Writing the GED Essay

How do I begin to write the essay?

Important Points To Remember

• The test readers are looking for 5 paragraphs, if possible.

• You should try to have at least 3 sentences in each paragraph.

• Use complete sentences with correct

punctuation.

• Write one copy of your essay. You will

not have time to copy it over for the test.

Use your time wisely.You have 45 minutes total.

• Spend the first 10-15 minutes planning

what you will write.

• Spend 20-25 minutes writing the essay.

(This should be fairly easy at this point if you planned well)

• Spend 10 minutes editing and correcting

errors.

• Read your topic carefully. What is your question? After you answer, are you to

explain why or how?Example:

In what one way would you like to improve your life?In your essay, identify the way you would improve.

Explain the reasons for your choice.

After you answer the question about how youwould improve your life, you are then to explain

your reasons for choosing this improvement.

Planning The Essay

Planning The Essay

• Stick to the topic when planning.

Example:

Why do people get their GED? Give reasons why

people go back to school to get their GED.

Brainstorm to find 3 good reasons.1. so they can go to college

2. so they can get a better job

3. to improve their self esteem

These will be the body paragraphs.

Introductory Paragraph

• Begin with a thesis statement:

Turn the question into your thesis statement.People get their GED for many reasons.

• Complete the introductory paragraph with

your 3 reasons people get their GED.

Many people plan to return to college. A college degree will help

them get a better job, and accomplishing these goals will help them have

better self esteem.

Introductory Paragraph

• The reader now can see what you plan to write about in your essay.

People get their GED for many reasons. Many people plan to go to college. A college degree will help them get a better job, and

accomplishing these goals will help them have better self esteem.

• Now each reason will become your body

paragraphs. You will elaborate on each

point in its own paragraph. Keep them in order.

First Body Paragraph

• Elaborate on your first point or reason.

Often people who go back to school to get their GED plan to

return to college. People who have lost their jobs due to overseas

competition or just lack of education may find they need more and

better skills. Many community colleges offer courses that will improve

work skills. They also offer associate degrees transferrable to four-

year colleges.

Second Body Paragraph

• Elaborate on your second point or reason.

After completing a college degree or certificate, these people

should be able to get another or better job. Many businesses nowrequire employees to have degrees or at least to have graduatedfrom high school. A college degree often allows people to qualify forjobs with much higher pay.

Third Body Paragraph

• Elaborate on your third point or reason.

Obtaining a GED and a college degree or certificate should help

many people’s self esteem. It gives most people a very goodfeeling to accomplish their goals. They can now better provide fortheir family’s needs.

Closing Paragraph

• Finish your essay with your closing paragraph.

• Reiterate each of your points in the closing paragraph.

• Complete your essay with a good closing

sentence.

Closing Paragraph

There can be many reasons that people get their GED.

Sometimes people find that they need better skills and need toreturn to finish a college degree. The degree helps them to find abetter job, and this leads to better self esteem. Returning to schooland getting a GED can be a very rewarding experience.

Editing The GED Essay

• You may edit your essay when it is completed.

• Draw a single straight line through any word or sentence to be omitted.

• Draw a small ^ to show insertion of a word.

• You may add in a sentence by writing and drawing an arrow to show insertion.

After taking the GED Writing Test, do not discuss your essay topic with anyone.