strong as your chosen argument

Paragraph 5: Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

• Restate your thesis in different words
• Summarize your strongest supporting point

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing your personal opinion instead of analyzing the passages
2. Not quoting the text — scorers need to see direct references
3. Skipping the conclusion — an unfinished essay can’t score well
4. Writing only 2-3 sentences total — aim for at least 300 words
5. Ignoring grammar entirely — Trait 3 counts for 1/3 of your score
6. Trying to sound fancy — clear, simple writing scores higher than complex vocabulary used incorrectly
7. Not proofreading — even 3 minutes of proofreading catches major errors

Starter Phrases You Can Use

Keep these ready to speed up your writing:

• “According to the passage…”
• “The author supports this claim by stating that…”
• “This evidence demonstrates that…”
• “In contrast, the opposing argument fails to…”
• “While [Author B] makes a valid point about…, [Author A]’s evidence is stronger because…”