GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A passage ends with: 'All of these factors show that sleep is critical for both physical and mental health.' This sentence most likely serves as the passage's:

Supporting detail
Introductory hook
Counterargument
Concluding main idea statement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Concluding main idea statement

A summarizing sentence at the end that ties all points together functions as the concluding main idea statement.

Question 2: A student reads: "By the 1920s, more Americans owned cars than ever before, and suburbs began to grow rapidly." What conclusion is best supported by this evidence?

Car ownership caused a decline in public transportation use
Cars made it possible for people to live farther from their workplaces in cities (Correct answer)
People in the 1920s preferred rural life over city living
The government encouraged people to move away from cities

Correct answer: Cars made it possible for people to live farther from their workplaces in cities

Car ownership directly enabled commuting from greater distances, which logically explains the simultaneous suburban expansion described in the passage.

Question 3: An informational article is organized with headings like 'Background,' 'Evidence,' and 'Implications.' How does this structure primarily help the reader?

It proves the article is unbiased
It replaces the need for a conclusion
It allows readers to locate and navigate information efficiently (Correct answer)
It makes the author's opinion clearer

Correct answer: It allows readers to locate and navigate information efficiently

Headings organize text into labeled sections so readers can find specific information quickly.

Question 4: Read the following scenario. "After weeks of meticulous planning, the project manager was finally ready to execute the most complex phase of the operation. She gathered her team, assigned the final tasks, and gave the signal to begin." In the context of the passage, what does the word "execute" mean?

To put someone to death
To perform a public ceremony
To put a plan into action (Correct answer)
To create a new plan

Correct answer: To put a plan into action

The context describes a project manager who has finished planning and is now starting the 'most complex phase.' The clues 'assigned the final tasks' and 'gave the signal to begin' strongly support the meaning of carrying out or implementing the plan. While 'execute' can mean other things, they do not fit this specific scenario.

Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

She loves hiking; and camping.
She loves hiking and; camping.
She loves; hiking and camping.
She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 6: What is the effect of using overly general language such as 'society' or 'everyone' as the subject of claims in the Extended Response?

It improves the score on the language conventions dimension
It shows the grader that the writer understands the big picture
It weakens the argument by making claims that are difficult to prove and lack precision (Correct answer)
It makes the essay sound more authoritative and broad

Correct answer: It weakens the argument by making claims that are difficult to prove and lack precision

Vague subjects like 'everyone' overstate scope and cannot be supported by the specific evidence in the source texts.

Question 7: Read the sentence below. "The politician's speech was filled with platitudes about unity and progress, but he offered no concrete plans to achieve either goal." In the sentence above, what is the most likely meaning of the word "platitudes"?

Angry and aggressive accusations
Humorous and lighthearted anecdotes
Detailed and specific policy proposals
Remarks or statements that are commonplace and unoriginal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remarks or statements that are commonplace and unoriginal

The sentence contrasts 'platitudes' with 'concrete plans,' indicating that the platitudes are vague and lack substance. They are common, unoriginal statements used to sound good without saying anything specific.

Question 8: Read the following passage about the Greenland ice sheet. The Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest body of ice in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet. It covers approximately 1.7 million square kilometers. Recent data from NASA indicates that the ice sheet is melting at an accelerated rate, contributing to global sea-level rise. This rapid melting is undoubtedly the most alarming environmental crisis of our time. Which of the following statements from the passage is an opinion?

The Greenland ice sheet covers approximately 1.7 million square kilometers.
This rapid melting is undoubtedly the most alarming environmental crisis of our time. (Correct answer)
NASA data indicates the ice sheet is melting at an accelerated rate.
The Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest body of ice in the world.

Correct answer: This rapid melting is undoubtedly the most alarming environmental crisis of our time.

The statement 'This rapid melting is undoubtedly the most alarming environmental crisis of our time' is an opinion because it expresses a judgment ('most alarming') and a degree of certainty ('undoubtedly') that cannot be objectively measured or proven. The other options are verifiable facts presented in the text.

Question 9: Identify the dangling modifier in: 'Running to catch the bus, my keys fell out of my pocket.'

fell out
Running to catch the bus (Correct answer)
my keys
my pocket

Correct answer: Running to catch the bus

'Running to catch the bus' dangles because it cannot logically modify 'my keys'—keys cannot run.

Question 10: 1 Over the past few decades, an abundance of new cooking techniques [Question 1]. 2 A combination of internet tutorials, popular cooking shows, and celebrity chefs [Question 2]. 3 Today, professional and amateur cooks alike have access to information and tools that allow them to explore everything from fire-roasting vegetables [Question 3]. 4 Some chefs [Question 4], a strategy they say allows them to respect tradition while maintaining innovation. 5 Among these old techniques [Question 5] pickling, fermenting, and smoking, for instance. 6 Whether you’re interested in X, Y, or Z [Question 6]. Which of the following phrases best completes Sentence 2?

were responsibility of its rising popularity.
are responsible for this rise in popularity.
is responsibly rising its popularity.
is responsible for this rise in popularity. (Correct answer)
are responsible for its rising popularity.

Correct answer: is responsible for this rise in popularity.

Explanation: Note that the subject of this sentence is "combination," a singular noun that requires the verb "is." This allows us to rule out all but two of the answers. Of the remaining options, "is responsibly rising its popularity" is very awkward, leaving us with "is responsible for this rise in popularity."

Question 11: A novel's chapters alternate between 1940 and the present day. What narrative technique does this represent?

Parallel narrative structure (Correct answer)
In medias res
Dramatic irony
Foreshadowing

Correct answer: Parallel narrative structure

Parallel narrative structure presents two or more timelines side by side, often to draw thematic connections.

Question 12: A paragraph describes how recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. What is the main idea?

Natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce.
Greenhouse gases are the leading cause of climate change.
Landfills are a major environmental problem in the US.
Recycling benefits the environment in multiple ways. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recycling benefits the environment in multiple ways.

All three details—waste, resources, and emissions—illustrate different environmental benefits of recycling.

Question 13: What punctuation is needed in: 'Its a beautiful day isnt it'

Its a beautiful day, isnt it.
It's a beautiful day isn't it?
It's a beautiful day, isn't it? (Correct answer)
Its' a beautiful day isn't it?

Correct answer: It's a beautiful day, isn't it?

'It's' needs an apostrophe for the contraction, a comma before the tag question, and a question mark at the end.

Question 14: An author argues that implementing a four-day school week would be beneficial for student well-being. Which of the following statements would serve as the most relevant piece of evidence to support this claim?

Many parents would need to find childcare for the fifth day of the week.
A study from a neighboring district that switched to a four-day week showed a 20% decrease in student absenteeism and a 15% increase in student-reported morale. (Correct answer)
A four-day school week would require longer school days to meet instructional time requirements.
The cost of electricity and heating for the school would be reduced by closing the building for an extra day.

Correct answer: A study from a neighboring district that switched to a four-day week showed a 20% decrease in student absenteeism and a 15% increase in student-reported morale.

Relevant evidence directly supports the specific claim being made. The claim is about student well-being. The study showing decreased absenteeism and increased morale directly relates to the well-being of students. The other options discuss logistical challenges, parental concerns, or financial benefits, which are not directly about the students' well-being.

Question 15: Which is an example of a sentence fragment?

Because the storm was coming. (Correct answer)
The dog barked loudly.
They finished the project.
She studied for the test.

Correct answer: Because the storm was coming.

'Because the storm was coming' is a dependent clause and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Question 16: Which is the best version of sentence (1)?

Just like having a working smoke detectors in your home, having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips.
Just like having a working smoke detector in your home, having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips. (Correct answer)
Just like having a working smoke detector in your home; having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips.
NO CHANGE

Correct answer: Just like having a working smoke detector in your home, having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips.

Explanation: This choice is correct because both verbs agree. Choice A is not correct because "have" does not agree with the first verb, "having." Although the correct verbs are used in choice B, it still is incorrect because the singular article "a" should not be used with the plural noun "detectors." Choice D incorrectly uses a semicolon, although the verb choices are correct.

Question 17: When analyzing a character's development in a literary text, which of the following is most important for the reader to consider?

How the character changes and grows in response to conflicts and events. (Correct answer)
The character's physical appearance and clothing choices.
The historical context in which the story was written.
The number of pages on which the character appears.

Correct answer: How the character changes and grows in response to conflicts and events.

Character development analysis focuses on the internal and external changes a character undergoes throughout the narrative. Tracking how a character responds to the plot's conflicts and events reveals their growth, values, and the story's underlying themes.

Question 18: Which of the following best defines 'static character' in literary analysis?

A character who is described using extensive physical detail
A character who appears in only one scene
A character who remains essentially unchanged throughout the story (Correct answer)
A character who undergoes significant internal change

Correct answer: A character who remains essentially unchanged throughout the story

A static character does not experience meaningful internal growth or change during the narrative.

Question 19: Read this claim: 'Either we cut the school budget or students will fail.' This is an example of which reasoning error?

Red herring
Circular reasoning
False dilemma (Correct answer)
Hasty generalization

Correct answer: False dilemma

A false dilemma presents only two options as if no other possibilities exist, when in reality there may be other solutions besides cutting the budget.

Question 20: Read the following paragraph. Regular physical exercise is widely recognized as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also plays a crucial role in weight management by burning calories and building muscle mass. Beyond the physical benefits, exercise has been shown to have a profound impact on mental health. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. For a holistic approach to well-being, incorporating consistent physical activity is essential. What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Exercise is primarily for managing weight.
Consistent physical exercise provides comprehensive physical and mental health benefits. (Correct answer)
The most important benefit of exercise is a stronger cardiovascular system.
Mental health can be improved by releasing endorphins.

Correct answer: Consistent physical exercise provides comprehensive physical and mental health benefits.

This statement is the most comprehensive summary of the paragraph. The text details multiple benefits, including cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental well-being, all of which are covered by this main idea. The other options are supporting details that focus on only one specific benefit mentioned.

Question 21: A student writes: 'Passage 1 is good. Passage 2 is also good.' Why is this an ineffective analysis?

It is too short to serve as a topic sentence
It makes vague value judgments without evaluating specific evidence or reasoning (Correct answer)
It uses the word 'also,' which is a weak transition
It refers to the passages by number instead of by author

Correct answer: It makes vague value judgments without evaluating specific evidence or reasoning

Effective analysis identifies specific evidence and explains why it strengthens or weakens an argument rather than offering vague praise.

Question 22: In an argument, what is the primary purpose of acknowledging the opposing viewpoint before presenting your own?

To confuse readers about which side is correct
To weaken your own argument by introducing doubt
To meet a minimum word count requirement
To establish credibility and show the argument has considered other perspectives (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To establish credibility and show the argument has considered other perspectives

Acknowledging opposing views demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens credibility by showing the writer has engaged with the full complexity of the issue.

Question 23: A passage states: 'Studies show that students who read for pleasure score an average of 15% higher on standardized tests. Parents should encourage daily reading at home.' What shift in purpose occurs between these two sentences?

From informing to persuading (Correct answer)
From persuading to entertaining
From entertaining to informing
From describing to narrating

Correct answer: From informing to persuading

The first sentence presents data (informing), while the second makes a recommendation (persuading), showing a clear shift in purpose.

Question 24: A news article reports: 'The city council voted 7-2 to approve the new zoning ordinance, which will allow mixed-use development in the downtown corridor.' What is the author's primary purpose?

To persuade readers to support the ordinance
To express the author's frustration with zoning laws
To entertain readers with a story about city politics
To inform readers about the outcome of the vote (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To inform readers about the outcome of the vote

The passage objectively reports facts about a vote without opinion or entertainment elements, indicating an informative purpose.

Question 25: Read the following argument: 'Our city’s public transportation system is critically underfunded. Bus routes have been cut, leading to longer wait times, and many of the buses are old and unreliable. A recent survey showed that 65% of riders have been late for work or school in the past month due to transit issues. Therefore, the city council must allocate a larger portion of the annual budget to improve and expand public transit to serve our community effectively.' Which of the following statements best represents the central claim of the argument?

The city council should increase funding for public transportation. (Correct answer)
A recent survey showed that 65% of riders have been late.
Many of the city's buses are old and unreliable.
Bus routes have been cut, which has resulted in longer wait times.

Correct answer: The city council should increase funding for public transportation.

The central claim is the main point the author is trying to persuade the audience to accept. While the other statements are pieces of evidence or reasons used to support the argument, the core message and call to action is that the city council must increase the budget for public transit.

Question 26: Read the following sentences from an extended response: 'The first article relies heavily on emotional appeals to persuade the reader. __________, the second article builds its case using statistical data and expert testimony.' Which transitional word or phrase best connects these two ideas?

In addition
Similarly
For example
In contrast (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In contrast

The two sentences present opposing methods of argumentation (emotional appeals vs. data/testimony). 'In contrast' is the most appropriate transition to signal this clear difference or opposition between the two ideas.

Question 27: Read the sentence below. One of the main reasons for the delay ____ the unexpected failure of a critical component. Which verb form correctly completes the sentence?

are
have been
was (Correct answer)
were

Correct answer: was

The true subject of the sentence is 'One', which is singular. The prepositional phrase 'of the main reasons' modifies the subject but does not change its number. Therefore, the singular verb 'was' is required to agree with the singular subject 'One'.

Question 28: In a poem, the line 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees' is an example of which literary device?

Alliteration
Personification (Correct answer)
Hyperbole
Simile

Correct answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities—like whispering—to non-human things such as wind.

Question 29: A writer is drafting a body paragraph for an extended response. The paragraph begins with the topic sentence: 'One of the most significant weaknesses in the argument against the new highway is its failure to provide credible data on environmental impacts.' Which of the following sentences would be the LEAST effective piece of supporting evidence to include next in the paragraph?

For example, the article mentions 'pollution' but offers no specific metrics, such as projected air quality changes or water contamination levels.
The author of the anti-highway article has been a vocal opponent of many local development projects in the past. (Correct answer)
The author claims the highway will harm local wildlife but does not cite any scientific studies or expert testimony to back this up.
Conversely, the pro-highway article references a Department of Transportation study that found minimal long-term effects on the local ecosystem.

Correct answer: The author of the anti-highway article has been a vocal opponent of many local development projects in the past.

This statement attacks the author's character or history (an ad hominem fallacy) rather than addressing the specific claim made in the topic sentence about the lack of 'credible data on environmental impacts.' The other options all directly relate to the quality and type of evidence presented in the articles.

Question 30: Which question best helps a reader make an inference while reading?

How many paragraphs does this text contain?
What vocabulary words are defined in the glossary?
What is the author's name and publication date?
What does this evidence suggest the author believes or expects the reader to understand? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: What does this evidence suggest the author believes or expects the reader to understand?

Asking what evidence suggests about underlying beliefs or implied meanings is the core cognitive move of inference-making.

Question 31: A government report states that unemployment fell by 2% last year, but a footnote explains the figure excludes people who stopped looking for work. What is this footnote an example of?

A counterargument
A qualifying detail that affects interpretation (Correct answer)
An opinion disguised as fact
A logical fallacy

Correct answer: A qualifying detail that affects interpretation

Qualifying details like footnotes can significantly change how a statistic should be interpreted.

Question 32: Read the passage below. "Despite the initial setbacks, the research team remained sanguine about their chances of a breakthrough, pointing to promising preliminary data as a reason for their optimism." Based on the context provided, what is the meaning of the word "sanguine"?

Confused and uncertain
Depressed and hopeless
Cheerful and optimistic (Correct answer)
Angry and resentful

Correct answer: Cheerful and optimistic

The sentence provides a direct clue by ending with 'a reason for their optimism.' This indicates that 'sanguine' is related to feeling optimistic. The team was hopeful despite 'initial setbacks.'

Question 33: An article begins by describing the widespread problem of plastic pollution in oceans. It then examines several innovative technologies being developed to collect and recycle this plastic waste. The article concludes by discussing the potential long-term impact of these technologies on marine ecosystems. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of this article?

Compare and Contrast
Cause and Effect
Problem and Solution (Correct answer)
Chronological Order

Correct answer: Problem and Solution

The text is structured by first presenting a problem (plastic pollution) and then detailing various solutions (innovative technologies) and their effects. This is a classic problem-solution organizational structure.

Question 34: Which element distinguishes a rebuttal from a counterargument in a formal argument?

A rebuttal is always emotional; a counterargument is always logical
A counterargument opposes the claim; a rebuttal responds to and refutes that opposition (Correct answer)
A counterargument appears in the conclusion; a rebuttal appears in the introduction
A rebuttal introduces a new claim; a counterargument restates the original

Correct answer: A counterargument opposes the claim; a rebuttal responds to and refutes that opposition

A counterargument presents an opposing view, while a rebuttal directly addresses and attempts to disprove that opposing view.

Question 35: Read this passage summary: 'Paragraph 1 discusses deforestation rates. Paragraph 2 covers habitat loss. Paragraph 3 examines species extinction.' What is the most likely main idea of the full passage?

Trees are important for the lumber industry.
Species extinction has occurred throughout Earth's history.
Deforestation is causing serious ecological damage. (Correct answer)
Rain forests are found primarily in South America.

Correct answer: Deforestation is causing serious ecological damage.

All three paragraphs describe negative environmental consequences of deforestation, pointing to ecological damage as the main idea.

Question 36: How is this passage structured?

problem and solution (Correct answer)
chronological order
proposition and support
cause and effect

Correct answer: problem and solution

Explanation: This passage is arranged by problem and solution. The author states a problem that the cotton farmers were having: "Eventually, cotton will no longer grow on this land." The author then presents a solution: "Carver told farmers to rotate their crops: plant cotton one year, then the next year plant peanuts and other soil-restoring plants, like peas and sweet potatoes. It worked! The peanut plants grew and produced lots of peanuts.”

Question 37: Which word is a conjunctive adverb?

since
although
however (Correct answer)
because

Correct answer: however

'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to connect independent clauses; the others are subordinating conjunctions.

Question 38: Which sentence uses an ellipsis correctly?

She paused….and then spoke.
She paused …and then spoke.
She paused ...and then spoke.
She paused... and then spoke. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She paused... and then spoke.

An ellipsis of three dots with spaces on each side indicates a pause or omission.

Question 39: A passage about online learning includes paragraphs on flexibility, cost savings, and access to global instructors. A reader creates this summary: 'Online learning has limitations.' This summary is:

Inaccurate—it contradicts the passage's main idea (Correct answer)
Too specific
Acceptable but missing one detail
Accurate and complete

Correct answer: Inaccurate—it contradicts the passage's main idea

The passage highlights benefits of online learning, so a summary emphasizing limitations misrepresents the main idea.

Question 40: Which word in a passage most strongly signals a critical or disapproving tone?

suggested
reported
claimed
blundered (Correct answer)

Correct answer: blundered

'Blundered' implies a mistake was made carelessly, conveying clear disapproval, while the other words are more neutral.

Question 41: Read the passage below. "The documentary was meant to be an objective look at the historical event, but the director's bias was palpable. Through the careful selection of interviewees and the dramatic, one-sided narration, the film presented a skewed version of the facts." Which word in the passage is used to mean "easily felt or perceived"?

skewed
objective
historical
palpable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: palpable

The sentence states the director's bias was 'palpable,' and then gives examples of how this bias was evident (selection of interviewees, narration). This implies the bias was so strong it could almost be felt, which is the meaning of palpable.

Question 42: Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

She is a well—known author.
She is a well-known author. (Correct answer)
She is a well known author.
She is well known-author.

Correct answer: She is a well-known author.

Compound modifiers before a noun are hyphenated, so 'well-known' is correct before 'author'.

Question 43: What is the key difference between an inference and an assumption?

There is no meaningful difference between the two terms
An inference is grounded in textual evidence, while an assumption may lack supporting evidence (Correct answer)
An inference is always wrong, while an assumption is always right
An assumption is made by the author, while an inference is made by the editor

Correct answer: An inference is grounded in textual evidence, while an assumption may lack supporting evidence

A valid inference is supported by specific evidence in the text, whereas an assumption is a belief held without necessarily checking it against evidence.

Question 44: Read the following excerpt from a short story: 'The old lighthouse stood on the cliff's edge, a lonely sentinel against the churning gray sea. For years, its beam had cut through the darkest storms, a promise of safe harbor. But now, the paint was peeling, and the light within was dark. The town below had built a new, automated beacon on the far side of the bay, one that required no keeper, no human hand to guide sailors home.' Which of the following literary devices is most evident in the first sentence?

Hyperbole
Metaphor (Correct answer)
Simile
Alliteration

Correct answer: Metaphor

The correct answer is Metaphor. The lighthouse is directly compared to a 'lonely sentinel' without using the words 'like' or 'as'. This comparison gives the lighthouse human-like qualities of a guard, emphasizing its isolation and protective role.

Question 45: A nonfiction article's headline reads: 'How Social Media Is Changing the Way Teens Communicate.' This headline most directly signals the article's:

Counterargument
Concluding detail
Main idea (Correct answer)
Tone

Correct answer: Main idea

Headlines in nonfiction are designed to capture the central point, making this headline an expression of the article's main idea.

Question 46: Read the following sentence. Slithering through the tall grass, the hiker was startled by the snake. What is the main grammatical issue with this sentence?

It is a sentence fragment.
It has an error in subject-verb agreement.
It contains a misplaced modifier. (Correct answer)
It uses the wrong verb tense.

Correct answer: It contains a misplaced modifier.

The sentence contains a misplaced modifier. The introductory phrase 'Slithering through the tall grass' should describe the snake, but its placement next to 'the hiker' incorrectly suggests that the hiker was doing the slithering. A corrected version would be: 'The hiker was startled by the snake slithering through the tall grass.'

Question 47: Read the following excerpt from a letter to a town council. The proposed construction of another soulless, cookie-cutter shopping mall on the edge of town is a disastrous idea. This project will only serve to bulldoze the beautiful meadow our town has enjoyed for generations, replacing it with a concrete wasteland of chain stores. The developers, concerned only with their own profits, ignore the inevitable increase in traffic congestion and the damage to our small, locally-owned downtown businesses. We must stand up to this corporate greed and protect the unique character of our community. The author's language in the passage reveals a bias against which of the following?

Environmental protection
The town's community character
The new development project (Correct answer)
Locally-owned businesses

Correct answer: The new development project

The author uses emotionally charged and negative language—'soulless,' 'cookie-cutter,' 'disastrous,' 'concrete wasteland,' 'corporate greed'—specifically to describe the development project, which clearly reveals a strong bias against it.

Question 48: Consider this sentence: 'The dilapidated old house groaned under the weight of the relentless, weeping sky.' What is the tone of this sentence?

Neutral and objective
Somber and gloomy (Correct answer)
Humorous and lighthearted
Joyful and optimistic

Correct answer: Somber and gloomy

The author's word choice, such as 'dilapidated,' 'groaned,' 'relentless,' and 'weeping,' creates a feeling of sadness, decay, and misery. This establishes a somber and gloomy tone.

Question 49: A restaurant review includes the following sentence: 'While the presentation was artful, the so-called 'gourmet' burger was a dry, flavorless puck of meat that would be more at home holding a door open.' What is the author's tone toward the burger?

Sarcastic (Correct answer)
Confused
Neutral
Admiring

Correct answer: Sarcastic

The author uses sarcasm to convey their disappointment. Calling the burger 'so-called gourmet' and comparing it to a doorstop is a form of ironic criticism, indicating that the food was the opposite of what was promised.

Question 50: Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct parallel structure?

The committee plans to research the issue, hold public hearings, and write a final report. (Correct answer)
She was advised to study hard, that she should get enough sleep, and eating a good breakfast before the test.
The dog loves to chase squirrels, barking at the mail carrier, and when he gets a nap in the sun.
The manager's duties include supervising staff, inventory management, and to create the weekly schedule.

Correct answer: The committee plans to research the issue, hold public hearings, and write a final report.

This sentence uses a consistent grammatical structure for all three items in the series: the infinitive form of the verb (to research, [to] hold, [to] write). The other sentences mix different grammatical forms (a gerund, a noun, and an infinitive; a gerund, a verb phrase, and a clause), which violates the rule of parallel structure.

GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test is administered by GED Testing Service and assesses reading, writing, and language skills required for high school equivalency. The test covers reading comprehension of literary and informational texts, analysis of arguments and evidence, grammar and language conventions, vocabulary in context, and an extended response writing task. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to graduating high school seniors.

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150 min

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