Sample GED Essays

Below are an essay topic and four sample essays with the holistic scores they received from the GED Testing Service. Readers may use these samples as they familiarize themselves with the Essay Scoring Guide.

Notice that there is no required minimum number of words. The essays with higher scores have are a clear organization of ideas and contain correct sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling, and word choice. The reader can understand what the writer is saying and can follow the development of ideas. The essays with lower scores are more difficult to understand and do not contain developed or supported ideas.

TOPIC

What is one important goal you would like to achieve in the next few years?

In your essay, identify that goal. Explain how you plan to achieve it. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your essay.

Topic reprinted with permission of the GED Testing Service.

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