Preparing for the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you'll build confidence and boost your score. At US Exam Prep, we're here to support your journey with expert-crafted practice questions and personalized study plans tailored for high school equivalency exams like the GED.
1. What is the GED RLA exam, and why is it important?
The GED RLA exam tests your ability to read, understand, and respond to written texts, as well as your writing skills. It covers three main areas: reading comprehension (about 75% of the test), language/grammar (about 20%), and an extended response (essay). Passing RLA demonstrates college and career readiness in communication—essential for jobs, further education, or everyday life. The exam is 150 minutes long, computer-based, and requires a score of 145 to pass.
2. What topics are covered on the GED RLA exam?
Expect a mix of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction passages (400–900 words each) from real-world sources like articles or speeches. Key topics include:
- Reading for Meaning: Analyzing central ideas, themes, and author's purpose.
- Language Skills: Grammar, sentence structure, word choice, and editing.
- Extended Response: Comparing two texts and arguing which has stronger evidence. Focus on U.S. civics, workplace docs, and literary works. About 50 multiple-choice questions, plus drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and the essay.
3. How should I prepare for the reading comprehension section?
Reading makes up the bulk of RLA, so practice actively:
- Read diverse texts daily—news articles, essays, or GED-style passages.
- Use strategies like skimming for main ideas first, then scanning for details.
- Ask: What's the author's purpose? How does evidence support claims? Ignore irrelevant details (e.g., character backstories in a plot-focused story).
- Aim for 450–900 word passages in practice. Resources like GED.com's free practice tests are gold.
4. What are effective reading strategies for the RLA exam?
GED Testing Service recommends these seven strategies:
- Preview the Passage: Scan headings, bold text, and questions before reading.
- Identify the Main Idea: Look for topic sentences in paragraphs.
- Distinguish Fact from Opinion: Note words like "believe" vs. "prove."
- Spot Author's Purpose: Is it to inform, persuade, or entertain?
- Analyze Structure: How does the text organize ideas (chronological, compare/contrast)?
- Infer Meaning: Use context for unfamiliar words.
- Summarize: After reading, jot one-sentence recaps to check understanding.
5. What study resources do you recommend for GED RLA?
- Free: GED.com practice tests, Essential Education's GED Reading sample tests.
- Books/Guides: "GED Reading & Writing Study Guide 2025" for structured lessons.
- Online: Varsity Tutors' RLA quizzes, US Exam Prep's exams.
- US Exam Prep: Our adaptive diagnostics and expert strategies personalize your plan—sign up for free samples today!
- Pro Tip: Take a GED Ready practice test; scores above 145 predict success.
6. What common mistakes should I avoid on the RLA exam?
- Rushing the essay—outline first (5 minutes) to stay organized.
- Over-relying on prior knowledge; base answers on the text.
- Ignoring question types—e.g., "best evidence" needs direct quotes.
- Poor grammar in the essay tanks your score; proofread.
- From test-takers: Don't stress irrelevant details in passages.
10. How can US Exam Prep help me ace the GED RLA?
Our platform offers GED-specific practice mirroring the real exam, with tailored plans, detailed feedback, and time-saving tips. Track progress, access full-length mocks, and join our community for motivation. Free signup gets you started—boost your score and graduate confidently!
Got more questions? Email support@usexamprep.com or explore our High School Equivalency section. You've got this—study smart, not just hard! #GEDReady #RLATips