A person's skill of reading comprehension is examined using literary and nonfiction readings. The subject is provided with at least one selection of drama, fiction or poetry. Two selections of nonfictional writings from two of three categories must also be read. Categories include ordinary pieces of nonfiction, visual or performing arts reviews and documents like employee rules or legal documents. Prior to reading each piece, a purpose question is presented to help the reader focus on the intent of the selection. Four to eight questions follow each reading that determine the subject's ability to comprehend what they have read.
In studying for the social studies section of the GED, a person should become familiar with U.S. and World History, civics, geography and economics. U.S. History exam topics include areas such as the colonization of America, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Great Depression, World War II and the post war U.S. up to and including the present. World history examples include early civilizations, empires, religions, advances in science and technology, the cold war and the emergence of democracies in Africa, Asia and South America. Civics topics relate to the development of the U.S. political system and government, U.S. relations with other nations and the role of citizens in American democracy.
The physical sciences of physics and chemistry are study subjects for the science portion of the GED. Those taking the exam should have knowledge of earth and space sciences and be prepared to apply the concepts in a written and visual context on the exam. The science portion of the test ranges from single questions to a question following a related article. In addition to questions based on written text, graphs, charts and tables are also used to examine a person's science skills.
Math questions are based on real-life situations. Study areas such as using fractions, decimals and percentages are examined, in addition to measurements and geometry. Problem solving topics use rates like mph, bushels per acre and require an understanding of scales, meters and gauges. Testing procedures also involve creating and reading tables, charts and graphs together with comparing data to answer questions. Equations using algebra are also included in the math section of the GED.