1. How the GED® Works

The GED® is made up of four separate subject tests, and this practice test mixes all four into one review:

• Mathematical Reasoning -- about 46 questions in 115 minutes (a calculator is allowed after the first few questions, and a formula sheet is provided).
• Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) -- reading comprehension, grammar/editing, and a written Extended Response essay.
• Science -- about 34 questions in 90 minutes, built around passages, graphs, and data.
• Social Studies -- about 35 questions in 70 minutes, built around documents, maps, and charts.

Each test is scored from 100 to 200, and you need 145 to pass each one. Importantly, you take the four tests separately, not in a single sitting -- so you can prepare for and pass them one at a time.

Two habits carry across every GED® subject:

• Use the source. Science and Social Studies hand you the passage, graph, or map you need -- the answer is usually right there.
• It's multiple choice. When stuck on math, you can test the answer choices instead of doing all the algebra.