Prepare for the GED as you would any important event, such as a job interview. Many resources are available to you online, in your library, bookstores and elsewhere to help you in preparing for the GED, including resources to help you boost your reading score.
The GED Language Arts, Reading Test has seven sections, with five sections using text from fiction and two sections using nonfiction text. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions that assess reading comprehension, ability to use information, analysis and synthesis. Each of the seven sections is labeled to let the test-taker know what is being tested, such as "Reading Comprehension." The test-taker should take note of the purpose of the section before reading further to stay focused on the purpose when answering questions in that section.
Find a test-taking strategy that works for you. Some test-takers prefer to read the questions before reading the selection of text tested on. Other test-takers prefer to read the selected text first and then the questions.
Read the entire reading selection before answering any questions. Most questions assume an understanding of the full selected text.
Use surrounding sentences and words to approximate what unfamiliar words mean.
Read all text in reading selections, including text set off in brackets and in italics. The information can provide important clues to help answer the questions.
Some questions may refer back to a line of text in the reading selection by citing the numbered line of text, such as "on line 12 of the text." Read that line of text again before answering the question. Don't rely on your memory of that exact line.
Read questions carefully. A listed answer may be a true statement about the reading selection, but not answer the question,
Local community colleges and other learning centers offer help with GED preparation. GED tests, including the reading test, are offered only in paper and pencil format--not online--and can be taken only at official testing centers, which are widely available. The GED Testing Service is a program of the American Council on Education.