What Is the GED?
General Educational Development 4
internationally recognized test measuring high
school-level academic skills.
US, Canada, UK, Australia, and many in
Europe, Asia, and beyond,
Passing earns you a high school equivalency
diploma
HISTORY
How Did the GED Begin?
Created in 1942 during World War II
Originally designed for American soldiers who left
high school to serve their country
Helped returning veterans continue education and
secure employment
Why the GED Matters Today
Career Opportunities
College & Training
Opens doors to better
Required for most college
employment and higher
programs and professional
wages
training
Second Chance
A pathway to complete high school education and move forward
What Is RLA?
RLA means Reasoning Through Language Arts.
Reading with Understanding
Critical Thinking
Comprehending complex texts
Analyzing ideas and arguments
Using Evidence
Clear Writing
Supporting claims with textual proof
Crafting supported, organized responses
MCGRAW-HILL COURSE
GED RLA Course Chapters
01
02
Testing Basic English Usage
Basic Reading Comprehension
Grammar rules, sentence structure, correcting errors
Understanding passages, main ideas, key details
03
04
Structure & Author's Choice
Literary Text
Text organization and how word choice shapes meaning
Analyzing fiction: plot, characters, themes
05
06
Informational Text
Extended Response
Analyzing nonfiction: ideas, arguments, evidence
Writing the GED essay using evidence from two texts
GED RLA Exam Format
Computer-Based Test
Taken at an official testing center on a computer
Three Sections
Two reading/language sections plus one essay section
Includes Written Essay
The Extended Response 4 your chance to demonstrate
analytical writing
GED RLA Test Sections
Section 1
Reading comprehension and language skills questions
Section 2: Extended Response
Read two texts, write one analytical essay
Section 3
Additional reading and language questions
Break and Test Time
10-Minute Break
Scheduled after Section 1 to rest and recharge
Total Test Time
150 minutes (2½ hours) 4 break time included
Use your break wisely to stay focused and
energized
Scoring and Score Weight
1003200
145
Score Range
Passing Score
All GED scores fall within this scale
The minimum needed to earn your credential
How Your Score Breaks Down
75%
25%
Reading & Language
Extended Response
Multiple-choice and drop-down questions
Your analytical essay score
What Do GED Scores Mean?
1453164: GED Pass
Earns your high school equivalency diploma 4 congratulations!
1653174: College Ready
Demonstrates readiness for college-level courses without
remediation
1753200: College Ready + Credit
Some colleges may award college credit
Credit eligibility varies by institution