GED Test Taking
Strategies
Surviving the Test
Prepare Physically
O Get plenty of rest.
O Eat a well-balanced meal.
O Intense studying at the last minute will
probably not help as much as having a
relaxed and rested mind.
Arrive Early
O Visit the test center the day before if you are
unsure where it is located
O Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the test
starting time.
O Have time to find the room and get situated.
Arrive Early
O Many testing centers refuse to admit
latecomers.
O You want to be sure that there is an
available seat for you.
Think Positively
O Tell yourself you will do well!
O If you have studied and prepared, you
should succeed!
Relax
O Take half a minute several times during the
test to stretch and breathe deeply.
O This helps if you are feeling anxious or
confused.
Read Directions Carefully
O Be sure you understand how to answer the
questions.
O If you have any questions about the test or
about filling in the answer form, ask before
the test begins.
Know Time Limit
O Work at a steady pace.
O If you have time, go back and check your
answers!
Have A Strategy
O Read through/look over materials once and
then answer the questions that follow.
O Read each question 2 or 3 times to make
sure you understand it.
O Look back at the passage or graphic, don’t
try to depend on your memory.
Don’t Waste Time On Difficult
Questions
O If you’re not sure of an answer, go on to the
next question.
O Answer easier questions first, then go back
to harder ones.
O If you skip a question make sure you skip a
number on your answer sheet.
Answer Every Question
O If you’re not sure of an answer, take an
educated guess.
O When you leave an answer blank, you always
lose points.
O If you must guess, try to eliminate one or
more answers that you are sure are not
correct.
Clearly Fill In Answer Choice
O If you erase something, erase it completely.
O Be sure you give only one answer per
question.
Practice Test-Taking
O Use the exercises, reviews, the Posttest and
Practice Test.
O Understand your test-taking habits and
weaknesses.
O Practice strategies such as skimming
questions first or skipping hard questions
until the end.
O Know your personal test-taking style.
Test Taking Styles
Style 1
O Preview the passages, graphics, and
questions first.
O This gives an idea of what to look for when
you read the passage carefully.
O Previewing only takes 10-20 seconds and
helps some people get oriented to the
material.
Style 2
O Read a passage or graphic thoroughly first.
O Then go on to answer the questions,
referring back to the passage or graphic.
Strategies For
Passing The GED
Reading Test
Writing Test
Mathematics Test
Science Test
Social Studies Test
Passing The GED Reading Test
O Use the purpose question that appears above each
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passage.
Use the line number when indicated
Read the entire passage before answering the
questions.
Refer back to the passage for information you need to
answer a question.
Picture the setting and characters in fiction and
drama.
Passing The GED Reading Test
O Read poems several times for the main meaning of
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the poem
Read all of the multiple-choice options before you
choose an answer.
Narrow your options by eliminating choices you
know are incorrect.
Ask yourself why you chose the answer you did
Follow your plan based on your test-taking style.
Passing The GED Writing Test:
Part 1
O Read each passage carefully before you begin
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answering the question based on it.
Pay special attention to verbs and pronouns in the
passages.
Pay attention to the format of each question.
Remember that not all questions contain errors.
Work steadily.
Answer every question.
Passing The GED Writing Test:
Part 2
O Plan your essay first.
O Manage your time.
O Use details and examples to support your
ideas.
O Edit neatly.
Passing The GED Mathematics Test
O Read word problems carefully, and determine what the
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question is asking before beginning your work.
Answer every question.
Preview graphics for the main point.
Manage your time.
Use the calculator wisely.
Be comfortable using your number sense.
Select you answer choice carefully.
Does your answer make sense?
Fill out grids neatly and accurately.
Use the calculator to check your work.
Passing The GED Science Test
Always follow instructions.
Pace yourself.
Read passages carefully and find the main idea.
Use titles and labels to help you interpret
graphics.
O Predict the answer when you read a question
O If you get stuck on a question, take a guess.
O Check periodically to make sure that you are
marking the answer sheet properly.
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Passing The GED Social Studies Test
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Always follow test instructions.
Pace yourself.
Read passages carefully, and then find the main ideas.
Use titles and labels to help you interpret graphics.
Predict the answer when you read the question.
If you get stuck on a question, take a guess.
Check periodically to make sure that you are marking
the answer sheet properly.