Structuring the Extended Response Flashcards

Which type of evidence is most appropriate to cite in a GED Extended Response?

Answer: Specific details, examples, and reasoning drawn directly from the provided source texts

The Extended Response must be grounded in the provided passages; unsupported outside claims do not count as textual evidence.

A writer realizes her second body paragraph lacks a clear connection to her thesis. What is the best revision strategy?

Answer: Add a sentence at the end of the paragraph explaining how it supports the thesis

Adding an explicit link between the paragraph's evidence and the thesis restores coherence without discarding relevant content.

Which approach best demonstrates high-level critical thinking in the Extended Response?

Answer: Evaluating the quality of evidence and identifying weaknesses in the opposing argument

Evaluating evidence quality and exposing flaws in the opposing argument shows the analytical depth the scoring rubric rewards most.

What distinguishes a claim from evidence in argumentative writing?

Answer: A claim is an assertion the writer must prove; evidence is the support used to prove it

Claims state the writer's position and require proof; evidence provides that proof through facts, examples, or reasoning from the source.

A writer's introduction ends with: 'This essay will discuss both sides of the issue.' Why is this a weak thesis?

Answer: It fails to take a position and does not tell the reader what argument the essay will make

The Extended Response requires the writer to argue for one position; a thesis must state that position clearly, not simply announce a topic.

How long should the Extended Response typically be, given the 45-minute time limit?

Answer: Three to five paragraphs with an introduction, body, and conclusion

A three-to-five paragraph essay with introduction, developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion fits the time limit and meets the rubric's structure expectations.

Which revision would most improve this sentence: 'The passage kind of shows that the author thinks maybe the policy is bad'?

Answer: 'The author argues in the passage that the policy is harmful, citing [specific evidence].'

Eliminating hedging language ('kind of,' 'maybe') and adding specific evidence creates a direct, authoritative claim appropriate for formal academic writing.