GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Free Sample Questions

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ged-reasoning-through-language-arts Sample Questions

  1. Question 1

    Read the following excerpt from a workplace memo:

    Subject: Updated Procedure for Supply Requisitions

    To All Department Heads,

    Effective immediately, all requests for office supplies must be submitted through the new online portal, accessible via the company intranet. The previous paper-based form (Form 2B) will no longer be accepted. This change is part of our ongoing initiative to enhance operational efficiency and improve tracking of departmental expenditures. Please ensure your teams are briefed on this new protocol by the end of the week. While we understand this represents a shift in routine, the long-term benefits of streamlined processing and real-time budget visibility will be substantial for everyone.

    Which statement best summarizes the main purpose of this memo?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The memo's primary purpose is to inform all department heads about the immediate implementation of a new online system for supply requisitions and the discontinuation of the old paper form. The text explicitly states the change is 'Effective immediately' and that the old form 'will no longer be accepted.'

  2. Question 2

    A city council member is reviewing a proposal for a new public park. The proposal states: "The introduction of green spaces is invariably linked to a reduction in crime rates and an increase in property values."

    What underlying assumption is made in this statement?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The statement assumes that because green spaces are 'linked to' (correlated with) lower crime and higher property values, creating a new green space will directly cause these outcomes. This is a classic assumption of causation from correlation, which is not always logically valid without further evidence.

  3. Question 3

    Review the following sentence:

    Each of the contestants ________ prepared their own unique presentation for the judges.

    Which word or phrase correctly completes the sentence?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The subject of the sentence is the indefinite pronoun 'Each'. 'Each' is always singular and requires a singular verb. Therefore, 'has' is the correct verb form. The phrase 'of the contestants' is a prepositional phrase and does not affect the subject-verb agreement.

  4. Question 4

    Case Study:

    A small town is debating whether to approve the construction of a large solar farm on undeveloped land. Proponents argue it will create jobs, provide clean energy, and generate tax revenue. Opponents express concerns about the loss of natural habitat, the visual impact on the landscape, and potential effects on local wildlife migration patterns.

    Two editorials are published in the local newspaper. Editorial A, written by an economist, focuses on the long-term financial benefits and energy independence. It cites data from other towns where similar projects led to lower electricity rates and increased municipal funds. Editorial B, written by a biologist, details the specific species of birds and mammals that use the land as a critical corridor. It includes maps of migration routes and warns of irreversible ecological damage.

    For an Extended Response essay, a student is asked to analyze which editorial presents the more compelling argument. Which of the following would be the strongest thesis statement for the student's essay?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    This thesis statement is the strongest because it is analytical and specific. It acknowledges the strengths of the opposing argument ('effectively outlines economic advantages') but takes a clear position ('Editorial B presents a more compelling case'). Crucially, it provides the reason for its position by contrasting the types of evidence used ('localized ecological data' vs. general 'economic advantages') and the stakes involved ('irreversible consequences').

  5. Question 5

    Read the following sentence:

    The policy change will _____ the entire department, but its long-term _____ will be positive.

    Which pair of words correctly fills in the blanks?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    'Affect' is a verb meaning 'to influence or have an impact on.' The policy change will influence the department. 'Effect' is a noun meaning 'a result or consequence.' The long-term result of the change will be positive. Therefore, 'affect' is correct for the first blank and 'effect' is correct for the second.

  6. Question 6

    A historian writes: "The Industrial Revolution was not a singular event but a confluence of innovations. The steam engine's invention, advancements in textile manufacturing, and the development of the factory system all converged to fundamentally reshape society."

    Based on the context, what is the best definition of the word "confluence"?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    The sentence lists several innovations (steam engine, textile manufacturing, factory system) and states they 'converged' to reshape society. This context indicates that 'confluence' means a flowing or coming together of these different elements to create a larger movement.

  7. Question 7

    Multiple answers

    Read the following passage about urban farming:

    "Hydroponics, the method of growing plants without soil, offers a viable solution to food scarcity in urban areas. This technique allows for vertical farming, maximizing crop yield in limited spaces like rooftops and warehouses. Furthermore, by controlling nutrient delivery directly to the roots, hydroponic systems can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture."

    Which TWO of the following are stated benefits of hydroponics in the passage? (Select TWO)

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answers: B, D

    The passage explicitly states that hydroponics allows for 'vertical farming, maximizing crop yield in limited spaces,' which directly supports the benefit of efficient space usage.

    The passage clearly mentions that hydroponic systems 'can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture,' making water conservation a key stated benefit.

  8. Question 8

    True or False: The following sentence is grammatically correct.

    "Walking through the park, the birds chirped loudly."

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The sentence is grammatically incorrect because it contains a dangling modifier. The introductory phrase 'Walking through the park' should modify the subject of the main clause. In this sentence, the subject is 'the birds,' which implies the birds were walking through the park. A corrected version would be: 'As I was walking through the park, the birds chirped loudly.'

  9. Question 9

    A manager sent the following email: "The project deadline has been moved up, we need all hands on deck to complete the tasks." What is the most effective way to revise this sentence?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The original sentence is a comma splice, where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Using a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb ('therefore') and a comma correctly and logically connects the two related ideas, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.

  10. Question 10

    Read the excerpt from a historical letter written in 1888:

    "The journey west was arduous. We faced relentless sun and scarce water. However, the spirit of our party was not easily broken. We found solace in the vast, star-filled skies at night, a profound beauty that seemed to make the day's hardships worthwhile."

    What is the primary tone of the author?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The author acknowledges the 'arduous' journey and 'hardships' but focuses on the unbroken spirit of the group and the 'profound beauty' they found. This combination of enduring difficulty while finding meaning and solace reflects a resilient and reflective tone.

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