How do GED essay readers score papers? What do they consider the most important elements of good writing?
Good writing needs a focus, organization, and development with specific and relevant examples, details, explanations, etc. You’ll see these elements at the top of our scoring grid. Our readers are especially concerned with the development that supports a focus. They do not, however, look for specific errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics—they don’t score with the same elements in mind that a classroom teacher would. Errors in grammar, etc. would affect a score only if they are so numerous and hinder the reader from understanding and following the writer’s ideas. Consequently, writers need to minimize errors, so these mistakes don’t distract the readers from the ideas in the paper.
