GED Reasoning Through Language Arts practice questions
200 free questions with answers and explanations.
- 51.A student is writing an argumentative essay about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. One source text, written by a prominent economist, argues that AI will create more jobs than it displaces. Another source, a report from a labor union, predicts significant job losses due to AI automation. The student's essay needs to acknowledge both perspectives while ultimately arguing for proactive government retraining programs. Which strategy best demonstrates effective analysis of these source texts?Extended Response (Essay)
- 52.A student is writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy. They have gathered a variety of statistics, expert quotes, and case studies. To ensure their essay is persuasive and well-developed, what is the most important consideration when integrating this evidence?Extended Response (Essay)
- 53.A student is drafting an argumentative essay and wants to ensure their language is appropriate for an academic audience. They notice several instances of slang and informal contractions in their draft. What revision strategy should they primarily employ?Extended Response (Essay)
- 54.A student is reviewing their argumentative essay draft and notices several sentences that are overly long and contain multiple clauses, making them difficult to understand. Which aspect of good writing is primarily affected by this issue, and what is the best strategy to address it?Extended Response (Essay)
- 55.A student is writing an essay arguing that standardized testing should be reformed. They have gathered two source texts. Source 1 presents statistics showing a correlation between high standardized test scores and student success in college. Source 2 offers qualitative data, including interviews with educators and students, highlighting the negative impact of high-stakes testing on student mental health and diverse learning styles. To construct a strong argument for reform, the student should primarily focus on:Extended Response (Essay)
- 56.A student is analyzing a source text for an argumentative essay. The text argues that standardized testing is an ineffective measure of student learning. The student notes that the author of the source text is a high school teacher who has publicly advocated for alternative assessment methods for years. Which aspect of source analysis is the student primarily engaging in by considering this information, and why is it important?Extended Response (Essay)
- 57.A student is analyzing two source texts for an argumentative essay on the topic of mandatory community service for high school students. Source A presents statistics on increased civic engagement among students in districts with mandatory service. Source B discusses the potential for mandatory service to displace paid workers in certain sectors. Which of the following approaches best demonstrates effective analysis of these sources for an argumentative essay?Extended Response (Essay)
- 58.A student is drafting an argumentative essay and is working on their conclusion. They have summarized their main points and restated their thesis in new words. What is the most effective next step to strengthen the conclusion?Extended Response (Essay)
- 59.A student is reviewing an argumentative essay draft. They notice a paragraph that starts by discussing the economic benefits of renewable energy, then abruptly shifts to the health risks of fossil fuels, and finally concludes by reiterating the need for government subsidies for solar panels. This paragraph primarily lacks:Extended Response (Essay)
- 60.A student is writing an essay arguing that local governments should invest more in public transportation. They have a strong thesis and well-developed body paragraphs, but they notice that the essay often jumps abruptly from one idea to the next, making it difficult for the reader to follow the logical progression. Which aspect of writing needs improvement, and what is the most effective way to address it?Extended Response (Essay)
- 61.A student is writing an argumentative essay about the role of technology in modern education. They have found two sources: Source A, an article from an educational technology journal discussing the benefits of AI tutors, and Source B, an opinion piece from a parent's blog expressing concerns about screen time. To present a balanced and persuasive argument, the student should primarily:Extended Response (Essay)
- 62.A student is reviewing their argumentative essay draft and identifies a sentence: 'The data shows that higher education has a big effect on people's chances of getting good jobs and making more money in their lives.' Which revision most effectively improves the clarity and precision of this sentence for an academic essay?Extended Response (Essay)
- 63.A student is writing an argumentative essay about the effectiveness of mandatory community service for high school students. They have developed several arguments but realize that some points are repetitive, and the overall flow is choppy. To improve the organization and development of ideas, the student should primarily focus on:Extended Response (Essay)
- 64.A student is analyzing two source texts for an argumentative essay. Source A argues that mandatory community service benefits high school students by fostering civic responsibility. Source B contends that mandatory community service infringes on student autonomy and can lead to resentment. Which of the following is the most effective approach for the student to develop a strong argumentative essay?Extended Response (Essay)
- 65.A student is tasked with writing an argumentative essay that evaluates the effectiveness of different approaches to climate change mitigation. They have two source texts: Source X details the success of international treaties and agreements, while Source Y emphasizes the disproportionate impact of individual consumer choices. To develop a nuanced and well-supported argument, how should the student primarily approach these two sources?Extended Response (Essay)
- 66.A student is outlining an argumentative essay about the necessity of arts education in schools. They plan to present arguments for increased funding for arts programs. To ensure their argument is robust and preempts potential objections, what should the student include in their outline?Extended Response (Essay)
- 67.A student is drafting an argumentative essay and wants to ensure their language is precise and avoids ambiguity. They have written the sentence: 'The report suggests that the problem is due to various factors, which makes it hard to solve.' How can the student best revise this sentence to improve clarity and precision?Extended Response (Essay)
- 68.A student is writing an argumentative essay advocating for increased funding for public libraries. They have gathered several pieces of evidence: a statistic showing a rise in library program attendance, a quote from a local librarian about community impact, and a historical overview of library funding cuts. Which of the following best demonstrates strong development of ideas using this evidence?Extended Response (Essay)
- 69.A student is writing an argumentative essay advocating for stricter regulations on social media companies. They have gathered several statistics from reliable sources about the negative mental health impacts of excessive social media use. When integrating these statistics, which strategy best ensures they are used effectively to develop the argument?Extended Response (Essay)
- 70.A student is reviewing their argumentative essay for errors in standard English conventions. They encounter the sentence: 'The data indicates that less students participated in the optional survey this year.' Which of the following corrections addresses a common error in conventions?Extended Response (Essay)
- 71.A manager is reading a report that describes a new project. The report states: 'The project's success hinges on the seamless integration of our legacy systems with the proposed cloud-based platform. Any significant impediment in this process could lead to substantial delays and cost overruns.' In this context, what does the word 'impediment' most closely mean?Reading Comprehension
- 72.A pilot is reading a weather briefing report. One section states: 'Current conditions indicate scattered cumulus at 3,000 feet, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 22°C, dew point 18°C. Winds are from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.' Based on this information, which of the following is the most likely immediate concern for the pilot?Reading Comprehension
- 73.A student is analyzing a historical speech given by a civil rights leader. The speech repeatedly uses phrases like 'We must stand together,' 'Our voices will be heard,' and 'The time for change is now.' What is the primary rhetorical effect of these phrases?Reading Comprehension
- 74.A student is reading an excerpt from a science textbook about the water cycle. The text begins by defining evaporation, then describes condensation, followed by precipitation, and concludes with collection. What type of text structure is primarily used in this excerpt?Reading Comprehension
- 75.A manager is drafting an internal memo to announce a new company policy. The memo begins: 'Effective immediately, all employees must adhere to the updated guidelines regarding remote work arrangements. These guidelines are designed to ensure operational efficiency and maintain team cohesion across all departments.' What is the primary purpose of this opening statement?Reading Comprehension
- 76.A reviewer is critiquing a new science fiction novel. The review states: 'While the world-building is undeniably intricate and the technological concepts are thought-provoking, the narrative often meanders, losing its focus in subplots that ultimately contribute little to the central conflict.' Which phrase best describes the reviewer's overall point of view regarding the novel?Reading Comprehension
- 77.A historian is comparing two primary source documents about the American Civil War. Document A is a letter written by a Union soldier to his family, describing camp life and his hopes for a quick end to the conflict. Document B is a diary entry from a Southern plantation owner, lamenting the loss of enslaved labor and the economic hardship facing the Confederacy. What can be inferred about the broader societal impacts of the war by comparing these two documents?Reading Comprehension
- 78.A student is researching the history of space exploration. She finds an article that begins by describing the ancient human fascination with the stars, then details early astronomical observations, progresses to the development of rockets, and finally discusses modern missions to Mars. What is the most appropriate way to describe the organization of this article?Reading Comprehension
- 79.A technician is troubleshooting a network issue. The client reports that they cannot access certain websites, but their email and internal company applications are working fine. The technician checks the firewall logs and sees several entries indicating 'DNS resolution failure' for the affected websites. What is the most likely cause of the problem?Reading Comprehension
- 80.A client reads a news report stating that a new law will significantly reduce their property taxes. The report quotes a local politician who championed the bill, emphasizing the immediate financial relief for homeowners. However, the client later finds an editorial in a financial journal arguing that while the law reduces property taxes, it introduces a new, higher sales tax that will disproportionately affect lower-income families. What is the most significant difference in the authors' perspectives?Reading Comprehension
- 81.A community activist is preparing a presentation on local environmental issues. She finds two articles discussing a proposed landfill expansion. Article 1, from a local newspaper, focuses on residents' concerns about property values and traffic. Article 2, from an environmental advocacy group, emphasizes the potential impact on wildlife habitats and water quality. When presenting her findings, which approach would best synthesize the information from both articles?Reading Comprehension
- 82.A student is reading an online forum discussion about a controversial new city ordinance. One commenter writes: 'This ordinance is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt by the city council to control every aspect of our lives. They claim it's for public safety, but it's clearly an infringement on personal liberty.' Which of the following statements best describes the commenter's point of view?Reading Comprehension
- 83.A scientist is writing a research paper. In the introduction, they provide a broad overview of the existing literature on a topic, then narrow it down to a specific gap in current knowledge, and finally state their hypothesis. Which text structure is primarily used in this introduction?Reading Comprehension
- 84.An architect is reviewing a building code document. One section states: 'Unless otherwise specified, all egress doors shall open in the direction of exit travel when serving an occupant load of 50 or more.' In this context, what does 'egress' most accurately refer to?Reading Comprehension
- 85.A student is analyzing two historical documents about a significant event. Document A is a personal letter written by a participant, describing their emotional experience and fears. Document B is an official government report, detailing statistics, dates, and policy decisions related to the same event. What is the most significant difference in the type of information presented by these two documents?Reading Comprehension
- 86.A team leader is reviewing a project proposal. The proposal states, 'Our innovative approach will streamline workflow, thereby optimizing resource allocation and significantly reducing overhead costs.' What is the primary claim being made in this statement?Reading Comprehension
- 87.A chef is reading a recipe that instructs: 'First, finely dice the onions and sauté them until translucent. Next, add the garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the tomatoes and simmer for twenty minutes.' What is the main purpose of this textual organization?Reading Comprehension
- 88.A medical professional is reading a patient's chart. The chart notes a history of 'dyspnea on exertion' and 'orthopnea.' Based on these terms, what is the patient most likely experiencing?Reading Comprehension
- 89.A community council is reviewing a proposal for a new public art installation. The proposal states: 'The sculpture, a dynamic interplay of recycled materials and natural light, aims to evoke a sense of communal harmony and environmental stewardship within the urban landscape. Its interactive elements will engage passersby, fostering dialogue and reflection.' Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the proposed art installation?Reading Comprehension
- 90.A student is reading a historical account of the early 20th century. The text describes a period characterized by 'rapid industrialization, unprecedented technological advancements, and significant shifts in global power dynamics.' Based on this description, which of the following inferences about the period is most strongly supported?Reading Comprehension
- 91.A journalist is writing an article about a new city park. She wants to ensure her article presents a balanced view. She interviews the mayor, who highlights the park's economic benefits and recreational opportunities. She also interviews local residents, some of whom express concerns about increased traffic and noise, while others praise the park's open space. To achieve a balanced perspective, which element should the journalist prioritize in her article?Reading Comprehension
- 92.A financial analyst is reviewing a company's annual report. The report includes a section titled 'Future Outlook,' which discusses potential market challenges, anticipated regulatory changes, and planned strategic initiatives to mitigate risks. What is the primary function of this 'Future Outlook' section?Reading Comprehension
- 93.A student is reading an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy. The author presents several arguments, each supported by scientific data and expert opinions. The essay concludes by reiterating the strong case for transitioning to renewable sources, emphasizing their long-term sustainability. Which of the following best describes the overall organization of the essay?Reading Comprehension
- 94.A student is researching the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. She encounters a document published by a leading technology company that outlines the benefits of AI in boosting productivity and creating new job categories. Subsequently, she reads an article from a labor union publication that focuses on the potential for widespread job displacement and the need for worker retraining programs. What is the primary difference in the authors' purposes for writing these texts?Reading Comprehension
- 95.A historian is analyzing a political speech from the 19th century. The speaker repeatedly uses phrases like 'Our noble heritage,' 'the spirit of our forefathers,' and 'the destiny of our great nation.' What is the most likely effect the speaker intends to have on the audience by using this language?Reading Comprehension
- 96.A student is analyzing a political speech from the 19th century. The speaker repeatedly uses phrases like 'We the people,' 'Our shared destiny,' and 'A future for all Americans' throughout the address. What is the primary rhetorical effect the speaker aims to achieve with this repetition?Reading Comprehension
- 97.A historian is examining a collection of personal letters written by soldiers during World War I. Many letters describe the 'purgatorial landscape' of the trenches. What does the phrase 'purgatorial landscape' imply about the soldiers' experience?Reading Comprehension
- 98.A student is reading an essay about the societal impact of social media. The essay begins by describing how social media platforms were initially designed to connect people globally. It then presents a series of paragraphs, each detailing a different negative consequence, such as increased anxiety, the spread of misinformation, and privacy concerns. Finally, it concludes by suggesting potential regulations and educational initiatives to mitigate these issues. What is the primary text structure used in this essay?Reading Comprehension
- 99.A student is reading a scientific article about climate change. The article states: 'The anthropogenic impact on global temperatures has been unequivocally established by extensive empirical data, demonstrating a clear correlation between increased greenhouse gas emissions and observed warming trends.' What does the word 'unequivocally' most likely mean in this context?Reading Comprehension
- 100.A marketing team is developing an advertisement for a new fitness tracker. The ad features a visually dynamic montage of diverse individuals engaging in various activities: a marathon runner crossing the finish line, a busy parent tracking their sleep, and an elderly person using the heart rate monitor during a walk. What is the primary purpose of showcasing such a wide range of users and activities?Reading Comprehension