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GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Course 2026

This course is for adults preparing for the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test, one of the four subjects of the U.S. GED test. Five lessons explain the test format and teach reading informational texts and literature, editing, and the extended response essay, with practice prompts and model essays. Each lesson has an untimed topic quiz with explanations, and a timed 35-question final assessment unlocks a certificate of completion when you score 80% or more.

  • Course
  • United States
  • 91 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026
  • Fact-checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 300 minutes of lessons, 5 untimed topic quizzes (91 questions in all) and a timed final assessment of 35 questions drawn at random. Score 80% or more on the final assessment to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsGED Reasoning Through Language Arts Course: Lessons: about 300 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Describe the time, sections, question types and passing score of the GED RLA test
  • Find the main idea, key details, purpose and structure of an informational text
  • Judge an argument by its claims, evidence and reasoning
  • Analyze character, setting, point of view, tone, figurative language and theme in fiction
  • Correct common errors in word usage, agreement, sentence structure, capitalization and punctuation
  • Plan and write a 300–500-word extended response that explains which position is better supported

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

Your study plan

Read each lesson, take its topic quiz (untimed, with explanations), then the timed final assessment. A new mix of questions is drawn every time. Your progress is saved in this browser.

  1. Read the lessons5 lessons, about 300 min
  2. Topic quiz 1: How the GED RLA test works16 questions
  3. Topic quiz 2: Reading informational texts and arguments20 questions
  4. Topic quiz 3: Reading literature17 questions
  5. Topic quiz 4: Language and editing20 questions
  6. Topic quiz 5: The extended response18 questions
  7. Final exam35 questions, 40 min · Score 80% or more

Topic quiz 1: How the GED RLA test works

  1. Question 1 of 16

    How much total time does the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test take?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 150 minutes

    The RLA test takes 150 minutes in total, including 3 minutes for instructions and final review. 115 minutes is the Math test.

  2. Question 2 of 16

    How much of the RLA test time is set aside for the written essay (the extended response)?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 45 minutes

    The 150 minutes include 45 minutes for the written essay, which is called the extended response.

  3. Question 3 of 16

    When is the break on the RLA test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3

    The RLA test includes a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3. The 3-minute break between parts belongs to the Math test.

  4. Question 4 of 16

    How many sections does the RLA test have?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Three

    The RLA test has three sections, and one of the tasks is a written essay (extended response).

  5. Question 5 of 16

    What is the passing score for each GED test subject?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 145

    The GED test has a passing score of 145 in each subject. 165 and 175 are where the College Ready levels begin.

  6. Question 6 of 16

    Which list shows the three content areas of the RLA test?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Reading for Meaning; Identifying and Creating Arguments; Grammar and Language

    The official RLA topics are Reading for Meaning, Identifying and Creating Arguments, and Grammar and Language.

  7. Question 7 of 16

    Which question types appear on the RLA test besides the essay?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Multiple choice, drag and drop, select an area (hot spot) and drop-down

    The official subject page lists multiple choice, drag and drop, select an area and drop-down for RLA. The study guide calls select-an-area items "hot spot" items.

  8. Question 8 of 16

    What kinds of reading passages are on the RLA test?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Literary and informational excerpts

    The RLA test uses excerpts from a variety of informational and literary sources.

  9. Question 9 of 16

    Who provides the GED test?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. GED Testing Service

    The official GED website is run by GED Testing Service LLC.

  10. Question 10 of 16

    A student scores 170 on the RLA test. Which score level is that?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. College Ready

    Scores of 165–174 are College Ready. College Ready + Credit starts at 175, and 170 is well above the 145 passing score.

  11. Question 11 of 16

    What score range is called College Ready + Credit?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 175–200

    Scores of 175–200 on a subject are College Ready + Credit, which could qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours.

  12. Question 12 of 16

    How long is GED Ready, the official practice test, compared with the real test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. About half the length, and timed

    GED Ready is half the length of the real test and is timed like the real thing.

  13. Question 13 of 16

    On GED Ready, a score of 134–144 is called "Too Close to Call." What does it mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. You are almost ready and need a little more practice

    134–144 is Too Close to Call: almost ready. 145–200 is Likely to Pass, and 100–133 is Not Likely to Pass.

  14. Question 14 of 16

    What must you do before you can take a GED subject test online?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Score green on GED Ready for that subject within the last 60 days

    To test online, you need a green (Likely to Pass) GED Ready score for that subject within the last 60 days.

  15. Question 15 of 16

    At a test center, what happens if you do not pass a subject within your first 3 attempts?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. You must wait 60 days before the next attempt and between later attempts

    The official FAQ says that after 3 attempts without passing, you wait 60 days for your next attempt and between every attempt after that.

  16. Question 16 of 16

    In Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, which credential has replaced the GED program?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)

    The Newfoundland and Labrador government says the CAEC has replaced the GED program there, and earlier GED credentials are still recognized. This course covers the U.S. GED test, not the CAEC.

What to know before the test

  • The RLA test takes 150 minutes, including 3 minutes for instructions and final review, 45 minutes for the written essay and a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3.
  • The RLA test has three sections. Besides the essay, question types are multiple choice, drag and drop, select an area and drop-down.
  • The RLA content areas are Reading for Meaning, Identifying and Creating Arguments, and Grammar and Language, using literary and informational excerpts.
  • The passing score is 145 in each GED subject. Scores of 165–174 are College Ready, and 175–200 are College Ready + Credit.
  • In the extended response you decide which position in the passages is better supported by evidence and explain why, in no more than 45 minutes. The better-supported position is not necessarily the one you agree with.
  • The extended response is scored on three traits (arguments and evidence; development and organization; clarity and conventions), each worth 0, 1 or 2 points.
  • The official guidelines say a full response is often 4 to 7 paragraphs, or 300 to 500 words. A much shorter response risks a score of 0.
  • GED Ready, the official practice test, is half the length of the real test and is timed. A score of 145–200 means Likely to Pass.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the official GED RLA test?

No. This is an independent practice course. All passages, questions and essay prompts are original. For official practice, use the free study guide or the GED Ready practice test on the GED website.

What does the certificate of completion show?

It shows that you finished this course and scored at least 80% on its final assessment. It is not a GED score or credential, and it cannot be used as proof of high school equivalency.

Is this the same as Canada's CAEC?

No. This course covers the U.S. GED test from GED Testing Service. The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is a different test; for example, it has replaced the GED program in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How is the GED essay scored?

The extended response is scored on three traits: creating an argument and using evidence, developing and organizing ideas, and clear, correct English. Each trait earns 0, 1 or 2 points.

Can my practice score predict my GED score?

No. Practice scores here are feedback only. The official GED Ready practice test is designed to show whether you are likely to pass.

How long is the final assessment?

It has 35 questions in 40 minutes, drawn at random from the whole course, so every attempt is different. You need 80% to earn the certificate. It does not include an essay; practice the essay with the prompts and model essays in Lesson 5.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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