RLA Structuring the Extended Response 4

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

What distinguishes a claim from evidence in argumentative writing?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test