The General Educational Development (GED) is a high school equivalency test that measures the knowledge and skills of individuals who did not complete high school. The test is designed to assess proficiency in five subject areas: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts, and an Elective.
GED is widely accepted by colleges, employers, and government agencies as a valid measure of high school-level knowledge and skills. Obtaining a GED credential can open doors to higher education and better job opportunities, making it an important step for individuals who did not finish high school.
In this article, we will discuss what to study for the GED and provide tips and resources to help individuals prepare for and pass the exam.
Overview of GED Test Content
The GED test is divided into four subjects, with a separate section for the Reasoning Through Language Arts. The subjects covered in the GED test are:
- Mathematics: This section covers basic mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Science: This section covers topics related to life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
- Social Studies: This section covers topics related to history, geography, economics, and government.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: This section covers reading comprehension, writing, and language usage.
Each subject is further divided into multiple sections, with a different number of questions and time limit for each section. The total time for the GED test is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. It is important to understand the content and format of each section in order to prepare effectively for the GED exam.
Mathematics
The Mathematics section of the GED test covers basic mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The questions in this section are designed to assess the ability to solve real-life problems using mathematical concepts and skills.
Some of the key topics covered in the Mathematics section include:
- Arithmetic: This covers basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more advanced concepts like fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Algebra: This covers algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities, and their applications to real-life problems.
- Geometry: This covers basic concepts of geometry such as points, lines, angles, and shapes, as well as more advanced topics like Pythagorean theorem and coordinate geometry.
- Data Analysis: This covers the analysis of data using graphs, tables, and statistical concepts like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
To prepare for the Mathematics section of the GED test, it is important to review and practice these concepts regularly, using both textbooks and online resources.
Science
The Science section of the GED test covers topics related to life science, physical science, and earth and space science. The questions in this section are designed to assess the ability to understand and analyze scientific information and concepts.
Some of the key topics covered in the Science section include:
- Life Science: This covers the study of living organisms and their relationships to each other and their environment, including topics such as genetics, evolution, and ecology.
- Physical Science: This covers the study of matter and energy, including topics such as physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.
- Earth and Space Science: This covers the study of the earth, its atmosphere, and its place in the solar system, including topics such as geology, meteorology, and astronomy.
To prepare for the Science section of the GED test, it is important to review and practice these concepts regularly, using both textbooks and online resources. Additionally, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of scientific method, including the ability to analyze data and make observations.
Social Studies
The Social Studies section of the GED test covers topics related to history, geography, economics, and government. The questions in this section are designed to assess the ability to understand and analyze social and political information and concepts.
Some of the key topics covered in the Social Studies section include:
- History: This covers the study of past events and people, including topics such as world history, American history, and historical analysis.
- Geography: This covers the study of the earth’s physical features, as well as the distribution of human populations and cultures, including topics such as maps, regions, and climate.
- Economics: This covers the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments allocate resources, including topics such as supply and demand, market structures, and economic systems.
- Government: This covers the study of the structures, functions, and processes of government, including topics such as the Constitution, political parties, and civil rights.
To prepare for the Social Studies section of the GED test, it is important to review and practice these concepts regularly, using both textbooks and online resources. Additionally, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of historical events and their impact on society, as well as current events and issues.
Reasoning Through Language Arts
The Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the GED test covers reading comprehension, writing, and language usage. The questions in this section are designed to assess the ability to understand and analyze written information and communicate effectively in writing.
Some of the key topics covered in the Reasoning Through Language Arts section include:
- Reading Comprehension: This covers the ability to understand and analyze written information, including the ability to make inferences, identify main ideas, and summarize information.
- Writing: This covers the ability to write effectively, including the ability to write clear and well-organized paragraphs, use proper grammar and syntax, and develop a persuasive argument.
- Language Usage: This covers the ability to use language effectively, including the ability to recognize and correct common usage errors, such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
To prepare for the Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the GED test, it is important to review and practice these concepts regularly, using both textbooks and online resources. Additionally, it is helpful to read a variety of texts, including both fiction and non-fiction, to improve reading comprehension skills.
Tips for Success on GED Exam Day
The GED exam can be stressful, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can be successful on exam day. Here are some tips to help you prepare and succeed on the GED exam:
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the exam to ensure that you are well-rested and ready to focus.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam to provide the energy and nourishment you need to perform at your best.
- Arrive at the exam site early to allow time for unexpected delays, and make sure you have all the necessary materials and identification with you.
- During the exam, read each question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked before answering.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions during the exam, such as checking your phone or engaging in conversations with other test-takers.
