DTW GED PREP

Comparing Two Nonfiction Passages on a Similar Topic

On the GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) test, you may be asked to read two nonfiction passages about the same topic. Although the theme is shared, each passage may express a different viewpoint, use a different tone, or serve a different purpose. You’ll need to analyze and compare how each author approaches the issue.

Sample Passages

Passage A

The writer argues in favor of school uniforms, citing studies that suggest uniforms create equality among students. The author believes that when all children dress the same, it minimizes class divisions and helps promote a more inclusive environment.

Tone: Thoughtful and reasoned.
Evidence used: Cites studies and uses logical reasoning.

Passage B

The writer strongly opposes school uniforms, arguing that personal clothing choices are essential for building a child’s individuality and creative identity. The writer sees uniforms as a restriction on personal freedom.

Tone: Emotional and passionate.
Evidence used: Personal beliefs and persuasive language.

Sample Questions & Explanations

1. How is the tone of Passage A different from the tone of Passage B?

A. Passage A has an angrier tone than Passage B.
B. Passage A has a sadder tone than Passage B.
C. Passage A has a more inspirational tone than Passage B.
✅ D. Passage A has a more thoughtful tone than Passage B.

Explanation: Passage A uses research and logical reasoning to support its argument. The tone is calm and analytical. Passage B, in contrast, is emotionally charged and more forceful in its opposition to school uniforms.

2. How are Passage A and Passage B similar in purpose?

A. Both want to convince readers that a particular idea is correct.
B. Both use rhetorical techniques to grab attention.
C. Both try to impress readers with scientific evidence.
D. Both use personal stories to support their claims.

✅ Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Even though they take opposing positions, both passages are persuasive. Each author is trying to convince the reader to agree with their viewpoint. Passage A uses facts; Passage B appeals to emotion—but the purpose in both is persuasive.

Comparing Different Formats on the GED® RLA Test

On the GED RLA test, you may be asked to compare two passages that present the same topic in different genres, or compare a written text with a visual or graphic format (like a chart or data report). Your job is to analyze how the presentation of information affects the message, clarity, or impact.

Sample: Passage A – Informational Report

Title: Why Many Students Attend Community College

This report was compiled at the request of the President of Hanover County Community College. We started our study on students studying at Hanover County Community College six months ago. This is the analysis that we have developed. Of the 98 students interviewed: • 69 students said they were happy they chose a community college over a four-year college. • 18 students said they felt they should have gone directly into a four year college. The reasons given for choosing a community college were: • Finances—the cost of a community college is less than the cost of a four-year college. • Ability to live at home—45 of the 98 students interviewed live at home. • Ability to take courses when they wanted—42 students said they liked the idea of being able to take night courses instead of day courses because it fit their lifestyle better. • Combining school and work—55 students were employed, some full time, some part time. Of the 98 students interviewed: • 49 students said that would go on to get their bachelor’s degree. • 25 students said that they would not seek further education. • 24 students said they had not made a decision on whether to seek a higher degree.

Sample Questions:

1. What type of writing is Passage A?
A. An argumentative essay
B. A persuasive speech
✅ C. An informational report
D. A personal narrative

Explanation: The passage presents objective data collected through interviews and surveys. Its purpose is to inform, not to persuade or tell a personal story.

2. What is the main reason students gave for choosing a community college?
A. To avoid taking classes during the day
✅ B. To save money on tuition
C. To delay going to a university
D. Because they were undecided about a major

Explanation: The most frequently mentioned reason was financial. The report explicitly lists cost as a key factor influencing the students’ decision.

3. What conclusion can be drawn from the report?
A. Most students regret not attending a four-year college.
✅ B. Many students value flexibility and affordability in education.
C. Students believe community college degrees are more prestigious.
D. Only a few students plan to get a bachelor’s degree.

Explanation: A majority of students expressed satisfaction with community college, citing cost and flexible schedules as the main benefits. Nearly half intend to continue their education.

Sample: Passage B – Community Colleges Get the Job Done by Clarence Williams

More and more students are turning to community colleges instead of four-year schools, and they say it is the practical thing to do. “I attend Hanover Community College and I am studying criminal justice. I just couldn’t have afforded a four-year college. But I feel I am getting a good foundation here, and then I will transfer. It’s just less of a big deal to go to a community college and live at home than it would be to go to a school that would cost a lot and wouldn’t provide an education in the basics that was any better,” said second-year student Jeffrey Bailey, who will graduate this spring with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. “I am planning to go to State next fall. I feel that I am prepared for that big jump now. I’ve saved up some money, and I even got a scholarship. I am in good shape,” he said. He echoes the sentiments of many of the students at Hanover Community College. Recently the college authorized a study of its students, which shows that of 98 students who were interviewed, 69 said they were happy with their choice of a community college over a four-year school. The study was commissioned by Hanover Community College but done by an outside agency. Other findings showed that a majority of the students at Hanover Community College are planning to go on to get a bachelor’s degree. “We are definitely filling a niche in our community. We offer good education in the basics and a way to get educated without breaking the bank,” said college spokesman Dean Arthur D’Elia. He added that there are some 500 students enrolled in the school this year compared to 350 three years ago.

Question 1

How does the intended audience of Passage A differ from that of Passage B?

A. Passage A is written for students, while Passage B is intended for college faculty and administrators.
B. Passage A targets the general public, while Passage B is written for students.
C. Passage A is directed toward college faculty and administrators, while Passage B is intended for a general audience.
D. Passage A is aimed at high school students, while Passage B targets college administrators.

Correct Answer: C.
Passage A is a formal report intended for college faculty and administrators, presenting survey results about community college students. Passage B is written in a journalistic style for a general audience, likely appearing in a public news outlet.

Question 2

How does the genre of each passage influence the reader’s perception of its content?

A. Passage A is less credible than Passage B.
B. Passage A is more factual in tone and content than Passage B.
C. Passage A is more emotional in its presentation than Passage B.
D. Passage A is more difficult to interpret than Passage B.

Correct Answer: B.
Passage A presents research-based findings in a report format, focusing on factual data. Passage B uses a narrative style typical of newspaper articles, blending facts with engaging storytelling. This distinction in genre influences how readers evaluate the reliability of each passage.

Passage A:

The expiration dates printed on packaged foods can often be confusing. They are not always completely reliable, as their accuracy depends on several factors—such as how the product is stored, how it’s packaged, and whether it has been opened.

While expiration dates are commonly used as a guideline for food freshness, they are only effective if proper storage conditions are maintained. For example, if your refrigerator isn’t cold enough or if you regularly leave milk out at room temperature, the product may spoil much faster than the date suggests.

Interestingly, even bottled water comes with expiration dates—typically one or two years after bottling. Manufacturers claim this is due to potential changes in taste over time. Though this may seem strange—since water is just water—it reflects industry beliefs about product quality.

Food can spoil in many ways. For instance, microbes can grow in milk, causing it to sour, and mold may develop on cheese—though some people simply cut off the mold and still use the rest.

It’s important to note that food may look or taste fine yet still contain harmful microbes. Conversely, food that tastes unpleasant might still be safe to eat, depending on the situation and your personal tolerance.

Passage B: How to Interpret Expiration Dates

What Does It Say?	What Does this Mean?	Can It Be Eaten?
Use by	The Manufacturer won’t guarantee the food’s quality after this date	It may still be edible, but may be less appealing
Sell by	Tells the store when to take the product off the shelf	The food will still be good for a few days
Expires	Throw the food out after this date	Should not be eaten

How does the table in Passage B complement the information in Passage A?

A. It details the ways in which foods can be preserved.
B. It tells which foods can be eaten even if they are spoiled.
C. It tells how long foods will last when properly refrigerated.
D. It gives specific information about different types of expiration dates.

Choice D is the correct answer. Passage A describes expiration dates and their uses in general; the table in Passage B lists three different kinds of expiration dates and tells what each one means.