GED RLA Practice

AI and the Future of Work

20 multiple choice  •  1 editing task  •  1 extended response  •  close reading · argument & evidence · grammar in context

Name: Date: Class:
How to use this practice test. Read each passage closely before you answer. Choose the best answer and write its letter on the answer line.
PASSAGE 1How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping the Workplace

How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping the Workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries around the world. From automated customer service chatbots to advanced data analysis tools, AI systems are taking over tasks that were once performed exclusively by humans. While some experts warn that AI could lead to widespread job losses, others argue that it will create new opportunities and increase overall productivity.

One of the most significant impacts of AI is its ability to handle repetitive and data-heavy tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans. For example, in the healthcare industry, AI can analyze medical images to detect diseases earlier than traditional methods. In finance, AI algorithms can detect fraudulent transactions in real time. These advancements allow human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and interpersonal aspects of their jobs.

However, the rise of AI also raises important concerns. Many routine jobs in manufacturing, transportation, and administrative support are at high risk of automation. Workers in these fields may need to acquire new skills to remain employable. Additionally, there are ethical questions about bias in AI decision-making and the lack of transparency in how some AI systems reach their conclusions. As AI becomes more integrated into daily work life, both employers and policymakers will need to address these challenges thoughtfully to ensure that the benefits of technology are shared broadly across society.

Questions 1–10 are based on Passage 1.

1.

What is the central idea of Passage 1?

Nudge — A central idea has to cover the whole passage, not just one paragraph or a single example. As you weigh each option, ask whether it fits everything the author discussed, and stay cautious with sweeping, one-sided wording that may be too extreme to hold up.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
2.

According to the passage, how can AI benefit human workers?

Nudge — "According to the passage" means the answer is stated in the text, so reread the second paragraph, where the author describes AI's effect on human workers. Be wary of any option that overreaches with words like completely, all, or every.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
3.

Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that AI raises ethical concerns?

Nudge — The question is specifically about ethics, so match the topic rather than settling for any true statement. Reread the part of the passage that raises concerns and pick the quotation that is actually about that idea — the other quotes are accurate but on different topics.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
4.

The author's primary purpose in Passage 1 is to:

Nudge — Purpose is the author's overall goal for the whole passage. Notice how much ground the author covers, then set aside any option that is narrower or more one-sided than what you actually read.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
5.

Which sentence contains a grammar or usage error?

Nudge — Check subject–verb agreement in each sentence: find the real subject, then ask if the verb matches it. A plural subject needs a plural verb. Read each one aloud and listen for the mismatch.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
6.

Which revision best corrects the error in Question 5?

Nudge — A correct revision fixes the one error without breaking anything else. The subject is plural ("jobs"), so the verb must be plural too. Rule out any choice that keeps the mismatch, changes the noun to singular, or leaves the sentence without a complete verb.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
7.

Which transition word or phrase best fits in the blank?

"AI can perform many tasks with greater speed and accuracy. _____, it also raises important ethical questions about bias and transparency."

Nudge — Start by deciding for yourself how the second sentence relates to the first — does it add to it, give an example, show a result, or push back against it? Once you name that relationship, choose the transition word that signals it.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
8.

What can the reader reasonably infer from Passage 1?

Nudge — A reasonable inference stays close to what the text says without stretching it. Test each option against the passage, and be suspicious of any that leans on absolutes like only, all, or easily — those often claim more than the author does.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
9.

The tone of Passage 1 can best be described as:

Nudge — Tone is the author's attitude, so ask how the writing feels: is it joking, alarmed, or even-handed? Reread a few sentences and choose the word that matches the mood you actually hear.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
10.

Which statement best summarizes the author's overall view on AI in the workplace?

Nudge — A statement of the author's "overall view" has to fit the whole passage, not just one piece of it. Rule out options that are extreme, dismissive, or off-topic, and keep the one that reflects the full picture the author presents.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
PASSAGE 2Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future

Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future

As artificial intelligence continues to advance, education and workforce development systems must adapt. Many traditional jobs are being redefined or eliminated, while entirely new roles are emerging in areas such as AI ethics, data analysis, machine learning maintenance, and human-AI collaboration. This shift requires a fundamental rethinking of what skills workers will need in the coming decades.

Experts emphasize that technical skills alone will not be enough. Workers will increasingly need strong critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence — abilities that AI currently struggles to replicate. Education systems are therefore being encouraged to move beyond rote memorization and focus more on teaching students how to learn, adapt, and apply knowledge in new situations.

Companies also have a role to play. Many forward-thinking organizations are investing in continuous learning programs for their employees and partnering with educational institutions to develop relevant training. Some are even creating internal "AI academies" to help workers understand and work alongside new technologies. Without such proactive efforts, there is a real risk that the benefits of AI will be concentrated among a small group of highly skilled workers, while others are left behind.

Ultimately, the future of work in an AI-driven world will depend not only on technological innovation but also on thoughtful policies and educational strategies that prepare all members of society to participate meaningfully in the economy of the future.

Questions 11–20 are based on Passage 2.

11.

What is the central theme of Passage 2?

Nudge — A theme runs through the entire passage, so look for the option that ties its several parts together rather than one that fixes on a single factor. Set aside choices that shrink the passage to one idea or contradict what the author says.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
12.

According to the passage, which skills will become increasingly important as AI advances?

Nudge — This is stated directly, so let the passage decide rather than memory — reread the second paragraph, which names the kinds of skills the author has in mind and reminds readers that technical ability alone is not enough.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
13.

The author's primary purpose in Passage 2 is to:

Nudge — Ask what the author is ultimately urging the reader to accept, and reread how the passage closes. Then rule out options that are more extreme or more narrowly technical than the case the author actually builds.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
14.

Which sentence contains a grammar or usage error?

Nudge — Same skill as Question 5: subject–verb agreement. Locate the subject of each sentence and check whether the verb matches. A plural subject paired with a singular verb is the error to catch.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
15.

Which revision best corrects the error in Question 14?

Nudge — Fix only the agreement problem and keep the sentence complete. The subject is plural, so it needs a plural verb. Reject any choice that keeps the singular verb, turns the noun singular, or drops the helping verb so there is no full predicate.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
16.

What can the reader reasonably infer from Passage 2?

Nudge — Look at the warning near the end of the third paragraph about what happens "without such proactive efforts." A good inference echoes that warning. Cross out options that contradict the passage or lean on absolutes like all, no, or easily.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
17.

The author includes the idea of companies creating internal "AI academies" primarily to:

Nudge — Ask why the author includes this particular example. Reread the sentence just before it and consider what point the example is there to illustrate, then set aside any reading that is harsher or more sweeping than the passage itself.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
18.

Which revision best combines these two sentences?

"AI is advancing quickly. Education systems must adapt to prepare workers for new roles."

Nudge — First decide for yourself how the two ideas relate, then check each option's punctuation and connecting word. Two full sentences joined by only a comma — or with no connector at all — make a run-on, and the connecting word you choose should match the actual relationship between the ideas.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
19.

The tone of Passage 2 can best be described as:

Nudge — Tone is the author's attitude, so reread the passage and ask how pressing the situation is made to feel and whether the author still points toward solutions. Match the tone word to what you observe, and drop any option that is purely negative, dismissive, or off-topic.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
20.

What does Passage 2 suggest about the relationship between technological progress and education?

Nudge — This asks about the passage's overall argument, so reread how the author connects education to technological change. Then eliminate options that contradict the text or narrow it to a single skill, and keep the one that reflects the author's actual position.
My answer: Why I picked this (in my own words):
EDITING TASKGrammar in context
21.

Read the paragraph below. Rewrite it correctly on the lines. Fix any grammar, punctuation, spelling, or sentence-structure errors.

"Artificial intelligence are changing the way people work. Many worker will need to learn new skills to stay employable. Education systems and companies must work together to provide training. Without these efforts, the benefits of AI may only reach a small group of people."
Nudge — Work sentence by sentence. For each one, find the subject and make the verb agree with it, and check whether a noun that should be plural is written as singular. Read your rewrite aloud at the end — if it sounds right and every subject matches its verb, you have likely caught the errors. Do not change the meaning; only fix the mistakes.
Corrected paragraph:

Extended Response Writing Task

22. In a well-organized essay of 4–7 paragraphs, discuss both the opportunities and the challenges that artificial intelligence presents for the future of work. Use specific ideas and evidence from both Passage 1 and Passage 2 to support your response. In your conclusion, suggest one way society can help ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more broadly.

Your essay should include:

Nudge — Plan before you write. (1) State a thesis that names both a benefit and a challenge of AI at work. (2) Jot one or two specific details from each passage — the text is your evidence, so point to it. (3) Give each body paragraph one job: opportunities, then challenges, then preparing the workforce. (4) Save one fresh, practical idea for the conclusion — do not just repeat the thesis. Write the paragraphs in the boxes below.
Paragraph 1 — Introduction (include your thesis statement)
Paragraph 2 — Body: Opportunities (use evidence from Passage 1)
Paragraph 3 — Body: Challenges (use evidence from both passages)
Paragraph 4 — Body: Preparing the workforce (use evidence from Passage 2)
Paragraph 5, 6, or 7 — Conclusion (summarize and suggest how to share benefits broadly)

Reflection / Self-Assessment

Which part of this practice test was most challenging for you — close reading and inference, analyzing arguments and evidence, grammar and editing in context, or the extended response? Which questions did you need the nudge for? Name one specific skill you want to practice before the real GED test.

— End of Practice Test —
Nice work practicing these important skills.

FOR INSTRUCTOR USE — NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

Mentor Guide

How to run this RLA practice test, and how to review it well — no answer key on the page

1. What the nudges are (and are not)

Each question carries a Nudge — a printed hint about how to attack the question. A nudge never states or implies which option is correct; it names the strategy (find the central idea that covers the whole passage, check subject–verb agreement, decide the relationship between two sentences, watch for absolute words). A student who is stuck should get unstuck by reasoning, not by being told. Over time the nudges become the student's own internal checklist, so they can be withdrawn.

Notice this worksheet also asks the student to write "Why I picked this — in my own words" under every question. That one line is your best diagnostic: it shows whether a right answer came from sound reasoning or a lucky guess, and exactly where a wrong answer went off track.

2. Three ways to use the nudges

3. The skills this set is really testing

4. Reviewing the work WITHOUT handing over a key

This student copy has no answer key by design. Review with the student, evidence-first, so the reasoning transfers to the real exam:

5. Editing task (Q21) and Extended Response (Q22)

Editing task — model of a clean paragraph. The student paragraph contains a subject–verb error ("intelligence are"), a singular/plural noun error ("Many worker"), and should read smoothly throughout. A fully corrected version reads: "Artificial intelligence is changing the way people work. Many workers will need to learn new skills to stay employable. Education systems and companies must work together to provide training. Without these efforts, the benefits of AI may only reach a small group of people." Score on whether each subject matches its verb and each noun is correctly singular or plural — not on rewording the meaning.

Extended Response — scoring guidance. Use a simple rubric on the GED traits, and grade ideas before mechanics: (1) Thesis & organization — a clear thesis and a logical beginning, middle, and end; (2) Use of evidence — specific, relevant support drawn from both passages; (3) Analysis & synthesis — explains how the evidence connects to the thesis and ties the two passages together; (4) Conclusion with a suggestion — summarizes and offers one practical way to share AI's benefits more broadly. Give partial credit for strong reasoning and good use of evidence even when some grammar errors remain; address language separately, after the ideas.

Running the session. Read each passage aloud together if that removes a decoding barrier. Suggested pacing: Passage 1 + Q1–10, break, Passage 2 + Q11–20, break, the editing task, then the extended response (which can be homework). Time is a guideline, not a limit — accuracy and reasoning come first.