The GED Social Studies extended response item has been eliminated on March 1, 2016.

If you’re studying for the GED® Social Studies Exam, you’ve probably been wondering about the Extended Response portion. Today, I’m going to tell you all about it.

In this blog post, you will learn,

What to Expect What is Required Grading Scale How to Write an Extended Response Guide



Additional Information

What to Expect

What is Required

Because this response is expecting you to create an evidence-based writing, there are specific things you should include, like:

A well-developed thesis statement

3 pieces of relevant evidence from the material

A strong conclusion

Well-organized thought process

Clear Understanding of Standard English

More review materials HERE

Grading Scale

(This is ©GED®StudyGuide.org’s interpretation of the official GED® Social Studies Extended Response Rubric)

There are three main things you will be graded on:

Argument and Use of Evidence

Ideas and Organization

Understanding of the English Convention

Now, each of the categories above has a possibility of earning 0 to 2 points. To get your score, you add each of the three categorical scores together. You may earn six possible points total.

To help you understand what is expected, I will break down each category, showing you what components they should include:

We have Free GED Social Studies Practice Test

Argument and Use of Evidence

2 POINTS

-You make LOGICAL and SPECIFIC claims about the texts and/or graphics

-You present an accurate analysis of ideas, figures, and events that relate to the information

-You have an accurate analysis of the historical context surrounding the pieces

1 POINT

-You make only ONE claim or implication that is somewhat unclear

-You present a limited analysis of ideas, figures, and events that relate to the information

-You have a limited understanding of the historical context surrounding the pieces

0 POINTS

-You make an illogical claim, or you fail to make a claim at all

-There is a limited analysis of ideas, figures or events that relate to the information, or you there is NO analysis at all

-You appear to have no understanding of the historical context surrounding the pieces

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Ideas and Organization

2 POINTS

-There is logical organization in your response

-There is a clear transition between ideas. Your ideas progress clearly

-Your style, tone, and word choice are appropriate

1 POINT

-Your organization is inconsistent

-Transitions between ideas seem disconnected

-Your style, tone, and word choice are not always appropriate

0 POINTS

-You have no organization

-There are unclear and illogical transitions between topics and ideas

-Your style, tone, and word choice are incorrect and inappropriate

Check our GED® Social Studies Prep Guide

Understanding of Standard English Conventions

2 POINTS

-Your sentence structure is mostly correct

-Your grammar is mostly correct

-You use proper capitalization, punctuation, and spelling

1 POINT

-Your sentence structure is not consistent

-Your grammar has frequent errors

-You have frequent errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling

0 POINTS

-There is no control of your sentence structure

-Your grammar is illogical

-You do not properly use capitalization, punctuation and/or spelling

So… then add the points you receive from each category…

If you scored 0 to 3 points, you are considered weak and should improve upon all three traits.

If you scored 4 to 5 points, you need to improve upon one or two of the traits.

If you scored 6 points, your essay is considered a strong response.

Check our GED Social Studies Practice Lessons

How to Write an Extended Response

1. Read the Question Prompt

2. Read the Prompts/Graphs/Charts/Information Provided

3. Create a Thesis Statement

4. Brainstorm

5. Start WRITING!

Make sure to include:

Introduction Supporting Paragraphs Conclusion

6.Revise

Your revision checklist should include:

Sentence Structure

Capitalization

Organization of Ideas

Transitions between paragraphs

Style, Tone and Word Choice

Stated Claim

Correct Historical Context

Analysis of Claim

Related Topics: