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Question 1
Excerpt from Across America by Motorcycle by C. K. Shepherd 1 I found a hotel that, from the outside, just suited my fancy. Plain, large and unpretentious, it described itself in an illuminated sign as the “National.” I booked a room at three dollars and sallied forth to see the sights. 2 I was impressed with Washington. It is truly a city of beautiful streets and magnificent buildings. Undoubtedly it is the city de luxe of America. Being the capital, wealth is lavished upon it. No factories or barren wastes disfigure its graceful countenance. Every street or avenue glistens at night with a bewildering multitude of illuminated signs. This method of advertising is typically American. The first impression of a stranger visiting a large American city at night is that he is in a children’s luminous palace. There are illuminations and decorations of every conceivable nature. Sometimes a single sign advertising perhaps some particular brand of chewing-gum or cigarette or motorcar has thousands and tens of thousands of lights wonderfully displayed in different colors and arranged in different series, one series flashing into view as another disappears, then a few seconds later giving place to another still more wonderful, and finally there comes a grand climax in which all the colors and all the series and all the figures blaze forth in an indescribable orgy of light. 3 When I found myself finally back in my hotel, I was to be the victim of still another disillusionment. No country anywhere could rival America for hotels, I had thought. But I had not then experienced the “National” at Washington. The room allotted to me was literally an outrage. It was of the very poorest that one would expect to find in an East End boarding-house in the Old Kent Road. It had one window, which faced on to an unimaginably dreary “area.” The carpet was threadbare and colorless. The furniture, consisting of one bed, one dressing- table, one wardrobe and one chair was obviously suffering from advanced senile decay. There was a washbasin in one corner that boasted of two taps and a piece of wood to stop the hole up with. The door showed signs of having been minus a lock for many a long day. I was too tired, however, to bother about trivialities of detail, so putting my revolver under the blanket near me in case of possible eventualities, I laid me down in peace to sleep. 4 Nothing occurred, however, to disturb my peace of mind or body throughout the night. When I came to square up that morning I paid my respects and three dollars to the management. 5 “See here, Mister Manager,” I said in such a tone that everyone within hearing distance had the benefit of it as well, “I’ve done a bit of travelling here and there, but never in ANY city at ANY time have I struck ANY hotel that for sheer rottenness compares with THIS one!” 6 I have an idea at the back of my mind that that manager-man doesn’t love Englishmen! Which definition best matches the use of the word “unpretentious” in paragraph 1?
Correct Answer:
without excessive ornament
Explanation:
Correct answer: without excessive ornament
Question 2
Excerpt from Across America by Motorcycle by C. K. Shepherd 1 I found a hotel that, from the outside, just suited my fancy. Plain, large and unpretentious, it described itself in an illuminated sign as the “National.” I booked a room at three dollars and sallied forth to see the sights. 2 I was impressed with Washington. It is truly a city of beautiful streets and magnificent buildings. Undoubtedly it is the city de luxe of America. Being the capital, wealth is lavished upon it. No factories or barren wastes disfigure its graceful countenance. Every street or avenue glistens at night with a bewildering multitude of illuminated signs. This method of advertising is typically American. The first impression of a stranger visiting a large American city at night is that he is in a children’s luminous palace. There are illuminations and decorations of every conceivable nature. Sometimes a single sign advertising perhaps some particular brand of chewing-gum or cigarette or motorcar has thousands and tens of thousands of lights wonderfully displayed in different colors and arranged in different series, one series flashing into view as another disappears, then a few seconds later giving place to another still more wonderful, and finally there comes a grand climax in which all the colors and all the series and all the figures blaze forth in an indescribable orgy of light. 3 When I found myself finally back in my hotel, I was to be the victim of still another disillusionment. No country anywhere could rival America for hotels, I had thought. But I had not then experienced the “National” at Washington. The room allotted to me was literally an outrage. It was of the very poorest that one would expect to find in an East End boarding-house in the Old Kent Road. It had one window, which faced on to an unimaginably dreary “area.” The carpet was threadbare and colorless. The furniture, consisting of one bed, one dressing- table, one wardrobe and one chair was obviously suffering from advanced senile decay. There was a washbasin in one corner that boasted of two taps and a piece of wood to stop the hole up with. The door showed signs of having been minus a lock for many a long day. I was too tired, however, to bother about trivialities of detail, so putting my revolver under the blanket near me in case of possible eventualities, I laid me down in peace to sleep. 4 Nothing occurred, however, to disturb my peace of mind or body throughout the night. When I came to square up that morning I paid my respects and three dollars to the management. 5 “See here, Mister Manager,” I said in such a tone that everyone within hearing distance had the benefit of it as well, “I’ve done a bit of travelling here and there, but never in ANY city at ANY time have I struck ANY hotel that for sheer rottenness compares with THIS one!” 6 I have an idea at the back of my mind that that manager-man doesn’t love Englishmen! How does the nighttime view of the city of Washington affect the narrator?
Correct Answer:
The narrator rejoices in the splendor of the nighttime cityscape.
Explanation:
Correct answer: The narrator rejoices in the splendor of the nighttime cityscape.
Question 3
Excerpt from Across America by Motorcycle by C. K. Shepherd 1 I found a hotel that, from the outside, just suited my fancy. Plain, large and unpretentious, it described itself in an illuminated sign as the “National.” I booked a room at three dollars and sallied forth to see the sights. 2 I was impressed with Washington. It is truly a city of beautiful streets and magnificent buildings. Undoubtedly it is the city de luxe of America. Being the capital, wealth is lavished upon it. No factories or barren wastes disfigure its graceful countenance. Every street or avenue glistens at night with a bewildering multitude of illuminated signs. This method of advertising is typically American. The first impression of a stranger visiting a large American city at night is that he is in a children’s luminous palace. There are illuminations and decorations of every conceivable nature. Sometimes a single sign advertising perhaps some particular brand of chewing-gum or cigarette or motorcar has thousands and tens of thousands of lights wonderfully displayed in different colors and arranged in different series, one series flashing into view as another disappears, then a few seconds later giving place to another still more wonderful, and finally there comes a grand climax in which all the colors and all the series and all the figures blaze forth in an indescribable orgy of light. 3 When I found myself finally back in my hotel, I was to be the victim of still another disillusionment. No country anywhere could rival America for hotels, I had thought. But I had not then experienced the “National” at Washington. The room allotted to me was literally an outrage. It was of the very poorest that one would expect to find in an East End boarding-house in the Old Kent Road. It had one window, which faced on to an unimaginably dreary “area.” The carpet was threadbare and colorless. The furniture, consisting of one bed, one dressing- table, one wardrobe and one chair was obviously suffering from advanced senile decay. There was a washbasin in one corner that boasted of two taps and a piece of wood to stop the hole up with. The door showed signs of having been minus a lock for many a long day. I was too tired, however, to bother about trivialities of detail, so putting my revolver under the blanket near me in case of possible eventualities, I laid me down in peace to sleep. 4 Nothing occurred, however, to disturb my peace of mind or body throughout the night. When I came to square up that morning I paid my respects and three dollars to the management. 5 “See here, Mister Manager,” I said in such a tone that everyone within hearing distance had the benefit of it as well, “I’ve done a bit of travelling here and there, but never in ANY city at ANY time have I struck ANY hotel that for sheer rottenness compares with THIS one!” 6 I have an idea at the back of my mind that that manager-man doesn’t love Englishmen! Why does the narrator describe an American city at night as a “children’s luminous palace”?
Correct Answer:
to illustrate the size and number of illuminated advertisements
Explanation:
Correct answer: to illustrate the size and number of illuminated advertisements
Question 4
Excerpt from Across America by Motorcycle by C. K. Shepherd 1 I found a hotel that, from the outside, just suited my fancy. Plain, large and unpretentious, it described itself in an illuminated sign as the “National.” I booked a room at three dollars and sallied forth to see the sights. 2 I was impressed with Washington. It is truly a city of beautiful streets and magnificent buildings. Undoubtedly it is the city de luxe of America. Being the capital, wealth is lavished upon it. No factories or barren wastes disfigure its graceful countenance. Every street or avenue glistens at night with a bewildering multitude of illuminated signs. This method of advertising is typically American. The first impression of a stranger visiting a large American city at night is that he is in a children’s luminous palace. There are illuminations and decorations of every conceivable nature. Sometimes a single sign advertising perhaps some particular brand of chewing-gum or cigarette or motorcar has thousands and tens of thousands of lights wonderfully displayed in different colors and arranged in different series, one series flashing into view as another disappears, then a few seconds later giving place to another still more wonderful, and finally there comes a grand climax in which all the colors and all the series and all the figures blaze forth in an indescribable orgy of light. 3 When I found myself finally back in my hotel, I was to be the victim of still another disillusionment. No country anywhere could rival America for hotels, I had thought. But I had not then experienced the “National” at Washington. The room allotted to me was literally an outrage. It was of the very poorest that one would expect to find in an East End boarding-house in the Old Kent Road. It had one window, which faced on to an unimaginably dreary “area.” The carpet was threadbare and colorless. The furniture, consisting of one bed, one dressing- table, one wardrobe and one chair was obviously suffering from advanced senile decay. There was a washbasin in one corner that boasted of two taps and a piece of wood to stop the hole up with. The door showed signs of having been minus a lock for many a long day. I was too tired, however, to bother about trivialities of detail, so putting my revolver under the blanket near me in case of possible eventualities, I laid me down in peace to sleep. 4 Nothing occurred, however, to disturb my peace of mind or body throughout the night. When I came to square up that morning I paid my respects and three dollars to the management. 5 “See here, Mister Manager,” I said in such a tone that everyone within hearing distance had the benefit of it as well, “I’ve done a bit of travelling here and there, but never in ANY city at ANY time have I struck ANY hotel that for sheer rottenness compares with THIS one!” 6 I have an idea at the back of my mind that that manager-man doesn’t love Englishmen! What does the phrase “still another disillusionment” reveal about the narrator’s journey?
Correct Answer:
Not all the narrator’s assumptions about America have been correct.
Explanation:
Correct answer: Not all the narrator’s assumptions about America have been correct.
Question 5
Excerpt from Across America by Motorcycle by C. K. Shepherd 1 I found a hotel that, from the outside, just suited my fancy. Plain, large and unpretentious, it described itself in an illuminated sign as the “National.” I booked a room at three dollars and sallied forth to see the sights. 2 I was impressed with Washington. It is truly a city of beautiful streets and magnificent buildings. Undoubtedly it is the city de luxe of America. Being the capital, wealth is lavished upon it. No factories or barren wastes disfigure its graceful countenance. Every street or avenue glistens at night with a bewildering multitude of illuminated signs. This method of advertising is typically American. The first impression of a stranger visiting a large American city at night is that he is in a children’s luminous palace. There are illuminations and decorations of every conceivable nature. Sometimes a single sign advertising perhaps some particular brand of chewing-gum or cigarette or motorcar has thousands and tens of thousands of lights wonderfully displayed in different colors and arranged in different series, one series flashing into view as another disappears, then a few seconds later giving place to another still more wonderful, and finally there comes a grand climax in which all the colors and all the series and all the figures blaze forth in an indescribable orgy of light. 3 When I found myself finally back in my hotel, I was to be the victim of still another disillusionment. No country anywhere could rival America for hotels, I had thought. But I had not then experienced the “National” at Washington. The room allotted to me was literally an outrage. It was of the very poorest that one would expect to find in an East End boarding-house in the Old Kent Road. It had one window, which faced on to an unimaginably dreary “area.” The carpet was threadbare and colorless. The furniture, consisting of one bed, one dressing- table, one wardrobe and one chair was obviously suffering from advanced senile decay. There was a washbasin in one corner that boasted of two taps and a piece of wood to stop the hole up with. The door showed signs of having been minus a lock for many a long day. I was too tired, however, to bother about trivialities of detail, so putting my revolver under the blanket near me in case of possible eventualities, I laid me down in peace to sleep. 4 Nothing occurred, however, to disturb my peace of mind or body throughout the night. When I came to square up that morning I paid my respects and three dollars to the management. 5 “See here, Mister Manager,” I said in such a tone that everyone within hearing distance had the benefit of it as well, “I’ve done a bit of travelling here and there, but never in ANY city at ANY time have I struck ANY hotel that for sheer rottenness compares with THIS one!” 6 I have an idea at the back of my mind that that manager-man doesn’t love Englishmen! Why does the author use “senile” in paragraph 3?
Correct Answer:
to emphasize that the condition of the furniture matches the rest of the room
Explanation:
Correct answer: to emphasize that the condition of the furniture matches the rest of the room
Question 1
Exam overview

About this Exam

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test is one of four crucial subjects required to earn the GED high school equivalency credential. This comprehensive exam is designed for adults who did not complete high school and need to demonstrate that they possess academic skills equivalent to a high school graduate. Achieving a passing score proves readiness for college courses and competitive employment opportunities. This practice test serves as a valuable tool for candidates to assess their current proficiency and identify key areas needing improvement before taking the official exam.

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What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The RLA section evaluates a candidate's abilities in reading comprehension and writing. Students must demonstrate their proficiency in analyzing complex texts, understanding arguments, and communicating clearly and effectively in standard English. The primary focus areas include determining main ideas and key details, analyzing character development and setting, interpreting language and vocabulary in context, and evaluating evidence presented within arguments. It heavily emphasizes the mastery of standard English grammar, mechanics, usage, and sentence structure. Practicing with a dedicated test like [GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test 2] helps candidates refine these analytical and communicative skills.


What to Expect in the Final Exam

The actual GED RLA exam is composed of multiple sections with a mix of question formats. Candidates will encounter multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and select-an-area questions focused on reading and language usage. A significant part of the exam, known as the Extended Response, requires candidates to read two passages presenting opposing arguments and write a clear, evidence-based essay analyzing which perspective is better supported. The total time allowed for the full RLA test is 150 minutes, which includes a 10-minute break. Students are expected to complete the Extended Response portion within 45 minutes of the total time. Achieving a score of 145 on a scale of 100-200 is required to pass and earn credit for this section.


How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for the GED RLA involves consistent practice and skill building. Utilizing targeted resources like [GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test 2] provides realistic exam simulation and helps manage time effectively. Candidates should focus on improving reading speed and critical thinking, practicing summarizing information, and constructing logical, evidence-based arguments for the essay portion. Reading daily from a variety of sources, including news articles, opinion pieces, and educational reports, significantly enhances comprehension and analytical skills.

To schedule the official exam, individuals must register online through the official GED Testing Service website. While some online proctoring options may be available, the traditional and most common method is testing in person at an authorized testing center, which are often located in local adult education centers or community colleges and administered securely through Pearson VUE technology.


Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning a GED credential dramatically improves career prospects and unlocks access to various fields and further educational opportunities. By proving proficiency in reasoning through language arts, individuals qualify for numerous entry-level positions across different sectors.

Potential job paths include:

  • Administrative Assistant

  • Customer Service Representative

  • Retail Sales Associate

  • Office Clerk

  • Hospitality Staff

  • Warehouse Associate

  • Manufacturing Technician

  • Entry-Level Healthcare Worker (e.g., Nursing Aide, Medical Assistant)

  • Construction Worker

  • Delivery Driver

Success on the RLA exam demonstrates strong communication skills that are highly valued in virtually all workplaces.


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