Where to read it
The two articles for this task are not on this page. They belong to GED Testing Service, who wrote them, so we link to their document rather than copy it out.
Open Extended Response — GED Ready Source Texts and find the set titled Should the city require reusable bags?. You are looking for:
- “Saving Our City One Plastic Bag at a Time,” an editorial in the Gulftowne Gazette
- A letter to the editor from Theo Jones, owner of Gulftowne Gifts
It is a free PDF. You do not need a GED.com account and there is nothing to pay. (The GED Ready practice test itself is a separate, paid product — this document is only the reading and the writing task from it.)
If that link ever fails, search GED.com for the document by name: Extended Response — GED Ready Source Texts.
The task, in the test’s own words
Should the city require reusable bags?
Some cities are beginning to address the environmental concerns associated with paper and plastic bag use, but not everyone agrees about what should be done. In your response, analyze both the editorial and the letter to the editor to determine which position is best supported. Use relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your response.
You are not being asked which side you agree with, and you will not be scored on which one you choose. You are being asked to judge the arguing. Allow about 45 minutes.
Before you start the clock
Open the document, find your two articles, and read them once through without stopping. Then start the clock here and write. Read the articles in their window; write in the box below, which saves under your code as you type, so you can move between the two without losing anything.
When you are finished, read your draft against the three traits on How the essay is scored.