GED Test Specifics:
About the GED Science Test
The GED Science Test is 90 minutes long and consists of 34 questions. The questions are based off reading passages, visual data displays, or both. A calculator is permitted, but an on-screen calculator will be provided. Any calculator you bring must be a TI-30XS type.
The main topics featured on the exam will be the following:
- Reading and meaning in science
- Design and interpretation of scientific experiments
- Numbers and graphics in scientific contexts
The Questions
- Multiple Choice
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Drag-and-drop
- Drop down
- Select an area
Content Areas
- Life Science -- 40%
- Health and the human body
- Energy flow in ecosystems
- Organization of life
- DNA and genetics
- Evolution
- Earth and Space Science -- 20%
- Earth cycles (water, carbon)
- Natural hazards (e.g., storms, earthquakes)
- Natural resources
- The atmosphere and ocean
- Structure and age of the Earth
- Planets, solar systems, and galaxies
- Physical Science -- 40%
- Heat flow and transfer
- Chemical reactions and equations
- Sources and transformation of energy
- Light and waves
- Velocity and forces
- Work and machines
- Structure and properties of matter
Skills Tested
- Reading Science Texts
- Interpreting Data
- Use of Scientific Terminology
- Evaluating Experiments and Studies
- Drawing Conclusions
- Evaluating Evidence
- Comparing Results
- Applying Ideas to New Contexts
Tips
- Read each question carefully. Most serve as information sources and include a visual component such as a graph or a diagram.
- Avoid getting lost in the details of a subject. When reading about a topic, try to focus on the big picture and the details will take care of themselves.
- Review the components of an experiment, looking for the hypothesis and any variables that may impact the result.