Download GED Study Guide: Language Arts and more Lecture notes Reasoning in PDF only on Docsity!
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 1/
GED Study Guide
LANGUAGE ARTS
What you need to know about the GEDWhat you need to know about the GED ®®Language Arts TestLanguage Arts Test
You should be familiar with reading and writing concepts, along with grammar. However, the language arts test is not a memorization test! You don’t need to memorize giant vocabulary words or diagram sentences.
You’ll need to read and understand test passages (literary and informational excerpts), demonstrate that you can write clearly, and draw conclusions (which is using your critical thinking skills in reading and writing). The test also covers grammar. This study guide and the example questions in it will help you get an idea of what’s going to be on the test.
You don’t need to know everything in this guide! If you want to see how close you are to passing, the GED Ready official practice test is a great way to help you determine if you’re ready.
®
Test OverviewTest Overview
Topics Reading for Meaning Identifying and Creating Arguments Grammar and Language
Time (to take the test) 150 minutes 10 minute break between parts 2 and 3 45 minutes for the written essay
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 2/
Format 3 sections 1 written essay (extended response) Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, hot spot, and drop down)
What you'll be tested onWhat you'll be tested on
The GED test will measure your strength in the skills below. Click on a skill to learn more about it.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 4/
He nodded at the child, remembering that he had never even asked her name.
“No boy! But there must have been a boy," insisted Marilla. “We sent word to Mrs. Spencer to bring a boy."
“Well, she didn't. She brought her. I asked the stationmaster. And I had to bring her home. She couldn't be left there, no matter where the mistake had come in.”
“Well, this is a pretty piece of business!" exclaimed Marilla.
During this dialogue the child had remained silent, her eyes roving from one to the other, all the animation fading out of her face. Suddenly she seemed to grasp the full meaning of what had been said. Dropping her precious carpetbag she sprang forward a step and clasped her hands.
“You don't want me!" she cried. “I might have expected it. Nobody ever did want me. I might have known it was all too beautiful to last. I might have known nobody really did want me. Oh, what shall I do? I'm going to burst into tears!"
Burst into tears she did. Sitting down on a chair by the table, flinging her arms out upon it, and burying her face in them, she proceeded to cry stormily. Marilla and Matthew looked at each other helplessly across the stove. Neither of them knew what to say or do. Finally Marilla stepped lamely into the breach.
“Well, well, there's no need to cry so about it."
“Yes, there is need!" The child raised her head quickly, revealing a tear-stained face and trembling lips. “ You would cry, too, if you were an orphan and had come to a place you thought was going to be home and found that they didn't want you. Oh, this is the most tragical thing that ever happened to me!”
Something like a reluctant smile, rather rusty from long disuse, mellowed Marilla's grim expression.
“Well, don't cry any more. We’re not going to turn you out of doors tonight. You’ll have to stay here until we investigate this affair. What’s your name?"
The child hesitated for a moment.
“Will you please call me Cordelia?" she said eagerly.
“ Call you Cordelia! Is that your name?”
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 5/
“No-o-o, it’s not exactly my name, but I would love to be called Cordelia. It's such a perfectly elegant name.”
“I don’t know what on earth you mean. If Cordelia isn't your name, what is?"
“Anne Shirley," reluctantly faltered forth the owner of that name, “but oh, please do call me Cordelia. It can’t matter much to you what you call me if I’m only going to be here a little while, can it? And Anne is such an unromantic name.”
“Unromantic fiddlesticks!” said the unsympathetic Marilla. “Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it.”
“Oh, I’m not ashamed of it," explained Anne, “only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was Cordelia—at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e .”
“What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.
“Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer.”
Question: Which three words describe Anne’s character?
A Dramatic, Enthusiastic, Disappointed
B Dramatic, Practical, Satisfied
C Enthusiastic, Dramatic, Disappointed
D Satisfied, Practical, Disappointed
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 7/
beautiful to last. I might have known nobody really did want me. Oh, what shall I do? I'm going to burst into tears!"
Burst into tears she did. Sitting down on a chair by the table, flinging her arms out upon it, and burying her face in them, she proceeded to cry stormily. Marilla and Matthew looked at each other helplessly across the stove. Neither of them knew what to say or do. Finally Marilla stepped lamely into the breach.
“Well, well, there's no need to cry so about it."
“Yes, there is need!" The child raised her head quickly, revealing a tear-stained face and trembling lips. “ You would cry, too, if you were an orphan and had come to a place you thought was going to be home and found that they didn't want you. Oh, this is the most tragical thing that ever happened to me!”
Something like a reluctant smile, rather rusty from long disuse, mellowed Marilla's grim expression.
“Well, don't cry any more. We’re not going to turn you out of doors tonight. You’ll have to stay here until we investigate this affair. What’s your name?"
The child hesitated for a moment.
“Will you please call me Cordelia?" she said eagerly.
“ Call you Cordelia! Is that your name?”
“No-o-o, it’s not exactly my name, but I would love to be called Cordelia. It's such a perfectly elegant name.”
“I don’t know what on earth you mean. If Cordelia isn't your name, what is?"
“Anne Shirley," reluctantly faltered forth the owner of that name, “but oh, please do call me Cordelia. It can’t matter much to you what you call me if I’m only going to be here a little while, can it? And Anne is such an unromantic name.”
“Unromantic fiddlesticks!” said the unsympathetic Marilla. “Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it.”
“Oh, I’m not ashamed of it," explained Anne, “only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was Cordelia—at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e .”
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 8/
“What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.
“Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer.”
Question: Read this sentence from the excerpt. What role does this sentence play in the passage?
Something like a reluctant smile, rather rusty from long disuse, mellowed Marilla's grim reaction.
A It shows that Marilla understands why Anne is unhappy.
B It shows that Marilla is beginning to think the mistake is funny.
C It shows that Marilla has decided what to do about the mistake.
D It shows that Marilla's attitude toward Anne is starting to change.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 10/
Question: What is the primary purpose of the petition?
A to convince Congress to oppose drilling for oil and gas in ANWR
B to convince Congress to support the protection of wildlife in the ANWR area
C to convince Congress that environmental needs take precedence over economic ones
D to convince Congress that an increase in drilling for oil and gas is a danger to the ecosystem
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 11/
4 Tone and figurative language
You'll be asked to:
Understand how words affect tone Understand how figurative language affects the meaning of words or phrases Understand how the use of words, phrases, or figurative language influences the author's purpose Understand rhetorical techniques or words and figurative language to convey different meanings, emotions, or persuade readers There are many ways for words to impact tone and convey the author's purpose. Common techniques include:
For example, a passage contains an autobiographical excerpt from a soldier, Henry, who was drafted into war. He may talk about his convictions, the challenges he faces between his patriotism, and his opposition to violence. He may write phrases such as "the cold, soulless battlefield," "my undying love for liberty," and the "the conflict that ravaged my soul." All of these terms support the author's meaning and the character's emotions.
You'll be asked to read and understand and interpret different types of ways to express meaning and determine what the author was imparting with their choice of words and tone.
imagery: The fall forest was ablaze with red, yellow, and gold leaves. analogy: The dog's fur was as black as a moonless night. repetition: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! simile: I was as happy as a clam! metaphor: After he cut the tree, he became Superman in my eyes.
Example Questions
Tone and figurative language
Excerpt from Anne of Green Gables By L. M. Montgomery
Marilla came briskly forward as Matthew opened the door. But when her eyes fell on the odd little figure in the stiff, ugly dress, with the long braids of red hair and the eager, luminous eyes, she stopped short in amazement.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 13/
“Will you please call me Cordelia?" she said eagerly.
“ Call you Cordelia! Is that your name?”
“No-o-o, it’s not exactly my name, but I would love to be called Cordelia. It's such a perfectly elegant name.”
“I don’t know what on earth you mean. If Cordelia isn't your name, what is?"
“Anne Shirley," reluctantly faltered forth the owner of that name, “but oh, please do call me Cordelia. It can’t matter much to you what you call me if I’m only going to be here a little while, can it? And Anne is such an unromantic name.”
“Unromantic fiddlesticks!” said the unsympathetic Marilla. “Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it.”
“Oh, I’m not ashamed of it," explained Anne, “only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was Cordelia—at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e .”
“What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.
“Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer.”
Question: Read this portion of a sentence from the excerpt. How does the narrator's use of the words "reluctantly faltered forth" give information about Anne?
"Anne Shirley," reluctantly faltered forth the owner of that name...
A The words reveal that Anne feels obligated to answer the question.
B The words reveal that Anne is often shy when responding to adults.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 14/
C The words reveal that Anne is ashamed of the name she was given.
D The words reveal that Anne has rarely been asked to provide her name.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 16/
“You don't want me!" she cried. “I might have expected it. Nobody ever did want me. I might have known it was all too beautiful to last. I might have known nobody really did want me. Oh, what shall I do? I'm going to burst into tears!"
Burst into tears she did. Sitting down on a chair by the table, flinging her arms out upon it, and burying her face in them, she proceeded to cry stormily. Marilla and Matthew looked at each other helplessly across the stove. Neither of them knew what to say or do. Finally Marilla stepped lamely into the breach.
“Well, well, there's no need to cry so about it."
“Yes, there is need!" The child raised her head quickly, revealing a tear-stained face and trembling lips. “ You would cry, too, if you were an orphan and had come to a place you thought was going to be home and found that they didn't want you. Oh, this is the most tragical thing that ever happened to me!”
Something like a reluctant smile, rather rusty from long disuse, mellowed Marilla's grim expression.
“Well, don't cry any more. We’re not going to turn you out of doors tonight. You’ll have to stay here until we investigate this affair. What’s your name?"
The child hesitated for a moment.
“Will you please call me Cordelia?" she said eagerly.
“ Call you Cordelia! Is that your name?”
“No-o-o, it’s not exactly my name, but I would love to be called Cordelia. It's such a perfectly elegant name.”
“I don’t know what on earth you mean. If Cordelia isn't your name, what is?"
“Anne Shirley," reluctantly faltered forth the owner of that name, “but oh, please do call me Cordelia. It can’t matter much to you what you call me if I’m only going to be here a little while, can it? And Anne is such an unromantic name.”
“Unromantic fiddlesticks!” said the unsympathetic Marilla. “Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it.”
“Oh, I’m not ashamed of it," explained Anne, “only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 17/
Cordelia—at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e .”
“What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.
“Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer.”
Question: How does the author's use of the word "But" to begin the second sentence of the first paragraph function in the excerpt?
A It reinforces Marilla's dislike of Anne's odd attire.
B It distinguishes between Marilla's amazement and discouragement.
C It emphasizes the difference between Marilla's expectations and reality.
D It highlights Marilla's reaction to the striking qualities of Anne's physical features.
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 19/
Save Our Refuge by Yvette Altoneer, Director, A Greener America for Nature Today: Journal for the Protection of Earth's Eilderness Areas
Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is home to an impressive variety of wildlife and panoramic views. In fact, the refuge was created in 1960 for the sole purpose of protecting our nation’s last remaining wilderness area and maintaining the delicate balance of nature in this rugged Arctic environment. For decades, the area has awed visitors with its majestic tundras, snow-topped mountain ranges, and vast wetlands through which flow roaring rivers. The ANWR is also home to many indigenous people who depend on its natural wealth for their continued existence.
Allowing oil and gas companies to drill on these untouched lands would destroy the fragile ecosystems that exist there. The risk is just too great. Although the companies claim that harm to the ANWR would be minimal, there is too much evidence in nearby drilling areas that suggests this is not true. For example, drilling at nearby Prudhoe Bay has resulted in tens of thousands of gallons of oil spilled each year. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has studied the potential impact of oil and gas development on refuge resources. The service has concluded that although technological advances have decreased the environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration, obtaining oil and gas is still a disruptive and invasive process. This type of invasive process creates pollution that harms our wildlife and could cause unimaginable devastation to the natural environment in the ANWR.
The issue of oil production in the ANWR has caused controversy, and the future of the refuge remains undecided. With the lure of potentially billions of barrels of oil, proponents of drilling see the ANWR as a means to meet the ever- present demand for energy resources. But the promise of economic gains does not offset the expense of drilling in the Arctic, which can cost 50–100% more than projects in the lower 48 states. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the increased cost is due to weather conditions and other factors unique to this area. Expenses such as transporting the natural gas and oil to faraway consumers and the precautions that are needed to protect employees and equipment from the harsh climate quickly add up.
While it is true that technological advancements allow the exploration of formerly inaccessible resources such as the oil and gas fields in the ANWR, these advancements need to be used to explore areas currently in production. In recent years, modern drilling techniques have allowed companies to drill in previously idle fields across the lower 48 states. We simply do not need the oil from the ANWR at this point. I hope that our government will come to this same conclusion before irreparable damage is done to a place that is far too valuable in its present state to exploit.
Question: How are the petition and the article different from each other?
The petition acknowledges the arguments for drilling in the area, but the article ignores the
https://mygedtstst1.pearsonvue.com/portal#/study/guide/REASONING/print 20/
A opposing arguments.
The petition is designed to influence decision makers, but the article is directed towards convincing a larger audience.
B
The petition limits its discussion to the economic impact on the state of Alaska, but the article focuses on the impact for the entire nation.
C
The petition disregards the negative impact drilling will have on tourism in Alaska, but the article is concerned about damage to the tourism industry.
D
