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PDF's used in class are articles and blogs that have been edited for class use. The links and sources have been included for those who want to read the full article.

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PDF's used in class are articles and blogs that have been edited for class use. The links and sources have been included for those who want to read the full article.

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Hello, my name is Carole. I have been teaching the  Read and Write class since November of 2022. I started teaching in 2005, as a learning coach and have taught my four children at home for a total of 17 years. In my years of experience,  I have seen that there are many ways to learn, many ways to teach, and a lot can be learned through reading and writing.

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The reading skills that will be practiced in class are making inferences, using context clues, questioning, and summarizing.

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The writing skills that will be practiced in class are prewriting, organizing, editing, revising and how to take notes.

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In class I will use edited articles about subjects such as Social Studies, Science, and Art. These lessons will allow you to build your vocabulary with seasonal appropriate words.

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Reading and writing are skills that grow. We will discuss how we know that our skills are growing, what mindset we need to cultivate growth and how to enjoy learning.

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Making an inference is when you use what you already know to understand what is happening. These inferences can help you understand what you are reading.

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Making Inferences | Unlocking the Power of Comprehension

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Using context clues helps you build your vocabulary and understand what you are reading.

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Context Clues | English For Kids | Mind Blooming

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Timed reading allows for you to practice reading while tracking your progress. Write down how long it takes for you to read the story or how many words you can read in 2-5 minutes. If you need help with this stop in before or after Tuesday's Read and Write class.

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Set a goal for the reading rate and accuracy you plan to reach. Then practice and test with the selection until you reach your goal. Then choose another selection, and set a new goal.

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Writing Skills - How do I know if my writing is improving?

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Writing Skills - How do I know if my writing is improving?

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When you come to Tuesday's Read and Write class you can use this check list to track your progress.

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When you begin to write it is easier to write about what you know. Use this video as a guide to turn your story from sentences into a 5 paragraph narrative.

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A Mind Mapping Approach To Your Sketchnotes

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Mind mapping is a visual aide used to organize your writing.

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A Mind Mapping Approach To Your Sketchnotes

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Once you are comfortable mind mapping, then you can use this Box and Bullets method to organize your information in more detail.

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INFORMATIONAL WRITING UNIT | Prewriting - Using Boxes & Bullets

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Study Skills – Listening and making notes

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The GED essay intimidates a lot of people. Writing a whole essay from scratch in 45 minutes or less can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. This GED essay writing guide will help you know what to expect and how to pass the written portion of the test. Learn all about the GED extended response with examples, tips, and a breakdown of everything you'll be graded on.

Table of Contents

What is the GED Essay?

The GED test is made up of four subjects: mathematical reasoning, social studies, science, and reasoning through language arts (RLA). The RLA subject test includes two parts, one of which is the GED extended response, sometimes called the GED essay. You will have 45 minutes to complete the essay to the best of your ability. If you don't finish in time, don't worry! The essay is only worth 20% of your final RLA score, so you can still pass the test even if you don't get a high score on the essay.

The extended response can be on a variety of topics, but it will always follow the same format. You will be given two different articles on the same topic, usually argumentative essays with a firm position. You will be asked to evaluate the two arguments and write your own argumentative essay determining which article presented the strongest position. The essay should be 3-5 paragraphs long, with each paragraph between 3-7 sentences.

Example GED Essay Questions

All GED essay questions will ask you to read and evaluate two passages that take different stances on the same topic. Essays should determine which passage presents a stronger argument and back up that claim with analysis of evidence from the passages.

Here is an example GED essay question:

Analyze the arguments presented in the press release and the letter to the editor.
In your response, develop an argument in which you explain how one position is better supported than the other. Incorporate relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your argument.

Remember, the better-argued position is not necessarily the position with which you agree. This task should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

¹ "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

Example GED Essay

The following is an example high scoring essay:

Both the press release and the letter to the editor offer positions that are supported by both fact and opinion. The press release seeks to exhort the new bill for expansion of Highway 17, while the letter argues that the passing of the bill could prove detrimental to the district. While both sides make an acceptable case, the latter provides a stronger argument.

One example of the letter's stronger argument is the explanation that federal tax dollars pay for the road, as it will incorporate six different states, therefore eliminating this particular state's ability to strike the bill down. This proves, with factual information, that the district did not have a fair say in the bill. The notion that few residents will use the road that their tax dollars are providing is an opinion. However, a resident and small-business owner in the town is more credible in the awareness of the town's concern, as compared to a representative who attended a few meetings in the town hall.

Another example of the better supported argument in the letter is the reference to the construction jobs as temporary. The press release praises the new jobs created by the highway construction, as this is a valid point. However, the author of the letter is correct in the fact that the jobs will not create a boom in the district's economy, or fill in the gap caused by the closures in the manufacturing plants, as the press release leads listeners to believe. The road construction does not solve the long-term issue of unemployment in the town. In addition, the author of the letter counters the argument that new motels, restaurants, and gas stations along the highway will create permanent jobs for the residents of the town. She explains that, "...only minimum wage jobs will remain." This is a valid argument also, as unemployed residents that need enough income to support a household would not be much better off. Providing restaurant or motel jobs is very unlikely to feed or support an entire family. It will not pick up the laid-off employees of the manufacturing plants, who may have worked for many years towards promotions and a pension.

Another example of the letter's stronger argument is the author's explanation of the 2001 study. She concedes that the representative is correct in citing that bypasses are proven to reduce noise and traffic in town, but she argues that the study shows a negative effect on local businesses. This piece of the study was not mentioned by Representative Walls or the press release, and it is a proven fact. This draws more credibility to the argument in the letter. Also, although it is a speculation, it is more reasonable that traveler's will stick to the main highway and not venture miles off their path into small town when chain gas stations, restaurants, and motels are conveniently located directly at the highway exits. It is less likely that old roads in the towns will become historical locations, attracting tourists and boosting small business sales.

Despite the argument and evidence given by the press release, it appears that the letter to the editor offers a stronger case. The author's ideas are backed up by logical explanations and facts with a few speculations. Though the press release offers some fact, it is mainly specked with anticipations and hopes, driven to overshadow any doubts and quell any concerns. The letter is penned by a resident of the town and owner of a business, subject to firsthand opinions of the citizens of the district. The press release is pushed by an elected representative who, upon visiting the town a number of times and consulting a small percentage of the constituents, is convinced she understands the majority. Although both parties may very well have the best interests of the district in mind, and either position could be correct, it is clear that the letter provides a better-supported argument.

² "Extended Response Scoring - GED." https://ged.com/wp-content/uploads/extended_response_scoring.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

GED Essay Practice

For GED essay practice, try writing your own essay based on the example above. Set a timer for 45 minutes and do your best to write an essay with your own analysis and ideas.

You can practice more writing skills with this free test or enroll today in the GED Academy to get access to more GED essay prompts and personalized feedback from GED Essay graders.

GED Essay Structure

The structure for the GED essay can take a few different forms, depending on how you decide to organize your ideas. No matter what, it should include an introduction paragraph, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. To receive a passing score, your essay must present a clear topic supported by details from both passages. Include your main idea in an introductory paragraph. In middle paragraphs, make connections between your details and your main idea. Your conclusion should also fit logically with the details.

The introduction should demonstrate your understanding of the overall topic based on the passages you read and a claim. The claim is a statement of your argument. It doesn't need to go into detail, but should state your essay's position on the questions presented.

The body paragraphs will go into more detail. They will include a combination of summary, analysis, and evidence to back up your claim. Be sure to include analysis of both passages.

The conclusion should explain the result of your findings and reinforce your original claim.

How is the GED Essay Scored?

You can earn up to six points on the GED extended response. There are three main categories your essay is graded on, and you can earn up to two points for each.

1. Creation of arguments and use of evidence: Craft a strong claim and use analysis of the arguments and evidence from the passages to support it.

2. Development of ideas and organizational structure: Write a substantial essay with clear transitions between ideas, including a strong introduction and conclusion.

3. Clarity and command of standard English conventions: Use appropriate language and demonstrate strong language and grammar skills.

The extended response accounts for 20% of the total RLA score.

8 Tips to Help You Pass the GED Essay

1. Read all the instructions. The most common reason people score low on the essay is because they misunderstand the prompt.

2. Make an outline. After reading the passages and the prompt, write down your ideas and organize them during your pre-writing.

3. Make a list of evidence. When you read the passages, take notes on the important details you want to remember later, so you don't have to spend time searching for it later.

4. Write your introduction last. A lot of people get tripped up by how to start the essay. If that's you, just skip this step and go back to it once you've written the rest of the essay.

5. Write first, edit later. You only have 45 minutes, so use your time wisely. Write your first draft of the essay before you start fine-tuning and editing it. Save that for your remaining time so you don't turn in a half-written essay.

6. Use formal language. Avoid "I" statements like, "I think" or casual language like slang.

7. Don't check the clock. Time always seems to go faster when you need it to go slow. Every time you look at the clock, that's breaking your focus on your essay.

8. Practice! The only way to get better at writing essays is to write more essays. Practice using the GED Writing Practice Test, and remember to time yourself!

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The GED essay makes up 20% of your RLA grade. Learn about how to write a good essay, examples, and everything you will be graded on.

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Reading and writing materials in the library are color coded. These color codes will help you find materials to learn from and track your progress.

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This was part of the 2023 Summer Writing Challenge

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This was part of the 2023 Summer Writing Challenge

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Read the story then watch the movie.

https://youtu.be/iz05RhA9Cyw?si=a_cnWOwPM-z3hrQl

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Read the story then watch the movie.

https://youtu.be/VexKSRKoWQY?si=6RvPHZ2akviCryjf

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50 Free DMV Written Test Sample Questions for CA

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50 Free DMV Written Test Sample Questions for CA

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Many companies/jobs ask their employees to write self evaluations. This video explains the process and includes vocabulary and terms to write a strong evaluation.

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Derek Callan - English for Professionals

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How To Prepare A Self-Evaluation - Business English Tips

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Read this pdf along with the video.

https://youtu.be/K2wXhtXC-YU?si=V6RouYRpFkZ9LeRM

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Use the same mind mapping method to create vocabulary maps. This allows you to see variations of the words: antonyms, synonyms, collocations and to set goals of when you can use these vocabulary words.

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The BEST Way To Learn New Words in English! DO THIS every day!

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Using sticky notes or colored paper can help you color code important ideas but it can also be used to cover mistakes. Often when we are rushed to keep up our notes as someone is speaking they can be unclear. If you do not have time to rewrite them, then cover the area as seen in the video and continue with your work.

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A collocation dictionary is designed to help learners to write and speak natural sounding english.

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Reading and Writing Numbers Up to Hundred Thousand in Words and in Symbols

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Reading and Writing Numbers Up to Hundred Thousand in Words and in Symbols

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Book Information

Book Description

This reader contains nine original stories about healing, discovery, survival, relationships, justice, and connections to the land explored through the lens of the plant world. These stories, written specifically for adults, are designed to accompany the BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Course Pack 1. This level 1 reader, one of a series of six readers, is roughly equivalent to beginner to grade 1.5 in the K-12 system. Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the print and PDF versions for easier reading. This reader has been reviewed by subject experts from colleges and universities.

Subject

Language learning: reading skills

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BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Reader 1 - Open Textbook

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This reader contains nine original stories about healing, discovery, survival, relationships, justice, and connections to the land explored through the lens of the plant world. These stories, written specifically for adults, are designed to accompany the BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Course Pack 1 .

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Learning does not only happen in a classroom. Life has taught us many things. Reflecting on past events, thinking about the way our opinions can change and applying what we have learned can help us plan for the future.

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Essay Writing Course Lesson 11: Reflective Essay

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Learn English Idioms with TV Series & Movies | 10 Most Common English Idioms | Part 1

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Learn English Idioms with TV Series & Movies | Part 2 Most Common English Idioms - Vocabulary

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Learn English Idioms with TV Series & Movies | Part 3 Most Common English Idioms - Vocabulary

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English idioms | Learn English with TV Series and Movies | Part 4

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Remember to set goals in a way that you can see your progress.

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How to Set SMART Goals | Goal Setting for Students

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Using graphic organizers can be very helpful with prewriting. When comparing two things a Venn diagram will allow you to organize what is the same and what is different into categories.

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Compare and Contrast | English For Kids | Mind Blooming

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Some books are easier than others. Knowing the Five Finger Tip will help you choose which books you can read.

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The FiveFinger Tip for Choosing a Just-Right Book

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Passive vocabulary are words we understand and Active vocabulary are words we use.

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Forget Words While Speaking English? Here is WHY!

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What Does it Mean to Paraphrase Something? (Activity Included)