Since every GED test taken contains the same general standards it makes sense to start a search by visiting the official website to check out the recommended instructional resources (see Resources). Keys to GED Success is a five-part book series on science, math, social studies, reading and writing, focusing on areas historically toughest for GED takers. It targets key skills needed to pass the test, includes a pretest at the beginning of each section and gives complete explanations to questions in order to help the reader understand the correct answer. This book is available directly from Steck-Vaughn (steckvaughnadult.hmhco.com), which partners with the GED Testing Service.
Many other well-respected GED prep books are available, including GED Smart, which offers subject overview, study guides and practice tests, but focuses more on the theory behind taking the test. This strategy, which most graduate school prep books use, centers on how to think problems through and eliminate obvious wrong answers so the test taker has the best chance for success even if he doesn't know the correct answer. This book is available new on Amazon (amazon.com).
At nearly 1,200 pages, this is the most comprehensive and best-selling GED prep book, and focuses on easy-to-follow instructions backed by reinforcement activities and an answer key that gives full explanations of each answer. The book includes half-length pretests and two full-length tests for each subject. The book is available new and used on Amazon and new at major book stores.
Kaplan uses many of the same techniques as McGraw-Hill. While it contains fewer reinforcement activities, it includes a diagnostic test to help determine the reader's readiness to take the GED. The book also includes detailed answer explanations and many smaller, sectional tests to help prepare students. The book is available at Kaplan's website (kaptest.com).