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 Sample Extended Response and find the set titled Are tweens ready for cell phones?. You are looking for:
- A speech by Deborah Pendergast, of a telecommunications company, arguing for age ten
- A speech by Linda Sidner, a teacher and parent, arguing for age sixteen
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: Sample Extended Response.
The task, in the test’s own words
Are tweens ready for cell phones?
Analyze the arguments presented in the two speeches. 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.
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.