1. GED ESSAY FACT OR MYTH Ben Merrion and Lauren Massey January 21, 2010

2. FACT OR MYTH A test taker is only allowed 45 minutes for the writing section.MYTHTest takers are allowed 120 minutes for the writing and the multiple choice. The firs 75 minutes are for the multiple choice but if a learner finishes earlier they are free to move on to the next section.

3. FACT OR MYTH The scrap paper given out can only be used for the Math section, test takers are not allowed to outline the essay on the scrap paper.MYTHThe scrap paper can be used to outline any ideas for the essay portion.

4. FACT OR MYTH If a test taker scores 1 point in the essay then it is possible to pass the GED Language Arts, Writing section of the GED.MYTHIn order to pass the GED Language Arts, Writing portion the test taker must earn a score of 2 points in order to receive a composite score and then obtain a passing score.

5. FACT OR MYTH The GED Essay is scored by two trained GED essay readers.FACT The essay is scored twice and the scores are averaged together. If the scores are more than one point apart, the Chief Reader at the GED scoring site will score the essay by agreeing with the reader whose score most accurately follows the GED testing scale.

6. FACT OR MYTH If a test taker does not pass the essay portion he or she can be granted special permission to rewrite the essay only.MYTHIf the test taker scores below two points on the essay it will be indicated by double asterisk and both portions of the Language Arts Writing have to be re taken.

7. FACT OR MYTH GED test takers are limited to one piece of paper for the essay.FACTThe GED essay does not require a specific word count. However, test takers are limited to the front and back of one page, no further writing will be considered by the GED essay reader.

8. FACT OR MYTH A test taker can complete the essay portion first and then move on to the multiple choice section.FACTThe GED test administrators do not regulate the order in which the Language Arts Writing section is completed, it is up to the test taker to decide.

9. FACT OR MYTH The essay must consist of five well developed paragraphs.MYTHThere is not a paragraph requirement for the essay portion.

10. FACT OR MYTH In order to pass the GED essay, essay readers are looking for minimal errors in grammar, correct usage and accurate mechanics. MYTH GED readers do not score the essay with the same elements in mind as a classroom instructor.

11. FACT OR MYTH Because the essay prompt is a few sentences, most test takers don’t have a problem understanding the topic.MYTHTest takers often struggle with answering the prompt correctly due to lack of comprehension, confusion, and not understanding the sequence of events they want to write about.

12. Ben Merrion, DC Public Library (202) 727-1616 Lauren K. Massey (202) 347-4441 lmassey@cyitc.org Literacy Program Specialist DC Children Youth Investment Trust Incorporation