You are preparing for your GED Language Art – Reading and sometimes, you feel confused and unfocused when seeing an entire page completely filled with text and answer tricky questions based on the passage, don’t you? Keep calm and read our blog carefully to learn more about how to stay focused on GED reading when taking the GED Language Arts portion. We assure you that your task will seem much less overwhelming if you take our suggestions. 

 

1. GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Overview

 

The Reasoning Through Language Arts measures test takers’ ability in reading, writing, and English language conventions. Typically, you are required to comprehend and analyze 450-900 word passages. Furthermore, roughly 75% of the exam texts used are informational and nearly 25% are literature based. Some question types you might encounter such as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, or drop-down format. 

Let’s take a gander at some common questions you are asked during the Reading Comprehension portion of the RLA as follows: 

  • Read and understand the text from a variety of levels
  • Make judgments based on reading passages
  • Support your claims/ideas using evidence found in the text

To tackle these questions, you need to determine the main idea, the author’s point of view, and your own opinion. Besides, you also need to understand the meaning of words and phrases and think critically about what you read

Don’t forget to keep the track of time because the reading portion of the RLA is only 36-40 minutes long. While you practice with GED Test Pro, you should set a timer to pace yourself when reading. 

 

2. The ultimate tips to stay focused on GED reading

 

tips to focus when reading
Learn how to focus on reading and make the most of time limitations to get the highest GED score

If you are struggling with getting focused on reading when taking the GED exam, or you are dazzled when seeing a long passage, keep some reading tips below to learn more about how to focus on reading and make the most of time limitations to get the highest GED score. Here are a few tips for making the actual reading easier.

 

2.1. Read the questions and answers first

 

One of the effective reading tips you should know is reading the questions before choosing the best answer. Many of us tend to head over to passages first and then read the questions. However, you don’t have enough time to read all the passages so focus on what the questions are asking and identify appropriate information on the given passages.

Keep in mind that the GED tests test your ability to analyze a question, think critically about the information provided, and select the best possible choice as your answer. Hence, don’t rush through the questions, take a little time to take them into account and understand them well. Furthermore. Reading the answers first helps you read smarter when looking at the passage because it helps you narrow your focus and information. 

>>> See Also: 20 Most Common GED Vocabulary Words

 

2.2. Use a pointer for your eyes to follow 

 

Using a pen, or your finger to trace along under the words you are reading appears to be a pretty simple tip but it helps you focus and maintain flow effectively. 

Naturally, our eyes follow the motion. Hence using a pen or finger will keep your gaze pinpointing the critical and needed information in lieu of wandering over the page, screen, room, or beyond.

Moreover, you’ll read faster and better because you don’t get distracted. If you practice reading with a pointer on a regular basis, you will start to increase the speed of the pointer.

 

2.3 Review the Whole Structure Before You Start Reading

 

If you want to focus better, you need to find out what topics will be covered. If you have an overview of what is referred to in the passage, you will have a sense of place and context as you read. Look at how many sections there are, how they are broken up, and what order the topics are in. Definitely, you will stay more focused when you know your goals for the reading, and easy to find which information and sections are relevant. 

 

2.4. Look For Clues About Which Parts Are Important

 

Let’s look for headings, lists, bullet points, and bold or italicized text in the passages. After identifying the core information, you will focus on and understand them and find reading much easier. 

 

2.5. Read to understand

 

GED reading comprehension questions will measure your ability to understand what is happening in the text and answer questions based on what you read. You might be asked for some information regarding 

  • The main idea of a text is found by asking yourself, “What is this passage mostly about?” Normally, the title and opening paragraph can also provide clues for finding the main ideas. 
  • Details or supporting ideas. Bear in mind that most passages contain at least three different supporting details, usually the sentences after the introduction sentence. 
  • The intent or the purpose of nonfiction writing is generally to inform the reader about a topic that might be found by asking yourself: “What is the author trying to teach me? Why did the author write this?”

 

2.6. Read and then reread

 

If you come to a difficult question when reading, rereading might help deepen your understanding of the text to comprehend information and better analyze it when answering questions. 

It should be noted that don’t hesitate to go back and check the information if you doubt something wrong because you may have misread some important information.

 

2.7. Define unknown words

 

Having too many unknown words might make you unconcentrated and bored when reading. Actually, sometimes, you come to unfamiliar words on your RLA, don’t dismiss it, let’s take notes while reading and look up which words you don’t know. Use your online or offline dictionaries to make sense of their definitions and record those as well. 

Bear in mind that the action of writing will help your brain remember and retain information better than just reading alone. 

If you don’t know how to hone your GED vocabulary, let’s pay more attention to the 20 common GED vocabulary words you should know. Remember that a big part of reading comprehension is vocabulary, so let’s enhance your vocabulary right now! 

 

3. GED Reading Comprehension Practice Test by Estudyme

 

Since reading comprehension plays a large part in successfully passing the GED, you need to pay more time to get well prepared for it. One of the best ways to score high on this section is by reading 20-30 minutes every day so as to familiarize yourself with the question types, increase reading speed and improve concentration. 

A great place to find GED Language Arts Practice is the GED Test Pro Platform where you can access manifold free GED reading comprehension practice tests. Furthermore, this website also gives you answer keys and explanations to help you understand better and track your progress. All practice tests are designed as online quizzes to facilitate your study. Furthermore, passages and questions are arranged in parallel to help you easily trace information. 

Don’t forget to set aside 15-30 minutes every day to continue your progress and improve your reading comprehension skills with GED Test Pro.