GED study guides
Start here if you are new to the GED. These guides explain how the test works and how to prepare. For subject content, use the topic study guides listed below.
About the test
How the GED test is structured
How the GED test is structured: the four subject tests, how long each one runs, what each covers, and the question types you will see on screen.
GED scores explained
How GED scoring works: the 100-200 scale, the 145 passing score, the College Ready levels, and how to read a practice test score on this site.
The GED calculator and formula sheet
What the GED provides for math: the TI-30XS calculator, the formula sheet, and when the calculator is not allowed, plus habits that save time on test day.
How to study for the GED
A step-by-step way to prepare for the GED: take a baseline test, study weak topics, retest, and plan which subject to schedule first.
How to write the GED RLA Extended Response
How to handle the GED RLA Extended Response: read two opposing passages, judge which argument is better supported, plan a clear structure, and avoid the mistakes that cost points.
How to read charts and graphs on the GED
How to read GED charts and graphs: titles, axes, units, and legends; bar, line, and circle graphs; tables; scatter plots; and correlation versus causation, with two worked examples.
How to solve GED math word problems
How to solve GED math word problems: find the question, sort useful facts from extra ones, translate key phrases into math, set up an equation, and check your answer, with worked examples.
Fractions, decimals, and percents for the GED
A refresher on fractions, decimals, and percents for GED math: converting between forms, operations with fractions, decimal place value, and the percent problems the test uses most, with worked examples.
How to read experiments on GED Science
How to read experiment passages on GED Science: find the hypothesis, the independent and dependent variables, and the controls, spot design flaws, and choose conclusions the data supports, with worked examples.
How to answer document and cartoon questions on GED Social Studies
How to answer GED Social Studies questions based on documents and political cartoons: read the source line, find the main claim, separate fact from opinion, decode cartoon symbols, and compare two sources, with worked examples.
The U.S. Constitution in plain language
The U.S. Constitution in plain language for GED Social Studies: the Preamble and seven articles, the three branches and their checks, federalism, how amendments are made, and the amendments that come up most, with worked examples.
How to work through GED reading passages
How to work through GED Reasoning Through Language Arts reading passages: preview, read with a purpose, map the structure, handle each question type, read literary passages, and rule out tempting wrong answers, with worked examples.
The grammar rules the GED tests most
The grammar rules GED Reasoning Through Language Arts tests most: sentence boundaries, subject-verb and pronoun agreement, commas and apostrophes, modifiers, parallel structure, confused words, verb tense, and capitalization, with worked examples.
Economics basics for GED Social Studies
Economics basics for GED Social Studies in plain language: scarcity and opportunity cost, supply and demand, market structures, GDP, inflation and unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, banking, trade, and personal finance, with worked examples.
Map skills for GED Social Studies
Map skills for GED Social Studies: the parts of a map, latitude and longitude, measuring distance with a scale, thematic and historical maps, and the traps in map questions, with worked examples.
Preparing for the no-calculator part of GED math
How to prepare for the no-calculator part of GED math: signed numbers and absolute value, exponents, square roots, and scientific notation, mental math shortcuts, using answer choices, and a daily practice routine, with worked examples.