Many students struggle with time management—the test requires reading multiple long passages and answering questions within a limited timeframe. Grammar and sentence structure can be particularly challenging for non-native English speakers or those who've been out of school for years. Additionally, the essay portion requires students to analyze arguments and provide evidence-based reasoning, which differs significantly from casual writing. Personalized tutoring helps you target your specific weak areas, whether that's reading speed, grammar rules, or essay structure.

In a traditional classroom setting, instruction moves at one pace for everyone—but GED RLA has many different skill components. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors can focus on exactly what you need: if you're strong in reading but weak in grammar, you spend more time on grammar. Tutors also adapt their teaching style to how you learn best, provide immediate feedback on your writing, and create practice plans that match your timeline for test day. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement than generic test prep.

Preparation time varies based on your starting skill level and how frequently you study. Students who are already comfortable with reading and writing might prepare in 4-8 weeks with focused tutoring, while others may need 3-6 months to build foundational skills and test confidence. The key is consistent practice combined with expert feedback on your essays and grammar work. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a personalized timeline based on your current abilities and test date.

The GED RLA essay asks you to analyze an argument presented in a passage—not share your personal opinion. You need to identify the author's claim, explain the reasoning and evidence they use, and discuss how effective their argument is. The strongest essays are organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs with specific evidence from the text, and a conclusion. Tutors can help you practice analyzing arguments, organizing your thoughts quickly, and writing under timed conditions, which is essential since you only have about 45 minutes for the essay portion.

The GED RLA emphasizes practical grammar skills: subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, verb tense consistency, comma placement, and sentence structure (fragments, run-ons, and combining sentences). You'll also encounter questions about word choice and clarity. Rather than memorizing grammar rules in isolation, effective preparation involves understanding how these rules apply in real passages and editing tasks. Personalized tutoring allows you to focus on the specific grammar areas where you make mistakes, building confidence through targeted practice.

Yes—effective readers preview the questions before reading the passage (so you know what to focus on), read actively by annotating key ideas, and practice distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details. The GED RLA includes both literary passages (fiction, poetry) and informational texts (workplace documents, historical speeches), so familiarity with different text types helps. Many students also benefit from practicing reading speed and comprehension together, since the test requires you to read multiple lengthy passages efficiently. Tutors can teach you these strategies and help you apply them consistently.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GED preparation and understand the specific demands of the Reasoning Through Language Arts section. You can share your current skill level, areas where you need the most help, and your preferred schedule, and we'll match you with a tutor who fits your needs. Your first session is a great opportunity to discuss your goals, assess where you stand, and create a personalized study plan leading up to your test date.