FinishHigh · 1-page summary
Plan your essay in 5 minutes
Plan your GED® test essay in 5 minutes
Key points
- You read 2 short passages that take opposite sides.
- Your job: explain which side has better evidence. It does not have to be the side you agree with.
- Write each writer's main claim in a few words.
- List each side's evidence. Facts, numbers and experts are strong. Feelings and guesses are weak.
- Pick the side with stronger support. That is your thesis.
- Save about 5 minutes at the end to reread and fix mistakes.
Simple outline
Opening: state your thesis (which side is better supported).
Body 1: one reason + a quote or detail from the passage.
Body 2: a second reason + a quote or detail. Add a third if you have time.
Closing: one or two sentences that sum it up.
Try it
Writer A says a city should add bike lanes and cites a study showing fewer crashes. Writer B says bike lanes feel unfair to drivers. Which side has stronger evidence?
Answer: Writer A, because a study with crash numbers is stronger evidence than a feeling.
Watch the video at finishhigh.com/videos. Independent practice for the GED® test. No pass guarantee.