On the 2014 version of the GED, the Reading and Writing sections are now integrated into a single Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test. This section of the GED assesses test-takers’ abilities to read closely, write clearly, and edit according to the rules of standard written English. While the language component tests grammar and mechanics, the reading component measures test-takers’ abilities to read, comprehend, and interpret passages from various sources, including literature, reviews, and work-related documents. Additionally, there is a writing component, which combines writing and reading, asking test-takers to produce an analysis which draws from a text or texts provided; they are given one or more passages and asked to write cohesively about them.

The Language Arts (RLA) test is 150 minutes long in total, split into three parts, and includes a ten-minute break. The first section is 35 minutes long and tests reading, writing, and language content, and the second section is the extended response, or essay component section, and lasts for 45 minutes. After the break, the last section is given, which, like the first section, tests reading, writing, and language, but lasts for 60 minutes. Throughout the exam, test-takers are given passages to read and questions to answer about them: 75% of these passages are informational—or non-fiction drawn from science, social studies, and business. The remaining 25% of passages are taken from literature.

Since the passages range from literature to business mission-statements, undoubtedly some test-takers require more time to read and interpret certain types of passages than others. Some questions may ask you to identify the main idea or topic sentence, supporting ideas or examples, or define a word in context. Others will ask about the style, tone, or structure of the passage: How is it organized? What is the attitude of the author towards the subject about which he or she is writing? What kind of passage is it: a story, a legal policy, an advertisement?

In addition to these more general questions, the GED Language Arts (RLA) section analyzes test-takers’ abilities to interpret different genres of writing. In fiction passages, you may be asked questions regarding the theme of the story—what beliefs and attitudes about life, society, or politics can be inferred from the passage. You may also be asked about figurative language like similes and metaphors. While metaphors, similes, and themes may seem a little abstract, and you won’t be directly tested on their definitions in the GED, it’s helpful to understand these concepts, as interpreting fiction and poetry can be difficult. You might be asked why characters act in a certain way or make statements, so it’s important to read between the lines and feel confident in your ability to make inferences about the text.

While most test-takers will take advantage of their pens and note boards in the Math section, very few will take notes or work out questions on their note boards in the Language Arts (RLA) test; however, this is a mistake; it’s incredibly helpful to write notes quickly while reading and answering questions. If you’re taking the paper test, underline and circle important parts of the passage: the topic sentence; an important event; or where the author makes a crucial point. When answering questions, it can be helpful to look back to what you underlined or circled.

When you finish reading a dense passage, write a quick summary. This is particularly useful in non-fiction passages, although you can briefly summarize fiction as well. First, skim the passage, reading it in a few minutes; don’t worry about understanding everything, because you’ll have to re-read it while answering questions anyway. Next, write a sentence or short notation about each paragraph or section. What happens? What is the author advocating or recommending? These summaries can be helpful in answering questions concerning what the passage is about or how it is organized. They’re also a way of keeping your mind active while you read.

Finally, use your pencil on multiple-choice and drag-and-drop items to eliminate answer choices that are clearly wrong. In the Language Arts (RLA) test, it may seem like many questions are completely relative: two or more of the answers might seem equally correct. There’s always a correct answer, but it may be difficult to find. After reading a question, scan the answers and immediately eliminate any that are wrong, where the passage says something completely different or where something is completely off-topic. Then you can compare the remaining answers to find the correct one. Even if you have to make an educated guess, it’s better to guess between fewer options.

As you prepare to face the GED’s Language Arts (RLA) section, Varsity Tutors’ free Language Arts (RLA) practice tests can help you bring increased focus to your review. Each practice test consists of a dozen problems styled after those you’ll see on the GED’s Language Arts (RLA) section. After completing the test, you receive detailed results that break down your performance in each of the categories of knowledge tested on this section. Such detailed feedback makes it easy for you to identify areas in which you need to improve in order to bolster your score.  Practice tests are available as random selections of problems or groups of questions about a specific topic, providing you with practice material tailored to the areas on which you most need to focus. Plus, your practice test results are kept on your Dashboard, so you can refer to them later and track the progress you make as you study. Don’t spend more time stressing about the GED’s Language Arts (RLA) section when Varsity Tutors’ free GED Language Arts (RLA) practice tests can help you analyze your own skills and start studying quickly and efficiently!