Apples & Books
GED ESSAY FACT OR MYTHBen Merrion and Lauren Massey
January 21, 2010
1
FACT OR MYTHA test taker is only allowed 45 minutes for the
writing section.
MYTH
Test takers are allowed 120 minutes for the writing and the
multiple choice. The firs 75 minutes are for the multiple choice
but if a learner finishes earlier they are free to move on to the
next section.
2
FACT OR MYTHThe scrap paper given out can only be used for the
Math section, test takers are not allowed to outline the essay on
the scrap paper.
MYTH
The scrap paper can be used to outline any ideas for the essay
portion.
3
FACT OR MYTHIf a test taker scores 1 point in the essay then it
is possible to pass the GED Language Arts, Writing section of the
GED.
MYTH
In order to pass the GED Language Arts, Writing portion the test
taker must earn a score of 2 points in order to receive a composite
score and then obtain a passing score.
4
FACT OR MYTHThe GED Essay is scored by two trained GED essay
readers.
FACT
The essay is scored twice and the scores are averaged together.
If the scores are more than one point apart, the Chief Reader at
the GED scoring site will score the essay by agreeing with the
reader whose score most accurately follows the GED testing
scale.
5
FACT OR MYTHIf a test taker does not pass the essay portion he
or she can be granted special permission to rewrite the essay
only.
MYTH
If the test taker scores below two points on the essay it will
be indicated by double asterisk and both portions of the Language
Arts Writing have to be re taken.
6
FACT OR MYTHGED test takers are limited to one piece of paper
for the essay.
FACT
The GED essay does not require a specific word count. However,
test takers are limited to the front and back of one page, no
further writing will be considered by the GED essay reader.
7
FACT OR MYTHA test taker can complete the essay portion first
and then move on to the multiple choice section.
FACT
The GED test administrators do not regulate the order in which
the Language Arts Writing section is completed, it is up to the
test taker to decide.
8
FACT OR MYTHThe essay must consist of five well developed
paragraphs.
MYTH
There is not a paragraph requirement for the essay portion.
9
FACT OR MYTHIn order to pass the GED essay, essay readers are
looking for minimal errors in grammar, correct usage and accurate
mechanics.
MYTH
GED readers do not score the essay with the same elements in
mind as a classroom instructor.
10
FACT OR MYTHBecause the essay prompt is a few sentences, most
test takers dont have a problem understanding the topic.
MYTH
Test takers often struggle with answering the prompt correctly
due to lack of comprehension, confusion, and not understanding the
sequence of events they want to write about.
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Ben Merrion, DC Public Library (202) 727-1616
Lauren K. Massey (202) [email protected] Program
SpecialistDC Children Youth Investment Trust Incorporation
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