GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Course：Reading informational texts and arguments

1. 第1题，共20题

   In an argument, what is a claim?

   • AA quotation from an expert
   • BThe title of the article
   • CA fact that can be checked in a reference book
   • DThe main point the writer wants you to accept
   显示答案

   答案: D. The main point the writer wants you to accept

   A claim is the writer's position. Evidence and reasoning are what the writer uses to support it.

2. 第2题，共20题

   Which sentence is a statement of fact rather than an opinion?

   • AEveryone should be grateful for the bridge repairs.
   • BThe new bridge is the ugliest one in the whole state.
   • CThe repairs were a complete waste of everyone's money.
   • DThe bridge was closed for repairs for six weeks.
   显示答案

   答案: D. The bridge was closed for repairs for six weeks.

   A fact can be checked and proven true or false. The other sentences give the writer's judgment, using words like "ugliest," "should" and "waste."

3. 第3题，共20题

   Which statement best expresses the main idea of the article?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • AA food-scrap pilot cut trash from pilot homes and may be expanded, despite some problems.
   • BComposting is always the cheapest way for any city to handle its household trash.
   • CThe city council has already approved compost carts for every single home in Linwood.
   • DRaccoons have become a serious problem for residents in every neighborhood of Linwood.
   显示答案

   答案: A. A food-scrap pilot cut trash from pilot homes and may be expanded, despite some problems.

   The article covers the pilot, its results, its problems and the coming vote. The other choices focus on one detail or say things the text does not say.

4. 第4题，共20题

   According to the article, how did the city respond to complaints about raccoons?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • AIt moved pickups to a different day.
   • BIt stopped collecting from those streets.
   • CIt sent text alerts to residents.
   • DIt added locking lids to the carts.
   显示答案

   答案: D. It added locking lids to the carts.

   Paragraph 3 says the city added locking lids. The text alerts were the response to missed pickups, not raccoons.

5. 第5题，共20题

   In paragraph 1, what does the word "pilot" most nearly mean?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • AA small first trial of a plan
   • BA person who flies an airplane
   • CA type of garbage truck
   • DA permanent service for the city
   显示答案

   答案: A. A small first trial of a plan

   Context clues show the program started with only 2,000 homes and may later be expanded, so "pilot" means a small first test.

6. 第6题，共20题

   What is the main purpose of paragraph 3?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • ATo explain step by step how food scraps are turned into compost
   • BTo describe problems with the pilot and how the city fixed them
   • CTo argue that the city should end the program before it grows
   • DTo compare the results in Linwood with those in other cities
   显示答案

   答案: B. To describe problems with the pilot and how the city fixed them

   Paragraph 3 begins "Not everything went smoothly" and then gives problems and the city's responses.

7. 第7题，共20题

   Which conclusion is best supported by the article?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • AMoney from compost sales paid for the entire cost of the program.
   • BThe program will reach every neighborhood in the city by next year.
   • CEvery resident in the pilot said they liked the program very much.
   • DThe pilot reduced the amount of trash that pilot homes sent to the landfill.
   显示答案

   答案: D. The pilot reduced the amount of trash that pilot homes sent to the landfill.

   The article says pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash. Compost sales covered only part of the cost, and the expansion has not been voted on yet.

8. 第8题，共20题

   How is the article mainly organized?

   Last spring, the city of Linwood started a pilot program to collect food scraps from 2,000 homes. Each home received a small green bin for the kitchen and a larger cart for the curb. Every week, trucks took the scraps to a composting site outside town.

   The results surprised city workers. In the first six months, the pilot homes sent about 30 percent less trash to the landfill than similar homes on other streets. The compost was sold to local gardeners, which covered part of the cost of the trucks.

   Not everything went smoothly. Some residents said the curb carts attracted raccoons, and a few streets were missed during a snowstorm. The city responded by adding locking lids and by sending text alerts when pickups were delayed.

   The city council will vote in March on whether to expand the program to every neighborhood. If it passes, the change would happen in stages over three years.

   • AIt compares two cities point by point, using a table of trash amounts.
   • BIt describes a program, then its results, its problems and the next decision.
   • CIt lists the steps a family should follow to make compost at home.
   • DIt argues for one side and then attacks the people on the other side.
   显示答案

   答案: B. It describes a program, then its results, its problems and the next decision.

   The paragraphs move from what the program is, to results, to problems and fixes, to the upcoming vote.

9. 第9题，共20题

   What is the writer's main claim?

   Keep the Library Open Later
   by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

   Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

   The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

   Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

   Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

   • ARetirees and young children use the library more than anyone else.
   • BThe library should stay open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.
   • CThe library should close earlier on weekdays to save the city money.
   • DFairview has a better library and the town should copy all of it.
   显示答案

   答案: B. The library should stay open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

   The claim appears at the end of paragraph 1. The rest of the article gives reasons and evidence for it.

10. 第10题，共20题

    Which evidence best supports the idea that the current hours do not fit working adults?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • A58 percent of 600 surveyed card holders said work kept them away on weekdays.
    • BRetirees and young children are able to visit the library before 6 p.m.
    • CThe library offers computers, job help and homework space to the public.
    • DSome people in town say that no one really reads books anymore.
    显示答案

    答案: A. 58 percent of 600 surveyed card holders said work kept them away on weekdays.

    The survey gives a number that directly shows working adults cannot visit during the current hours.

11. 第11题，共20题

    How does the writer respond to the concern that longer hours would cost too much?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • AShe suggests moving two low-use morning hours to the evening.
    • BShe asks every library card holder to pay a new yearly fee.
    • CShe says that the cost of longer hours does not really matter.
    • DShe suggests closing the library on weekends to cover it.
    显示答案

    答案: A. She suggests moving two low-use morning hours to the evening.

    In paragraph 3 she answers the counterargument by moving hours instead of adding them, so total hours could stay the same.

12. 第12题，共20题

    Why does the writer mention the library in Fairview?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • ATo show that a similar library drew more evening visitors after it stayed open later
    • BTo complain that the city gives Fairview's library more money than her town's
    • CTo explain the history of public libraries in the towns around her community
    • DTo show that Fairview's library has a larger collection of books and computers
    显示答案

    答案: A. To show that a similar library drew more evening visitors after it stayed open later

    Fairview's example is evidence from a similar place that later hours can attract more evening visitors.

13. 第13题，共20题

    Which sentence from the article is an opinion rather than a fact?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • A"Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023."
    • B"In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work."
    • C"Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays."
    • D"Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it."
    显示答案

    答案: D. "Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it."

    "Deserves" shows a judgment. The other sentences report information that could be checked.

14. 第14题，共20题

    What is the weakness in how the writer rejects the idea that "no one reads anymore"?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • AShe says it is untrue but gives no evidence about reading.
    • BShe admits that the idea is mostly correct in the end.
    • CShe quotes a reading expert who disagrees with her view.
    • DShe uses so many numbers that the point becomes confusing.
    显示答案

    答案: A. She says it is untrue but gives no evidence about reading.

    "That is simply not true" is an assertion without support. She then changes the subject to computers and job help.

15. 第15题，共20题

    Which added information would most strengthen the writer's argument about cost?

    Keep the Library Open Later
    by Dana Ruiz, parent and nurse

    Our public library closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That time works for retirees and young children, but it does not work for the many adults who finish their jobs at 5:30 or later. The library board should keep the doors open until 9 p.m. at least three nights a week.

    The need is clear. In a survey of 600 library card holders last year, 58 percent said they could not visit on weekdays because of work. Students who work after school also need a quiet place to study. Nearby Fairview extended its hours in 2023, and the number of evening visitors there grew every month for a year.

    Some board members say longer hours would cost too much. However, the library could cover part of the cost by moving two morning hours, when visits are lowest, to the evening. Opening later in the day would not have to mean more total hours.

    Some people say no one reads anymore. That is simply not true. A library is not only books; it is computers, job help, and homework space. Our community deserves a library that is open when people can use it.

    • AA detailed history of when and how the library building was first constructed
    • BA quote from a high school student who enjoys reading mystery novels after work
    • CA list of the library's twenty most popular books and movies from last year
    • DA library budget estimate showing the schedule change would not raise staff costs
    显示答案

    答案: D. A library budget estimate showing the schedule change would not raise staff costs

    The cost objection is about money, so evidence about staff costs answers it directly. The other details do not address cost.

16. 第16题，共20题

    Which statement is best supported by the table?

    A city report says: "The new bike lane on Main Street, which opened in May, has made cycling more popular." The table shows the average number of cyclists counted on Main Street each day.

    Month	Average cyclists per day
    March (before the lane)	120
    April (before the lane)	135
    June (after the lane)	210
    July (after the lane)	240

    • AThe bike lane opened in March, before the first count was taken.
    • BFewer people rode bicycles on Main Street after the new lane opened.
    • CThe new bike lane caused all of the increase in cycling on Main Street.
    • DThe average number of cyclists per day was higher after the lane opened than before.
    显示答案

    答案: D. The average number of cyclists per day was higher after the lane opened than before.

    The table shows 120 and 135 before the lane and 210 and 240 after. It shows a rise, but it cannot prove what caused it.

17. 第17题，共20题

    Why should a careful reader question the claim that the lane alone made cycling more popular?

    A city report says: "The new bike lane on Main Street, which opened in May, has made cycling more popular." The table shows the average number of cyclists counted on Main Street each day.

    Month	Average cyclists per day
    March (before the lane)	120
    April (before the lane)	135
    June (after the lane)	210
    July (after the lane)	240

    • AThe report never explains what a bike lane is or who uses one.
    • BThe counts after the lane are from summer, when more people may ride anyway.
    • CThe table includes too many numbers for most readers to follow easily.
    • DThe counts went down after the lane opened instead of going up.
    显示答案

    答案: B. The counts after the lane are from summer, when more people may ride anyway.

    Data can show that two things happen together without proving one caused the other. Warmer months are another possible reason for the rise.

18. 第18题，共20题

    How do the main concerns of the two passages differ?

    Passage 1
    Supporters of a four-day school week say it saves money. In one rural district, the change cut bus and heating costs by about 5 percent. Teachers there also said that having Mondays off made it easier for the district to keep good staff.

    Passage 2
    Critics point out that a four-day week can leave working parents searching for child care on the fifth day. A state study of districts that made the switch found that students' math scores grew more slowly than in similar districts that kept a five-day week.

    • APassage 1 focuses on savings and staff; Passage 2 focuses on child care and learning.
    • BBoth passages focus only on bus and heating costs in small rural school districts.
    • CPassage 1 focuses on learning and test scores; Passage 2 focuses on saving money.
    • DPassage 1 is about teachers' pay; Passage 2 is about the cost of school lunches.
    显示答案

    答案: A. Passage 1 focuses on savings and staff; Passage 2 focuses on child care and learning.

    Passage 1 gives cost savings and keeping staff. Passage 2 raises child care and slower growth in math scores.

19. 第19题，共20题

    Which evidence in Passage 2 is most directly about student learning?

    Passage 1
    Supporters of a four-day school week say it saves money. In one rural district, the change cut bus and heating costs by about 5 percent. Teachers there also said that having Mondays off made it easier for the district to keep good staff.

    Passage 2
    Critics point out that a four-day week can leave working parents searching for child care on the fifth day. A state study of districts that made the switch found that students' math scores grew more slowly than in similar districts that kept a five-day week.

    • AWorking parents may have to search for child care on the fifth day.
    • BTeachers said that having Mondays off helped the district keep staff.
    • CBus and heating costs in one district fell by about 5 percent.
    • DA state study found math scores grew more slowly after the switch.
    显示答案

    答案: D. A state study found math scores grew more slowly after the switch.

    Test score growth measures learning. Child care is a family concern, and the other two details come from Passage 1.

20. 第20题，共20题

    A writer says, "Two of my neighbors dislike the new park, so the whole town must dislike it." What is wrong with this reasoning?

    • AIt quotes an expert who is not qualified on the topic.
    • BIt relies on too much data from a large, careful survey.
    • CIt is a hasty generalization based on too few examples.
    • DIt states a checkable fact instead of giving an opinion.
    显示答案

    答案: C. It is a hasty generalization based on too few examples.

    Two people are not enough to make a claim about a whole town. This error is called a hasty generalization.

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真实考试：145 in each GED subject