ged practice writing test essay

GED Essay-Topics, Samples, And Tips

Last Updated on March 24, 2024.

This language Arts lesson is part of this website’s free online GED classes a nd practice tests, generously provided by the accredited comprehensive GED prep course created by Onsego.

Online GED Classes

A simple and easy way of getting your ged diploma., learn fast, stay motivated, and pass your ged quickly..

Our free support is a great way to start out with your GED prep, and if you like these free practice tests and video lessons, you may easily switch to Onsego GED Prep’s full-scope, accredited course to earn your GED fast!

One part of the GED Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) test is writing a GED Essay, also known as the Extended Response. You have 45 minutes to create your essay. The GED essay is an argumentative essay.

A common method for writing this type of essay is the five-paragraph approach.

Writing your GED® Essay is not about writing an opinion on the topic at hand. Your opinion is irrelevant. You are asked to determine and explain which of the arguments is better.

This lesson is provided by Onsego GED Prep.

Online GED Classes-Fast, Simple and Cheap

Table of Contents

• 0.1 Video Transcription
• 1 GED Essay Structure
• 2 GED Essay Topics
• 3 GED Essay Samples
• 4 Tips for Writing your GED Essay
• 5 How your GED Essay is Scored

Video Transcription

After reading the stimulus with two different arguments about a subject, your task is to explain why one of these arguments is better.

Remember, when writing your GED® Essay, you are NOT writing your opinion on the topic. That’s irrelevant. You must write about why one argument is better than the other.

You are writing an analysis of the author’s two positions and explaining which argument is stronger. These two arguments are presented in the stimulus, so you don’t need to create any own examples.

So again, you only need to decide what argument is stronger and claim it and prove it. It is NOT about your opinion.

Since in your essay, you need to determine which argument is best supported, your claim should clearly state which of the two positions is stronger.

You will be provided with the stimulus material and a prompt.

The stimulus is a text that provides 2 opposing opinions about a certain subject. The prompt provides instructions and tells you what you need to do.

I’ll say it again because so many students make mistakes here, it’s NOT about your opinion on the topic but the subject that matters!

You need to analyze the arguments and determine which opinion is best supported throughout the text.

You are NOT asked which argument you agree with more, and you should NEVER respond with a personal opinion.

So, don’t use the word “I” such as “I think that…” “I agree because…” “In my opinion…”.

The GED essay is graded on a machine that uses algorithms to figure out your score.

So, no teacher will decide about the score in any way.

It’s very important that you remember this!

Let’s take a look at the structure, topics, and format of the GED Essay.

GED Essay Structure

Ged essay topics.

• GED Essay Sample
• GED Essay Scoring
• GED Essay Writing Tips

Remember: you need to analyze which of the presented arguments is better and explain why it’s better.

Likewise, make sure your reasons come from the text – you aren’t making up your examples; you’re talking about the ones in the passages.

How should you prove that one argument is stronger? – Look at the evidence in the text.

Did the author use a relevant statistic from a reliable source, or did he/she assume something with a hypothetical anecdote?

Once you know which is better supported, you’re on your way.

Keep in mind: Don’t Summarize!

It’s easy to substitute a simpler task (summarize each side) for the more complex task of evaluating arguments. But if all you do is summarize, your response will be considered off-topic and likely will not receive any points.

The GED Essay should contain:

• 4-7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each and 300-500 words in total.
• An essay (or response) that is significantly shorter could put you in danger of scoring a 0 just for not showing enough of your writing skills.
• As you read the stimulus material (text), think carefully about the argumentation presented in the passage(s). “Argumentation” refers to the assumptions, claims, support, reasoning, and credibility on which a position is based.
• Pay close attention to how the author(s) use these strategies to convey his or her position.

Every well-written GED essay has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Your response will be an argument or an argumentative essay. Remember that you are NOT writing your opinion on the topic.

You are writing an analysis of two of the author’s positions and explaining which argument is stronger.

Things to keep in mind: the Extended Response (GED Essay) is scored by smart machines that are programmed to recognize correct answers. So, don’t try to be creative; just be correct. Also:

• Use proper grammar and sentence structure.
• Practice writing a 300 to 500-word essay.

Let’s look at the GED Essay structure: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

• The Introduction introduces the topic you are writing about and states your claim or thesis statement. Stand your position.
• The Body of the essay presents reasoning and evidence to support your claim. This is the longest part of the response and should be at least two paragraphs.
• The concluding paragraph sums up your main points and restates your claim.

Here are a few examples of GED Essay Topics. Click on the title to read a full stimulus and a prompt.

An Analysis of Daylight-Saving Time

The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of Daylight-Saving Time who disagree about the practice’s impact on energy consumption and safety. Check here to read the full article.

Should the Penny Stay in Circulation?

Analyze the presented arguments and decide which one is better supported. Check here to read the full article.

Is Golf a Sport?

Proponents say that golf meets the definition of “sport.” Opponents say that golf better meets the definition of “game” than “sport. Analyze both opinions and determine which one is better supported. Check here to read the full article.

GED Essay Samples

Click here to access a sample of a GED essay with an explanation of the structure. Getting familiar with GED essay samples will help you plan your essay and understand what elements are important.

When reading the essay subject, you really should take the time to pull together your thoughts. By arranging your ideas rationally, you will be able to express your thoughts far better on paper. When you start writing, concentrate on the guidelines that you came to understand in English class.

Pay attention to English language usage (grammar); you must use the right punctuation and capitalization and decide on suitable word solutions.

Check here to read a GED Essay Sample with our comments.

Tips for Writing your GED Essay

1. Make sure you read the stimulus and prompt cautiously

It’s good to practice this carefully. Check out each question carefully and take a little time to figure out the topic and what kind of answer will be expected.

It is important to read the questions meticulously.

Usually, students simply run over stimulus and prompt and begin to write immediately, believing that they will save time this way.

Well, this actually the most undesirable thing to do. Take a short while and try to understand the questions completely in order to respond to them appropriately. If you wish, highlight the essential words and phrases in the stimulus to be able to look at it from time to time to be certain you stick to the topic.

2. Sketch an outline for the essay

In general, you will only need a few minutes to plan your essay, and it is imperative to take that time. As soon as you grasp the questions entirely, and once you have scribbled down some initial ideas, make an outline of the essay and follow that.

Plan an introduction, body, and conclusion. Following this process is going to save you a lot of time and it helps establish a rational development of thoughts.

3. Stick to the subject

Each paragraph in the body of your response should explain why a piece of evidence supports your claim or disputes the opposing claim to explain your evidence.

You can describe or restate it. This shows that you understand precisely what it means and how it relates to your claim.

Cite the mentioned details or facts of a specific point and relate them to your claim.

Your response should include evidence from both passages and explain what strong evidence supports one argument and why faulty evidence weakens the other argument.

4. Proofreading and Revision

By the time you completed writing your essay, you should go back to the beginning and read your essay carefully again, as you quite easily could have forgotten a comma or have misspelled a word while writing your essay. See also this post ->  Is the GED Language Arts Test Hard?

While rereading your essay, pay close attention to whether your essay provides well-targeted points, is organized clearly, presents specific information and facts, comes with proper sentence construction, and has no grammar or spelling mistakes.

How your GED Essay is Scored

Your GED essay is scored by smart machines that are programmed to recognize correct answers. So don’t try to be creative; just be correct.

They will be using five criteria to assess your essay.

• Organization: were you clear about the essential idea, and did you present a well-thought strategy for composing your essay?
• Clear and swift response: did you deal with the subject adequately, without shifting from one focal point to another?
• Progress and details: did you apply relevant examples and specific details to elaborate on your original concepts or arguments, as opposed to using lists or repeating identical information?
• Grammar Rules of English: did you use decent writing techniques like sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and grammar, and did you shape and edit your essay after you penned the first draft?
• Word choice: how far did you choose and employ suitable words to indicate your points of view?

Your 45 minutes will go quickly, so focus on these important points to get the best score.

What’s important is to make a clear statement about which position is better supported. Write clear sentences and arrange paragraphs in a logical order.

GED testing includes four modules (independent subtests) in Mathematical Reasoning (Math), Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies that can be taken separately. You should study very well, be effective on test day, and pass the subtest(s) you registered for.

GED writing for essays may be a bit tricky, but you can store all this information for proper learning on a list and change to proper write essay techniques before test day has arrived. Just practice a lot, and you’ll see that it’ll be getting better and better. So now you know all about writing the GED Essay.

GED Extended Response Essay Prompts & Examples

A quick guide to writing an extended response for the ged language arts test.

GED® Reading & Writing Practice Test ( 25 Questions )

GED® Reading & Writing Practice ( Tons Questions )

GED® Reading and Writing Lessons ( 10 Lessons )

Check out our other Free GED© Practice Test

Many students fear the writing part of the GED test. And we understand. After all, it takes effort and time to organize your ideas, fix sentence structures, and ensure that grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are correct. With only 45 minutes to complete your essay, how will you be able to finish your piece? Thankfully, there are ways to make this part easy for you. You don’t have to be a gifted writer to write succeed in writing a winning essay for the Extended Response portion of the GED writing test. There are tips to succeed in writing your essay.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Guide

What’s in the GED Writing Extended Response Portion of the Test?

This test will check how well you create arguments and use evidence. Also, it would also test your clarity and command of Standard English language.

Quick Tips to Remember When Writing Your Essay:

• Take a deep breath. Nervous about the test? Ease anxiety by taking deep breaths before writing your essay. Being stressed while writing might keep your focus away from the task and affect the quality of your essay.
• Read the two passages carefully . Make sure you understand each passage before choosing your position.
• Make an outline . Don’t write right away. Create an outline first. Choose a position that you can easily defend based on what you’ve read, then list down the main points to support this position.
• Your essay should have:
• 1. An introduction that states your main argument 2. At least 3 paragraphs with your supporting evidence 3. A conclusion that restates your main argument and main points.
• Focus on the first and last paragraphs first . This will help you stick to your argument and main points.
• Be clear . The paragraphs in between your first and last paragraphs should clearly explain your main points. Start each paragraph by stating the main point that you want to talk about.
• Proofread your work . Check your work for grammar and spelling errors. Improve sentence structures with the time that’s left.

Keep in mind that the saying, “practice makes perfect” applies here. Mastering essay writing takes a lot of practice and reading. Begin practicing your writing as well improving your comprehension skills with our Free GED Practice Tests for Language Arts. We also recommend reading high-quality newspapers, publications, and literary pieces to help build your English writing skills.

Related Topics:

• 7 Top Jobs For GED Graduates: Earn Six Figure Income Without A College Degree
• GED Reading Practice Test
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• GED Reasoning through Language Arts
• GED Reasoning through Language Art PRACTICE TEST
• GED Math Practice Questions | Fractions
• GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Tests
• GED Science Practice Questions | GED Study Guide

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Write & Pass a GED Essay

By: Jen Denton, Student Success Coach on January 3, 2023 at 3:21 AM

The GED essay intimidates a lot of people. Writing a whole essay from scratch in 45 minutes or less can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. This GED essay writing guide will help you know what to expect and how to pass the written portion of the test. Learn all about the GED extended response with examples, tips, and a breakdown of everything you'll be graded on.

Table of Contents

What is the ged essay, example ged essay questions, example ged essay, ged essay practice, ged essay structure, how is the ged essay scored, 8 tips to help you pass the ged essay.

The GED test is made up of four subjects: mathematical reasoning, social studies, science, and reasoning through language arts (RLA). The RLA subject test includes two parts, one of which is the GED extended response, sometimes called the GED essay. You will have 45 minutes to complete the essay to the best of your ability. If you don’t finish in time, don’t worry! The essay is only worth 20% of your final RLA score, so you can still pass the test even if you don’t get a high score on the essay.

The extended response can be on a variety of topics, but it will always follow the same format. You will be given two different articles on the same topic, usually argumentative essays with a firm position. You will be asked to evaluate the two arguments and write your own argumentative essay determining which article presented the strongest position. The essay should be 3-5 paragraphs long, with each paragraph between 3-7 sentences.

All GED essay questions will ask you to read and evaluate two passages that take different stances on the same topic. Essays should determine which passage presents a stronger argument and back up that claim with analysis of evidence from the passages.

Here is an example GED essay question:

Analyze the arguments presented in the press release and the letter to the editor. In your response, develop an argument in which you explain how one position is better supported than the other. Incorporate relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your argument.

Remember, the better-argued position is not necessarily the position with which you agree. This task should take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 1

1  "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf . Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

The following is an example high scoring essay:

Both the press release and the letter to the editor offer positions that are supported by both fact and opinion. The press release seeks to exhort the new bill for expansion of Highway 17, while the letter argues that the passing of the bill could prove detrimental to the district. While both sides make an acceptable case, the latter provides a stronger argument.

One example of the letter’s stronger argument is the explanation that federal tax dollars pay for the road, as it will incorporate six different states, therefore eliminating this particular state’s ability to strike the bill down. This proves, with factual information, that the district did not have a fair say in the bill. The notion that few residents will use the road that their tax dollars are providing is an opinion. However, a resident and small-business owner in the town is more credible in the awareness of the town’s concern, as compared to a representative who attended a few meetings in the town hall.

Another example of the better supported argument in the letter is the reference to the construction jobs as temporary. The press release praises the new jobs created by the highway construction, as this is a valid point. However, the author of the letter is correct in the fact that the jobs will not create a boom in the district’s economy, or fill in the gap caused by the closures in the manufacturing plants, as the press release leads listeners to believe. The road construction does not solve the long-term issue of unemployment in the town. In addition, the author of the letter counters the argument that new motels, restaurants, and gas stations along the highway will create permanent jobs for the residents of the town. She explains that, “…only minimum wage jobs will remain.” This is a valid argument also, as unemployed residents that need enough income to support a household would not be much better off. Providing restaurant or motel jobs is very unlikely to feed or support an entire family. It will not pick up the laid-off employees of the manufacturing plants, who may have worked for many years towards promotions and a pension.

Another example of the letter’s stronger argument is the author’s explanation of the 2001 study. She concedes that the representative is correct in citing that bypasses are proven to reduce noise and traffic in town, but she argues that the study shows a negative effect on local businesses. This piece of the study was not mentioned by Representative Walls or the press release, and it is a proven fact. This draws more credibility to the argument in the letter. Also, although it is a speculation, it is more reasonable that traveler’s will stick to the main highway and not venture miles off their path into small town when chain gas stations, restaurants, and motels are conveniently located directly at the highway exits. It is less likely that old roads in the towns will become historical locations, attracting tourists and boosting small business sales.

Despite the argument and evidence given by the press release, it appears that the letter to the editor offers a stronger case. The author’s ideas are backed up by logical explanations and facts with a few speculations. Though the press release offers some fact, it is mainly specked with anticipations and hopes, driven to overshadow any doubts and quell any concerns. The letter is penned by a resident of the town and owner of a business, subject to firsthand opinions of the citizens of the district. The press release is pushed by an elected representative who, upon visiting the town a number of times and consulting a small percentage of the constituents, is convinced she understands the majority. Although both parties may very well have the best interests of the district in mind, and either position could be correct, it is clear that the letter provides a better-supported argument. 2

2  "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf . Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

For GED essay practice, try writing your own essay based on the example above. Set a timer for 45 minutes and do your best to write an essay with your own analysis and ideas.

You can practice more writing skills with this free test or enroll today in the GED Academy to get access to more GED essay prompts and personalized feedback from GED Essay graders.

The structure for the GED essay can take a few different forms, depending on how you decide to organize your ideas. No matter what, it should include an introduction paragraph, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. To receive a passing score, your essay must present a clear topic supported by details from both passages. Include your main idea in an introductory paragraph. In middle paragraphs, make connections between your details and your main idea. Your conclusion should also fit logically with the details.

The introduction should demonstrate your understanding of the overall topic based on the passages you read and a claim. The claim is a statement of your argument. It doesn’t need to go into detail, but should state your essay’s position on the questions presented.

The body paragraphs will go into more detail. They will include a combination of summary, analysis, and evidence to back up your claim. Be sure to include analysis of both passages.

The conclusion should explain the result of your findings and reinforce your original claim.

You can earn up to six points on the GED extended response. There are three main categories your essay is graded on, and you can earn up to two points for each.

Creation of arguments and use of evidence: Craft a strong claim and use analysis of the arguments and evidence from the passages to support it.

Development of ideas and organizational structure: Write a substantial essay with clear transitions between ideas, including a strong introduction and conclusion.

Clarity and command of standard English conventions: Use appropriate language and demonstrate strong language and grammar skills.

The extended response accounts for 20% of the total RLA score.

• Read all the instructions. The most common reason people score low on the essay is because they misunderstand the prompt.
• Make an outline. After reading the passages and the prompt, write down your ideas and organize them during your pre-writing.
• Make a list of evidence. When you read the passages, take notes on the important details you want to remember later, so you don’t have to spend time searching for it later.
• Write your introduction last. A lot of people get tripped up by how to start the essay. If that’s you, just skip this step and go back to it once you’ve written the rest of the essay.
• Write first, edit later. You only have 45 minutes, so use your time wisely. Write your first draft of the essay before you start fine-tuning and editing it. Save that for your remaining time so you don’t turn in a half-written essay.
• Use formal language. Avoid “I” statements like, “I think” or casual language like slang.
• Don’t check the clock. Time always seems to go faster when you need it to go slow. Every time you look at the clock, that’s breaking your focus on your essay.
• Practice! The only way to get better at writing essays is to write more essays. Practice using the GED Writing Practice Test , and remember to time yourself!

Related Posts

How to drop out from high school successfully in 2024, ged social studies study guide 2024 [ged academy], free online ged study resources.

Language Arts Extended Response

Videos: how to write a great ged extended response.

Overview of the GED Extended Response Format (1:28)

How to Pass the GED Extended Response (3:14)

How to Determine Which Position is Best Supported (2:49)

How to Write a Well-Supported Argument (4:21)

How to Make a Plan and Write an Introduction (3:25)

How to Write the Body and Conclusion (4:47)

How to Write a Fully Supported Response (3:34)

How to Check and Revise Your Response (2:58)

Understand How Your Response is Scored (3:14)

Extended Response Resources

EXTENDED RESPONSE

Answer Guidelines

Example of a perfect score.

GED Essay: Everything You Need To Know In 2024

Learn all you need to know about the GED essay, its structure sample, topics, tips, and how it is scored in this post.

January 1, 2022

The GED essay is intimidating to many people. Writing an entire essay from scratch in 45 minutes or less may seem difficult, but it does not have to be. This GED essay writing overview will help you prepare for and learn about the written section of the exam . In this post, Get-TestPrep will show everything you need to know about GED essays , including their structure, sample topics, tips, and how they are stored .

What Is The GED Essay?

The GED exam consists of four subjects : Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts Reasoning (RLA ). The GED extended response , sometimes known as the GED essay, is one of the two portions of the RLA subject test. You’ll have 45 minutes to finish the essay to your best capacity. Don’t worry if you don’t finish on time! Because the essay accounts for just 20% of your ultimate RLA score, you can still pass the test even if you don’t receive a high essay score.

The GED extended response can cover a wide range of topics, but it will always be formatted in the same way. You will be assigned two articles on the same topic, which will typically be argumentative essays with a firm position. You’ll be asked to assess the two arguments and create your own argumentative essay based on which article delivered the more compelling argument. The essay should be three to five paragraphs long, with each paragraph including three to seven sentences.

GED Essay Structure

An introduction, a body, and a conclusion are included in every well-written GED essay. You have to write an argument or an argumentative essay. Keep in mind that you are not expressing your own view on the subject. You’re analyzing two of the author’s points of view and determining which one is more compelling. Keep in mind that the Extended Response (GED Essay) is graded by machine intelligence that has been designed to detect the right responses. So, instead of trying to be creative, simply be accurate. Also:

• Make sure you’re using proper grammar and sentence structure.
• Practice writing a 300-500 word essay.

Let’s take a look at the format of a GED Essay : an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

• The introduction outlines your claim or thesis statement and explains the topic you’re writing about. Maintain your position.
• The body of the essay includes facts and arguments to back up your claim. This section of the response should be at least two paragraphs long.
• The concluding paragraph restates your claim and summarises your important points.

GED Essay Topic Examples

Here are a few GED Essay Topics to get you started:

Topic 1: An Analysis of Daylight-Saving Time

The article presents arguments from proponents and opponents of Daylight Saving Time, who disagree on the practice’s impact on energy consumption and safety.

Topic 2: Should the Penny Stay in Circulation?

Analyze the arguments offered and pick which one has the most support.

Topic 3: Is Golf a Sport?

Golf , according to proponents, satisfies the criteria of “sport.” Opponents argue that golf more closely resembles a “game” than a “sport.” Analyze both points of view to see which one has the most support.

Visit our website for more topics as well as full articles on each topic and take our free latest FREE GED practice test 2024 to get ready for your exam!

GED Essay Examples

Getting to know the GED essay sample  can assist you in planning your essay and determining which elements are most vital.

When reading the essay topic, you should truly take your time to collect your views. You will be able to articulate your views better on paper if you organize your thoughts properly. Concentrate on the standards that you learned in English class before you begin writing.

Pay attention to how you use the English language (grammar); you must use proper punctuation and capitalization, and you must use appropriate word solutions.

Tips For Writing Your GED Essay

Make sure you carefully read the stimulus and prompt.

Putting this into practice is an excellent idea. Examine each question carefully and set aside some time to determine the topic and the type of response that will be requested. It is critical to read the questions thoroughly. Students frequently skip past the stimulus and prompt and get right into writing, assuming that they will save time this way. 

This is, by far, the most uninteresting thing to do. Take a few moments to attempt to fully comprehend the questions so that you can reply accurately. If you like, underline the important words and phrases in the stimulus so you can go over it again later to make sure you’re on track.

Make a rough outline for the GED language arts essay

In general, planning your essay will only take a few minutes, but it is critical that you spend that time. Make an outline of the essay and follow it as soon as you have a complete understanding of the questions and have scribbled down some early ideas.

Make an outline for your introduction, body, and conclusion. Following this procedure will save you a lot of time and aid in the development of a logical thought process.

Keep your focus on the topic

To describe your evidence, each paragraph in the body of your response should explain why a piece of evidence supports your claim or disputes the opposing claim. You have the option of describing or restarting it. This demonstrates that you know exactly what it means and how it applies to your claim. Refer to the specifics or facts of a certain issue that you’ve discussed and tie them to your claim.

Include evidence from both passages in your response, and explain why strong evidence supports one thesis and why flawed evidence undermines the other.

Revision and proofreading

By the time you’ve finished writing your essay, you should go back to the beginning and reread it attentively, since you may easily have missed a comma or misspelled a term while doing so.

Pay great attention when rereading your essay to see if it has well-targeted arguments, is arranged properly, contains particular information and facts, has good sentence construction, and has no grammatical or spelling mistakes.

Learn more about how to practice GED essays as well as the whole Language Arts section in GED Language Arts Study Guide  

How To Write a GED Essay?

When writing the GED essay, you should allocate the time as follows:

• 3 minutes to read the directions and the topic
• 5 minutes of prewriting (freewriting, brainstorming , grouping, mapping, etc.)
• 3 minutes to organize (create a thesis statement or controlling idea, and summarize important points)
• 20 minutes to draft (write the essay)
• 8 minutes to revise (go over the essay and make adjustments to concepts)
• 6 minutes to edit (check for grammatical and spelling errors). 

How Your GED Essay Is Scored?

Smart machines that are designed to detect the right answers score your GED essay. So don’t try to be creative; just be accurate.

They will evaluate your essay based on five factors.

• Organization : did you give a well-thought-out approach to writing your essay and were you clear on the main idea?
• Clear and swift response: Did you deal with the matter appropriately, without straying from one emphasis point to another, with a clear and quick response?
• Progress and specifics: instead of utilizing lists or repeating the same material, did you use relevant instances and particular details to expound on your initial notions or arguments?
• Grammar Rules of English: Did you apply proper writing strategies such as sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and grammar, and did you shape and revise your essay after you finished the initial draft?
• Word choice : How well did you pick and use appropriate phrases to express your points of view?

Your 45 minutes will fly by, so focus on these key elements to get the best score possible. What is more important is to state unequivocally which side is more popular. Check that your phrases are clear and that your paragraphs are organized logically.

Each of the four modules (independent subtests) in Mathematical Reasoning (Math), Reasoning via Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies can be taken independently. To pass the subtest(s) for which you registered, you must study thoroughly and be efficient on test day. Consider taking our GED Language Arts Practice Test for the Language Arts section.

GED essay writing can be difficult, but you can keep a list of everything you need to know and switch to proper essay writing approaches before the exam. Simply practice a lot and you’ll notice that it gets better over time. So you’ve learned everything there is to know about writing the GED Essay .

How to write an essay for the GED?

• Read through all of the instructions.
• Create an outline.
• Make a list of all the evidence.
• Last, write your introduction.
• Write first, then edit.
• Make use of formal language.
• Don’t look at the time.

Is there an essay portion on the GED test?

How is the ged essay graded.

The essay is graded on a four-point scale by two certified GED essay readers. The scores of the two GED readers are averaged. If the essay achieves a score of 2 or above, it is merged with the language arts multiple-choice score to generate a composite result.

Final Words

In conclusion, this guide on the GED essay provides valuable insights and strategies to help you excel in the GED essay section. By understanding the structure of the GED essay , practicing effective writing techniques, and familiarizing yourself with the scoring rubric, you can approach the GED essay with confidence and achieve a successful outcome. Remember to plan your essay, organize your thoughts, and support your ideas with relevant examples and evidence. Additionally, refining your grammar and punctuation skills will enhance the overall quality of your writing. With consistent practice and a thorough understanding of the expectations for the GED essay, you can showcase your writing abilities and earn a strong score on the GED essay.

Eligibility Requirements For GED In District of Columbia

November 25, 2022

Eligibility Requirements For GED In New York

Eligibility Requirements For GED In Wyoming

You may learn more about how to obtain a GED in Wyoming by reading the answers to the questions related to GED requirements in Wyoming we receive below.

September 19, 2022

GED Essay Tips & Strategies

Most of the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) exam is multiple-choice, but there is also one “Extended Response” question. This question requires you to write a short essay in response to two passages of text. The passages will present two different viewpoints on a topic. You must read both of the passages and then decide which argument is best supported . Your essay should include evidence from both passages to prove that one of the authors crafts a better argument.

Please note that you are not being asked to write about which opinion is correct or which opinion you believe to be true. You are being asked to write about which passage best supports its claims. You will have 45 minutes total to read the prompt, read the passages provided, and to draft your essay.

Essay Quick Tips

• Begin your paragraphs with topic sentences that separate your major ideas and keep your argument organized.
• Utilize logical transition words/phrases to seamlessly move from one paragraph to the next.
• Use correct spelling and proper grammar.
• Vary your sentence structure and incorporate appropriate, advanced vocabulary words.
• Stay on topic! Create an outline prior to beginning your essay to organize your thoughts.

Essay Scoring

Your GED essay will be evaluated across three areas:

• Analysis of Arguments and Use of Evidence.
• Development of Ideas and Organizational Structure.
• Clarity and Command of Standard English Conventions.

The task may seem intimidating, but you more than likely already have these skills! Your essay will receive three scores—one for each of the listed areas.

Since you only have 45 minutes, you must make sure to effectively utilize your time. The best way to accomplish this is by practicing essays under the same 45-minute time limit.

Writing Guidelines

Rely upon these timing guidelines as you write your GED essay:

• PLAN — Spend 10 minutes reading the source material and organizing your essay response.
• PRODUCE — Spend 30 minutes writing your (ideally) 5-paragraph essay.
• PROOFREAD — Save 5 minutes for re-reading what you wrote and making necessary changes and improvements.

Remember, since you are typing your essay on the computer screen, proofreading and editing can be done much more quickly than if you were reading over a handwritten essay! Five minutes may not seem like much, but you should be able to read the entire essay over at least once and correct any obvious spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Pro-tip: Don’t start writing until you have every paragraph planned out! Outlining your argument is the best method for producing a coherent and cogent response.

Since the GED RLA extended response is graded by the ACS (Automated Scoring Engine), it is relatively easy to score well if you rely on the organization of a good essay template. Here are a few quick tips regarding clarity to help you score as highly as possible on the GED RLA Extended Response:

Essay Template

Paragraph 1 — Introduction

Start with a 1-sentence general statement regarding the topic. Show that you understand the argument(s) by identifying the topic and its significance, and then present a bold and concise thesis statement; Consider the following example thesis:

Though the first passage highlights important considerations regarding (the topic of) ________, ultimately the second passage is better supported and more convincing.

Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 — Body Paragraphs

When you plan your essay, you should formulate your thesis (choosing which side you found to be best-supported), and carefully lay out three major reasons why it is best-supported. Each of your body paragraphs should explore one of these ideas.

Use specific examples to support your point of view. Pull selections from the argument you are stating is best supported, and explain why they are good supporting examples, or why they make valid points of consideration.

Each body paragraph should only focus on one major idea, and the 1–2 selections from the passage that support that idea. Try to keep the paragraphs between 4–6 sentences so that they are succinct, direct, and clear. Avoid excessive wordiness; more is not always better!

Paragraph 5 — Conclusion

In 2–3 sentences, wrap up your thoughts, reiterate the accuracy of your thesis (why the argument you chose is better-supported), and leave the reader with an idea of WHY they should give more consideration to the topic. You can also use the conclusion to offer a degree of concession to the opposing argument, conceding that there are one or two good qualities of the other passage, before echoing that the passage you selected is ultimately better-supported and more convincing.

Finally, don’t worry about choosing the “wrong” side. It doesn’t matter which side you choose, just be sure that you can quote specific examples from the source texts to support your ideas!

Now, review our sample prompt and practice writing an essay!

GED Essay Prompt >>

GED Practice Test

Try our free GED Practice Test. Our online practice questions have been fully updated to cover the same material that is found on the 2024 GED. The test has gone through many revisions in recent years. Make sure you are using updated material for your test prep, such as our website!

Free GED Practice Tests

• GED Math Test (Calculator)
• GED Math Test (No-Calculator)
• GED Science Test
• GED Language Arts Test
• GED Social Studies Test

GED Extended Response Practice

• GED Essay Writing Guide
• GED Essay Practice Question
• GED Essay Sample Response

GED in Spanish

• GED En Español

The GED is the leading high school equivalency test. More than 20 million people have taken the GED, and the GED transcript is accepted by 97% of colleges and employers. The test is designed to measure the knowledge and skills that are essential for career and college readiness.

The GED is offered in English and Spanish, and it can be taken at any of the authorized testing centers. It is administered by computer, and your scores are provided within 3 hours of completion. The minimum passing score is 145, but with a score of 165 you will earn the GED College Ready designation. A score of 175 will allow you to earn college credit for that subject.

If you never received a high school diploma, then passing the GED can be very important to your success in life. It can allow you to go to college, to enroll in vocational training, and to get a better job. But the test is fairly challenging, so be sure to do plenty of test prep, starting with our free GED practice test.

There are four parts to the test:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes)
• Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes)
• Science (90 minutes)
• Social Studies (70 minutes)

The GED went through a major update in 2014 and has gone through several additional revisions since then. The 2024 GED test is more difficult than it was before all these changes. You should get a good study guide and carefully review this study material. Also, take our online GED practice test. Our free practice questions will give you an idea of how well your preparation is coming along. Once you are getting good scores on these sample questions you will know you are ready for the test. Good luck!

Questions 1 through 6 refer to the following memorandum.

To: All Rehab Program Participants From: Claudia Ortiz, Assistant Director Re: Temporary Employment Date: April 30, 2002 (A) (1) If you are looking for a permanent job or plan to reenter the working world, you might find the job hunt a difficult task. (2) One way to ease this situation is to work for a temporary employment agency. (B) ADVANTAGES (3) Temporary assignments let you explore the working world before you make up your mind. (4) As a "temp," you can work in many different situations while learning new skills and meeting people. (5) The variety of working in a different place every day or week stimulate many workers. (6) On the other hand, if you want to attend a computer seminar, lie in the sun on the first day of summer, or visit Aunt Grace on Columbus day, you can easily take the day off. (C) DISADVANTAGES (7) Being a temp can also have its disadvantages. (8) Some temporary agencies offer health insurance and other benefits to their workers, but others do not. (9) If the one you work for does not, you will find it expensive to provide your own health insurance. (10) Another disadvantage to temporary work is that there is no guarantee of work you do not automatically draw a paycheck every Friday. (11) Temporary work may not be appropriate for people which crave security. (D) (12) There are risks involved with temporary work, but if you like a flexible schedule, thrive on change, or need to explore different careers, this approach might be for you.

Questions 7 through 12 refer to the following consumer advice.

Using a Microwave (A)         (1) Today many people have microwave ovens, and must learn a very different method of cooking. (2) Let's look, then, at how microwave ovens work when they cook food. (3) Microwaves are extra-short radio waves, the movement of these waves inside the oven does the actual cooking. (4) The air inside the oven usually don't heat up very much. (5) The waves bounce around the oven and pass through the food repeatedly. (6) This action causes cooking to begin just below the food's surface. (7) As the heat spreads through the rest of the food, full cooking is achieved. (B)         (8) While microwaving is quick, it does not always cook food evenly. (9) Although their cooking may be sometimes uneven, microwaves have become important tools in many kitchens. (10) Before new microwave owners master their ovens, we often find that some spots in a food will overcook, while others are still not completely cooked. (11) As a result, many microwave Recipes call for a 10- to 15-minute standing time after the power has been turned off.

Questions 13 through 17 refer to the following consumer advice.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COUNTERFEITING! (A)         (1) If someone mentioned the word counterfeit , most people would automatically think of fake dollar bills. (2) The Secret Service works to prevent the counterfeiting of U.S. currency. (3) In the manufacturing and consumer worlds, counterfeit refers to everything from fake designer jeans to bogus microchips in heart pumps. (4) Counterfeiting occurs in almost all kinds of consumer products. (5) It costs Americans billions of dollars and thousands of jobs each year. (6) The dramatic increase, analysts say, is due to the average consumer’s obsession with brand names. (7) The U.S. government has become involved. (8) To help combat this worldwide problem. (9) The Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 calls for harsh penalties in the United States for product counterfeiting, and consumer education is stressed in programs provided by the International Anticounterfeiting Coalition. (B)         (10) As a consumer, what can they do to protect yourself against fakes? (11) It is important to shop at a store that is operated by a trusted merchant and a merchant who is an honest business owner. (12) Also, check for fuzzy or misspelled labels and tags; these are usually fake. (13) Be careful whenever you buy something marked down more than 40 to 50 percent, especially if the seller is suspect. (14) Counterfeiting will continue to be a major problem, but being an aware consumer will help win the battle against the fakes.

Questions 18 through 21 refer to the following consumer information.

THE HISTORY OF BAR CODES (A)         (1) Bar codes have helped retailers save millions of dollars by doing computerized inventories at the checkout counter. (2) In 1948, a graduate student in Philadelphia uses movie soundtrack technology and Morse code to invent the first scanning system. (3) The student's ideas were not practical for the technology of post-World War II America. (4) Computers were too large and too slow to make a scanning system work efficiently. (5) The scanning system was improved, but the computers were improved first. (6) The first working system was installed to keep track of railroad freight cars. (7) Grocery stores were interested in a scanning system for inventory control, but first products had to labeled properly. (8) In 1973, the Universal Product Code was adopted, and manufacturers began labeling their product. (9) Cheap lasers and integrated circuits made the system work. (10) Today, using bar codes has spread to other areas. (11) For example, scientists tags bees with tiny bars codes to keep track of the bees’ mating habits.

Questions 22 through 25 refer to the following letter of complaint.

City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Central Auto Pound 400 E. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601 July 1, 2002 To Whom It May Concern: (A) (1) I am writing to complain about the recent towing of a vehicle registered in my name. (2) This vehicle, a black 2001 Honda Accord, was towed from it's location at 901 W. Cornelia Ave. on June 15. (3) When I went to retrieve my vehicle from the auto pound, I was told that it had been towed because I was illegally parked in a permit parking zone. (4) Because, since January 2001, I have had a registered permit to park in this zone, I am challenging this accusation. (5) This permit was clearly visible in the lower right-hand corner of my windshield on the day my vehicle was towed. (B) (6) In addition to the hassle of retrieving my car from the auto pound, I discovered that the front bumper was severely dented as a result of the towing equipment. (7) It is costing me $600 to have this bumper repaired, and I do not think I should have had to pay for it. (C) (8) I would like to request a hearing to contest this unnecessary tow, and to discuss responsibility for the damage done to my car. (9) Please contact me at (312) 555-0562 to discuss the hearing procedure. Sincerely, Jennifer Snyder

By closing the practice test now you are agreeing to submit your current answers. Are you sure you want to submit your practice test?

GED Writing Sample Test

Welcome to the sample practice test.

The goal is to help you prepare for the types of questions you will see on the GED test.

If you are unsure of an answer, select ‘Review Later’ to come back to it at the end.

Enabling this option will allow custom font options you've selected in your web browser to be used.

In Chrome: Select your fonts under Settings -> Appearance -> Customize fonts

In Firefox: Select your fonts under Settings -> General -> Fonts -> Advanced

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

Can You Go to College with a Ged?

Interested in applying to college with a GED? You are not alone. Explore what a GED is, how it compares to other testing options, and the steps to apply to college with this qualification.

A vast majority of colleges accept applicants with a GED. While many learners don’t follow the traditional path from high school graduation to college life, the GED is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma that opens many opportunities. If you want to obtain a GED or already have one, you may wonder, can you go to college with a GED? Read on to learn the benefits of earning this credential and how you can pursue higher education with a GED.

Read more: Can You Go to College Without a High School Diploma?

What is a GED?

A General Educational Development Test (GED) is a series of tests designed to measure your proficiency in standard academic subjects at a high school level in the United States. To pass this exam, you’ll need a score of at least 145 out of 200 on each of the four subject tests covering science, mathematics, social studies, and reasoning through language arts [ 1 ]. 

If you plan on applying to colleges after passing your GED, you will want to aim for a score of 165 or above, which indicates being “college ready” [ 1 ]. However, if you don’t achieve a score of 165, you should speak with college admissions advisors about options and whether other areas of your application may make up for a lower GED score.

If you score between 175 and 200, this shows that you have already mastered some skills taught in colleges, and you could be eligible for college credit [ 1 ].

GED vs. HiSET

While the GED is a well-known high school equivalency test, it’s not the only option available. Another route is the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). This exam was introduced more recently than the GED and serves the same purpose—like the GED, it assesses knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate. That being said, the format and availability vary depending on your location. 

The HiSET has five sections, including:

L anguage arts reading

Language arts writing

Mathematics

Social studies

For both the GED and HiSET, you can take subject tests separately. For those taking the subject tests together, the HiSET is administered over a seven-hour period with time allotted for each of the five subjects, similar to the combined length of the GED subject tests. For the HiSET, a passing score is at least 8 out of 20 on each subject and 2 out of 6 on the language arts writing essay [ 2 ]. If you’d like to showcase your college readiness, you’ll need to aim for at least 15 out of 20 in each subject and a 4 out of 6 on the essay [ 3 ]. 

The HiSET and GED have different formats and scoring criteria in each section, so you will want to look at each test format and consider which best fits your strengths. If you can, taking practice tests in each may give you insight into which exam suits you better. Costs and delivery format differ by state, so it’s also a good idea to explore this. Choosing between the GED and HiSET often depends on personal preference, state requirements, and the availability of the test in the state where you reside.

Can you go to college with a GED?

Yes! You can go to college with a GED. A GED is widely recognized as a legitimate equivalent to a high school diploma by colleges and universities across the US. However, each educational institution will have its own admissions policies, so speaking with a college admissions counselor and exploring the resources online is important to ensure you’re on top of the requirements. Some may require additional tests (like the SAT or ACT), or they may place a higher emphasis on other aspects of the application, such as personal essays or letters of recommendation.

Benefits of a GED

Obtaining a GED will likely increase your job prospects. Many employers view the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma, so a GED can expand your job opportunities to professions that require at least a high school level of education. Beyond job prospects, a GED opens doors to further education, such as college. You can apply to colleges or enroll in trade school programs with a GED.

How to go to college with a GED

1. check which colleges accept geds..

Your first step is to identify colleges and universities that accept GEDs. The good news is that most colleges in the US do. However, you should always confirm this on the institution’s admissions page or by contacting their admissions office directly. 

2. Look at additional entry requirements.

While a GED is a key component of your application, colleges often have additional entry requirements. These may include standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, personal essays, letters of recommendation , and course competency requirements. 

Read more: What Do Colleges Look for in First-Year Students?

3. Decide on the right school for you.

When deciding where to apply, consider factors such as the location, financial requirements, and campus life. Here are some questions to think about:

What is most important to you about your campus experience?

Do you want to go to a large or small university?

Is staying close to home important, or would you like to live in a new place?

Consider the academic programs offered and whether they match what you’re looking for.

4. Speak with an admissions counselor.

Once you’ve shortlisted the colleges you want to apply to, contact their admissions counselors. This shows your interest in the institution, and they can provide valuable insights about what the university is looking for, as well as how you can improve your application . You can also ask specific questions about applying with a GED.

5. Prepare your application.

Preparing your college application will typically include filling out the application form, writing a personal essay , and gathering additional required materials, such as test scores or letters of recommendation. Pay special attention to your essay, as this is your opportunity to share your story, including your journey to obtaining a GED and why you’re pursuing higher education.

6. Explore financial aid.

Financial aid can help manage the costs of college. It’s worthwhile to look into scholarships, grants, and loan options. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) to see what federal aid you might qualify for.

Learn more with Coursera

You can prepare to take your GED or get a head start on college course material with exciting course offerings and Specializations on Coursera. You may choose to build your knowledge base in STEM subjects like biology, chemistry , algebra , or computer programming . You can also opt for liberal arts courses like those in world history or modern art . 

Article sources

GED Testing Services. “ Understanding Your Scores , https://ged.com/about_test/scores/college_ready/#:~:text=145,time%20and%20money .” Accessed March 28, 2024.

HiSET. “ Your HiSET Scores , https://hiset.org/test-takers-hiset-scores/#:~:text=Most%20states%20use,not%20you%20passed .” Accessed March 28, 2024.

HiSET. “ How the HiSET Exam Is Scored , https://hiset.org/test-centers-adult-ed-scoring-credentials/#:~:text=The%20HiSET%20exam%20also%20reports%20a%20College%20and%20Career%2DReadiness%20(CCR)%20score.%20A%20CCR%20score%20of%2015%20on%20each%20multiple%2Dchoice%20subtest%20and%20a%204%20on%20the%20Language%20Arts%20%E2%80%93%20Writing%20essay%20demonstrates%20college%20and%20career%20readiness .” Accessed March 28, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

GED Pre-Assessment

GED Pre-Assessment (BEX 199)

Online test

This assessment will test your ability to read and write the English language at a high school level. It is also highly recommended that you be familiar with basic math operations and the English measurement system.

Please note that there is no fee for the test, but partipants must pay the tuition for the course at the time of registering for the test.

GED Preparation Course for Adults (BEX 198)

This course is online: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6-10 pm. Summer 2023 schedule: 7/10 - 8/11/2023

This program prepares adults to take the exam for the High School Equivalency Diploma (GED). Our highly qualified instructors will focus on the major subjects of the exam encompassing Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Reading and Writing (Reading through Language Arts, RLA)

The program has two instructors teaching back to back, one for humanities and one for math.

The humanities section (60 hours of instruction) focuses on Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) which includes reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, writing essays and reviewing grammar and language skills. The other three subjects are Social Studies; analyzing historical events and interpreting numbers, graphs, and Science; interpreting experiments and working with numbers and graphs.

The math section (60 hours of instruction) focuses on getting familiar with math concepts and applying them to solve problems. It includes solving geometry and algebra problems, working with functions, and analyzing graphs.

Students will also acquire test-taking strategies to prepare them for the GED exam.

Students who are ready to apply for the GED test upon completion of the program can contact their instructor or the program coordinator for assistance in selecting a test center near them and a time of their choice. Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Queensborough Community College only offers the preparation course.

Instructors: Sean Rivera, Humanities: Reading and writing (RLA), Social Studies and Science)

Nataliya Matsay, Mathematics

Textbook: GED PREP 2022-2023, Kaplan Publishing, Revised Edition ISBN-13: 978-1506277325

Similar Courses

Hse/ged: writing & reading for english learners.

This course is designed as a remedial class for HSE/GED students whose English proficiency is not high enough to join the regular HSE/GED preparation class. Even though the main goal and the objectives are to prepare for the HSE/GED test, the approach is simplified while teaching the same test skills such as identifying, analyzing, interpreting, and examining reading passages and working on writing exercises.

Students who feel confident taking the math portion in the same semester (an additional 60 hours at an extra cost) should contact their teacher or coordinator for advice.

All registrants must take the online HSE/GED Pre-Assessment test to determine the appropriate ESL proficiency level. The test will be conducted on Wednesday, February 2 between 6:00pm and 10:00pm. Students will receive a Zoom link a few days prior to the test.

GED PREP 2022-2023, Kaplan Publishing, Revised Edition, ISBN-13: 978-1506277325 ??

HSE/GED Preparation for Adults: High School Equivalency Diploma

This course will help you analyze your strengths and weaknesses, so you can focus your studying on the areas that you need most. You will get the basics of what you need to know to succeed on the four GED® test modules: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning.

Some GED® Testing Centers require proof that you have passed a GED® test preparation course or the official practice tests before you can take the official GED® tests. Before enrolling in this course, please check with the official GED® Testing Center where you intend to take your tests to make sure that this course will meet their requirements. Not all states use the GED® test as their test for high school equivalency diploma.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

You should have the ability to read and write the English language at a high-school level. You should also be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers. If you are testing in the United States, you should have an understanding of the English measurement system. If you're testing in Canada, you should be familiar with the metric system. Additionally, you must be 18 years of age to take the GED® exam or request an age waiver from the test center.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Community English as a Second Language

Whether you need to improve your English for professional, educational or personal reasons, the Community ESL Program at Queensborough Community College has the right class for you. We offer six levels from Basic Beginners to Advanced. Classes are taught by a highly experienced team of instructors eager to have you improve your English skills. Classes are held in classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. In order for us to place you in the proper level, we will ask you to register, pay the tuition, and take a short placement test. More information will be provided regarding the placement test that will be scheduled a few days prior to the start of the class.

Description of Six Levels:

Basic English Foundation

Students in the Basic English Foundation level will learn to introduce themselves by exchanging greetings and communicating with peers using basic phrases and expressions, describing familiar places and completing simple forms. Students will learn to ask and answer questions about personal details. Writing will include practicing basic sentences in the present tense with an emphasis on spelling and pronunciation. Reading will focus on understanding limited dialogues and asking and answering simple questions.

The Beginner class is designed to give students the ability to narrate and inquire about the world around them. Students will work on their basic command of the English language by covering everyday-life events. They will learn to master basic sentence structures using simple tenses, present, past and future in the affirmative and interrogative forms while working toward adding more complex sentences. Reading skills will include identifying the topic and the main ideas, scanning for specific information and summarizing. Speaking skills will incorporate asking and answering questions and participating in role-plays and short discussions on topics related to daily situations such as asking for information and directions, comparing holidays, looking for work and preparing for job interviews. Vocabulary will include words and idiomatic expressions relevant to each topic.

Pre-Intermediate

Pre-Intermediate students will discuss future plans, habits and routines and learn to summarize and make inferences and predictions on a variety of topics through interactive readings. They will also express agreement or disagreement with an emphasis on emotions, experiences and feelings. Students will write simple stories and link sentences using connectors such as basic subordinations and coordinations. Students will start writing outlines and simple paragraphs. The emphasis is on social communication both face to face or through social media.

Intermediate

Students in the intermediate level will continue to improve their fluency in the English language with the emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will participate in group discussions, role-plays and in-class presentations on a wide range of topics from different media such as newspaper articles, short stories, videos and songs. The emphasis will be on exchanging ideas and expressing opinions. Reading and writing skills will focus on making inferences, developing critical thinking, organizing information and writing short paragraphs. Grammar will focus on more complex sentence structures with compound words, simple and perfect tenses and proper spelling while increasing vocabulary through reading materials from the assigned textbook.

Upper Intermediate

The Upper Intermediate class is designed to increase the student's confidence in the language by focusing on all skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will explore concrete and abstract topics and develop language flexibility for social, academic and professional needs by getting involved in group discussions, giving presentations and practicing writing with at least two types of essays. Students will also work toward mastering advanced grammar and syntax by expressing ideas using a wide variety of connectors for more complex sentences

The advanced course is designed to give the opportunity to students who completed the previous five levels to continue improving their fluency in the English language with an emphasis on speaking and writing. Students will participate in group discussions and oral presentations on a variety of current events and topics. These activities will give the students the chance to improve confidence in expressing themselves utilizing proper documentation, targeted vocabulary and advanced grammar to convince an audience. Writing skills will expand beyond the short essay with the production of complex papers using multiple transition signals and more complex sentences. Students will also learn to organize their thoughts using an outline and do research on the internet to support their topic development.

For more information contact CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP)

at 718-281-5460 or [email protected]

Location:  CLIP is located in the Y2 Building in Room 2 at Gate 5 along 56th Avenue

Academic English Foundations

This course is designed to provide fundamental English practice. In this class, students will gain knowledge of level-appropriate grammar, vocabulary, writing techniques, and other aspects of the language. Throughout the semester, students will practice academic English language skills through a range of specifically designed activities and assignments for language learners.