This GED Language Arts Practice Test helps you identify your weaker points so you can focus on what needs your study time most. This RLA (Reasoning Through Language Arts) includes reading comprehension (literacy), writing, and grammar. It comes from Onsego.
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Extended Response (GED Essay)
After completing the first section of the Literacy (Reasoning through Language Arts-RLA) test of the GED exam, you can begin with the “Extended Response” section. Here, you are asked to write your essay, and you need to do so via analysis of various arguments that are presented to you in two sample texts.
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In the Extended Response (writing) portion of the GED test, a topic will be introduced through one or more reading passages. You will be asked to analyze the topic and the arguments.
To complete your essay, you have 45 minutes, and unused time from the first part is not counted. So you better take that time to double-check your answers in the first part of the RLA section before you start working on the second (the Extended Response) part.
You must be very clear in writing a thesis statement, and your introduction must be clearly stated as well. After the introduction, you must write four to six paragraphs that include supporting arguments, followed by a paragraph that includes your conclusions. To jot down some rough notes, you will receive an erasable tablet.
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FAQ
Is the GED Language Arts test hard?
Just like with the other three GED subject tests, the GED Reasoning through Language (RLA) test doesn’t need to be hard, but getting perfectly prepared is the key to your success.
The GED Language Arts subtest assesses your knowledge of and skills in three main areas: how well you can read closely, how well you can write clearly, how well you understand, and to what extent you can apply standard written English.
Structure of the GED Language Arts Test
On the GED RLA subtest, there are three sections that you’ll have to complete in 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Between parts 2 and 3, there’ll be a short, 10-minute break.
You’ll also have to write your GED Essay (extended response), for which you’ll be given 45 minutes. The Language Arts subtest comes with a variety of question types such as multiple-choice, short answer, draggable, select an area, hot spot, and more.
The GED Essay
First, you’ll receive two stimulus passages, after which you’ll get a prompt with instructions. The passages are each 4–5 short paragraphs in length with opposing views on a current issue. One passage opposes the other.
You must carefully read and analyze both passages and determine which position is best supported. You must use evidence from the passages to support your choice. You have 45 minutes to plan, draft, and edit your response.
Last Updated on March 13, 2025.