Da VIP Academy / GED / RLA / Extended Response Writing
Planning the Extended Response
Read two source texts, pick the better-supported position, and outline in five minutes.
How it works
The prompt is about support, not opinion
You argue which source is better supported, not which one you personally like. You can disagree with a position and still argue it is better argued.
The 45-minute clock
5 minutes reading and marking evidence, 5 minutes outlining, 30 minutes writing, 5 minutes editing. Practice with a timer until the split is automatic.
Worked examples
Outline a response to the two bus letters.
- Thesis: Letter A is better supported because it uses citywide data, not personal experience.
- Body 1: A's ridership and budget evidence.
- Body 2: B's reliance on anecdote.
- Conclusion: restate the evidence gap.
Words to know
- Thesis
- One sentence naming your position and your reason.
Test-day tips
- • Write your thesis before your first body sentence, always.