GED Language Arts Study Guide

The GED Reading Through Language Arts (RLA) test assesses your reading and writing skills. Here’s what to expect on test day.

The number of questions in Parts 1 and 3 may vary, but expect to have 1.5­–2 minutes per question. Keep in mind that each question requires reading/analyzing one or more tests. That’s why it’s important to take a full-length practice test shortly after completing this guide. The results will reveal whether you need help with time management skills.

Note: All important vocabulary words and concepts in this guide are put in bold.

A Note About the Break

At the break, you will have been sitting in front of a computer for 75 uninterrupted minutes. Your eyes may be tired, your fingers sore, and your bladder full.

That said, here’s the best way to use your 10 minutes:

• Go to the bathroom.
• Stretch your arms and hands.
• Use some eyedrops.
  • If you don’t have any, close your eyes for an extended period.

Okay, that said, let’s move on to the important stuff.

Question Types

In Parts 1 and 3, you will encounter question types other than multiple choice. They include:

• Fill in the Blank
  • You will need to type a word or phrase.
• Drop Down
  • You will need to select from a list of options.
    • This question type most closely resembles multiple choice.
• Drag and Drop
  • You will need to drag one or more items into the right place.
• Hot Spot
  • You will need to click on part of a passage, image, or other graphic.

Fortunately, nothing about interacting with these question types is particularly difficult, especially if you know how to use a computer keyboard and a mouse.