Free ged-reasoning-through-language-arts sample questions

Correct answer: has

The subject of the sentence is the indefinite pronoun 'Each'. 'Each' is always singular and requires a singular verb. Therefore, 'has' is the correct verb form. The phrase 'of the contestants' is a prepositional phrase and does not affect the subject-verb agreement.

Correct answer: While Editorial A effectively outlines the economic advantages, Editorial B presents a more compelling case by using specific, localized ecological data to highlight potentially irreversible consequences.

This thesis statement is the strongest because it is analytical and specific. It acknowledges the strengths of the opposing argument ('effectively outlines economic advantages') but takes a clear position ('Editorial B presents a more compelling case'). Crucially, it provides the reason for its position by contrasting the types of evidence used ('localized ecological data' vs. general 'economic advantages') and the stakes involved ('irreversible consequences').

Correct answer: affect, effect

'Affect' is a verb meaning 'to influence or have an impact on.' The policy change will influence the department. 'Effect' is a noun meaning 'a result or consequence.' The long-term result of the change will be positive. Therefore, 'affect' is correct for the first blank and 'effect' is correct for the second.

Correct answer: A coming together or merging of multiple things.

The sentence lists several innovations (steam engine, textile manufacturing, factory system) and states they 'converged' to reshape society. This context indicates that 'confluence' means a flowing or coming together of these different elements to create a larger movement.

Correct answers: It uses space efficiently.; It conserves a significant amount of water.

The passage explicitly states that hydroponics allows for 'vertical farming, maximizing crop yield in limited spaces,' which directly supports the benefit of efficient space usage.

The passage clearly mentions that hydroponic systems 'can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture,' making water conservation a key stated benefit.

Correct answer: False

The sentence is grammatically incorrect because it contains a dangling modifier. The introductory phrase 'Walking through the park' should modify the subject of the main clause. In this sentence, the subject is 'the birds,' which implies the birds were walking through the park. A corrected version would be: 'As I was walking through the park, the birds chirped loudly.'

Correct answer: The project deadline has been moved up; therefore, we need all hands on deck to complete the tasks.

The original sentence is a comma splice, where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Using a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb ('therefore') and a comma correctly and logically connects the two related ideas, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.

Correct answer: Resilient and reflective

The author acknowledges the 'arduous' journey and 'hardships' but focuses on the unbroken spirit of the group and the 'profound beauty' they found. This combination of enduring difficulty while finding meaning and solace reflects a resilient and reflective tone.

Correct answer: The total number of dentists who were surveyed.

The validity of the claim hinges on the sample size. If only 10 dentists were surveyed and 9 recommended it, the claim is far less significant than if 1,000 dentists were surveyed. The phrase 'dentists who tried' could represent a very small, non-representative group, making the total number surveyed essential for evaluation.

Correct answer: The President of the company announced that the new headquarters would be in Austin, Texas.

This sentence is correct. 'President' is capitalized as a formal title used before a name (implied 'President Smith') or as a specific title ('President of the company'). 'Austin' and 'Texas' are proper nouns (a city and a state) and must be capitalized. The beginning of the sentence is also correctly capitalized.