GED Language Arts test: reading, grammar and the essay
Last checked October 15, 2026 · Sources: GED Testing Service test subjects, extended response guide and extended response answer guidelines
The GED Language Arts test, officially Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), takes 150 minutes and covers close reading, grammar and language, and one 45-minute essay. In the essay, called the extended response, you read two passages with opposing views and argue which one is better supported by evidence. Like every GED subject, you need 145 to pass.
GED Language Arts format
GED Testing Service lists the test at 150 minutes, including 3 minutes of instructions and final review and 45 minutes for the written essay. It tests your ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written text. Testing centers describe the test as having a short scheduled break, so check the details in your GED.com account. The rest of the time goes to reading and language questions in formats such as multiple choice and drop-down menus.
The GED essay (extended response)
There is one extended response, and it makes up about 20% of your Language Arts score, according to GED Testing Service. You read a pair of passages that take opposing positions on an issue, decide which side has the stronger evidence, and explain why using evidence from the passages. GED Testing Service is clear about what not to do: don’t just give your own opinion on the topic, and don’t simply summarize the passages.
Its answer guidelines say a full response often takes 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences, which GED Testing Service estimates at roughly 300 to 500 words. The whole task, including reading, must be finished within 45 minutes.
A 45-minute essay plan
Read both passages and note each side's main claim and the evidence behind it: facts, statistics, expert sources or just opinion.
Choose the side with stronger evidence, even if you personally disagree. List two or three reasons from the text.
Introduction stating your choice, two or three body paragraphs each tied to specific evidence, and a short conclusion.
Fix grammar, spelling and unclear sentences. GED Testing Service's guidelines ask you to reread and revise.
This time split is our suggestion; GED Testing Service only sets the 45-minute total.
Reading and language questions
Outside the essay, you’ll read passages and answer questions about them: identifying main ideas, drawing conclusions, following an author’s argument, and understanding words in context. Language questions ask you to correct grammar, usage, punctuation and sentence structure, often by choosing the right option from a drop-down menu inside a passage.
Examples
Our own practice examples, not real GED questions:
- Grammar. “Each of the students have a locker.” The subject is “each,” which is singular, so the correct verb is “has.”
- Punctuation. “The store opened at nine, however the line had formed at eight.” “However” joins two complete sentences here, so it needs a semicolon: “at nine; however, the line…”
- Judging evidence. If one passage supports its claim with a city’s published accident statistics and the other relies on one resident’s story, the statistics are usually the stronger evidence, and your essay should explain why.
How to prepare for GED Language Arts
- Take GED Ready in Language Arts to see your zone and the skills to work on.
- Practice timed essays: two opposing passages, 45 minutes, start to finish.
- Read opinion articles and ask what evidence each one uses.
- Review common grammar errors: subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, commas and apostrophes.
- Practice typing, since the essay is written on a computer.
See our GED Ready guide and free GED resources.
Common questions about GED Language Arts
How long is the GED Language Arts test?
150 minutes, including 3 minutes of instructions and final review and 45 minutes for the essay, according to GED Testing Service.
Is there an essay on the GED?
Yes. There is one extended response, worth about 20% of the Language Arts score.
What is the GED essay about?
You read two passages with opposing views and argue which one has the stronger evidence, using evidence from the passages.
How long should the GED essay be?
GED Testing Service’s guidelines suggest 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each, roughly 300 to 500 words.
Should I give my opinion in the GED essay?
No. GED Testing Service says to build an argument from the passages, not to give your own opinion on the topic.
See our guides to GED Math, Science and Social Studies, or go back to the GED test guide. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with GED Testing Service.