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 O O O Use the exercises, reviews, the Posttest and Practice Test.

Understand your test-taking habits and weaknesses.

Practice strategies such as skimming questions first or skipping hard questions until the end.

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 O O O O Use the purpose question that appears above each 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 O O O O Read poems several times for the main meaning of 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 answering the question based on it.

O Pay special attention to verbs and pronouns in the passages.

O Pay attention to the format of each question.

O Remember that not all questions contain errors.

O Work steadily.

O 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.

O O O O O O O O O O Passing The GED Mathematics Test Read word problems carefully, and determine what the 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

O O O O O O O Always follow instructions.

Pace yourself.

Read passages carefully and find the main idea.

Use titles and labels to help you interpret graphics.

Predict the answer when you read a question If you get stuck on a question, take a guess.

Check periodically to make sure that you are marking the answer sheet properly.

Passing The GED Social Studies Test O O O O O O O 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.