GED testing on Language Arts comprises two sections. The first section, on Writing, has two parts. The first tests English grammar and usage and writing skills. Sentence structure and usage are worth 30% each; mechanics is worth 25% and organization is worth 15%. In the second portion of the Writing test, students are required to compose an expository essay. The GED requires, then, a working knowledge of the English language and the ability to adequately correct written English as well as compose a written piece.
The second section, on Reading, tests for comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis. Therefore, in reading sample passages on the test, the student must pay attention to details while seeing the larger picture. Analysis and synthesis questions require the student to make inferences based on the text and to follow the passage's organization.
Several content areas are tested in Social Studies. The weightiest categories include U.S. History and Civics and Government, requiring a working knowledge of major events in America's past and the basic foundations of the United States' Government. Knowledge of World History is tested in the areas of early world civilizations through 1770 A.D. and historic events from 1900 to the present. Geography and Economics are also included on the GED test.
The Science portion of the test assesses ability in Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. Students are also required to be able to understand key concepts, such as the history and nature of science, science as inquiry, and unifying procedures. A working knowledge of basic Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry will help a student succeed.
Math on the GED requires knowledge in several basic areas. Operations, data analysis and statistics, algebra and functions, and geometry are each worth a varied 20-30%. Students must be able to display a working knowledge in these key areas while also able to complete various Math problems in a limited amount of time.
To pass the GED, every student must attain a certain score based on a ranking system established in 2001. The ranking of scores achieved by high school seniors who were given the current GED in 2001 serves as the basis of current score system. To pass the GED, students must score in the top 60th percentile in comparison to those students.