What Questions Are on the GED Test?

The GED test consists of four different subtests that measure your proficiency in mathematics, science, social studies, and language. The questions assess your ability to understand, evaluate, and apply information, rather than just recalling it.

The different subject areas have multiple-choice, short answer, extended response, and drag and drop format questions.

Learn: What is a GED?

What Questions are on the GED Social Studies Test? 

The GED Social Studies Test measures your skills in comprehending, interpreting, and applying information. 

You will have 70 minutes to complete 35 questions derived from reading passages and analyzing graphics like charts, graphs, diagrams, editorial cartoons, photographs, and maps. To pass the Social Studies Test, you need a minimum score of 145. 

GED Social Studies Content Areas

• Civics and Government (50%): This section covers topics on modern and historical governments, constitutional government, the different levels and branches of the U.S. government, the electoral system, and the role of citizens.
• U.S. History (20%): This section spans from colonialism and the American Revolution through the Civil War and Reconstruction to the modern era, including industrialization, immigration, both World Wars, the Cold War, and movements for equal rights.
• Economics (15%): Topics include basic economic concepts and systems, the relationship between government and the economy, and issues related to labor and consumer economics.
• Geography and the World (15%): This section addresses major stages in world history and explores the relationship among resources, the environment, and societies.

Key Competencies for GED Social Studies Success

In addition to assessing your comprehension of social studies passages and graphics, questions will evaluate your grasp of key skills, known as Social Studies Competencies. These include the following:

•  Identifying Central Ideas, Making Inferences, Formulating Hypotheses, and Drawing Conclusions
•  Analyzing Words, Events, and Ideas within Social Studies Contexts
•  Evaluating the Author’s Purpose and Point of View
•  Assessing the Author’s Reasoning and Evidence
•  Examining and Integrating Relationships Within and Between Social Studies Materials
•  Interpreting Data and Statistics in Graphs and Charts
•  Determining the Central Tendency in a Statistical Data Set, Including Mean, Median, and Mode

Access quality GED Social Studies practice questions with our GED Social Studies Practice Test

Social Studies GED Test Question Formats

You will encounter five different question formats on the Social Studies Test. While many questions will be in the familiar multiple-choice format, you should also be prepared for the other formats:

• Multiple-Choice: These questions offer four options (A through D). Click on the best answer.
• Fill-in-the-Blank: For these questions, you will type a word, phrase, or number into a box that appears on the screen.
• Drop-Down: These questions allow you to click on the correct response to complete a statement.
• Hot-Spot: These items feature a graphic image or images. You need to click on one or more “points” or graphics on the screen.
• Drag-and-Drop: For these questions, you will click on a small image, word, or numerical expression and drag it to a specified location on the screen.

Questions on the GED Mathematical Reasoning Subtest

The GED Mathematical Reasoning Test measures your ability to solve mathematical problems and apply math in various contexts. You will have 90 minutes to answer around 46 questions covering the following areas:

•  Quantitative Reasoning (45%): This includes problems involving positive and negative whole numbers, decimals, and fractions; ratios, proportions, and percentages; data and statistics; and geometric measurements.
•  Algebraic Reasoning (55%): This includes expressions, polynomials, equations, inequalities, linear and quadratic equations, as well as patterns and functions. You will be tested on evaluating, solving, and graphing skills in algebra through various formats.

To pass the Mathematical Reasoning Test, you need a minimum score of 145. 

Boost your chances of success in the GED Mathematical Reasoning Test by practicing using our GED Math Practice Test

GED Mathematical Reasoning Tools

1. Calculator: 

For most of the test, you can use either a hand-held or an online version of the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView™ scientific calculator. 

Access the online calculator during the exam by clicking the calculator icon, or bring your own hand-held TI-30XS MultiView™ calculator on test day. 

For the first five questions, calculator use is not permitted. You have up to 12 minutes of the 90-minute test duration to complete these questions. 

Ensure you check all your work carefully before proceeding, as you won’t be able to return to these problems once the online calculator is enabled.

 If you forget how to use a specific calculator function, a Calculator Reference Sheet is available by clicking the corresponding icon on your computer screen.

2.Formula Sheet: 

Access select formulas by clicking the “Formula Sheet” icon provided. Any other formulas should be memorized.

3.Symbol Selector: 

For some fill-in-the-blank problems, you will need to use symbols from the symbol selector toolbar. You can enable it during the exam by clicking the “Symbol” icon on the light blue toolbar at the top of your screen.

At the testing center, you will be given a dry erase marker and a wipe-off board to use as scratch paper.

Using the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView™ Calculator

Remember: You don’t have to use the calculator to solve problems; use it only if it’s relevant or you find it helpful.

Here are some tips:

•  The hand-held calculator has an On/Off button located at the lower-left corner.
•  For the online calculator, click the calculator icon on the screen to open it in a new window. Drag the calculator to the side of the screen to avoid covering the problem. When done, click the “X” at the top to close it.
•  After completing a calculation, press the enter button (there is no “equal sign” button).
•  Use the white numeric keypad for entering numbers, decimal points, and the negative sign (−) for negative numbers like −13.
•  The operation keys on the right let you add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Use the minus sign for subtraction and the negative sign (−) on the keypad for negative numbers.
•  The bright green 2nd button on the left activates secondary functions (in green above the keys), such as square root, exponent, percent, and mixed number functions.
•  The four arrows at the top right of the calculator move the on screen cursor up, down, left, or right as needed. The delete key to the left of the arrows corrects mistakes.
•  Always press the clear button above the operation keys to reset the calculator’s memory before starting a new calculation.

GED Mathematics Question Formats

•  Multiple Choice:

Many questions will be in a multiple-choice format with four options (A through D). You’ll need to click on the best answer.

•  Fill-in-the-Blank:

For fill-in-the-blank questions, you may need to type a numerical answer or an equation by opening the symbol selector and inserting the appropriate symbol in the box. You might also be required to type a word or phrase to explain your thought process.

•  Drop-down:

Drop-down questions allow you to click on the word “Select” and choose the correct option to complete the statement.

•  Drag-and-Drop:

Drag-and-drop items require you to click on an image, number, or symbol and drag it to a specified location on the screen to form an expression, equation, or inequality.

•  Hot-Spot Questions:

Hot-spot questions involve a graphic, such as a number line, coordinate grid, or geometric figure. You’ll need to click on specific places on the figure.

Accessing the Symbol Selector Toolbar

Some questions will require you to use a specific symbol from the “symbol selector.” This feature isn’t available for all problems. However, when it is, you’ll see a “Symbol” icon that opens this toolbar:

Click on a symbol to insert it in the appropriate place within an expression, equation, or inequality. Once you’re done with the toolbar, click the “X” at the top of the window to close it.

Using the Wipe-Off Board

Even with all the computer-based tools available, you might still find it helpful to use scratch paper for the following tasks:

•  Jot down the important numbers needed to answer a specific question.
•  Solve the problem manually and use the calculator to verify your results.
•  Create drawings or diagrams to visualize situations described in word problems, especially in measurement and geometry questions that lack graphics.

At the testing center, you will be given a wipe-off board and dry erase marker, similar to the one shown on the right. Use the board throughout the GED Mathematical Reasoning Test and request a new one if necessary.

Questions on the GED Science Test

The GED Science Test assesses your skills in comprehending, interpreting, and using scientific information. 

You will have 90 minutes to answer 34 questions, which may include reading passages, graphics such as diagrams, tables, graphs, and maps, or a combination of these elements. 

To pass the Science Test and earn your high school equivalency diploma, you must achieve a minimum score of 145. 

Prepare efficiently for your GED Science Test using our GED Science Practice Test

GED Science Content Areas

• Life Science (40%): encompasses topics such as cell structures and functions, human body systems, health and nutrition, heredity and reproduction, genetics and DNA, evolution and natural selection, and ecosystem organization.
• Earth and Space Science (20%): covers subjects like Earth’s structure, plate tectonics, geological cycles and processes, renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, weather and climate, the solar system, and the universe.
• Physical Science (40%): includes areas such as atoms and molecules, properties and states of matter, chemical reactions, energy and work, motion and forces, waves, electricity, and magnetism.

GED Science Test Competencies 

The Science Test assesses not only your grasp of scientific passages and graphics but also your proficiency in skills essential for scientific inquiry and research, known as Science Competencies. These Competencies include:

•  Understanding Scientific Presentations to interpret passages and graphics.
•  Applying the Scientific Method to design investigations, analyze data, and interpret results.
•  Evaluating Scientific Information to assess conclusions based on evidence.
•  Using Concepts and Formulas to convey scientific information and apply scientific theories.
•  Utilizing Probabilities and Statistics within a scientific context.

GED Science Test Question Formats

On the Science Test, you’ll encounter six different question formats. While many questions will follow the familiar multiple-choice format, you’ll also need to be familiar with the other types:

•  Multiple-Choice: These questions offer four options (A through D), and you need to select the best answer.
•  Fill-in-the-Blank: For these questions, you’ll type a word, phrase, or number into a box on the screen.
•  Drop-Down: These questions require you to select the correct response from a drop-down menu to complete a statement.
•  Hot-Spot: These items involve a graphic image, and you’ll click on one or more specific points on the graphic.
•  Drag-and-Drop: For these questions, you’ll drag and drop a small image, words, or numerical expression into the designated area on the screen.
•  Short-Answer: There are two Short-Answer questions where you’ll type a response in a text box with editing tools, such as writing a summary, designing an experiment, or explaining how evidence supports a hypothesis or conclusion. Each Short-Answer question should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Short-Answer Questions on the GED Science Test

Scientists and science students often share their work in written form. Similarly, the GED Science Test includes two Short-Answer questions designed to evaluate your writing skills. These questions may be based on one or more passages, a graphic, or a combination of these. 

You will write your response in a text box. Be sure to read the prompt thoroughly and use the online highlighter to mark relevant facts and information for your answer. 

Since Short-Answer responses are typically one or two paragraphs long, they should be composed of complete sentences and well-developed ideas.

To craft an effective response, answer the questions using specific details from the source material rather than relying on personal opinions or experiences. 

Each Short-Answer response is worth up to 3 points, so take the time to understand the question, plan your response, and select several facts to support your answer.

As with other writing tasks on the GED Test, you have access to word processing tools at the top of the toolbox, which allow you to:

•  Cut (remove unnecessary ideas or correct mistakes)
•  Copy and Paste (rearrange words and ideas to improve clarity)
•  Undo or Redo (revert changes or restore previous versions)

Math Problems on the GED Science Test

Mathematics is commonly used in science investigations, which is why math questions will appear on the GED Science Test. 

You are not required to use a calculator, but you can choose between a handheld version or the on-screen TI-30XS MultiView™ calculator during the test. 

If a problem allows the use of a calculator, you will see a notification at the top of the screen. Should you need assistance with the calculator, you can access the online Calculator Reference Sheet.

You can click to open, move, and close both the online Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView™ calculator and the Calculator Reference Sheet. Arrange them on your screen to avoid obstructing the problems. 

Additionally, you will have an off-line wipe-off board available to use as scratch paper.

What Questions are on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Test? 

The GED Reasoning through Language Arts Test (RLA) assesses your reading and writing abilities. You will have 2.5 hours to answer approximately 46 questions, which will require you to:

•  Respond to questions based on individual passages as well as paired passages (reading and comprehension skills);
•  Review and edit written text to ensure it is grammatically correct (language skills); and
•  Write an extended response to a prompt based on one or two passages or a passage with a graphic (writing skills).

The test begins with reading and language questions, followed by a 45-minute Extended Response section. After a 10-minute break, the second part of the test resumes with additional reading and language questions only. 

To pass the Reasoning through Language Arts Test, you must achieve a minimum score of 145.

Increase your chances of excelling in the GED RLA test by accessing our GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test

 GED Reading Content Areas

You will be asked questions covering a variety of reading materials. Seventy-five percent of these questions will focus on informational texts, such as documents from the workplace and community, general nonfiction, and nonfiction related to social studies and science topics of general interest. 

The remaining twenty-five percent will pertain to fiction selections.

GED Language Content Areas

The language skills model involves practical editing to ensure correct sentence structure, agreement (including subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent), capitalization, punctuation, homonyms, and possessives. 

It also evaluates the suitability of word choice and the removal of informal language to match the purpose of the writing task.

GED Extended Response

The Extended Response involves reading provided text materials and then addressing a writing prompt by crafting an argument and backing up your ideas with evidence drawn from the text.

Reasoning through Language Arts Test Question Formats

On the RLA Test, you’ll encounter various question formats. While many will be familiar with multiple-choice questions, you’ll need to be comfortable with other types as well.

•  Multiple Choice: These questions offer four options (A through D). You’ll select the best answer.
•  Fill-in-the-Blank: For these questions, you’ll type a word, phrase, or number into a designated box on the screen.
•  Drop-down: Drop-down questions involve clicking the word “Select” and choosing the option that best completes the sentence. (This format is used only for assessing language skills.)
•  Drag-and-Drop: In drag-and-drop questions, you’ll click on a word or short phrase and drag it to a specific spot on the screen.
•  Extended-Response: Extended-Response items require you to type a response in a text box based on a prompt, which may include one or more short passages, a graphic, or a combination. You’ll have 45 minutes to read the materials, plan, write, and revise your answer.

Extended Response Question on the GED Reasoning through Language Arts Test

An essential component of the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test requires you to write an extended response based on a passage, two passages, or a passage paired with a graphic. This task combines reading, analytical, and writing skills.

You have up to 45 minutes at the end of the first section of the RLA Test to complete this assignment, which has its own timer to help manage your time. To make the most of it, consider these time management tips:

•  Preview the writing prompt.
•  Carefully read the passage(s), using the highlighter tool to mark important information for reference.
•  Develop a thesis statement.
•  Collect evidence from the text to support your thesis.
•  Plan your response using the offline wipe-off board.
•  Draft your response in the scrolling text box.
•  Review and refine your response, using the editing tools (cut, copy, paste, undo, and redo) to improve your writing and correct any errors.

How to Prepare for the GED

Preparation and practice are crucial for any exam, and with the GED program, their importance has increased significantly. Before tackling any of the four GED subtests, it’s advisable to take practice tests to pinpoint the areas that need the most attention. 

You can utilize free online GED Test Prep resources to prepare for the test, eliminating the need for in-person GED classes. 

In our online GED courses, students learn independently through materials created by experienced instructors. These courses are well-structured, incorporate the latest technology, and are designed to be engaging and interactive. 

Additionally, you can view your test scores immediately after completing the practice tests.

Official GED Ready Practice Tests

The practice tests available on this website are designed to help you prepare. The more you practice, the more comfortable and skilled you’ll become with the content. 

If you want to assess your likelihood of passing the actual test, consider purchasing the GED Ready Practice Test. Priced at $6 per subject, this test evaluates your chances of passing the real GED exam.

FAQs

What type of Questions will be on a GED Test?

The GED test includes four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Questions vary by subject, featuring multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and short answer formats. 

Mathematics involves problem-solving and quantitative reasoning. Language Arts focuses on reading comprehension, grammar, and essay writing. 

Science tests understanding of scientific principles and data interpretation, while Social Studies assesses knowledge of history, government, and economics. Each section evaluates critical thinking and application skills.

What kind of Math is on a GED Test?

The GED Math test covers a range of topics including basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You’ll need to solve problems involving fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, and functions, as well as interpret and analyze data from graphs and tables.

 The test evaluates your ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve real-world problems.

What is the Easiest Way to Pass the GED Test?

The easiest way to pass the GED test is to use a structured study plan with targeted preparation. Focus on understanding core subjects through practice tests and review materials, such as study guides and online resources. 

Consistent study habits, mastering test-taking strategies, and familiarizing yourself with the test format will enhance your chances of success. Consider enrolling in a GED prep course if you need additional support.

Check out: GED Study Guide

What is the Hardest Subject on the GED Test?

The hardest subject on the GED test often varies by individual, but many find the Mathematical Reasoning section the most challenging. This section requires strong problem-solving skills and understanding of algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic. 

The complexity of word problems and the variety of mathematical concepts can make it particularly tough for test-takers. Adequate preparation and practice are crucial to mastering this section.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for a Ged Retest with Prepsaret?

The time required to prepare for a GED retest with Prepsaret varies depending on your individual learning pace, prior knowledge, and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying. 

However, Prepsaret’s courses are designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing you to study at your own convenience and progress at a rate that suits your needs.