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General Education Development (GED)

Overview of GED Math, English, Science, and Social Studies Standards

The GED (General Educational Development) test provides individuals with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency credential. Two key sections of the GED focus on Mathematical Reasoning and Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA).

The Math section evaluates skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, emphasizing problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and real-world application.

The English (RLA) section assesses reading comprehension, grammar, and writing ability through analyzing texts, editing passages, and composing an extended response (essay). Strong performance in these areas is essential for passing the GED and pursuing college, training programs, or career advancement.

The GED Science test assesses your ability to understand and reason through scientific concepts and data. Rather than memorizing facts, you’ll read science-based texts, analyze graphs and experiments, and evaluate evidence to answer questions. The test covers life science, physical science, and earth and space science, with an emphasis on data interpretation, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving.

The GED Social Studies test is not about memorization — it’s about reading, reasoning, and using evidence to understand and evaluate historical and civic content. It prepares students to participate in civic life, understand current events, and make informed decisions in society.

GED Mathematical Reasoning – Overview

The GED Math test evaluates your understanding and application of math concepts necessary for college and workforce readiness. It is one of the four subject tests in the GED battery.

Time:

115 minutes (divided into 2 parts: Part 1 – no calculator; Part 2 – calculator allowed)

Allowed Tools:

  • TI-30XS Multiview Calculator

  • Formula Sheet provided

  • On-screen scratch pad or physical scratch paper

Content Domains:

GED Math covers four main content areas:

  1. Quantitative Problem Solving (45%)

  2. Algebraic Problem Solving (55%)

  3. Basic Geometry

  4. Basic Statistics and Probability

GED Math Standards – Full List (by Domain)

1. Quantitative Problem Solving (Numbers & Operations – ~45%)

Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, Percents

  • Perform operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals

  • Convert between fractions, decimals, and percents

  • Apply ratios, rates, proportions, and percentages to solve problems

Measurement

  • Solve problems involving units of measure (length, mass, time, volume)

  • Convert between measurement systems

  • Calculate perimeter, area, surface area, and volume

Real-World Applications

  • Solve word problems involving:

    • Sales tax, discounts, markups

    • Tips, commissions

    • Interest (simple

2. Algebraic Problem Solving (~55%)

Expressions and Equations

  • Evaluate algebraic expressions

  • Translate real-world situations into algebraic expressions/equations

  • Solve one-variable linear equations and inequalities

  • Use formulas to solve problems (e.g., distance = rate × time)

Linear Equations and Graphing

  • Graph linear equations on the coordinate plane

  • Identify slope and intercepts from graphs and equations

  • Interpret slope and intercept in real-world contexts

  • Write linear equations from verbal descriptions or tables

Systems of Equations

  • Solve systems of linear equations graphically and algebraically

  • Interpret solutions in real-life contexts

Quadratics and Polynomials (limited)

  • Identify and evaluate quadratic expressions (basic)

  • Factor simple quadratic expressions (if applicable)

3. Geometry (integrated into Quantitative & Algebraic)

  • Use the Pythagorean Theorem

  • Understand properties of 2D and 3D shapes

  • Solve geometric problems involving congruence, similarity

  • Calculate area, perimeter, volume, and surface area

  • Understand angle relationships

4. Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability

  • Read and interpret data from charts, tables, and graphs

  • Calculate mean, median, mode, and range

  • Understand probability concepts

  • Use data to make predictions or draw conclusions

  • Identify misleading graphs or data representation

Notes on GED Math Assessment Design

  • Emphasis is on reasoning and problem-solving, not just computation.

  • Questions may include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and graphing.

  • Formula Sheet is provided — but students must know when and how to use the formulas.

GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) – Overview

The GED RLA test measures your ability to understand and analyze written passages, apply grammar rules, and write clearly and effectively.

Time:

150 minutes total

  • Section 1: Reading Comprehension & Language (35 minutes)

  • Section 2: Extended Response (Essay – 45 minutes)

  • Section 3: Reading & Language (60 minutes)

Test Format:

  • Multiple choice

  • Drag-and-drop

  • Drop-down

  • Extended response (essay)

Content Domains:

  1. Reading for Meaning (45%)

  2. Identifying and Analyzing Arguments (25%)

  3. Grammar and Language Conventions (30%)

GED English Language Arts (RLA) Standards – Full List

1. Reading for Meaning (Comprehension – ~45%)

Literary Texts

  • Determine central ideas/themes and summarize

  • Analyze character development, plot structure, and setting

  • Interpret figurative language and tone

Informational Texts

  • Determine the main idea and supporting details

  • Analyze text structure (e.g., cause/effect, compare/contrast)

  • Understand vocabulary in context

  • Distinguish between facts and opinions

  • Draw inferences and make evidence-based conclusions

Integration of Knowledge

  • Evaluate multimedia sources or graphics in context

  • Compare and contrast ideas across texts

2. Identifying and Analyzing Arguments (~25%)

  • Identify an author’s claim and supporting evidence

  • Evaluate the strength and relevance of arguments

  • Distinguish valid reasoning from fallacies

  • Analyze rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques

  • Identify assumptions or biases in arguments

3. Grammar, Usage, and Language Conventions (~30%)

Sentence Structure and Clarity

  • Identify and correct:

    • Fragments and run-ons

    • Misplaced modifiers

    • Parallel structure errors

  • Recognize and revise sentence boundaries

Usage

  • Apply subject-verb agreement

  • Use proper verb tenses

  • Apply correct pronoun usage and agreement

Mechanics and Punctuation

  • Use commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes correctly

  • Capitalize correctly

  • Apply spelling rules

Word Choice and Style

  • Improve sentence clarity and tone

  • Recognize redundant or awkward word choices

  • Choose language appropriate to the context and audience

Extended Response (Essay)

You’ll write an evidence-based argumentative essay. Skills assessed:

  • Analyze two opposing passages

  • Determine which argument is stronger

  • Construct a well-organized, logical argument

  • Cite textual evidence clearly and accurately

  • Use proper grammar, syntax, and mechanics

Notes on GED RLA Assessment Design

  • Emphasizes critical reading and analytical writing

  • Encourages evidence-based responses

  • Designed to reflect real-world literacy demands in college and careers

GED Science – Overview

The GED Science Test measures your ability to apply reasoning skills to science-related texts, data, and situations. It’s not about memorizing scientific facts — it's about analyzing and reasoning using scientific concepts.

Time:

  • 90 minutes

  • No separate sections; includes multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and hot spot items.

Topics Covered:

The content is divided into three major domains:

Life Science (Biology) 40%

Physical Science (Chemistry & Physics) 40%

Earth & Space Science 20%

GED Science Standards – Full List (by Domain)

1. Life Science (Biology – ~40%)

Topics and Skills:

  • Cell structure and function (organelles, cell processes)

  • Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

  • Genes, chromosomes, DNA, and heredity

  • Natural selection and evolution

  • Human body systems and their interactions

  • Ecosystems, food webs, and energy flow

  • Interdependence of organisms (e.g., predator/prey, symbiosis)

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Identify evidence supporting claims in biology texts

  • Interpret diagrams of cells, body systems, or food chains

  • Analyze cause-effect relationships in biological systems

  • Use evidence to evaluate scientific explanations

2. Physical Science (Chemistry & Physics – ~40%)

Topics and Skills:

  • Structure of matter (atoms, elements, compounds)

  • States of matter and phase changes

  • Chemical reactions and equations

  • Forces and motion (Newton’s laws)

  • Energy types and transformations (kinetic, potential, thermal)

  • Conservation of energy and matter

  • Electricity and magnetism basics

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Predict outcomes of physical processes (e.g., heating, reactions)

  • Apply formulas (e.g., speed = distance/time)

  • Analyze graphs of motion or energy

  • Evaluate experimental design and scientific arguments

3. Earth & Space Science (~20%)

Topics and Skills:

  • Rock cycle, weathering, and erosion

  • Plate tectonics and natural disasters

  • Weather vs. climate

  • Solar system, gravity, and planetary motion

  • Human impact on Earth (climate change, pollution)

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Interpret weather maps, charts, and Earth models

  • Analyze claims about climate or resource use

  • Evaluate evidence about environmental changes

  • Identify variables in Earth science investigations

Crosscutting Science Practices (Tested Throughout All Domains)

These are reasoning skills, not content areas — and they make up the foundation of GED Science assessment.

Science and Engineering Practices:

  • Designing and interpreting experiments

    • Identify independent/dependent variables and controls

    • Evaluate methods and reliability of experiments

  • Interpreting scientific data

    • Read tables, graphs, and diagrams

    • Determine trends, patterns, and relationships

  • Evaluating and reasoning from evidence

    • Distinguish between correlation and causation

    • Assess the strength of evidence for a conclusion

  • Constructing and analyzing scientific arguments

    • Support or critique hypotheses using data

    • Identify flawed reasoning or unsupported claims

Test Emphasis

The GED Science test places strong emphasis on reasoning, data analysis, and critical thinking:

  • About 50% of the test assesses reading comprehension in a science context

  • Students must often cite evidence, draw conclusions, or analyze experimental results

GED Social Studies – Overview

The GED Social Studies test assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and apply knowledge from history, civics, economics, and geography — with a focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and reasoning with evidence rather than memorizing dates and facts.

Time:

  • 70 minutes (one single section, no breaks)

Question Types:

  • Multiple choice

  • Drag-and-drop

  • Fill-in-the-blank

  • Drop-down

  • Select-a-sentence

  • No essay, but some short answer reasoning required

GED Social Studies Content Areas

Civics and Government 50%

U.S. History 20%

Economics 15%

Geography and the World 15%

GED Social Studies Standards (by Domain)

1. Civics and Government (50%)

Topics:

  • Structure and functions of U.S. government (executive, legislative, judicial)

  • Separation of powers and checks and balances

  • The Constitution and Bill of Rights

  • Voting, political parties, and elections

  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens

  • Role of the U.S. in world affairs (foreign policy, international organizations)

  • Supreme Court decisions and their impact

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Identify main ideas in legal/political texts

  • Analyze political cartoons, speeches, or laws

  • Distinguish fact vs. opinion in political arguments

  • Interpret foundational documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence, Constitution)

2. U.S. History (20%)

Topics:

  • American Revolution and founding documents

  • Civil War and Reconstruction

  • Civil Rights movements (e.g., women’s suffrage, 1960s Civil Rights era)

  • Industrialization, immigration, and urbanization

  • World Wars and Cold War

  • Modern U.S. history and global role

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Analyze historical cause and effect

  • Interpret timelines and historical maps

  • Understand multiple perspectives on historical issues

  • Evaluate primary and secondary sources

3. Economics (15%)

Topics:

  • Supply and demand, market economy

  • Opportunity cost, scarcity, and resource allocation

  • Personal finance (credit, savings, budgeting)

  • Taxes and the role of government in the economy

  • Economic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment)

  • Trade, globalization, and economic systems

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Interpret graphs (e.g., supply/demand curves, budgets)

  • Evaluate economic decisions and policies

  • Analyze economic trends and consequences

4. Geography and the World (15%)

Topics:

  • Reading maps, charts, and geographic data

  • Physical and human geography

  • Population trends and migration

  • Cultural diffusion and global interdependence

  • Environmental issues and sustainability

Standards-Based Skills:

  • Analyze how geography affects historical and current events

  • Interpret data from maps and global datasets

  • Connect geography to economics and politics

Crosscutting Reasoning & Skills (Integrated Throughout)

The GED Social Studies test emphasizes the following cognitive skills across all domains:

  • Reading comprehension in a social studies context

  • Analyzing arguments and evidence

  • Identifying bias or propaganda

  • Interpreting charts, graphs, maps, and political cartoons

  • Drawing conclusions and making inferences

Summary

The GED Social Studies test is not about memorization — it’s about reading, reasoning, and using evidence to understand and evaluate historical and civic content. It prepares students to participate in civic life, understand current events, and make informed decisions in society.

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