The GED (General Educational Development) test includes the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section, which features an Extended Response essay. This is the only essay portion of the GED, requiring test-takers to analyze two provided arguments on a topic and explain which is better supported with evidence.
Officially, the GED Testing Service does not specify a minimum or maximum word count. Instead, emphasis is on quality over quantity. Your essay should be well-structured, clear, and fully address the prompt. However, practical guidelines from GED prep resources (like the official GED website, Kaplan, and Mometrix) recommend:
- Aim for 400–600 words (about 4–7 paragraphs).
- This typically fits within the 45-minute time limit (including reading sources and planning).
- Shorter essays (under 300 words) often lack depth and fail to earn high scores.
- Longer essays (over 700 words) risk rambling or poor organization if time runs out.
Scoring Breakdown (out of 12 points total, 6 per trait):
- Creation of Arguments & Use of Evidence (Trait 1): Build a strong position with specific examples from sources.
- Development of Ideas & Structure (Trait 2): Use logical organization (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion).
- Clarity & Command of English (Trait 3): Write in standard grammar, varied sentences, and precise vocabulary.
A 400–600 word essay allows:
- Introduction (1 paragraph): State your thesis.
- Body (2–4 paragraphs): Analyze both arguments, cite evidence, explain strengths/weaknesses.
- Conclusion (1 paragraph): Restate position and implications.
Tips for Success:
- Plan first (5–7 minutes): Outline key points.
- Type efficiently: The essay is computer-based; practice keyboarding.
- Proofread (last 5 minutes): Fix errors.
- Sample prompts are available on ged.com for practice.
In summary, while no strict length is enforced, 400–600 words is the sweet spot for a passing (or higher) score of 2–3 per trait. Focus on substance—strong analysis trumps word count every time!
The GED (General Educational Development) test includes the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section, which features an Extended Response essay. This is the only essay portion of the GED, requiring test-takers to analyze two provided arguments on a topic and explain which is better supported with evidence.
Officially, the GED Testing Service does not specify a minimum or maximum word count. Instead, emphasis is on quality over quantity. Your essay should be well-structured, clear, and fully address the prompt. However, practical guidelines from GED prep resources (like the official GED website, Kaplan, and Mometrix) recommend:
- Aim for 400–600 words (about 4–7 paragraphs).
- This typically fits within the 45-minute time limit (including reading sources and planning).
- Shorter essays (under 300 words) often lack depth and fail to earn high scores.
- Longer essays (over 700 words) risk rambling or poor organization if time runs out.
Scoring Breakdown (out of 12 points total, 6 per trait):
- Creation of Arguments & Use of Evidence (Trait 1): Build a strong position with specific examples from sources.
- Development of Ideas & Structure (Trait 2): Use logical organization (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion).
- Clarity & Command of English (Trait 3): Write in standard grammar, varied sentences, and precise vocabulary.
A 400–600 word essay allows:
- Introduction (1 paragraph): State your thesis.
- Body (2–4 paragraphs): Analyze both arguments, cite evidence, explain strengths/weaknesses.
- Conclusion (1 paragraph): Restate position and implications.
Tips for Success:
- Plan first (5–7 minutes): Outline key points.
- Type efficiently: The essay is computer-based; practice keyboarding.
- Proofread (last 5 minutes): Fix errors.
- Sample prompts are available on ged.com for practice.
In summary, while no strict length is enforced, 400–600 words is the sweet spot for a passing (or higher) score of 2–3 per trait. Focus on substance—strong analysis trumps word count every time!