The GED consists of five sections including: writing language arts, social studies, science, reading, language arts, and math. These can all be taken in one day or over several days depending on the individual state's rulings. It is predominately a multiple-choice exam although there is a short essay and several mathematical word problems. The questions are based on knowledge of high school subjects. The test is scored from 200 points to 800, but an average score of 450 passes. You are not penalized for wrong guesses, but try to eliminate incorrect choices logically. Some answers are obviously incorrect. Be careful how you darken the answer sheet and be sure to place the answers in the correct place.
Study for the GED by taking a practice test to determine your strengths and weaknesses. These are available online, at libraries or bookstores, at some colleges or adult learning centers. Determine the areas where you are weak or do not meet the minimum score.
Create a study plan according to your needs. Take as many old exams as you can find since these not only increase your knowledge, but improve your test-taking skills and increase your confidence. Apportion your time according to your individual weaknesses. Concentrate on the weak areas. Look for colleges that offer review courses or classes in study skills. Form study groups whenever possible.
Study a beginner's grammar book. This will reinforce concepts of grammar, usage and punctuation. Look for sections that list the most common errors in these areas. Make up your own practice questions. Read paragraphs in the newspaper and then analyze the main idea, appropriateness of title and technique of development. Find a partner to work with you to go over these. Write a simple essay of a controversial idea found in the newspaper. Ask a friend to evaluate it if you don't belong to a study group.
Emphasize arithmetic concepts from every day life. Stress items you find at home or at work. In addition, look for graphs or related diagrams on the Internet or in math textbooks. Practice interpreting these since a large portion of graphs and diagrams usually appear in the sections for math, social studies and science.
Concentrate on understanding the skills that are tested rather than memorization. Word problems or reading sections will be based on interpretation rather than facts learned. Review all areas in the practice tests, either online or from review books, until you feel confident that you have mastered these.