Read the essay prompt carefully. Take time to formulate a response that clearly addresses the main question of the prompt. Be especially careful not to let your essay wander from this central point into a tangential area, even if you feel more confident moving the essay in that direction. You will receive a top score if your essay is tightly focused on the prompt.
Organize your essay before you begin writing. Make sure your ideas flow logically, proving your point in an orderly and transparent fashion.
Develop your essay with details. The GED essay grading rubric calls for "specific and relevant details and examples," so be sure that your details clearly support your argument.
Write your essay with careful attention to the grammatical guidelines of Edited American English. Items such as spelling, punctuation, sentence completion and structure, subject-verb agreement, tense, and capitalization are especially important.
Choose your words carefully, demonstrating a broad vocabulary that is appropriate for your essay topic. Try to use words that are precise and show variety.