How to prepare for the GED math and language arts sections
The GED mathematics section lasts 115 minutes and contains 50 questions divided into two parts: a calculator-allowed part, and a no-calculator-allowed part. The no-calculator-allowed questions tend to be less math-heavy and more concept-based; whereas the calculator-allowed questions tend to be more challenging and require more calculations.
The mathematics section focuses on the following content areas for both the calculator and no calculator parts:
- Number operations and number sense
- Measurement and geometry
- Data analysis, statistics, and probability
- Algebra, functions, and patterns
The Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the GED exam lasts 150 minutes and consists of two parts: the language arts, reading section and language arts, writing section.
- Language Arts, Reading: The reading-comprehension component of the GED consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and contains both fictional and nonfictional passages, which you will need to analyze in order to answer the questions that follow. You will be asked to determine the main idea, the point of view, the meaning of words and phrases, and inferences and claims based on texts that span a range of complexity.
- Language Arts, Writing: The writing section is divided into two parts: sentence corrections and an essay. The first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and contains passages that are not complete. You have to select the best sentence or completion of a sentence from among the four choices. This section tests your knowledge of organization, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. The second part consists of writing an essay about a familiar subject. You will have 45 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay. The essay topic requires you to present your opinion or explain your views about the assigned topic. Your essay will be scored on the basis of the following features: focused main points, clear organization, specific development of ideas, sentence structure control, and correct punctuation, grammar, word choice, and spelling.
How to prepare for the GED social studies and science sections
The GED Social Studies section lasts 70 minutes and is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions. The social studies questions cover the following content areas:
- History (U.S. and World)
- Geography
- Civics and government
- Economics
The GED Science section lasts 90 minutes and contains 50 multiple-choice questions. This section tests your ability to work with science information from life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
To correctly answer the questions, you need to be able to do the following:
- Analyze data represented on tables and graphs.
- Sift through text for information on experiment procedure and set up.
- Consider science topics from all areas of biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Read your answer options carefully and use them to help you focus.
- Discover that often two of the four answers are clearly incorrect.
