GED All Subjects Study Guide

Have questions about the GED exam? Click below to find the answers you need.

++tableTop tableTop++ ++tableRow ++tableItem Getting Ready tableItem++ ++tableItem Taking the Exam tableItem++ ++tableItem After the Exam tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem

++questionWhat is the GED?question++

++questionWhat does GED stand for?question++

++questionCan you take the GED test in parts?question++

++questionIs a GED as good as a high school diploma?question++

++questionWhat is the point of a GED?question++

++questionHow can I pass the GED?question++

++questionIs the GED test hard?question++

++questionHow do I get my GED?question++ tableItem++ ++tableItem

++questionWhat’s on the GED?question++

++questionIs the GED all multiple choice?question++

++questionHow long is the GED?question++

++questionWhat’s on the GED Language Arts test?question++

++questionIs the GED math test hard?question++

++questionCan I use a calculator on the GED Math?question++

++questionHow do I study for the GED science?question++

++questionWhat’s on the GED social studies?question++

++questionHow is the GED Administered?question++ tableItem++ ++tableItem

++questionHow is the GED Scored?question++

++questionWhat is a good GED score?question++

++questionWhat GED score is needed for college?question++

++questionCan I retake the GED?question++ tableItem++ tableRow++

++answerWhat is the GED?

The General Educational Development, or GED, test is a high school-equivalency test—composed of four subtests—that certifies that the test-taker has high school-level academic skills.answer++

++answerWhat does GED stand for?

GED stands for “General Educational Development.”answer++

++answerCan you take the GED test in parts?

The four subtests can be taken together or separately, but you must pass all four subtests in order to pass the test overall.answer++

++answerIs a GED as good as a high school diploma?

Forty states currently offer the GED test. Once a test-taker passes the exam, then that person becomes eligible to receive a high school-equivalency diploma, which can be used in job applications or in applying to colleges or universities.answer++

++answerWhat is the point of a GED?

The GED is specifically designed for individuals who did not complete a high school diploma, no matter the reason.answer++

++answerHow can I pass the GED?

The best way to get your GED is to study. Accepted, Inc., offers a GED practice test online with purchase of our GED study guide. Our other books for GED preparation include specific materials for each subtest. You can focus on the subjects you need the most help with. For example, take a GED math practice test to find out what concepts you need to review. GED testing service also offers a free GED practice test if you qualify for a voucher.answer++

++answerIs the GED test hard?

Candidates are expected to be able to read closely, write clearly, edit and understand standard written English as it is used in context, and solve quantitative and algebraic problems. You also must show strong content knowledge in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science as well as civics and government, United States history, geography and the world, and economics.answer++

++answerHow do I get my GED?

To find a test center near you, check with Pearson VUE. You will need to print your registration ticket from your online account and bring it, along with your identification, to the testing site on test day. Some test centers will require other forms or documentation, so make sure to check with your test center in advance.answer++

++answerWhat’s on the GED?

The GED test gauges high school-level content knowledge and skills in four areas: Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.answer++

++answerIs the GED all multiple choice?

The test includes a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, hot spot, and fill-in-the-blank. The multiple-choice questions are a standard style in which the test-taker selects the best answer among a series of choices. In drag-and-drop questions, the test-taker must select the best answer, click on it, and drag it to the appropriate location. This usually involves sorting items into categories or making associations between different concepts. Hot spot questions require the test-taker to click on a specific area of an image. For fill-in-the-blank questions, the test-taker must type in the word or phrase missing from the statement or question. The Reasoning through Language Arts section also includes some questions in which the test-taker must select the best grammatical or punctuation change from a drop-down list of options as well as extended response questions that require the test-taker to type the answer.answer++

++answerHow long is the GED?

Each subtest is taken separately. You must complete one subtest before moving on to the next. You will have 115 minutes for the math test, ninety minutes for the science test, seventy minutes for the social studies test, and 150 minutes for the Reasoning through Language Arts test.

++tableTop tableTop++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Skills Assessed tableNoBottomItem++++tableNoBottomItem Topics tableNoBottomItem++++tableNoBottomItem Percentage of Exam* tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableTitle Reasoning Through Language Arts tableTitle++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Read closely tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItemInformational textstableItem++ ++tableItem 75% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Write clearly tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem Literature texts tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem 25% tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Edit and understand the use of standard written English in context tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableTitle Mathematical Reasoning tableTitle++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Understand key mathematical concepts tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItem Quantitative problem-solving tableItem++ ++tableItem 45% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Demonstrate skill and fluency with key math procedures tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem Algebraic problem-solving tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem 55% tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Apply concepts to realistic situations tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableTitle Science tableTitle++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Use scientific reasoning (textually and quantitatively) tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItemLife sciencetableItem++ ++tableItem 40% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Apply scientific reasoning to a variety of realistic situations tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItemPhysical sciencetableItem++ ++tableItem 40% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem Earth and space science tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableNoBottomItem 20% tableNoBottomItem++ tableRow++ ++tableTitle Social Studies tableTitle++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Use scientific reasoning (textually and quantitatively) tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItem Civics and government tableItem++ ++tableItem 50% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Apply scientific reasoning to a variety of realistic situations tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItem United States history tableItem++ ++tableItem 20% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItem Economics tableItem++ ++tableItem 15% tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem tableItem++ ++tableItem Geography and the world tableItem++ ++tableItem 15% tableItem++ tableRow++

*Percentages are approximate.

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++answerWhat’s on the GED Language Arts test?

The Reasoning through Language Arts test assesses your ability to understand a range of texts which can be found in both academic and workplace settings. The test includes literary and informational texts as well as important US founding documents. The texts vary in length from 450 to 900 words. You will be asked to identify details and make logical inferences from—as well as valid claims about—the texts. You also will be asked to define key vocabulary and use textual evidence to analyze the texts in your own words in the form of a written response.answer++

++answerIs the GED math test hard?

The Mathematical Reasoning test assesses mastery of key fundamental math concepts. Rather than focusing on specific content, the test focuses on reasoning skills and modes of thinking that can be used in a variety of mathematical content areas, specifically algebra, data analysis, and number sense. Questions will assess your ability to make sense of complex problems, use logical thinking to find solutions, recognize structure, and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. You also will be evaluated on the precision of your mathematics.answer++

++answerCan I use a calculator on the GED?

You may bring a TI-30XS scientific calculator to the test. You will be provided with a formula reference sheet for the math test.answer++

++answerHow do I study for the GED science?

The Science test assesses your mastery of scientific content in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, as well as your ability to apply scientific reasoning. Each question on the test will focus on one science practice and one content topic. Specifically, questions will relate to two primary themes: Human Health and Living Systems—all concepts related to the health and safety of all living things on the planet—and Energy and Related Systems—all concepts related to sources and uses of energy.answer++

++answerWhat’s on the GED social studies?

The Social Studies test assesses your mastery of both social studies content and skills. Each question addresses one element of social studies practice and one specific content topic. The primary focus of the test is on American civics and government, with the other three content areas as supplements. The questions address two core themes: Development of Modern Liberties and Democracy—which traces the current ideas of democracy from ancient times to present—and Dynamic Responses in Societal Systems, which addresses how society’s systems, structures, and policies have developed and responded to each other.answer++

++answerHow is the GED Administered?

The GED exam is a computer-based test offered at a wide range of sites throughout the United States and the world.

Check in advance with your testing center for specific testing guidelines, including restrictions on dress and accessories. You may take the subtests all on the same day or individually on separate days. There is no required order for completing the test. Certain jurisdictions may apply limits to the amount of time available for completing all four tests.answer++

++answerHow is the GED Scored?

You will receive your scores on your GED tests within twenty-four hours of completing the exam. The number of raw points each question is worth depends on the number of required answers for that question. For example, a question that requires the test-taker to select two items from a drop-down menu would be worth two raw points.

The two science constructed-response questions are scored on a three-point scale. Scores are based on scientific reasoning, the application of relevant scientific skills, and the quality of the evidence or support provided.

The written component of the Reasoning through Language Arts subtest is scored on three traits: analysis of arguments and use of evidence, development of ideas and structure, and clarity and command of standard English. Each trait can earn a raw score of up to two points. The number of questions can vary between versions of the exam, but the number of raw points remains constant.

There are sixty-five raw score points on the Reasoning through Language Arts exam, forty-nine on the Mathematical Reasoning exam, forty on the Science exam, and thirty on the Social Studies exam. The total number of raw points earned is then scaled to a score between 100 and 200.answer++

++answerWhat is a good GED score?

You must earn at least 145 scaled score points to qualify for your high school equivalency credential. Each test is scored independently, and points from one test cannot affect the point value of another. You must pass each subtest to qualify for your high school-equivalency credential. There is no guessing penalty on the GED exam, so you should always guess if you do not know the answer to a question.answer++

++answerWhat GED score is needed for college?

IA score of at least 165 qualifies you as College Ready, and a score of 175 or higher qualifies you as College Ready + Credit, meaning you could qualify to receive college credit.answer++

++answerCan I retake the GED?

There are three versions of each test, so if you want to retake the test, you can do so right away up to two times. You will receive a different version of the test each time. If you still need to retake the test after the third time, you must wait sixty days. Ultimately, you may take each test up to eight times a year. If you do not pass one subtest, you are not required to retake all of the tests—only the one you failed.answer++