RLA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield RLA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How long should the Extended Response typically be, given the 45-minute time limit? → Three to five paragraphs with an introduction, body, and conclusion
2. Which of the following is an example of a primary source? → A diary entry written by a Civil War soldier in 1863
3. Read: 'The politician's speech was full of *rhetoric* but short on specific policy proposals.' What does 'rhetoric' mean here? → Persuasive but often empty or exaggerated language
4. In which sentence are the quotation marks used correctly? → She said, "I will be there soon."
5. A reader encounters the claim: 'This supplement is doctor-approved.' Without additional context, why is this claim difficult to evaluate? → The claim lacks specifics about which doctors, how many, or under what conditions
6. In analyzing an argument, the term 'scope' refers to: → The range or extent of the claim — how broadly or narrowly it applies
7. Her tone was _______ as she explained the mistake, clearly blaming her colleague without saying so directly. → insinuating
8. What is the effect of using overly general language such as 'society' or 'everyone' as the subject of claims in the Extended Response? → It weakens the argument by making claims that are difficult to prove and lack precision
9. A passage about libraries includes: hours of operation, types of programs offered, and history of the local branch. The MAIN IDEA is most likely: → Libraries provide diverse resources and services to the community.
10. In the sentence 'The company faced *scrutiny* from regulators after financial irregularities were discovered,' what does 'scrutiny' mean? → Close and critical examination
11. The memo states: 'Employees are expected to *adhere* to the company's code of conduct at all times.' What does 'adhere' mean? → Stick firmly to or follow closely
12. The company's _______ growth over five years made it one of the fastest-rising firms in the industry. → exponential
13. A passage about climate change includes a graph showing rising global temperatures from 1900–2020. What is the primary purpose of including this graphic? → To provide visual evidence that supports the written claims
14. An author describes a character's actions in a neutral, matter-of-fact way without judging them. This approach is best described as: → Objective
15. Which of the following is an example of an overgeneralization based on limited evidence? → Three students failed the quiz, so the entire class must be struggling with the material
16. Read: 'The new law was meant to *curtail* excessive spending by government departments.' What does 'curtail' mean? → Reduce or limit
17. The child's drawing was surprisingly _______ for her age, showing a clear sense of perspective and proportion. → sophisticated
18. Which sentence best functions as a main idea statement for a paragraph about the benefits of walking? → Walking regularly improves heart health, mood, and energy levels.
19. An editorial reads: 'My grandfather smoked his whole life and lived to 95, so smoking can't be that dangerous.' Which fallacy is present? → Anecdotal evidence used to dismiss statistical data
20. Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon? → She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping.
21. Choose the sentence that avoids a double negative: → We didn't find any evidence.
22. Select the correct word: 'The committee made ______ decision unanimously.' → its
23. Identify the error: 'Between you and I, the project was poorly managed.' → 'I' should be 'me'
24. Which sentence correctly uses 'its' versus 'it's'? → The dog wagged its tail.
25. Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a concluding paragraph in an informational text? → To restate the thesis and synthesize the key points made in the text
26. A writer concludes an essay with: 'The evidence is clear, the need is urgent, and the time for excuses is over.' What is the purpose of this concluding style? → To leave the reader with a strong, memorable call to action
27. A short story ends with the protagonist achieving her goal but losing her closest friend in the process. Which type of ending is this? → Bittersweet resolution
28. Which option shows correct use of an em dash? → She brought three things—a map, a compass, and water.
29. The old barn had fallen into _______ after years of neglect and harsh winters. → disrepair
30. Which sentence correctly uses a colon? → She brought the following items: her bag, her notebook, and her pen.