SCIENCE

The GED Science test, in addition to measuring integrated and comprehensive skills, is primarily a reading test. All written items follow the format of having the examinee read a paragraph and then answer questions relating to the content of that paragraph. The test contains an equal balance of items from both the life sciences and the physical sciences, but these items do not test factual knowledge directly. They do, however, require examinees to use information provided in the test items or acquired formally or informally through life experience. Emphasized in the test are abstract reasoning and problem solving. The student also will be required to respond to questions incorporating charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams.

LITERATURE

The Literature test measures the examinees' ability to comprehend, apply, and analyze literary selections or commentary about literature and the arts and is primarily a reading test. All written items follow the format of having the examinee read an excerpt from a piece of literature and then answer questions relating to that selection. While the test does not demand that the examinee have a specific knowledge of literature and the arts, it does require that he or she have a wide range of reading experience including poetry, drama, and commentary about literature. The content covers 50% popular literature, 25% classical literature of 19th- and 20th-century writers, and 25% commentary about literature and the arts.

MATHEMATICS

Math is inextricably connected to reading and writing; therefore, it must be viewed as a component of literacy. Solving word problems in math requires critical reading skills. The GED mathematics test is not solely a computation test, but an evaluation of applied math concepts which requires reasoning and problem-solving skills.

TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES

To prepare for the GED, students should learn various Test-Taking Strategies including knowing how to complete a computer-scored answer sheet, taking care in matching the question number to the corresponding number on the answer sheet, and understanding that an improper erasure may register as an answer.

Students are ready to take the GED tests when they score 240 or better on the predictor test. Predictor tests should be administered to students who score a minimum of 9.0 reading comprehension on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).