Reading is a crucial skill for your education. You should be able to read carefully and understand how to evaluate information in a text. The Language Arts portion of the GED includes a Reading test, which is typically in multiple-choice format. You'll read several passages from a wide variety of texts, including fiction (from pre-1920 to contemporary work), nonfiction, poetry and drama. Practice reading a variety of works and identifying the overall message of the work, the emotional tone and context and the goal of the author.
A successful GED test-taker needs to produce clear, legible, informative writing. You'll be presented two parts of this Writing portion. One part involves editing questions, using a multiple-choice format. You'll correct grammar and spelling errors and check for overall coherence. The other Writing section involves writing your own original essay, on a topic provided at the time of the test. Practice your grammar and spelling skills, and write several practice essays that provide clear information.
The Mathematics portion of the GED typically includes around 50 multiple-choice questions. You'll need to work on basic problem-solving abilities in areas such as word problems, geometry, algebra, whole numbers, fractions, percentages, statistics, probability, measurement, data analysis and decimals. You'll typically be allowed to use a calculator for certain questions, although you should check with your state testing center beforehand. Practice basic high school math skills, focusing on the process as well as the end results.
The Science portion of the GED requires strong problem-solving skills and a basic understanding of modern science, including earth and space science (focusing on our world, the solar system and beyond), physical science (how the world works) and life science (the study of living things). You'll need to understand the role of evidence, research and experiments in the different scientific disciplines, and pay attention to the ways in which science informs the society around you.
Social Studies involves both reading comprehension and data analysis, typically including the use of graphs. The Social Studies portion of the GED includes questions about U.S. history, government and civics, geography, world history and economics. In addition to brushing up on your basic knowledge of these Social Studies areas, you should practice your ability to find specific information in texts, analyze and interpret statistics and apply your findings to a variety of different questions.