GED Language Arts Reading Test Study Guide – How to Prepare

Excellent reading and writing ability is essential for success in higher education, employment and everyday life.

The GED language arts reading test, also known as the GED RLA (GED reading language arts), is an examination that evaluates candidates' abilities to read, understand and interpret different bodies of text.

The texts used are from various literary works, including fiction, non-fiction and workplace documents.

This guide will tell you exactly how to study for the GED language arts reading test, complete with free GED reading practice tests.

What Is the GED Reading Test?

This test evaluates a candidate's ability to comprehend and analyze various types of texts, ensuring they possess the reading skills required for success in higher education or the workforce.

You will be eligible to take the GED language arts reading test if you meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 16 years old.
• You have not graduated from high school.
• You are not currently enrolled in high school.
• You meet any additional requirement imposed by your state.

There are four main skills that candidates are being tested on during this examination:

• GED Reading Comprehension: Candidates should be able to understand the text at a high level, establishing the core meaning and purpose of the passage.
• Application: The ability to extract and utilize information from the text in a different context.
• Analysis: Candidates should be confident in reviewing snippets of the text and drawing conclusions.
• Synthesis: The ability to combine information from different sections of text to make effective arguments about tone, purpose, or point of view.

GED Reading Study Guide: The Content

The GED Language Arts Reading Test consists of multiple-choice questions and requires candidates to read and analyze various written materials.

These materials can include fiction and non-fiction texts, workplace documents, poetry, drama and visual works.

Candidates are expected to read these texts carefully and demonstrate their understanding by answering questions related to the content, author's purpose, literary devices and more.

It assesses various reading skills, such as comprehension, analysis, interpretation and recognition of rhetorical devices.

Candidates must be able to extract important information, identify the main idea, evaluate arguments and draw logical conclusions from the given texts.

GED Reading Test: The Format

The GED language arts reading rest is split into three distinct sections. You have a total of 150 minutes to complete the assessment, with a 10-minute break between sections one and two.

For sections one and three, the types of questions you encounter will be as follows:

• Multiple Choice: You will select an answer from a handful of options. This is usually the question style candidates are most familiar with.
• Drag-and-Drop: You will be asked to move the options around the screen to put them in the correct place. Typically, candidates will be asked to put items in a specific order or group words or phrases together.
• Fill in the blank: You will be expected to type in the answer, with no prompts or answers to choose from.

Whereas one long format answer is required for section two of the assessment.

Candidates will be asked to read two passages and then given 45 minutes to craft a response.

Section One: Reading Comprehension

There is a 35-minute time limit for section one, with candidates tested on:

• Appreciating the main themes
• Events, plots, settings and characters
• Point of view and purpose
• Tones and figurative language
• Comparing different ways of presenting ideas

Section Two: Creating Strong Arguments

There is a 45-minute time limit for section two.

As mentioned, the answer in this section is long-format, which means candidates have much more freedom to express their own thoughts and demonstrate their language capabilities.

The key elements being tested here are:

• The ability to evaluate evidence and draw conclusions
• The skill to quickly process new information

Understandably, many candidates find this section to be the most daunting and overwhelming. Below are some tips for success in the second section:

• Carefully read the writing sections. Utilize the highlighter tool for any interesting information you think may be of use later.
• Plan your response. It is very unlikely that you will be successful in any written test without a plan. Note down the key topics you wish to discuss, as well as a rough outline of how the piece will be structured.
• Draft an answer. Use the plan created above to draft your response, utilizing all the tools and skills you learned throughout the revision and preparation process.
• Review your response before submitting it. All answers should be thoroughly proofread before finalizing. You should ensure you have eloquently articulated your argument and remove any grammatical or spelling mistakes.

The score you achieve on this section of the exam will be instrumental in your final grade.

A strong score allows you more flexibility in the multiple-choice sections, so it is recommended that you allocate ample preparation time to this section.

Section Three: Word and Grammar Use

There is a 60-minute time limit for section three, and candidates will be tested on the following skills:

• Correct use of capitalization and punctuation
• Spotting transitional words
• Sentence structure

For success in this section, regular reading is vital. Candidates should read various texts in the lead-up to the assessment, which will help widen their knowledge.

GED Reading Practice Test With Answers

GED Reading Practice Test One

Carefully read the following poem.

The City Planners – Margaret Atwood

Cruising these residential Sunday
streets in dry August sunlight:
what offends us is
the sanities:
the houses in pedantic rows, the planted
sanitary trees, assert
levelness of surface like a rebuke
to the dent in our car door.
No shouting here, or
shatter of glass: nothing more abrupt
than the rational whine of a power mower
cutting a straight swath in the discouraged grass.
But though the driveways neatly
sidestep hysteria
by being even, the roofs all display
the same slant of avoidance to the hot sky,
certain things:
the smell of spilt oil a faint
sickness lingering in the garages,
a splash of paint on brick surprising as a bruise,
a plastic hose poised in a vicious
coil; even the too-fixed stare of the wide-windows
give momentary access to
the landscape behind or under
the future cracks in the plaster
when the houses, capsize, will slide
obliquely into clay seas, gradual as glaciers
that right now nobody notices.
That is where the City Planners
with the insane faces of political conspirators
are scattered over unsurveyed
territories, concealed from each other,
each in his own private blizzard;
guessing directions, they sketch
transitory lines rigid as wooden borders
on a wall in the white vanishing air
tracing the panic of suburb
order in a bland madness of snows.

Answer the following questions:

1. What month does the poem take place?

a) June
b) July
c) August
d) September

The correct answer is: c) August. The poem reads 'in dry August sunlight'.

2. Which of the following words does not help explain the author's thoughts towards suburban life?

a) Dry
b) Pedantic
c) Vicious
d) Avoidance

The correct answer is: a) Dry.

In this context, the word 'dry' describes the weather rather than Atwood's thoughts towards the neighborhood.

3. What are the author's general feelings towards suburban life?

a) It is challenging
b) It is exhilarating and fun
c) It is whimsical and romantic
d) It is mundane and boring

The correct answer is: d) It is mundane and boring.

Atwood uses words with very negative connotations, such as 'pedantic', 'rebuke', 'whine', 'discouraged' and 'rigid' to describe life there.

GED Reading Practice Test Two

Carefully read the following text.

Cities worldwide are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that give people vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments and various art institutions like museums and theatres. Yet, with all these blends of dining, art and nightlife, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city? History. The undeniably unique history of each city provides rich traditions and a bond between the local people that overshadows any other city’s mélange of dining and art institutions.

1. What is a synonym of 'mélange?'

a) Fantastic
b) Blend
c) Excellent
d) Loud

The correct answer is: b) Blend. 'Mélange' means 'blend' or 'combination'.

2. Which of the following would the author believe is the most important city attraction or characteristic?

a) Ruins from the Berlin Wall
b) A fantastic French restaurant
c) The national art gallery
d) A much-loved sports team

The correct answer is: a) Ruins from the Berlin Wall.

The author clearly states that history is a distinguishing characteristic of a city. Answers b) and c) can be immediately eliminated as the author states that every city contains ‘dining, art and nightlife.’

3. What is something interesting the author notes above cities?

a) The people there are always similar
b) They are often very expensive
c) Each one gives visitors a different experience
d) They are all essentially the same

The correct answer is: c) Each one gives visitors a different experience.

In the opening line, the author states, ‘…cultural environments that give people vastly different experiences.’

GED Reading Practice Test Tips

Preparing for the GED Language Arts Reading Test requires focused effort and effective study strategies.

Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Read Regularly

Developing strong reading skills requires practice. Read a variety of texts, such as books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles, to enhance your reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Focus On Vocabulary

Broadening your vocabulary knowledge will help dramatically with the GED reading test. This can be done by reading and listening to music or podcasts.

It would help if you also practiced different ways to write or say things, which will help you expand your language skills.

Analyze and Summarize Texts

Practice summarizing different texts' main points, arguments, and supporting evidence. This will help you develop your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to identify key information.

Understand the Question Types

Become familiar with the different question types that may appear on the test. These can include identifying themes, making inferences, analyzing arguments, and evaluating the author's purpose. Understanding the question types will help you approach them more confidently.

Practice Time Management

The GED Language Arts Reading Test is timed, so managing your time effectively during practice sessions is essential. Set a timer and work on answering questions within the given time frame to improve your speed and accuracy.

Review and Learn From Mistakes

After completing practice tests or questions, review your incorrect answers to identify areas of improvement. Focus on understanding why you got certain questions wrong and learn from those mistakes to enhance your performance.

Tips for During the GED Reading Test

Guess The Answer First

It is best to mentally guess the answer to multiple-choice questions before the options are even available.

This way, you will not be influenced by the other options and can be more confident in your decision.

Process of Elimination

When unsure of the correct answer, eliminating any obviously incorrect ones is the best place to start.

Often, one or two options can be removed immediately, allowing you to make an educated guess from those remaining.

Rewrite the Question

The first step to every question is to ascertain what the examiner is asking you.

This can sometimes be very tricky, so rewriting the question can allow you to understand better what is expected of you.

Frequently Asked Questions – GED Reading Study Guide

What kind of reading is on the GED test?

There is a massive variety of reading on the GED test. This includes, but is not limited to drama, poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction prose, and workplace documents. All candidates should be confident with a variety of different texts before attempting this test. 

How do I pass my GED reading test?

The best way to guarantee success is to complete as many GED language arts reading practice tests as possible. Ensuring that you fully understand the exam's content and format is imperative during the preparation stages. Candidates should focus their early preparation on GED reading comprehension practice.

How many questions are on the reading test for the GED?

The reading language arts GED test has three sections, with 46 – 53 questions. These questions will vary in format, with some being multiple-choice. Section two contains one long-form question. 

Is the reading GED test hard?

The GED reading test is not hard, with a pass rate of 80%. Meaning that those who thoroughly prepare should have no issues with the test. However, practicing the question content and format is essential to ensure success. 

What grade level Is the GED reading test?

To pass the GED reading test, you must have a minimum of 9th grade reading ability. Meaning you can read and understand newspapers, forms, and letters.

How to pass the GED reading test?

The best way to ensure success in the exam is to complete as many GED reading and writing practice tests as possible. You should start with revising basic reading skills before practicing example tests to familiarize yourself with the format. 

What is the average score for the GED reading test?

To pass the GED reading test, you must answer, on average, between 32 and 42 questions correctly. 

Final Thoughts – GED Reading Study Guide

Successfully passing the GED Language Arts Reading Test brings individuals one step closer to obtaining their high school equivalency certificate.

By developing strong reading skills and preparing diligently, candidates can feel confident in comprehending and analyzing written texts effectively.

Remember, practice, perseverance and a thorough understanding of the test format are key to achieving success in the GED Language Arts Reading Test.