Structuring the Extended Response Flashcards

In the GED RLA Extended Response, which element should appear in every body paragraph to keep the argument focused?

Answer: A topic sentence that states the paragraph's main claim

Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence that clearly states the paragraph's main point and connects to the overall thesis.

When writing a counterargument paragraph in the Extended Response, what should the writer do after acknowledging the opposing view?

Answer: Refute it using evidence from the source texts

After acknowledging a counterargument, the writer must rebut it with evidence to strengthen their own position.

Which sentence structure best introduces textual evidence in an Extended Response?

Answer: According to the passage, [specific claim], which supports the argument that [thesis point].

A strong evidence introduction names the source, states the specific claim, and explicitly connects it to the thesis.

How should the writer handle two source texts that present conflicting evidence in the Extended Response?

Answer: Analyze both sources and explain which evidence is stronger and why

Evaluating conflicting evidence and explaining why one position is better supported demonstrates critical thinking, which is scored in the Extended Response.

What is the primary purpose of a concluding paragraph in the GED Extended Response?

Answer: To restate the thesis and summarize how the body paragraphs supported it

The conclusion synthesizes the argument by restating the thesis and briefly summarizing the supporting points made in the body.

A writer drafts a body paragraph but forgets to analyze the evidence after quoting the source. What is missing?

Answer: Commentary explaining how the evidence supports the thesis

Evidence without analysis leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions; commentary links the evidence explicitly to the argument.

Which organizational pattern is most effective for an Extended Response that must argue one side of a debate using two sources?

Answer: A claim-evidence-analysis structure with a clear thesis guiding each paragraph

Claim-evidence-analysis ensures every paragraph advances the thesis, which is the core requirement of the Extended Response scoring rubric.