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Language Arts, Writing

The GED® Language Arts, Writing test is divided into two parts, but the scores are combined so you’ll receive a single score.

About the Test

Part I is 75 minutes long and contains 50 multiple choice questions from the following content areas:

  • Organization (15%)
  • Sentence structure (30%)
  • Usage (30%)
  • Mechanics (25%)

Part II consists of writing an essay about a familiar subject. You will have 45 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay. The essay topic will require you to present your opinion or explain your views about the assigned topic. Two trained readers will score your essay on the basis of the following features:

  • Focused main points
  • Clear organization
  • Specific development of ideas
  • Sentence structure control, punctuation, grammar, word choice, and spelling

Try a sample question

June 24, 2002

Jonathan Quinn
Employment Director
Capital City Gardening Services
4120 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016

Dear Mr. Quinn:

(A) (1) I would like to apply for the landscape supervisor position advertised in the Sunday, June 23rd edition of the Washington Post. (2) My work experience and education combined with your need for an experienced landscape supervisor have resulted in a relationship that would profit both parties. (3) In May, I graduated from Prince William Community College. (4) Graduating with an associate of arts degree in horticulture. (5) My concentration within the program was designing gardens and choosing the appropriate plants for particular soils and regions. (6) I have also had considerable supervising experience. (7) For several years, I have worked with a local company, Burke Nursery and Garden Center, and have been responsible for supervising the four members of the planting staff.

(B) (8) Our community knows that Capital City Gardening Services is a company that does excellent work and strives hard to meet the demands of its clients. (9) As my references will attest, I am a diligent worker and have the respect of both my coworkers and my customers. (10) I will be, as a landscape supervisor at your firm, able to put to use the skills and knowledge that I have obtained from my professional career and education. (11) I have included a copy of my resume, which details my principal interests education, and past work experience. (12) I have also included photographs of the landscape projects I have supervised as well as drawings of proposed projects.

(C) (13) I am excited about the opportunities and many challenges that this position would provide. (14) Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Patrick Jones
1219 Cedar Lane
Manassas, VA 20109

 

Sentence 2: My work experience and education combined with your need for an experienced landscape supervisor have resulted in a relationship that would profit both parties. Which correction should be made to sentence 2?

Sentence 2: My work experience and education combined with your need for an experienced landscape supervisor have resulted in a relationship that would profit both parties. Which correction should be made to sentence 2?