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GED Reasoning Through Language Arts

What is on the test, how it is timed and scored, and how OpenEssayMe helps you prepare for each part.

  • 150minutes in all[1]
  • 45minutes for the essay[1]
  • 10minutes of break[1]
  • 3topics[1]

What the test covers

GED Testing Service names three topics for students:[1]

  1. Reading for Meaning
  2. Identifying and Creating Arguments
  3. Grammar and Language

How the time works

The test takes 150 minutes in all. That includes 3 minutes of instructions and review, a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3, and 45 minutes for the essay.[1]

The essay is its own timed section at the end of the first half, before the break.[2]

Kinds of questions

The test has multiple choice, drag and drop, drop-down and select an area questions, plus the essay.[1]

Free practice

How it is scored

  • Scores run from 100 to 200.[3]
  • You need 145 to pass.[4]
  • GED College Ready: 165 to 174.[4]
  • GED College Ready + Credit: 175 to 200.[4]
  • Results come within 3 hours of finishing the test.[2]

The essay

You read source texts, usually two short passages, that take opposing sides on an issue.[5] Then you explain which side's argument is better supported, using evidence from the texts. The better-supported side does not have to be the one you agree with.[6]

You have 45 minutes.[1] The essay is scored on three traits, each 0 to 2,[2] and it counts double in the test's raw score.[7]

How we help you prepare

Practice for each part of the test: the essay, the questions and the whole test at once.

  1. The same kind of essay

    Each practice prompt gives you texts that take two sides of an issue. You explain which side is better supported, the task the real test sets.

  2. Scored on the GED's three traits

    Your essay is scored on the same three traits as the real test, each 0, 1 or 2, with a rubric that follows the GED's own.

  3. Timed like test day

    Write against a 45-minute clock, like the real essay, or practice without the clock while you learn.

  4. Reading and grammar practice

    Practice Reading for Meaning, Identifying and Creating Arguments, and Grammar and Language in the GED's own question types, with feedback on every answer.

  5. Full mock exams

    Take the whole test, timed like the real one, with the 10-minute break. Your results show each skill and how ready you are.

  6. Feedback in seconds

    Your essay comes back scored in seconds, with short notes on the sentences that matter and what to work on next.

Improve your writing

Questions people ask

How long is the GED Language Arts test?

150 minutes in all, including 3 minutes of instructions and review, a 10-minute break, and 45 minutes for the essay.[1]

What score do you need to pass?

You need 145 or higher. Scores run from 100 to 200.[4]

How is the GED essay scored?

On three traits, each scored 0, 1 or 2. The essay counts double in the test's raw score.[7]

Is there a calculator on the Language Arts test?

No. GED's test page lists calculator tools for the Math, Science and Social Studies tests, not for Reasoning Through Language Arts.[1]

Sources

  1. GED Testing Service: Test Subjects Checked October 19, 2026
  2. GED Testing Service: Extended Response Resource Guide for Adult Educators (May 2015) Checked October 19, 2026
  3. GED Testing Service: GED score scale Checked October 19, 2026
  4. GED Testing Service: Test Scores Checked October 19, 2026
  5. GED Testing Service: GED Knowledge and Skill Gaps, RLA Session 3, webinar slides (May 24, 2022) Checked October 19, 2026
  6. GED Testing Service: Extended Response Answer Guidelines, RLA (2015) Checked October 19, 2026
  7. GED Testing Service: Technical Manual, GED Test, Updated 2018 Edition Checked October 19, 2026

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The guide answers questions about OpenEssayMe and its exams, from our own pages.