The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Extended Response is the essay portion of the test, and it's a critical component. You'll have 45 minutes to write a response. You are not asked to give your opinion on a topic. Instead, you'll be given two short texts that present different perspectives on the same issue. Your task is to analyze these two arguments and determine which one is better supported with evidence.

What to Analyze

Your essay should focus on a critical analysis of the arguments. You should:

Determine the Author's Main Claim: Identify the central point of each of the two provided texts.
Evaluate the Evidence: Analyze the specific details, facts, reasons, and examples each author uses to support their claim. Look for the strengths and weaknesses in their use of evidence. One author may use statistical data, while the other relies on anecdotal examples or emotional appeals.
Compare the Arguments: The most important part is to compare the two arguments. You're not just summarizing; you're explaining which argument is more convincing and why. Your conclusion should be based on your analysis of the evidence, not your personal opinion on the topic.

How to Structure Your Response

A well-structured essay is key to earning a good score. A typical structure includes:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the two texts and state which argument you believe is better supported.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the strengths of the first author's argument and the evidence they use.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the second author's argument and their use of evidence.
Body Paragraph 3 (Optional): If needed, a third body paragraph can be used to further compare the two arguments or address a specific weakness in one of them.
Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and restate which author's argument is more convincing based on the evidence presented in the texts.

Your score is based on your ability to analyze and evaluate the provided texts, not on grammar or spelling, though a well-written, clear essay will help you demonstrate your skills. The GED provides an on-screen notepad to draft your response.

RLA Extended Response Evaluator

Extended Response Instructions:

Read

You will read two texts presenting different views on the same topic.
Both writers argue that their position on the issue is the right one.

Plan

Analyze the two texts to determine which writer presents the stronger case.
Develop your own argument in which you explain how one position is better supported than the other.
Include relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your argument.

Write

Type your response in the box below.
Your response should be approximately 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each: like an essay with introduction, body and conclusion.
Remember to allow a few minutes to review and edit your response.

You have up to 45 minutes for reading, planning, writing, and editing your response.

Texts for Analysis:

Argument for Later School Start Times

Many educational and health experts advocate for later school start times for high school students, citing compelling research on adolescent sleep patterns. During puberty, teenagers experience a natural shift in their circadian rhythm, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11 PM and wake up before 8 AM. Early school starts force students to be sleep-deprived, which negatively impacts their physical and mental health. Studies have shown that adequate sleep leads to improved academic performance, better attendance rates, and reduced risk of depression and anxiety. For instance, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that later start times were associated with higher standardized test scores. Furthermore, well-rested students are less likely to be involved in car accidents on their way to school, enhancing public safety. Implementing later start times aligns with biological needs and supports overall student well-being and academic success.

Argument Against Later School Start Times

While the benefits of more sleep for teenagers are acknowledged, pushing back school start times presents significant logistical and societal challenges. One major hurdle is transportation; adjusting bus schedules to accommodate later high school starts would disrupt elementary and middle school schedules, potentially increasing costs and requiring more buses. Moreover, later dismissal times would severely cut into time available for extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and part-time jobs, which are crucial for student development and college applications. Parents often rely on current school schedules for their work arrangements and childcare needs for younger siblings. Shifting these times could create immense childcare burdens and financial strain for families. Finally, there are concerns about the impact on community activities and after-school programs that are scheduled around the current school day. The widespread disruption and increased costs outweigh the purported benefits for many communities.