GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test
Updated October 27, 2026
The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test takes 150 minutes, including a 45-minute essay. It tests three things: reading closely, editing writing for standard English, and writing an argument analysis. The free questions below practice the reading and editing parts. For the essay, see our GED essay guide.
What GED RLA covers
- Reading: literary and informational passages, including workplace and historical texts. Main ideas, details, inferences, word meaning and the author’s purpose.
- Language: editing drafts for grammar, usage, punctuation and sentence structure.
- Writing: the extended response, where you analyze two passages that argue opposing sides.
Practice passage
Many towns are replacing their old streetlights with LED lights. Supporters point out that LEDs use far less electricity and last many years longer, which lowers costs for taxpayers. Some residents, however, complain that the new lights are harsher and brighter than the old ones. A few towns have responded by choosing warmer-colored LEDs and adding shields that direct the light downward.
Second practice passage (argument)
Should cities offer free public transit? Supporters argue that free buses and trains would help low-income workers reach jobs and would cut traffic and pollution. One city that dropped fares saw ridership rise by about a third in its first year. Critics respond that fares pay for a large share of operating costs in many systems, so free transit would have to be funded by taxes or by cutting service. They add that riders care more about frequent, reliable service than about price.
The questions below cover both passages and general editing.
Free GED RLA practice questions
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What is the main idea of the passage?Answer: BThe passage describes the switch, its benefits, the complaints and how towns respond. The right answer covers all of that; the others are either not stated or the opposite of what it says.
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According to the passage, how have some towns responded to complaints?Answer: AThe last sentence says some towns chose warmer-colored LEDs and added shields. The other choices aren't mentioned.
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As used in the passage, "harsher" most nearly means:Answer: CResidents complain the lights are "harsher and brighter," so harsher means more unpleasant or glaring.
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Choose the correct version: "Neither of the candidates ___ ready to answer the question."Answer: D"Neither" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "was." The phrase "of the candidates" doesn't change the subject.
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Which sentence is correct?Answer: B"They're" is the contraction of "they are." "Their" shows possession, and "there" refers to a place.
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Which is the best way to combine these sentences? "The library opened a new wing. The new wing has a computer lab."Answer: C"That has a computer lab" combines the ideas clearly and correctly. The other versions have a comma splice, a run-on and misplaced commas.
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In the second passage, which evidence do supporters of free transit offer?Answer: CThe rise in ridership after one city dropped fares is the evidence offered for the supporters' side. The other choices come from the critics.
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Which claim from the second passage is supported by the least evidence?Answer: AThe passage states that free transit would cut traffic and pollution but gives no data or example for it, unlike the ridership figure.
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What is the critics' main argument in the second passage?Answer: BCritics say lost fares would have to be replaced by taxes or service cuts, and that riders value frequent, reliable service more than price.
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Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.Answer: BThe subject is "list," which is singular, so the verb is "is." The phrase "of items" doesn't change the subject.
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Which sentence avoids a run-on?Answer: DTwo independent clauses can be joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as "so."
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Choose the correct word: "There are fewer cars on the road, ___ the air is cleaner."Answer: B"And" joins two related ideas that agree. "But" and "although" signal a contrast that isn't there.
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Which word should replace "alot" in a formal email?Answer: C"A lot" is always two words. "Allot" is a different word meaning to give out a share.
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In an extended response about the second passage, which sentence would best begin a body paragraph supporting free transit?Answer: DA strong body paragraph opens with a clear point backed by evidence from the passage.
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Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?Answer: BFor one city, the possessive is "city's." For more than one, it would be "cities'."
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