RLA Structuring the Extended Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the GED RLA Extended Response, which element should appear in every body paragraph to keep the argument focused?
- A transitional phrase connecting to the introduction
- A topic sentence that states the paragraph's main claim (Correct answer)
- A direct quote from the passage without commentary
- A personal anecdote illustrating the point
Correct 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.
Question 2: When writing a counterargument paragraph in the Extended Response, what should the writer do after acknowledging the opposing view?
- End the paragraph immediately to show fairness
- Refute it using evidence from the source texts (Correct answer)
- Agree with it if it seems reasonable
- Move to a new topic without addressing it
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which sentence structure best introduces textual evidence in an Extended Response?
- The author says something interesting about this topic.
- According to the passage, [specific claim], which supports the argument that [thesis point]. (Correct answer)
- In the text, there is evidence.
- The source has many good points about this subject.
Correct 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.
Question 4: How should the writer handle two source texts that present conflicting evidence in the Extended Response?
- Ignore one source entirely to avoid confusion
- Use only the source that supports the thesis
- Analyze both sources and explain which evidence is stronger and why (Correct answer)
- Present both sources as equally valid without taking a position
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a concluding paragraph in the GED Extended Response?
- To introduce new evidence that was not included in the body
- To restate the thesis and summarize how the body paragraphs supported it (Correct answer)
- To apologize for any weaknesses in the argument
- To list all sources referenced in the essay
Correct 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.
Question 6: A writer drafts a body paragraph but forgets to analyze the evidence after quoting the source. What is missing?
- A counterargument sentence
- Commentary explaining how the evidence supports the thesis (Correct answer)
- A longer quotation from the source
- A transitional word at the start of the paragraph
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which organizational pattern is most effective for an Extended Response that must argue one side of a debate using two sources?
- Chronological order based on when the sources were written
- Alternating point-by-point between the two sources without a clear thesis
- A claim-evidence-analysis structure with a clear thesis guiding each paragraph (Correct answer)
- A narrative structure telling a story about the topic
Correct 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.
RLA Structuring the Extended Response 2
In the GED RLA Extended Response, which element should appear in every body paragraph to keep the argument focused?