Free GED Language Arts Practice Test

About the GED Language Arts Test

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test measures your ability to read closely, write clearly, and apply standard English conventions. It is one of four subject tests required to earn the GED credential. The RLA test evaluates skills that are essential for both college and career success: understanding written texts, identifying arguments and evidence, writing coherent responses, and using proper grammar and mechanics. This practice test covers reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills to help you prepare. For proven reading and writing strategies, see our GED Language Arts strategies guide.

RLA Test Structure

The GED RLA test is approximately 150 minutes long and is divided into three sections:

• Section 1 (~60 minutes) — Reading comprehension and language skills questions based on provided passages.
• Break (10 minutes) — A scheduled break between sections.
• Section 2 (~45 minutes for Extended Response + remaining questions) — Additional reading and language questions, plus the 45-minute extended response essay.

The overall content breakdown is approximately 65% reading and 35% writing and language. Reading passages are drawn from both informational texts (about 75% of passages, including workplace documents, science articles, and social studies texts) and literary texts (about 25%, including fiction excerpts and literary nonfiction).

The Extended Response Essay

The extended response is one of the most challenging parts of the GED RLA test. You are given two source texts that present different perspectives on the same issue. Your task is to write an argumentative essay analyzing which position is better supported by evidence. You are not asked for your personal opinion — you must evaluate the strength of the arguments presented in the source materials.

Your essay is scored on three traits:

• Trait 1: Analysis of Arguments and Use of Evidence — How well you identify and evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning in the source texts. You should cite specific examples from the passages.
• Trait 2: Development of Ideas and Organizational Structure — How clearly and logically you present your analysis. Your essay should have an introduction with a clear thesis, body paragraphs with supporting details, and a conclusion.
• Trait 3: Clarity and Command of Standard English Conventions — Your use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. Frequent errors in conventions can lower your score significantly.

Grammar and Language Topics Tested

The writing and language portion of the RLA test covers a range of standard English conventions:

• Subject-verb agreement — Ensuring that subjects and verbs match in number, especially in sentences with complex structures or intervening phrases.
• Pronoun usage — Correct pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoiding ambiguous pronoun references, and proper case (I vs. me, who vs. whom).
• Sentence structure — Identifying and correcting sentence fragments, run-on sentences, comma splices, and awkward constructions.
• Punctuation — Proper use of commas (in lists, after introductory elements, with conjunctions), semicolons, colons, apostrophes (possessives vs. contractions), and end punctuation.
• Frequently confused words — Distinguishing between commonly mixed-up pairs: their/there/they're, its/it's, your/you're, affect/effect, then/than, and similar.
• Modifier placement — Ensuring that adjectives and adverbs are placed near the words they modify to avoid misreading.
• Parallel structure — Maintaining consistent grammatical forms within lists, comparisons, and paired constructions.
• Capitalization — Proper capitalization of proper nouns, titles, geographic names, and beginnings of sentences.

Reading Passage Types

The reading portion presents passages from several categories:

• Informational texts — Nonfiction passages about science, history, social studies, and workplace topics. These make up the majority of reading content. Questions test your ability to identify main ideas, supporting details, author's purpose, and logical structure.
• Workplace documents — Memos, emails, policies, and procedure documents. These test practical reading comprehension in professional contexts.
• Literary texts — Excerpts from fiction, memoirs, and literary nonfiction. Questions focus on character development, tone, theme, figurative language, and narrative structure.
• Paired passages — Some questions require you to compare and contrast two passages on related topics, analyzing how the authors' approaches or arguments differ.

Study Tips for the GED RLA Test

Effective preparation for the RLA test combines reading practice, grammar review, and essay writing. Our complete GED study guide covers all four subjects with tips and resources.

• Read widely and actively — Read newspaper articles, editorials, popular science writing, and short fiction regularly. Practice identifying the main idea, author's purpose, and supporting evidence in everything you read.
• Study grammar systematically — Work through one grammar topic at a time (start with subject-verb agreement, then move to pronouns, then punctuation). Take practice quizzes on each topic before moving on.
• Practice the extended response — Write at least 3-5 practice essays under timed conditions (45 minutes). Focus on structure: introduction with thesis, 2-3 body paragraphs with textual evidence, and a brief conclusion. Have someone review your essays or compare them to sample scored responses.
• Build your vocabulary — You do not need to memorize vocabulary lists, but practice using context clues to determine word meanings. The test asks about word meaning in context, not isolated definitions.
• Focus on evidence-based answers — For reading questions, always look for textual evidence to support your answer. The correct answer can always be supported by something in the passage — never rely on outside knowledge or personal opinion.
• Time management — Practice working through reading passages and questions at a steady pace. Aim for about 1.5-2 minutes per question on the multiple-choice sections, and save the full 45 minutes for your essay.

FAQ

Does the GED RLA test include an essay?

Yes, the actual GED RLA test includes a 45-minute extended response (essay) section. You are given two source texts presenting different positions on an issue, and you must write an essay analyzing which argument is better supported. Your essay is scored on analysis of arguments, development of ideas, clarity and command of standard English conventions.

How long is the real GED RLA test?

The full test takes about 150 minutes (2.5 hours). It is divided into three sections: the first section of reading and language questions, a 10-minute break, and the second section including more questions plus the 45-minute extended response essay. There are approximately 46-53 questions in total.

What is the breakdown of reading vs. writing on the GED RLA test?

The GED RLA test is approximately 65% reading comprehension and 35% writing and language skills. Reading passages include informational texts (75%) and literary texts (25%). Writing questions test grammar, sentence structure, and organizational skills.

What grammar topics are tested on the GED RLA?

The test covers subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage and agreement, frequently confused words (their/there/they're, its/it's), sentence structure (fragments, run-ons, comma splices), punctuation (commas, semicolons, apostrophes), capitalization, modifier placement, and parallel structure.

What score do I need to pass the GED RLA test?

You need a minimum score of 145 out of 200 to pass the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test. Scores of 165-174 earn a GED College Ready designation, and scores of 175+ earn GED College Ready + Credit. The extended response essay contributes to your overall score but is not scored separately.