General Education
Development
Essay Writing Packet
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section One: Introduction, Tips, and Examples
Page Number
GED Essay Writing Packet Overview
1
Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure
2
Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure Tips and Examples
3
Formula for Writing GED Essays
8
Tips for Improving Essay Writing
10
GED Essay Evaluation Form
11
Useful Terms and Expressions
13
Section Two: Learning the Eight-Step GED-Essay Writing Procedure
Page Number
Exercise #1: Deciding Upon the Writing Approach
15
Exercise #2: Determining the Proper Voice
17
Exercise #3: Writing Essay Titles
19
Exercise #4: Writing Introductory Topic Sentences
21
Exercise #5: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Your Laundry Routine
23
Exercise #6: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Improving Your Neighborhood
25
Exercise #7: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
27
Exercise #8: Step 5: Details Concerning Your Laundry Routine
29
Exercise #9: Step 5: Details Concerning Improving Your Neighborhood
30
Exercise #10: Step 5: Details Concerning Effects of Television Viewing on Children
31
Exercise #11: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Your Laundry Routine
32
Exercise #12: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Improving Your Neighborhood
33
Exercise #13: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Effects of Television Viewing on Children
34
Exercise #14: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph for Your Laundry Routine
35
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Page Number
Exercise #15: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph for Improving Your Neighborhood
36
Exercise #16: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
37
Exercise #17: Using the Essay Evaluation Form (My Big Mistake)
38
Exercise #18: Using the Essay Evaluation Form (Vacationing at Lake Shasta)
41
Exercise #19: Using the Essay Evaluation Form (Staying Healthy)
44
Section Three: Non-Timed GED-Essay Writing Practice
Exercise #20: My Favorite Free-Time Activity
47
Exercise #21: The Invention of the Telephone
49
Exercise #22: False Advertising
51
Exercise #23: Married Couples Remaining Childless
53
Exercise #24: How I Stay in Shape
55
Exercise #25: Reasons I Want to Earn a GED Certificate
57
Exercise #26: The Person I Respect the Most
59
Exercise #27: The Causes of Stress
61
Exercise #28: The Most Serious Problem Facing the U.S.
63
Exercise #29: Why Some U.S. Citizens Do Not Vote
65
Section Four: Timed GED-Essay Writing Practice
Timed Essay-Writing Guidelines
67
Exercise #30: Benefits of the Multi-National U.S. Society
72
Exercise #31: Qualities of a Good Employee
74
Exercise #32: Suggestions for Taking a Job Interview
76
Exercise #33: Getting the Most for Your Money
78
Exercise #34: How Tax Dollars Should Be Spent
80
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Section One: Introduction, Tips, and Examples
Page Number
GED-Essay Writing Packet Overview
1
Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure
2
Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure Tips and Examples
3
Formula for Writing GED Essays
8
Tips for Improving Essay Writing
10
GED Essay Evaluation Form
11
Useful Terms and Expressions
13
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GED ESSAY WRITING PACKET OVERVIEW
During the official GED Test Language Arts Writing subtest, the student is provided with
two pieces of paper in order to write an essay and is given approximately forty-five minutes
in order to complete the task. The first page is intended to be used to develop a writingplan, and the second piece of paper is to be used to write the essay. A typical General
Education Development (GED) style essay begins with an introductory paragraph that
identifies the main theme and provides three to four examples, reasons, or steps to take in
achieving a goal that will be used to support the author’s viewpoint concerning the topic
being addressed. The main part (body) of the essay is made up of a number of paragraphs
that explain in detail about the support ideas. The final paragraph is the conclusion of the
essay in which the author summarizes the most important points he or she wants the reader
to remember about the topic being discussed.
This writing-packet is designed to teach a systematic approach to writing the kind of
essay that is expected in order to pass the Language Arts Writing section of the GED Test.
The packet is divided into four sections. The introductory section presents an eight-step
essay writing procedure and includes writing tips and examples, an essay-evaluation form,
and a list of useful terms and expressions to be used when writing a typical GED-style
essay. In Section Two, the student is expected to complete a series of exercises intended to
teach each of the eight writing steps individually. Section Three utilizes a diminishing-help
instruction approach and affords practice in applying all eight writing steps in the process
of producing non-timed essays. The fourth section gives instruction in how to produce a
condensed writing plan to be used in order to write an essay in the forty-five minute time
frame expected when taking the GED Language Arts Writing subtest.
A central theme in this essay writing approach is the importance of developing a good
writing-plan. If done correctly, all of the important decisions concerning how to address the
prompt, how the essay will be organized, and what the basic contents will be should
already have been made prior to the writing of the essay itself. The goal is to enable the
writer to concentrate solely upon how to express the ideas he or she is presenting in the
essay instead of having to think about what to say and how to say it simultaneously, as
would the be the case if the essay were written without a writing-plan.
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Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure
The eight-step GED essay writing procedure consists of seven steps during which the writer
thinks about the topic, organizes information, and produces the rough draft and an eighth step in
which the author evaluates and edits the essay before writing the final version. Although you will
eventually learn how to combine some of the steps when writing a timed-essay, you will develop
a good understanding of the structure and elements contained in a typical GED-style essay by
practicing all eight procedures listed below.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing the
essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order to
support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt, and
develop a title for the essay.
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal
that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the ideas,
number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence developed in
step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal in the
order in which they were numbered in step #3.
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that you
developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in the
order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about them in greater detail. After the
details have been developed number them in the way in which you intend to use the details when
you write the body paragraphs of the essay.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. In doing so, begin with a topic
sentence and write three or four sentences that emphasize the main theme of the essay.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then, write
the final version of the essay.
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Eight-Step GED Essay Writing Procedure Tips and Examples
Below are a number of examples and tips that explain the eight-step approach to writing a
GED style essay.
Example Prompt: People play many roles in life. Identify some of the roles you play in your life
and discuss them.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing the
essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order to
support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt, and
develop a title for the essay.
Tip (a): The approach that makes the best sense in responding to this sample prompt is to give
examples of specific roles the writer plays in his or her life.
Tip (b): This essay should be written in first person singular voice since the writer is to discuss
information relating to his or her personal life.
Tip (c): When writing the title, the main words should be capitalized. The title belongs at the top
of the first page of the essay and should be centered.
Examples: Choice #1: The Different Roles I Play
Choice #2: Roles I Play in My Life
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Tip: The topic sentence that begins the introductory paragraph should indicate what the entire
essay is about and can be created by utilizing information stated in the prompt.
Examples: Choice #1: There are a number of different roles I play in my life.
Choice #2: I play a number of different roles in my life.
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal
that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the ideas,
number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Tip: The approach to be used in this essay is to give examples of the kinds of roles the writer
plays in his or her life.
Example:
2. coach
3. parent
1. student
Note: Notice that the ideas were originally written in a different order than the way in which the
writer decided to organize them when he numbered them.
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence developed in
step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal in the
order in which they were numbered in step #3.
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Tip: The introductory paragraph should begin with the topic sentence the writer developed in the
second step of the eight-step essay writing procedure and include the three examples of the roles
the writer plays in his or her life. It is suggested that a separate sentence be used to identify each
of the examples being used as the topics for each body paragraph instead of listing them all in
the same sentence following the topic sentence.
Example: I play a number of different roles in my life. One of them is that of a student. Another
is as a coach for a youth softball team. A third role I fill is that of being a parent.
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that you
developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in the
order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater detail.
After you have written the them, number the notes in the order in which you intend to use them
when you write the body paragraphs of the essay.
Examples:
1. student:
3. make family proud
1. GED Test prep. class
2. didn’t finish high school
5. eligible for more jobs
4. role model for children
2. coach:
2. taught daughter to play
3. assistant softball coach
5. father-daughter activity
1. played Little League baseball
4. head coach
3. parent:
2. parents were divorced
1. have son and daughter
5. discipline
6. show love and support
4. teach morals
3. provider
Note: Notice that the ideas were originally written in a different order than the way in which the
writer decided to organize them when they were numbered (similar to the way in which the ideas
were organized in Step #3).
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Tip (a): Each paragraph in the body of a GED essay must begin with a topic sentence that tells the
reader what will be discussed in the paragraph. Look at the examples shown below to see how
topic sentences might be written for the body of an essay in response to the topic about what roles
you play. Notice that the same information talked about in the introductory paragraph is
expressed in a slightly different way in the topic sentences that begin each body paragraph in
order to avoid repeating the same wording over again, or being redundant.
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Examples:
First Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Currently, I am a student in a GED Test preparation class.
Second Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: A second thing I do is coach my daughter’s recreation
softball team.
Third Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: The most important role I play in my life is that of a
father to my children.
Tip (b): Each paragraph in the body of a GED style essay should contain details that support the
topic sentence. Look at the examples shown below to see how the details that were developed in
step number five could be written following the topic sentences that introduce each body
paragraph.
First Body Paragraph:
Currently, I am a student in a GED Test preparation class. I enrolled in the program because I
did not finish high school and now realize I made a mistake. By getting my GED diploma, I will
be able to make my family members proud of me and show them that I have become more mature
and responsible. I also will be a better role model for my children by practicing what I preach to
them about completing high school. In addition, I will become eligible for a lot of jobs I could not
get otherwise.
Second Body Paragraph:
A second thing I do is coach my daughter’s softball team. I was a good Little League baseball
player when I was young, and I began teaching my daughter about the game when she was about
six years old. When she was eight, I served as an assistant coach for the first recreation league
softball team on which she played. I then became the head coach of the traveling team my
daughter has been playing on for the past three years since she turned thirteen. I have a lot of fun,
and it is something my daughter and I enjoy doing together.
Third Body Paragraph:
The most important role I play in my life is that of a father to my children. I have a daughter
who is now sixteen and a son who is twelve years old. My parents were divorced when I was
very young, and I did not see my dad very much throughout most of my childhood. As a result, I
am very aware of how important a father is in a child’s life. I have always done my best to
provide my children with the right foods, decent clothing, and a proper home in which to live. I
have also tried to teach them good morals and discipline them appropriately when they have
done something wrong. More than anything else, I try to give my children emotional support
when they become upset and show how much I love and care for them each day of our lives with
each other.
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Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence and
make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Tip: The last paragraph of a GED style essay is the conclusion. Here, you should write a
summary of the most important things you want the reader to remember. If you are writing a
persuasive essay, you might also want to suggest some action that could be taken to correct a
problem being discussed. Look at the example shown below to see what a conclusion might look
like for the essay about what roles a person plays.
Concluding Paragraph:
From the time they are born until the day they die, people play many different roles. During
early childhood years, a person plays the role of a son or daughter to his or her parents, a
playmate for friends, and a student in school. As an adult, a person plays the roles of husband or
wife, parent, and worker. The most meaningful roles I play at this point in my life are those of a
student, a coach, and most important of all, that of a parent for my two favorite people in the
world.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then, write
the final version of the essay.
Tip: In this step, you are to review the entire essay you wrote and make any necessary corrections
in punctuation, grammar usage, spelling, and general organization before you write the final
draft. There is an evaluation form included in this packet (see pg. 11) to be used in editing the
essays that you write. Note: After the paragraphs from the rough draft were edited, the entire
essay would look like the one written on the following page.
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The Different Roles I Play
I play a number of roles in my life. One of them is that of a student. The second is as a coach
for a youth softball team. A third role I fill is by being a parent.
Currently, I am a student in a GED Test preparation class. I enrolled in the program because I
did not finish high school and now realize I made a mistake. By getting my GED certificate, I will
be able to make my parents proud of me and show them that I have become more mature and
responsible. I will also become a better role model for my children by practicing what I preach to
them about completing high school. In addition, I will become eligible for a lot of jobs I could not
get otherwise.
A second thing I do is coach my daughter’s softball team. I was a good Little League baseball
player when I was young, and I began teaching my daughter about the game when she was about
six years old. When she was eight, I served as an assistant coach for the first recreation league
softball team on which she played. I then became the head coach of the traveling team my
daughter has been playing on for the past three years since she turned thirteen. I have a lot of fun
and it is something my daughter and I enjoy doing together.
The most important role I play in my life is that of a father to my children. I have a daughter
who is now sixteen and a son who is twelve years old. My parents were divorced when I was
very young, and I did not see my dad very much throughout most of my childhood. As a result, I
am very aware of how important a father is in a child’s life. I have always done my best to
provide my children with the right foods, decent clothing, and a proper home in which to live. I
have also tried to teach them good morals and discipline them appropriately when they have
done something wrong. More than anything else, I try to give my children emotional support
when they become upset and show how much I love and care for them each day of our lives.
From the time they are born until the day they die, people play many different roles. During
early childhood years, a person plays the role of a son or daughter to his or her parents, a
playmate for friends, and a student in school. As an adult, a person plays the roles of husband or
wife, parent, and worker. The most meaningful roles I fulfill at this point in my life are those of a
student, a coach, and most significant of all, that of a parent for my two favorite people in the
world.
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Formula for Writing GED Essays
The following formula can be used for writing a typical GED style essay.
Title: The title of the essay should be centered at the top of the paper, and each of the main words
should be capitalized, including the first and last words of.
First Paragraph: The first paragraph in the essay is called the introductory paragraph and should
contain the following:
1. First sentence: A topic sentence that tells the reader what the essay is about.
2. Second sentence: A sentence that identifies the first general reason, example, or step to be
taken in achieving a goal that the writer will use to support the main idea of the essay.
3. Third sentence: A sentence that identifies the second general reason, example, or step to be
taken in achieving a goal that the writer will use to support the main idea of the essay.
4. Fourth sentence: A sentence that identifies the third general reason, example, or step to be
taken in achieving a goal that the writer will use to support the main idea of the essay.
5. Additional sentences: If you are using more than three general reasons, examples, or steps to
be taken in accomplishing a goal continue writing additional sentences to identify the other
reasons or examples you will be using to support the main idea of the essay.
Second Paragraph: The second paragraph of the essay should be the first paragraph of the body
section of the essay and should contain the following:
1. First sentence: A topic sentence that identifies the first general support reason, example, or
step to be taken in accomplishing a goal that was introduced in the introductory paragraph
(remember to write this sentence in a slightly different way than the one you used in the
introduction to identify the idea you are going to talk about).
2. Second sentence: A sentence that gives a specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
3. Third sentence: A sentence that gives a second specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
4. Fourth sentence: A sentence that gives a third specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
5. Fifth sentence: A sentence that gives a fourth specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
6. Additional sentences: If you are using more than four specific details to support the main idea
of this body paragraph, continue writing additional sentences.
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Third Paragraph: The third paragraph of the essay should be the second paragraph of the body
section of the essay and should contain the following:
1. First sentence: A topic sentence that identifies the second general support reason, example, or
step to be taken in accomplishing a goal that was introduced in the introductory paragraph
(remember to write this sentence in a slightly different way than the one you used in the
introduction to identify the idea you are going to talk about).
2. Second sentence: A sentence that gives a specific detail to support the topic of this body
paragraph.
3. Third sentence: A sentence that gives a second specific detail to support the topic of this body
paragraph.
4. Fourth sentence: A sentence that gives a third specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
5. Fifth sentence: A sentence that gives a fourth specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
6. Additional sentences: If you are using more than four specific details to support the main idea
of this body paragraph, continue writing additional sentences.
Fourth Paragraph: The fourth paragraph of the essay should be the third paragraph of the body
section of the essay and should contain the following:
1. First sentence: A topic sentence that identifies the third general support reason, example, or
step to be taken in accomplishing a goal that was introduced in the introductory paragraph
(remember to write this sentence in a slightly different way than the one that was used in the
introduction).
2. Second sentence: A sentence that gives a specific detail to support the topic of this body
paragraph.
3. Third sentence: A sentence that gives a second specific detail to support the topic of this body
paragraph.
4. Fourth sentence: A sentence that gives a third specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
5. Fifth sentence: A sentence that gives a fourth specific detail to support the main idea being
discussed in this body paragraph.
6. Additional sentences: If you are using more than four specific details to support the main idea
of this body paragraph, continue writing additional sentences.
Additional Paragraphs: If you are using more than three reasons, examples, or steps to be taken
in accomplishing a goal to support the main idea of the essay, use the same guidelines as were
used to write the first three paragraphs of the body of the essay.
Final Paragraph: The final paragraph is the conclusion. This paragraph should remind the reader
about the most important points presented in the essay. The writer also has the opportunity to
explain why the reader should agree with his or her viewpoints concerning the main idea of the
essay.
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Tips for Improving Essay Writing
1. Read the prompt carefully. Recognize when to speak from your own opinion and when to
discuss issues in terms of how people in general might be affected or how they might view an
issue. Decide whether you will use examples, reasons, or steps to take in achieving a goal in
order to address the topic about which you are writing.
2. Capitalize all important words when you write the title of the essay. Also, write the title in the
center at the top of the page. Then, skip one line before starting the introductory paragraph.
3. In step #3, once you have written all of the ideas you can think of about the topic you are
addressing, be sure to cross-out any ideas you do not intend to use. Then organize the ideas
you intend to use by numbering them in the order in which they will be discussed in the body
of the essay before you write the introductory paragraph.
4. When you are writing the introductory paragraph for a timed GED essay test, do not use the
words “many ways or examples” of what you are discussing, write “a number of ways or
examples” or “several ways or examples ” instead. The reason for this is that if you suggest
that there are many ways of doing something or many examples to back up an idea you are
talking about, the reader will expect more information than you have time to write about in
forty-five minutes.
5. Always indent the first sentence of each paragraph in the essay. In other words, move
approximately one inch to the right of the left margin of the paper before writing the first
sentence.
6. Use separate sentences in the introductory paragraph to identify each idea that will be used as
topics for the body paragraphs.
7. Do not include specific details about any of the main support ideas you identify in the
introduction. Save the specifics for the body paragraphs in the essay.
8. Do not use the same vocabulary words repeatedly. Use the Useful Terms and Expressions
sheet included in the GED essay writing packet (see page 13) or a thesaurus ( book of
synonyms) to identify different words to use.
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GED Essay Evaluation Form
Essay Title: ____________________________________________________________________________
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
You chose the correct approach (examples, reasons, steps) to address the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You used the correct voice when addressing the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You wrote an appropriate title for the topic you are addressing and centered it at the top of the page.
Yes ________
No
You made a clear statement that identifies the subject you are writing about in the topic sentence that
begins your introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
You identified at least three general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in order to support
the main point of the essay in the introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
The paragraphs in the body of your essay follow the same order in which the main ideas of
each body paragraph were listed in your introductory paragraph.
Yes
No ________
You indented each paragraph of the essay (moved approximately one inch to the right of the
left margin of the page before beginning the topic sentence).
Yes ________
No
You began each paragraph in the body of the essay with a topic sentence.
Yes
No ________
You provided convincing evidence in the specific examples, reasons, or steps you used to support the
main point of your essay in each of the paragraphs in the body of the essay.
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You capitalized the first word of each sentence and all proper nouns (names of specific people, places, and
things) and did not capitalize any common nouns (categories of people, places, things).
Consistently ________
In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You wrote complete sentences throughout your essay that contain both a subject (person or thing
doing an action or being talked about) and a verb (word used to indicate the action being done by or to
the subject).
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You used correct punctuation throughout your essay. In other words, you placed periods at the end of
each sentence, separated lists of items with commas, and used apostrophes appropriately to indicate
possession (Tom’s car) or to form a contraction (don't).
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You used proper agreement between the subjects and verbs in each sentence (examples: One dog runs.
Two dogs run).
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You made good vocabulary choices and did not use the same words repeatedly throughout your essay.
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You spelled words correctly throughout your essay.
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You made the right choice between words that are homonyms (examples: there vs. their,
affect vs. effect, to vs. too, than vs. then, etc.)
Consistently ________ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You developed a good concluding paragraph to end your essay that reminds the reader what
the main point of the essay is.
Yes
Somewhat
No
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Comments: In the following section, identify any specific problems you found in the essay as
you analyzed it.
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Useful Terms and Expressions
Many of the essays you will write in order to prepare for the G.E.D. Test will require that you
list evidence to support your main opinion concerning the topic you are addressing, compare and
contrast ideas you are discussing, and/or put ideas in a particular order. The categories listed
below include vocabulary terms and expressions you might find helpful as well as examples of
how some of them can be used.
Terms and Expressions for Combining Ideas:
also
additionally
as well
in addition
in conjunction
furthermore
similarly
besides
plus
too
then too
along with that
together with that
Examples:
(1) There are a number of causes for the contamination of the atmosphere that surrounds the
Earth. One reason there is so much air pollution is due to the exhaust fumes from cars. In
addition, factories often foul the air with vapors from their smokestacks. Furthermore, the
Earth’s atmosphere is damaged by smoke from the chimneys of people’s homes and from open
fires used to cook food.
(2) Acquiring a GED diploma is useful in several ways. One way is that it can lead to a person
being able to get a better job. Also, it is a symbol of accomplishment and a source of personal
pride. Then too, a person learns a lot about the world and develops numbers of academic skills in
the process of studying the information needed to pass the GED Test series.
Expressions for Including Evidence to Support a General Statement:
for example
as an example
for instance
as an illustration
to represent this idea
a case in point is
Examples:
(1) There are a number of things I like to do in order to relax. For instance, sometimes I do yoga
exercises.
(2) People from the same neighborhood can do things to get to know each other better. A case in
point is the neighborhood in which I live where all of the neighbors get together at a different
person’s house once a month to have a barbecue.
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Terms and Expressions for Explaining Information in Time Sequence:
after
afterward
afterwards
next
later
first
second
third
fourth
fifth
meanwhile
presently
eventually
finally
Example:
There are four basic steps you must follow in order to make chocolate brownies from a premade recipe. First, place the dry ingredients in a bowl. Second, add two eggs and one cup of
milk to the mixture. Next, mix the dry and liquid ingredients together until they form a smooth
batter. Finally, pour the batter into a cake pan and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for 45
minutes until the brownies are completely cooked.
Terms and Expressions for Indicating the Result of an Action:
as a result
because
consequently
for that reason
hence
thus
so
therefore
Examples:
(1) There is not enough food produced in the world in order to feed all of the Earth’s inhabitants.
As a result, many people die of starvation each year.
(2) Some food products do not contain very much nutritional value. Therefore, it is important to
read the label on any packaged food item in order to find out exactly what is in it.
Terms and Expressions for Showing Opposite Relationships or Contrasting Ideas:
although
but
yet
however
nevertheless
on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
Examples:
(1) It is important not to spend more than you make. Nevertheless, some people borrow so much
money and develop so much credit card debt that, eventually, they are forced to declare
bankruptcy.
(2) It takes a lot of time, effort, and personal sacrifice in order to get a good education. On the
other hand, it is difficult to acquire a job that pays well without a college degree or at least a high
school or GED diploma.
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Section Two: Learning the Eight-Step GED-Essay Writing Procedure
Page Number
Exercise #1: Deciding Upon the Writing Approach
15
Exercise #2: Determining the Proper Voice
17
Exercise #3: Writing Essay Titles
19
Exercise #4: Writing Introductory Topic Sentences
21
Exercise #5: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Your Laundry Routine
23
Exercise #6: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Improving Your Neighborhood
25
Exercise #7: Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
27
Exercise #8: Step 5: Details Concerning Your Laundry Routine
29
Exercise #9: Step 5: Details Concerning Improving Your Neighborhood
30
Exercise #10: Step 5: Details Concerning Effects of Television Viewing on Children
31
Exercise #11: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Your Laundry Routine
32
Exercise #12: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Improving Your Neighborhood
33
Exercise #13: Step 6: Body Paragraph for Effects of Television Viewing on Children
34
Exercise #14: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph for Your Laundry Routine
35
Exercise #15: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph for Improving Your Neighborhood
36
Exercise #16: Step 7: Concluding Paragraph: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
37
Exercise #17: Utilizing the Essay Evaluation Form (My Big Mistake)
38
Exercise #18: Utilizing the Essay Evaluation Form (Vacationing at Lake Shasta)
41
Exercise #19: Utilizing the Essay Evaluation Form (Staying Healthy)
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Exercise #1
Deciding Upon the Writing Approach
Name: _____________________________
Date: ______________
Directions: When you take the official GED essay writing test, you will be given a prompt or
topic, which will be in the form of a question or a statement. You will then be expected to
write an essay in response. When reading the essay prompt or question and thinking about
what you want to say, you should first decide what approach you will take in writing the
essay. The three main approaches you will use include: (1) giving reasons for your opinions;
(2) providing examples of what you are explaining; (3) identifying and explaining the steps
to be taken in accomplishing a goal or task. In some cases, you may decide to combine more
than one approach in the process of addressing the topic. In the following exercise, circle the
approach or approaches you think should be used in the process of writing an essay about
each prompt listed below. Note: You may choose more than one. Refer to tip “a” in step #1
in the “Essay Writing Procedures Tips and Examples” section of this writing packet (page
3) for help in completing this exercise.
1. Prompt/Topic: Since the invention of electricity, there have been many inventions that
have made human communication much easier. Identify some of these inventions and
explain their significance.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
2. Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the
improvements.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
3. Prompt/Topic: What do you do in order to prepare to take a test? Identify the things you
do in order to prepare for a test and explain how you do them.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
4. Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that benefit children and
others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images children see
and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
5. Prompt/Topic: The invention of the computer has changed our modern world. Explain
the ways in which the computer has made a difference in people's lives.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
6. Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your
essay, explain the steps you take when you do your laundry.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
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Explaining the steps to be taken
6.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things people can do in order to live a longer and healthier
life. In your essay, identify some specific actions people can take in order to increase their
longevity.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
7. Prompt/Topic: Identify a person in your life who has had a positive influence on you. In
your essay, explain what it is about the person that you respect and what effects the
person has had on you.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
9. Prompt/Topic: What can be done to help people who cannot seem to control their anger.
In your essay, identify some situations in which a person might become angry, and
explain what he or she can do in order to avoid losing control and becoming violent.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
Explaining the steps to be taken
10. Prompt/Topic: Choose a food item you like to prepare and explain how you make it.
Giving reasons
Providing examples
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Explaining the steps to be taken
Exercise #2
Determining the Proper Voice
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________
Directions: The term voice as it applies to writing refers to the viewpoint the writer uses in
the process of writing about a subject. There are two general voices the writer can choose
from when writing a typical GED style essay, first person voice or third person voice. First
person voice is used when writing about a topic according to how the writer is affected
personally. The following topic is an example: What is your daily exercise routine? In your essay,
identify the kinds of exercises you do and why you do them. Third person voice is used when
discussing a topic according to how people in general are affected. The following topic is an
example: How has the computer changed people’s lifestyles? In your essay, identify the ways in
which the computer has changed people’s lives. In this exercise, circle the proper voice to use in
responding to each prompt.
1.
Prompt/Topic: Since the invention of electricity, there have been many inventions that
have made human communication much easier. Identify some of these inventions and
explain their significance.
First Person Voice
2.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live a better place in which to live. Explain how you would go about making
the improvements.
First Person Voice
3.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: What do you do in order to prepare to take a test? Identify the things you
do in order to prepare for a test and explain how you do them.
First Person Voice
4.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that benefit children and
others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images children see
and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
First Person Voice
5.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: The invention of the computer has changed our modern world. Explain
the ways in which the computer has made a difference in people's lives.
First Person Voice
6.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your essay,
explain the steps you take when you do your laundry.
First Person Voice
Third Person Voice
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7.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things people can do in order to live a longer and
healthier life. In your essay, identify some specific actions people can take in order to
increase their longevity.
First Person Voice
8.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: Identify a person in your life who has had a positive influence on you. In
your essay, explain what it is about the person that you respect and what effects the
person has had on you.
First Person Voice
9.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: What can be done to help people who cannot seem to control their anger.
In your essay, identify some situations in which a person might become angry, and
explain what he or she can do in order to avoid losing control and becoming violent.
First Person Voice
10.
Third Person Voice
Prompt/Topic: Choose a food item you like to prepare and explain how you make it.
First Person Voice
Third Person Voice
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Exercise #3
Writing Essay Titles
Name: ____________________________
Date: ________________
Once you have read the prompt and decided what approach to take in writing about it,
you should start the essay by writing a title at the top of the page. The title does not have to
be a complete sentence, but should identify what the essay is about. Remember to center the
title at the top of the page and capitalize the first and last words and all important words in
the body of the title.
Directions: The title should not be a complete sentence. Only include the key words found
in the prompt or question you are addressing. Use the example provided as a guide, and
develop titles for each prompt listed. Refer to tip “b” in step #1 in the “Essay Writing
Procedures Tips and Examples” on page 3 of this writing packet for help in completing
this exercise.
Example: Prompt/Topic: What should every child be taught? In your essay, discuss the
things that every child should be taught.
Essay Title: Things Every Child Should Be Taught
Exercises:
1. Prompt/Topic: Since the invention of electricity, there have been many inventions that
have made human communication much easier. Identify some of these inventions and
explain their significance.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
2. Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the
improvements.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
3. Prompt/Topic: What do you do in order to prepare to take a test? Identify the things you
do in order to prepare for a test and explain how you do them.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
4. Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that benefit children and
others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images children see
and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
5. Prompt/Topic: The invention of the computer has changed our modern world. Explain
the ways in which the computer has made a difference in people's lives.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
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6. Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your
essay, explain the steps you take when you do your laundry.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
7. Prompt/Topic: Think of some things people can do in order to live a longer and healthier
life. In your essay, identify some specific actions people can take in order to increase their
longevity.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
8. Prompt/Topic: Identify a person in your life who has had a positive influence on you. In
your essay, explain what it is about the person that you respect and what effects the
person has had on you.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
9. Prompt/Topic: What can be done to help people who cannot seem to control their anger.
In your essay, identify some situations in which a person might become angry, and
explain what he or she can do in order to avoid losing control and becoming violent.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
10. Prompt/Topic: Choose a food item you like to prepare and explain how you make it.
Title: __________________________________________________________________________
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Exercise #4
Writing Introductory Topic Sentences
Name: ___________________________
Date: _________________
Every GED style essay should start with an introductory paragraph that tells the reader
what the essay is about and should begin with a topic sentence that identifies the main
subject of the entire essay.
Directions: Write a topic sentence that could be used to start the introductory paragraph of
an essay for each of the following prompts. One tip to remember when writing the topic
sentence for the introduction is not to use the word “many” or “numerous” to indicate how
many ways an issue can be viewed, how many examples will be used, or what steps must be
taken to accomplish a goal. The reason is that by using the terms “many” or “numerous,” the
reader will expect more than three or four reasons, examples, or steps in accomplishing a
goal to be explained in detail in the body of the essay; however, you will only have time to
write about a few. As a result, you should use limiting terms such as “several” or “a
number” to indicate the number of reasons, examples, or steps to be discussed when writing
the topic sentence for the introduction to a GED style essay.
Refer to step #2 in the “Essay Writing Procedures Tips and Examples” section on page 3 of
this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Example:
Prompt: Identify some concepts every child should learn. In your essay, list some things
every child should be taught and explain why the ideas you chose are important.
Topic Sentence:
Wrong: There are many things that every child should be taught.
Correct: There are a number of things that every child should be taught.
Correct: There are several things that every child should be taught.
Exercises:
1.
Prompt/Topic: Since the invention of electricity, there have been many inventions that have
made human communication much easier. Identify some of these inventions and explain
their significance.
Topic-Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the improvements.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. Prompt/Topic: What do you do in order to prepare to take a test? Identify the things you do
in order to prepare for a test and explain how you do them.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that benefit children and
others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images children see
and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. Prompt/Topic: The invention of the computer has changed our modern world. Explain the
ways in which the computer has made a difference in people's lives.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your essay,
explain the steps you take when you do your laundry.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
7. Prompt/Topic: Think of some things people can do in order to live a longer and healthier
life. In your essay, identify some specific actions people can take in order to increase their
longevity.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
8. Prompt/Topic: Identify a person who has had a positive influence on you in your life. In
your essay, explain what it is about the person that you respect and what effects the person
has had on you.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
9. Prompt/Topic: What can be done to help people who cannot seem to control their anger. In
your essay, identify some situations in which a person might become angry, and explain
what he or she can do in order to avoid losing control and becoming violent.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
10. Prompt/Topic: Identify one kind of food or meal you enjoy making for yourself. In your
essay, explain how the food or meal is prepared.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
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Exercise #5
Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Your Laundry Routine
Name: ____________________________
Date: _________________
Directions: In this exercise, you will practice completing the first four steps of the eight-step
essay writing procedure. Read the prompt/topic and use the example provided in the
“Eight-step Essay Tips and Examples” section of this writing packet on pages 3 and 4 for
help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your essay,
explain the steps you take when you do your laundry.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: ________________________________________
Voice: ____________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Examples, Reasons, or Steps to be taken in achieving a goal:





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Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Exercise #6
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________
Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Improving Your Neighborhood
Directions: In this exercise, you will practice completing the first four steps of the eight-step
essay writing procedure. Read the prompt/topic and use the example provided in the
“Eight-step Essay Tips and Examples” section of this writing packet on pages 3 and 4 for
help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the improvements.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: ________________________________________
Voice: ____________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Examples, Reasons, or Steps to be taken in achieving a goal:




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Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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Exercise #7
Steps 1, 2, 3, 4: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
Name: ________________________
Date: ______________
Directions: In this exercise, you will practice completing the first four steps of the eight-step
essay writing procedure. Read the prompt/topic and use the example provided in the
“Eight-step Essay Tips and Examples” section of this writing packet on pages 3 and 4 for
help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that benefit children and
others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images children see
and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: ________________________________________
Voice: ____________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Examples, Reasons, or Steps to be taken in achieving a goal:




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Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Exercise #8
Step #5: Your Laundry Routine
Name: ____________________________
Date: __________________
Directions: Complete Step #5 by using the information you produced to complete step #3 in
Exercise #4 concerning how you do your laundry. Refer to the example in the “Tips and
Examples” section on page 4 of this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes. In your essay,
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas
in the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in
greater detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you
write the body paragraphs of the essay.
First Support Idea: _______________________________________________________




Second Support Idea: ____________________________________________________




Third Support Idea: ______________________________________________________




Fourth Support Idea: _____________________________________________________




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Exercise #9
Step #5: Improving Your Neighborhood
Name: _________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: Complete Step #5 by using the information you produced to complete step #3 in
Exercise #4 concerning how you would improve your neighborhood. Refer to the example
in the “Tips and Examples” section of this writing packet on page 4 for help in completing
this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the improvements.
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in detail
and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the body
paragraphs of the essay.
First General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________




Second General Support Idea: ____________________________________________________




Third General Support Idea: ______________________________________________________




Fourth General Support Idea: _____________________________________________________




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Exercise #10
Step #5: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
Name: ____________________________
Date: __________________
Directions: Complete Step #5 by using the information you produced to complete step #3 in
Exercise #6 concerning the effects of television viewing on children. Refer to the example in
the “Tips and Examples” section on page 4 of this writing packet for help in completing
this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that have a positive effect on
children and others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images
children see and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in detail
and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the body
paragraphs of the essay.
First Support Idea: _______________________________________________________




Second Support Idea: ____________________________________________________




Third Support Idea: ______________________________________________________




Fourth Support Idea: _____________________________________________________




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Exercise #11
Step #6: Your Laundry Routine
Name: ___________________________
Date: _________________
Directions: Complete Step #6 by using the information you produced to complete step #5 in
Exercise #7 concerning how you do your laundry. Refer to the example in the “Tips and
Examples” section on page 5 of this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the first body paragraph of the essay. Remember to start with a topic sentence.
First Body Paragraph:
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__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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32
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Exercise #12
Step #6: Improving Your Neighborhood
Name: _________________________
Date: _______________
Directions: Complete Step #6 by using the information you produced to complete step #5 in
Exercise #8 concerning how to improve your neighborhood in order to write the first
paragraph of the body of the essay. Refer to the example in the “Tips and Examples”
section on page 5 of this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the improvements.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the first body paragraph of the essay. Remember to start with a topic sentence.
First Body Paragraph:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________TT____________________________________________________________________
____The
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
33
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Exercise #13
Step #6: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: Complete Step #6 by using the information you produced to complete step #5 in
Exercise #9 concerning whether or not watching television is good or bad for children in
order to write the first paragraph of the body of the essay. Refer to the example in the “Tips
and Examples” section on page 5 of this writing packet for help in completing this
exercise.
Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that have a positive effect on
children and others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images
children see and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the first body paragraph of the essay. Remember to start with a topic sentence.
First Body Paragraph:
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__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
34
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Exercise #14
Step #7: Your Laundry Routine
Name: _____________________________
Date: _______________
Directions: Complete Step #7 by writing a concluding paragraph for an essay concerning
how you do your laundry. Refer to the example in the “Tips and Examples” section on
page 6 of this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Explain the routine you follow when you wash your clothes.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Concluding Paragraph:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________
35
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Exercise #15
Step #7: Improving Your Neighborhood
Name: _______________________
Date: ______________
Directions: Complete Step #7 by writing a concluding paragraph for an essay concerning
how you would improve your neighborhood. Refer to the example in the “Tips and
Examples” section on page 6 of this writing packet for help in completing this exercise.
Prompt/Topic: Think of some things you could do in order to make the neighborhood in
which you live better than it is. Explain how you would go about making the improvements.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Concluding Paragraph:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
36
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Exercise #16
Step #7: Effects of Television Viewing on Children
Name: __________________________
Date: _________________
Directions: Complete Step #7 by writing a concluding paragraph for an essay concerning
whether or not watching television is good for children. Refer to the example in the “Tips
and Examples” section on page 6 of this writing packet for help in completing this
exercise.
Prompt/Topic: There a number of things television has to offer that have a positive effect on
children and others that are not so good. Choose either the positive or the negative images
children see and the things they learn while watching television and discuss them.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Concluding Paragraph:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
37
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Exercise #17
Utilizing the Essay Evaluation form
My Big Mistake
Directions: Evaluate the essay shown below utilizing the Essay Evaluation form provided on
the next page (pg. 39). Be sure to make checks in the spaces provided to indicate your
opinion concerning each evaluation category. After you have evaluated the essay, rewrite it
on a piece of lined paper and make any changes that are needed based upon the decisions
you made during the evaluation process.
Prompt: Identify one thing that happened in your life that you wish you would have done
differently. In your essay, tell what happened and explain what you would do if you were
able to live your life over again.
My big mistake
The biggest mistake i have made in my life was to get expelled from school.
I never liked going to School when i was young. After I left school i did a
number of odd jobs. Eventually i went back to school in order to get a career.
I thought school was boring and a waste of time. I didnt pay attention when i
was in class and i used to fall asleep alot. I also never did my homework. I also
used to cut classes all the time. Sometimes my friend’s and i would leave
campus and go downtown to a video arcade. I just didnt see how a High School
diploma would be that useful. I finally got kicked out of School in the Tenth
grade when i was sixteen year's old because I had been absent so much. I then
started hanging out with other guys who had dropped out of school. My
parent's finally got so frustrated that they kicked me out of there house so i
moved into a four bedroom house with some other guys. In order to make
money I worked as a laborer for the construction company a friends dad owned
and as a grocery bag boy at a local Supermarket. By the time i was eighteen i
had gotten tired of the lifestyle i was living. I decided that i wanted to become a
Electrician but after i did some research I found out that I needed a High School
diploma or ged certificate in order to qualify to get into a technical training
school. As a result i enrolled in a adult night school ged program at the local
Junior College. After nine month's of going to school three day's a week for
three hour's each night i finally earned my ged certificate. Now im going to a
trade school five days a week for six hours a day with financial help from my
parents. I am doing really good in the electrician program and should graduate
in about nine months. Having to go to work during the day and go to school at
night in order to get my ged certificate was really hard. Learning from my
experience's I now understand how important it is to finish High School in
order to have more opportunitie's in life. Therefore when i have my own kid's
im going to make sure that they listen to my story complete high school and not
make the same mistake i did.
38
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Exercise #17: Using the Essay Evaluation Form
Essay Title: My Big Mistake
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
You chose the correct approach (examples, reasons, steps) to address the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You used the correct voice when addressing the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You wrote an appropriate title for the topic you are addressing and centered it at the top of the
page.
Yes ________
No
You made a clear statement that identifies the subject you are writing about in the topic sentence
that begins your introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
You identified at least three general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in order to support
the main point of the essay in the introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
The paragraphs in the body of your essay follow the same order in which the main ideas of
each body paragraph were listed in your introductory paragraph.
Yes
No ________
You indented each paragraph of the essay (moved approximately one inch to the right of the
left margin of the page before beginning the topic sentence).
Yes ________
No
You began each paragraph in the body of the essay with a topic sentence.
Yes
No ________
You provided convincing evidence in the specific examples, reasons, or steps you used to support
the main point of your essay in each of the paragraphs in the body of the essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases ________ Not at all ________
You capitalized the first word of each sentence and all proper nouns (names of specific people, places,
and things) and did not capitalize any common nouns (categories of people, places, things).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You wrote complete sentences throughout your essay that contain both a subject (person or thing
doing an action or being talked about) and a verb (word used to indicate the action being done
by or to the subject).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used correct punctuation throughout your essay. In other words, you placed periods at the
end of each sentence, separated lists of items with commas, and used apostrophes appropriately
to indicate possession (Tom’s car) or to form a contraction (don't).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used proper agreement between the subjects and verbs in each sentence (examples: One dog
runs. Two dogs run).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made good vocabulary choices and did not use the same words repeatedly throughout your
essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You spelled words correctly throughout your essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made the right choice between words that are homonyms (examples: there vs. their,
affect vs. effect, to vs. too, than vs. then, etc.)
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You developed a good concluding paragraph to end your essay that reminds the reader what
the main point of the essay is.
Yes
Somewhat
No
39
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Comments: In the following section, identify any specific problems you found in the
essay as you analyzed it.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
40
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Exercise #18
Using the Essay Evaluation Form
Essay Title: Vacationing at Lake Shasta
Directions: Evaluate the essay shown below utilizing the Essay Evaluation form provided on
the next page (pg. 43). Be sure to make checks in the spaces provided to indicate your
opinion concerning each evaluation category. After you have evaluated the essay, rewrite it
on a piece of lined paper and make any changes that are needed based upon the decisions
you made during the evaluation process.
Prompt: Identify a place you like to go when you have some vacation time. Explain what it is
that you enjoy so much about the place you chose.
One reason I like going their is that i enjoy fishing. And i like to go camping. And
I like to Water Ski. I first learned, when my dad taught me. I was six years old at
the time. By the time i was fifteen i was good enough too enter some competitions
and I won one of them and finished in the top ten three times. I still enjoy water
skiing today and I plan to teach my children when they are old enough. Another
thing I like to due is fish. Ive been doing it since i was old enough too hold a
fishing rod. My family has gone on vacation to lake shasta in california several
times a year for my entire life. Camping is my favorite thing too due at the lake. I
like sleeping inside a tent. I also like too sit by the campfire and roast
marshmallows. Also I like too listen to stories my dad and grandpa tell when Im
sitting by the campfire. I also like too eat the meats dad barbecues. Such as
hamburger’s hot dog’s stake’s. Sometimes i fish from the shoreline. Sometimes we
play card games while we’re sitting around the campfire. At other times I fish
from the boat that belongs to my grandfather. I like fishing with my grandfather
and he has taught me a lot about what kind of bait too use and how to tie hooks
and lures and weight's and bobber's to an fishing line. When i was twelve year’s
old I caught a 23 pound bass which is the biggest fish Ive ever caught. I also like to
hike along the trail's beside the lake. Those are the things I like about going to lake
shasta.
41
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Exercise #18: Using the Essay Evaluation Form
Essay Title: Vacationing at Lake Shasta
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
You chose the correct approach (examples, reasons, steps) to address the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You used the correct voice when addressing the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You wrote an appropriate title for the topic you are addressing and centered it at the top of the
page.
Yes ________
No
You made a clear statement that identifies the subject you are writing about in the topic sentence
that begins your introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
You identified at least three general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in order to support
the main point of the essay in the introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
The paragraphs in the body of your essay follow the same order in which the main ideas of
each body paragraph were listed in your introductory paragraph.
Yes
No ________
You indented each paragraph of the essay (moved approximately one inch to the right of the
left margin of the page before beginning the topic sentence).
Yes ________
No
You began each paragraph in the body of the essay with a topic sentence.
Yes
No ________
You provided convincing evidence in the specific examples, reasons, or steps you used to support
the main point of your essay in each of the paragraphs in the body of the essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You capitalized the first word of each sentence and all proper nouns (names of specific people, places,
and things) and did not capitalize any common nouns (categories of people, places, things).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You wrote complete sentences throughout your essay that contain both a subject (person or thing
doing an action or being talked about) and a verb (word used to indicate the action being done by
or to the subject).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used correct punctuation throughout your essay. In other words, you placed periods at the
end of each sentence, separated lists of items with commas, and used apostrophes appropriately to
indicate possession (Tom’s car) or to form a contraction (don't).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used proper agreement between the subjects and verbs in each sentence (examples: One dog
runs. Two dogs run).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made good vocabulary choices and did not use the same words repeatedly throughout your
essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You spelled words correctly throughout your essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made the right choice between words that are homonyms (examples: there vs. their,
affect vs. effect, to vs. too, than vs. then, etc.)
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You developed a good concluding paragraph to end your essay that reminds the reader what
the main point of the essay is.
Yes
Somewhat
No
42
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Comments: In the following section, identify any specific problems you found in the
essay as you analyzed it.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
43
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Exercise #19
Utilizing the Essay Evaluation form
Staying Healthy
Directions: Evaluate the essay shown below utilizing the Essay Evaluation form provided on
the next page (pg. 41). Be sure to make checks in the spaces provided to indicate your
opinion concerning each evaluation category. After you have evaluated the essay, rewrite it
on a piece of lined paper and make any changes that are needed based upon the decisions
you made during the evaluation process.
Prompt: What is it that people should do in order to stay healthy? In your essay, identify
some things people can do in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
First of all you should eat the rite food’s. And get enough rest. And exercise.
Like lifting waits. Pullups and pushups to build and tone mussels. Walking
jogging and playing active sports. Such as basketball, soccer, or handball. I can
also get eight hour’s of sleep at night. I also make sure I Eat a balanced diet.
And you can lie down and listen to soft music. Such as smooth jazz. Doing
meditation and relaxation exercise’s can also be helpful. Such as eating
something each day from all four major food group’s. Including lean meats
fruit’s and vegetable’s dairy products and grains. Like whole grain cereal and
wheat bread. Also drinking at least eight cup’s of water each day. I also take an
daily multiple Vitamin Pill. Its also good to do stretching exercises to keep the
bodys joints flexible. Taking a power nap for ten to fifteen minutes during the
middle of the day can recharge the body. Avoiding fatty and heavily fried
foods in order to keep your cholesterol level down. Good health is the most
important thing in an Persons life. Be sure too stay healthy. Dont do thing’s that
isnt healthy. Taking a power nap for about fifteen minute’s in the middle of the
day is useful. Do healthy thing’s all the time and youll live a long life.
44
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Exercise #19: Using the Essay Evaluation Form
Essay Title: Staying Healthy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
You chose the correct approach (examples, reasons, steps) to address the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You used the correct voice when addressing the prompt/topic.
Yes
Partially ________
No ________
You wrote an appropriate title for the topic you are addressing and centered it at the top of the
page.
Yes ________
No
You made a clear statement that identifies the subject you are writing about in the topic sentence
that begins your introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
You identified at least three general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in order to support
the main point of the essay in the introductory paragraph.
Yes
Somewhat ________
No ________
The paragraphs in the body of your essay follow the same order in which the main ideas of
each body paragraph were listed in your introductory paragraph.
Yes
No ________
You indented each paragraph of the essay (moved approximately one inch to the right of the
left margin of the page before beginning the topic sentence).
Yes ________
No
You began each paragraph in the body of the essay with a topic sentence.
Yes
No ________
You provided convincing evidence in the specific examples, reasons, or steps you used to support
the main point of your essay in each of the paragraphs in the body of the essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You capitalized the first word of each sentence and all proper nouns (names of specific people, places,
and things) and did not capitalize any common nouns (categories of people, places, things).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You wrote complete sentences throughout your essay that contain both a subject (person or thing
doing an action or being talked about) and a verb (word used to indicate the action being done by
or to the subject).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used correct punctuation throughout your essay. In other words, you placed periods at the
end of each sentence, separated lists of items with commas, and used apostrophes appropriately
to indicate possession (Tom’s car) or to form a contraction (don't).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You used proper agreement between the subjects and verbs in each sentence (examples: One dog
runs. Two dogs run).
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made good vocabulary choices and did not use the same words repeatedly throughout your
essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You spelled words correctly throughout your essay.
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You made the right choice between words that are homonyms (examples: there vs. their,
affect vs. effect, to vs. too, than vs. then, etc.)
Consistently _______ In most cases
In some cases_______ Not at all ________
You developed a good concluding paragraph to end your essay that reminds the reader what
the main point of the essay is.
Yes
Somewhat
No
45
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Comments: In the following section, identify any specific problems you found in the
essay as you analyzed it.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
46
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Section Three: Non-Timed GED Essay Writing Practice
Exercise #20: My Favorite Free-Time Activity
47
Exercise #21: The Invention of the Telephone
49
Exercise #22: False Advertising
51
Exercise #23: Married Couples Remaining Childless
53
Exercise #24: How I Stay in Shape
55
Exercise #25: Reasons I Want to Earn a GED Certificate
57
Exercise #26: The Person I Respect the Most
59
Exercise #27: The Causes of Stress
61
Exercise #28: The Most Serious Problem Facing the U.S.
63
Exercise #29: Why Some U.S. Citizens Do Not Vote
65
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #20: My Favorite Free-Time Activity
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below. Use
the topic sentence, individual examples that are listed to support the topic sentence, and the
sample introductory paragraph in order to write your essay. Read and follow all directions
carefully.
Prompt/Topic: What do you like to do when you have some free time? In your essay, discuss
your favorite thing to do in your free time.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: Use the following approach: Reasons for going to the beach and examples of
activities done there
Voice: Use the following voice: First Person Singular
Title: Use the following title: My Favorite Free-Time Activity
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Use the following topic sentence to begin the introductory paragraph:
When I have some free time, I like to go to the beach.
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Use the following reasons for going to the beach in order to explain the main point of your
essay. Note: Notice that the ideas were originally written in a different order than the way
in which they were organized when they were numbered:
3. Exercise
4. Relax
2. Have a barbecue
1. Look at different sights
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3. Note: The activities
listed in this exercise are not necessarily meant to be done all on one day at the beach.
Instead, these are things a person might do at the beach on different days or occasions.
Use the following introductory paragraph to begin your essay:
When I have some free time, I like to go to the beach. One thing I like doing there is to
look at different sights. A second activity I enjoy is to have a barbecue. Another thing I do is
exercise. A final reason I go to the beach is to relax.
47
PERMISSION GRANTED TO COPY AND DISTRIBUTE IN ALL CLASSROOM SETTINGS
Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Use the following specific details in order to write the body
paragraphs. Note: Number the detail ideas under each section in the order you intend to
use them when you write the body paragraphs.
(1) Look at different sights:
 observe wildlife such as birds flying and seals and fish swimming
 look at people playing on the sand or in the water
 watch the movement of the ocean and the waves crashing on the shore
 examine marine life such as fish, seaweed, and seashells washed up on the beach
(2) Have a barbecue:
 cook chicken, steak, or hot dogs
 bring potato salad, fruit salad, French bread, sodas
 build a bonfire, roast marshmallows, watch flames
(3) Exercise:
 run in the sand
 do calisthenics: pushups, sit-ups
 team sports: volleyball, soccer, or football
 swim or surf in the ocean
(4) Relax:
 read a book
 sit with eyes closed and listen to waves or take a nap
 do yoga or meditation exercises
 surf-fish from the beach
STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher or a
teacher’s aide the notes you made in step #5.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Use the following topic sentences to begin each of the four body paragraphs:
1. There are numbers of interesting things to see at the beach.
2. I also love to barbecue when I am at the beach.
3. Another activity I enjoy is exercising.
4. The thing I like to do best at the beach is to relax.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Use the following conclusion to end the essay:
All in all, the beach is my favorite place to spend my leisure time. Most of the activities
I enjoy doing can be done there, whether it be sight-seeing, having a picnic, getting some
exercise, or just relaxing.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use an essay self-evaluation form with which to
analyze your rough draft). Then, write the final version of the essay.
48
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #21: The Invention of the Telephone
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Use the approach, title, topic sentence and specific examples that are listed as supporting
evidence, and the sample introductory paragraph in the process of writing the paper. Read
and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: The invention of the telephone has changed the way people communicate
with each other. In your essay, explain how the telephone has improved human
communication.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: Combine reasons for why the telephone is so important with examples of the
kinds of situations in which the telephone can be used.
Voice: Use the following voice when writing the essay: Third Person
Title: Use the following title for the essay: The Invention of the Telephone
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Use the following topic sentence with which to begin the introductory paragraph:
The telephone has revolutionized the way in which modern day people communicate.
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Use the following examples to support your main point. Notice that the ideas are
numbered in the order that they should be discussed in the essay:
3
2
1
Emergency Situations
Business Purposes
Personal Communication
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
Use the following introductory paragraph to begin your essay:
The telephone has revolutionized the way in which modern day people communicate.
One way in which this is true relates to personal communication. A second way the
telephone can be used is to conduct business. A third situation in which the telephone has
enhanced communication is in responding to emergencies.
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Use the following specific details in order to write the body
paragraphs. Note: Number the detail ideas under each section in the order you intend to
use them when you write the body paragraphs.
(1.) Personal Communication:
 keep in regular contact with family members and friends who live far away
 make local calls to communicate with your immediate family members (spouse
or children)
 call friends and associates for general conversations or to make social
arrangements
 portable cell phones allow instant contact with anyone, at anytime, from
anyplace
(2.) Business Purposes:
 pay personal bills
 set-up medical or business appointments
 purchase merchandise
 large business firm personnel can maintain contact or hold meetings with one
another instantly using the telephone or combined telephone and video
communications systems (especially useful for businesses that operate
worldwide).
(3.) Emergency Situations:
 use universal emergency number “911”
 call for medical assistance or advice when responding to household accidents
 call police to report crimes in the home or neighborhood
 portable phone can be used anytime and anywhere to contact emergency aid
STOP!! Do not attempt to write your essay before showing the teacher or a teacher’s aide
the way in which you organized the information in Step #5.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Use the following topic sentences to begin each of the body paragraphs:
(1) The telephone makes personal communication quick and easy.
(2) The ability to conduct both personal as well as large-scale business has become much
more convenient through the use of the telephone.
(3) A third way in which the telephone can be used is to contact assistance in times of
emergency.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay.
50
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #22: False Advertising
Name: ____________________________
Date: _______________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Use the topic sentence, individual examples that are listed as evidence to support the topic
sentence, and the sample introductory paragraph in order to write your essay. Read and
follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: How do companies use misleading advertizing to convince customers to buy
their products? In your essay, identify some of the ways companies exaggerate the quality of
their products through advertisements in order to get people to buy them.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
Use the following topic sentence with which to begin the introductory paragraph:
Advertisers often use exaggerations and false promises in order to convince consumers to
buy their merchandise.
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Use the following examples to support your main point. Notice that the ideas are
numbered in the order in which they should be discussed in the body of the essay.
4. Appear more attractive to the opposite sex.
1. Acquire a skill.
2. Become physically fit.
3. Think you are getting more than you actually are.
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
Use the following introductory paragraph to begin the essay:
Companies often use exaggerations and false promises in order to convince consumers to
buy their merchandise. For example, some businesses claim that by using their products, a
person will develop a certain skill or ability. Others lead the customer to believe that he or
she will become physically fit in a short time period. Still other companies use advertising to
make people think they are getting a larger quantity of a particular commodity than they
actually are. But, perhaps the most misleading proclamation is that by using a certain
product, a person will automatically become more attractive to the opposite sex.
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Use the ideas listed and add two additional details to each
support idea. After you add the additional support ideas, number the detail ideas under
each section in the order you intend to use them when you write the body paragraphs:
Support Idea Number One: Acquire a skill
Specific Details:
 jump higher by wearing a certain brand of basketball shoes
 fly through the air by drinking a particular energy drink


Support Idea Number Two: Become physically fit
Specific Details:
 a diet plan that will make you lose weight fast
 an exercise machine that will make you develop muscles you never had in a few
weeks


Support Idea Number Three: Buy a product packaged in a container that is larger than
necessary
Specific Details:
 potato chip bags that are half-full of air
 medicine bottles that are mostly full of cotton


Support Idea Number Four: Appear more attractive to the opposite sex
Specific Details:
 drive the right car
 wear the right cologne


STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher or a
teacher’s aide the notes you made in the above sections.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay.
52
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #23: Married Couples Remaining Childless
Name: _______________________
Date: ____________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Write a title, a topic sentence, and use the individual examples that are listed as evidence to
support the topic sentence in order to write your essay. Read and follow all directions
carefully.
Prompt/Topic: Throughout most of human history, people who are married have been
expected to have children. In modern times, however, numbers of young married couples are
making the decision to remain childless. In your essay, explain the reasons why many
married people today are not interested in having children.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
Use at least three of the following concepts to support your main point. Cross-out any of
the ideas you do not intend to use in the essay, and number the ideas you are going to use
in the order that they will be discussed in the essay.
 Career plans
 High cost of living
 Children not needed as labor (today, most people live in cities, not on farms as
was the case in the past)
 Desire to live a lifestyle without children
 Overpopulation problem
Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: ______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher
or a teacher’s aide the notes you made in step #5.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay.
54
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #24: How I Stay in Shape
Name: _________________________
Date: _______________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Write a topic sentence and use the individual examples that are listed as evidence to support
the topic sentence in order to write your essay. Read and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: What do you do in order to stay in order to stay in shape. In your essay,
identify the things you do in order to remain in good physical condition.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.




Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher or a
teacher’s aide the notes you made in the above sections.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay on lined paper in your writing folder. Remember to start
each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay on lined paper in your writing folder.
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #25: Reasons I Want to Earn a GED Certificate
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Fill-in the entire worksheet and show it to the instructor or a teaching assistant before you
begin writing the essay. Read and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: Why do you want to earn a GED certificate? In your essay, explain why you
are studying for the GED Test.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.




Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
57
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




STOP!! Do not attempt to write your essay before showing the teacher or a teacher’s aide
the prewriting work you did in the above sections.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay on lined paper (In your essay folder).
58
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #26: The Person I Respect the Most
Name: ______________________________
Date: _________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Fill-in the entire worksheet and show it to the instructor or a teaching assistant before you
begin writing the essay. Read and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: Who is the person you respect the most in your life? In your essay, identify
the person and explain why you respect him or her.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify 3 to 4 examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that you
will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the ideas, number
them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.




Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
59
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Stop!! Do not attempt to write your essay before showing the teacher or a teacher’s aide
the notes you made in the above section.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write the
body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet).
60
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #27: The Causes of Stress
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Read and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: The modern human lifestyle contains any number of factors that cause people
to feel symptoms of stress. In your essay, explain what kinds of things in people's lives cause
them to experience stress and anxiety.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify 3 to 4 examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that you
will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the ideas, number
them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.




Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
61
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:





STOP!! Do not attempt to write your essay before showing the teacher or a teacher’s aide
the prewriting work you did in the above sections.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then
write the final version of the essay.
62
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GED Essay Writing
Exercise #28: The Most Serious Problem Facing the U.S.
Name: _________________________
Date: _______________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Fill-in the entire worksheet and show it to the instructor or a teaching assistant before you
begin writing the essay. Read and follow all directions carefully.
Prompt/Topic: What is the most serious problem facing the United States? In your essay,
identify what you believe to be the biggest problem the U.S. must solve and what can be
done to solve it.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify three to four general examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a
goal that you will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the
ideas, number them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.




Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
63
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:




Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:





STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher or a
teacher’s aide the notes you made in step five.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay.
64
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GED Essay Writing
Name: __________________________
Exercise #29: Why Some U.S. Citizens Do Not Vote Date: _________________
Directions: You are to write an essay in response to the statement (prompt) listed below.
Fill-in the entire worksheet and show it to the instructor or a teaching assistant before you
begin writing the essay. Read and follow all directions carefully.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address, decide what approach to take in writing
the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal) in order
to support the main idea, determine the proper voice to use in responding to the prompt,
and develop a title for the essay.
Prompt: Numbers of people who could vote choose not to do so. In your essay, explain why
you think so many people do not participate in the political election process in the United
States.
Approach: __________________________________________________
Voice: _________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Write a topic sentence to identify the main idea of the essay.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Step #3: Identify 3 to 4 examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that you
will use to support the main idea of the essay. Once you have identified the ideas, number
them in the order you intend to discuss them when you write the essay.
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Step #4: Write the introductory paragraph to the essay. Start with the topic sentence
developed in step #2 and include the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in
achieving a goal in the order in which they were numbered in step #3.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Step #5: Write the support examples, reasons, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal that
you developed and numbered in step #3. Once you have written the general support ideas in
the order they will be discussed, include notes to explain about the support ideas in greater
detail and number the notes in the way in which you intend to use them when you write the
body paragraphs of the essay.
Support Idea Number One: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:
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Support Idea Number Two: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:
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Support Idea Number Three: _____________________________________________________
Specific Details:
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Support Idea Number Four: _______________________________________________________
Specific Details:
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STOP!! Do not attempt to write the body of your essay before showing the teacher or a
teacher’s aide the notes you made in step five.
Step #6: Use the information and organization you developed in step #5 in order to write
the body paragraphs of the essay. Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Step #7: Develop a good concluding paragraph for your essay. Begin with a topic sentence
and make sure you remind the reader what the main point of the essay is.
Step #8: Evaluate and edit the essay (use the evaluation form included in this packet). Then,
write the final version of the essay.
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Section Four: Timed GED-Essay Writing Practice
Page Number
Timed GED-Essay Writing Guidelines
67
Exercise #30: Benefits of the Multi-National U.S. Society
72
Exercise #31: Qualities of a Good Employee
74
Exercise #32: Suggestions for Taking a Job Interview
76
Exercise #33: Getting the Most for Your Money
78
Exercise #34: How Tax Dollars Should Be Spent
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Timed GED-Essay Writing Guidelines
There are forty-five minutes allotted for the essay portion of the official GED Test series.
As a result, it is recommended that you spend approximately ten minutes in developing
ideas and organizing them prior to writing the essay. In the process, the notes you make
must be brief and written on the writing-plan page. Follow the guidelines and examples
listed below to learn what steps to take in order to write a GED-style essay in a timed testing
situation. Notice that the eight steps you have been using to practice writing essays up to
this point in the packet have been combined and reduced to four steps.
Complete the following steps on the paper you are using to develop the writing-plan.
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address and decide what approach to take in
writing the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal),
what voice to use (first person or third person), and what the title will be and write the
decisions you made on your writing-plan page.
Step #2: Below where you wrote the Step #1 information on the writing-plan page, write
three or four general reasons, examples, or steps to take in accomplishing a goal that you will
use to create the body paragraphs of the essay. Once you have written the general support
ideas, you should organize them by numbering the ideas in the order they will be discussed
in the body paragraphs of the essay.
Step #3: After you have written and organized the general support ideas, include more
specific details next to or below each one. The support ideas should be in the form of triggerwords or short phrases, which can be further organized by numbering them in the order they
will be used in each paragraph.
Step #4: Once you have completed the writing-plan, write the title of the essay centered at
the top of the sheet of paper you are using to write the essay. Then use your writing-plan
notes in order to write the essay. Because of the time factor, you should use only three or
four general support examples, reasons, or steps to take in accomplishing a goal. Use the
following formula in order to write your essay.
1. The introduction should consist of one topic sentence followed by three sentences in
which you write the three reasons, examples, or steps to be taken which you are
using to support your opinion about the topic.
2. The body paragraphs should consist of one topic sentence each that states what is
being discussed in the paragraph, followed by four or five sentences that provide
details about each general reason, example, or step to be taken in achieving a goal
that is the subject of the paragraph.
3. The conclusion should consist of one topic sentence followed by two or three
sentences that summarize the most important points you want the reader to
remember about what was discussed in the essay.
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Example:
Prompt Topic: Most people want to be successful in life, yet success can be defined in
different ways. In your essay, identify some of the indicators used to evaluate how successful
a person is in his or her life?
Step #1: Think about the topic you are to address and decide what approach to take in
writing the essay (whether to use reasons, examples, or steps to be taken in achieving a goal),
what voice to use (first person or third person), and what the title will be, and write the them
on your writing-plan page.
Title: Definitions of Success
Voice: Third Person
Approach: Examples of how success is determined
Step #2: Below where you wrote the Step #1 information on the writing-plan page, write
three or four general reasons, examples, or steps to take in accomplishing a goal that you will
use to create the body paragraphs of the essay. Once you have written the general support
ideas, you should organize them by numbering the ideas in the order they will be discussed
in the body paragraphs of the essay.
2. Things people own
1. Occupation or job
3. Education level
Step #3: After you have written and organized the general support ideas, include more
specific details next to or below each one. The detail ideas should be in the form of triggerwords or short phrases, which can be further organized by numbering them in the order they
will be discussed in each paragraph.
Details added to general support ideas:
1. Things people own:
2. kinds and numbers of cars
4. amount and quality of jewelry
3. clothing quality
1. house(s) owned
2. Occupation or job:
2. salary or wage
3. level of job satisfaction
1. kind of occupation or job
3. Education level:
1. years completed
4. trade or skill certifications
3. kinds of degrees
2. college major
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Step #4: Once you have completed the writing-plan, write the title of the essay centered at
the top of the sheet of paper you are using to write the essay. Then use your writing-plan
notes in order to write the essay. Because of the time factor, you should use the following
formula for writing your essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Sample Introductory Paragraph:
Definitions of Success
There are a number of things people use to determine what it means to be successful in
life. One way is according to what a person does for a living. A second measure is based
upon the number and kinds of things a person owns. A third way in which success is
determined relates to the level of education a person has completed.
Additional Timed-Test Writing-Plan Examples:
Look at the examples below of how the writing-plan might be written and organized for
the first three practice essays in Section Three of the writing packet if they were used as the
topics for timed-tests: (1) The Perfect Way to Spend a Day Off, (2) The Importance of the
Telephone, (3) False Advertising.
Notice that the notes written and organized (by numbering) for the timed-test versions of
each of the essays are basically the same as the non-timed practice versions, but are written
in much briefer form. Instead of the long phrases and detailed notes that were included in
the original exercises on the topics listed below from Section Three of the writing packet,
each idea is identified using a “trigger word” or a short phrase to remind the writer of what
he or she wants to discuss when writing a timed-test essay. Refer back to the non-timed
exercise notes in Exercise #20 on page 48 in order to compare them.
Example #1: Prompt/Topic: What do you like to do when you have some free time? In your
essay, discuss your favorite thing to do in your free time.
Writing-Plan
Title: My Favorite Free Time Activity
Approach: Reasons for going to the beach and examples of activities done there
Voice: First Person
General support reasons for going to the beach (organized by numbering):
3. Exercise
4. Relax
2. Barbecue
1. Sights
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Details added to general support reasons (organized by numbering):
1. Sights:
3. seashells
2. wildlife
1. ocean
4. people
2. Barbecue:
2. cook chicken, steak, hot dogs
1. potato salad, fruit salad, French bread, sodas
3. bonfire, marshmallows, flames
3. Exercise:
2. run in sand
1. calisthenics
4. team sports
3. swim or surf
4. Relax:
3. read
4. nap and listen to waves
1. yoga or meditation
2. surf-fish
Example # 2: Prompt/Topic: The invention of the telephone has changed the way people
communicate with each other. Discuss the positive effects of the telephone.
Writing-Plan
Title: The Invention of the Telephone
Approach: Examples of telephone use
Voice: Third Person
General support examples of telephone use (organized by numbering):
3. Emergencies
2. Business
1. Personal communication
Details added to general support examples (organized by numbering):
1. Personal communication:
3. friends and family far away
1. immediate family
2. social arrangements
2. Business
2. pay bills
3. set-up appointments
1. buy things
4. business operations
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3. Emergencies
2. medical problems
1. 911
4. crimes
3. accidents
Example # 3: Prompt/Topic: How do companies use misleading advertizing to convince
customers to buy their products?
Writing-Plan
Title: False Advertising
Approach: Examples of false advertising
Voice: Third Person
General support examples of false advertising (organized by numbering):
4. Appear more attractive
2. Physical fitness
3. Large containers
1. Acquire a skill
Details added to general support examples (organized by numbering):
1. Acquire a skill
4. baseball bat
2. shoes
1. energy drink
3. pills
2. Physical fitness
2. diet plans
1. exercise videos
4. exercise machines
3. vibrating waist belt
3. Large containers
2. pills
1. laundry detergent
3. potato chips
4. cereal boxes
4. Appear more attractive
2. car
4. facial cream
3. cologne/perfume
1. clothing
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Timed GED-Essay
Exercise #30: Benefits of the Multi-National U.S. Society
Directions: You are allotted 45 minutes in order to write an essay in response to the
prompt/topic listed below. Use the explanations and examples provided in the four-step
timed-essay writing procedure. Begin by spending approximately ten minutes in developing
your writing-plan using the timed essay writing-plan provided with this exercise. When you
write the essay, keep the following guidelines in mind concerning the number of sentences
that are recommended for each paragraph of the essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Prompt/Topic: The United States society is made-up of people who come from all parts of
the world. Identify some of the benefits of having so many different cultures represented in
the United States population.
Use the following form to create your writing-plan.
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Approach: ____________________________________________________________________
Voice: _______________________________________
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
General Support Ideas (examples, reasons, steps): Provide at least three main support ideas.
After you have identified the ideas, number them in the order they will be presented in the essay.
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General Support Idea Details: Provide details for each general support idea. After you have written
them, number the detail ideas in the order in which they will be discussed in the paragraph.
First General Support Idea: _________________________________________________________
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Second General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Third General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Note: If you are including more than three general support ideas, use a separate piece of
paper to complete your writing-plan.
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Timed GED-Essay
Exercise #31: Qualities of a Good Employee
Directions: You are allotted 45 minutes in order to write an essay in response to the
prompt/topic listed below. Use the explanations and examples provided in the four-step
timed-essay writing procedure. Begin by spending approximately ten minutes in developing
your writing-plan using the timed essay writing-plan provided with this exercise. When you
write the essay, keep the following guidelines in mind concerning the number of sentences
that are recommended for each paragraph of the essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Prompt/Topic: If you had your own business, what kinds of qualities would you look for in
a person you might hire? In your essay, identify some of the most important things you
would expect of an employee.
Use the following form to create your writing-plan.
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Approach: ____________________________________________________________________
Voice: _______________________________________
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
General Support Ideas (examples, reasons, steps): Provide at least three main support ideas.
After you have identified the ideas, number them in the order they will be presented in the essay.

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General Support Idea Details: Provide details for each general support idea. After you have written
them, number the detail ideas in the order in which they will be discussed in the paragraph.
First General Support Idea: _________________________________________________________
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Second General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Third General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Note: If you are including more than three general support ideas, use a separate piece of
paper to complete your writing-plan.
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Timed GED-Essay
Exercise #32: Suggestions for Taking a Job Interview
Directions: You are allotted 45 minutes in order to write an essay in response to the
prompt/topic listed below. Use the explanations and examples provided in the four-step
timed-essay writing procedure. Begin by spending approximately ten minutes in developing
your writing-plan using the timed essay writing-plan provided with this exercise. When you
write the essay, keep the following guidelines in mind concerning the number of sentences
that are recommended for each paragraph of the essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Prompt/Topic: What are some of the most important things a person should keep in mind
when he or she is taking an interview for a job? In your essay, identify what a person should
expect and how the person should present himself or herself during a job interview.
Use the following form to create your writing-plan.
Timed Essay Writing
Writing-Plan
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Approach: ____________________________________________________________________
Voice: _______________________________________
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
General Support Ideas (examples, reasons, steps): Provide at least three main support ideas.
After you have identified the ideas, number them in the order they will be presented in the essay.


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General Support Idea Details: Provide details for each general support idea. After you have written
them, number the detail ideas in the order in which they will be discussed in the paragraph.
First General Support Idea: _________________________________________________________
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Second General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Third General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Note: If you are including more than three general support ideas, use a separate piece of
paper to complete your writing-plan.
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Timed GED-Essay
Exercise #33: Getting the Most for Your Money
Directions: You are allotted 45 minutes in order to write an essay in response to the
prompt/topic listed below. Use the explanations and examples provided in the four-step
timed-essay writing procedure. Begin by spending approximately ten minutes in developing
your writing-plan using the timed essay writing-plan provided with this exercise. When you
write the essay, keep the following guidelines in mind concerning the number of sentences
that are recommended for each paragraph of the essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Prompt/Topic: Some people seem to be able to live comfortably on a limited income;
whereas, others seem unable to do so. Identify some ways in which people can get the most
from the money they earn
Use the following form to create your writing-plan.
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Approach: ____________________________________________________________________
Voice: _______________________________________
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
General Support Ideas (examples, reasons, steps): Provide at least three main support ideas.
After you have identified the ideas, number them in the order they will be presented in the essay.





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General Support Idea Details: Provide details for each general support idea. After you have written
them, number the detail ideas in the order in which they will be discussed in the paragraph.
First General Support Idea: _________________________________________________________
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Second General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Third General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________
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Note: If you are including more than three general support ideas, use a separate piece of
paper to complete your writing-plan.
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Timed GED-Essay
Exercise #34: How Tax Dollars Should Be Spent
Directions: You are allotted 45 minutes in order to write an essay in response to the
prompt/topic listed below. Use the explanations and examples provided in the four-step
timed-essay writing procedure. Begin by spending approximately ten minutes in developing
your writing-plan using the timed essay writing-plan provided with this exercise. When you
write the essay, keep the following guidelines in mind concerning the number of sentences
that are recommended for each paragraph of the essay.
1. Introductory paragraph: three or four sentences
2. Body paragraphs: four or five sentences each.
3. Concluding paragraph: three or four sentences.
Prompt/Topic: What are some of the most important ways in which local, state, and national
governments should spend the tax dollars they collect from citizens? In your essay, identify
the most important priorities governments should focus on when making decisions
concerning how tax dollars should be spent.
Use the following form to create your writing-plan.
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Approach: ____________________________________________________________________
Voice: _______________________________________
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
General Support Ideas (examples, reasons, steps): Provide at least three main support ideas.
After you have identified the ideas, number them in the order they will be presented in the essay.





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General Support Idea Details: Provide details for each general support idea. After you have written
them, number the detail ideas in the order in which they will be discussed in the paragraph.
First General Support Idea: _________________________________________________________
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Second General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________

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Third General Support Idea: _______________________________________________________

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Note: If you are including more than three general support ideas, use a separate piece of
paper to complete your writing-plan.
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