Introduction

Teaching students who are preparing for the General Educational Development (GED) test requires a deep understanding of the exam format, content areas, and scoring system. The GED serves as an important bridge for millions of adults who didn’t complete high school but seek equivalent credentials to pursue higher education or career advancement. As educators, our ability to effectively prepare students depends on our comprehensive knowledge of what they’ll face on test day.

This guide explores the structure and nuances of the current GED exam format to help teachers develop targeted instruction strategies and provide students with the confidence they need to succeed.

The Four Subject Tests of the GED

The GED test consists of four separate subject tests that measure knowledge and skills in key high school subject areas:

1. Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes)

The Mathematical Reasoning test evaluates a student’s ability to solve quantitative problems and interpret and work with mathematical information. It’s divided into two main sections:

• Part 1: Calculator allowed (first 40-42 questions)
• Part 2: Calculator not allowed (remaining 4-6 questions)

Content Areas:

• Basic Math (20-30%)
• Geometry (20-30%)
• Basic Algebra (20-30%)
• Graphs and Functions (20-30%)

Question Types:

• Multiple choice
• Fill-in-the-blank
• Drop-down
• Hot spot (selecting regions on images)
• Drag-and-drop

Key Teaching Focus: Many students struggle with algebraic reasoning and interpretation of complex word problems. Teachers should emphasize translating word problems into mathematical expressions and building comfort with the on-screen calculator tool.

2. Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes)

This test measures a student’s ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written text.

Format:

• Section 1: Reading and language questions (35 minutes)
• Section 2: Extended response essay (45 minutes)
• Section 3: Reading and language questions (60 minutes)

Content Areas:

• Reading for Meaning (75%)
• Identifying and Creating Arguments (25%)

Question Types:

• Multiple choice
• Fill-in-the-blank
• Drop-down
• Extended response (essay)
• Drag-and-drop

Key Teaching Focus: The extended response essay requires students to analyze arguments presented in source texts and develop their own well-structured written response. Teachers should focus on text analysis, argument construction, and evidence-based writing.

3. Science (90 minutes)

The Science test evaluates students’ ability to understand, interpret, and apply scientific information.

Content Areas:

• Life Science (40%)
• Physical Science (40%)
• Earth and Space Science (20%)

Skills Assessed:

• Understanding scientific texts, data, and concepts
• Designing and interpreting scientific investigations
• Using evidence-based reasoning to evaluate information

Question Types:

• Multiple choice
• Fill-in-the-blank
• Drop-down
• Hot spot
• Drag-and-drop

Key Teaching Focus: This test emphasizes scientific thinking more than memorization of facts. Teachers should help students develop skills in analyzing scientific data, understanding experimental design, and interpreting graphs and charts.

4. Social Studies (70 minutes)

The Social Studies test measures students’ ability to analyze and evaluate social studies information and concepts.

Content Areas:

• Civics and Government (50%)
• U.S. History (20%)
• Economics (15%)
• Geography and the World (15%)

Skills Assessed:

• Understanding social studies texts, data, graphics, and concepts
• Analyzing events and arguments in social studies
• Using evidence-based reasoning

Question Types:

• Multiple choice
• Fill-in-the-blank
• Drop-down
• Drag-and-drop

Key Teaching Focus: Students need practice interpreting primary source documents, political cartoons, maps, graphs, and other visual representations of data. Emphasis should be placed on analysis rather than memorization.

Scoring System and Passing Requirements

Understanding the scoring system is crucial for teachers and students alike:

• Each subject test is scored on a scale from 100-200 points
• A minimum score of 145 is required to pass each subject test
• Students must pass all four tests to earn their GED credential
• Score ranges:
  • Below Passing: 100-144
  • Passing/High School Equivalency: 145-164
  • GED College Ready: 165-174
  • GED College Ready + Credit: 175-200

The higher scoring levels may qualify students for college credit at participating institutions, which can be a powerful motivator for students aiming for higher education.

Computer-Based Testing Format

Since 2014, the GED test has been delivered exclusively on computer, which presents both opportunities and challenges:

What Teachers Need to Know:

1. Digital Literacy Requirements: Students must have basic computer skills, including mouse navigation, keyboarding, and familiarity with drop-down menus and scrolling.
2. The Testing Interface: The computer-based format includes various tools students need to master:
   • On-screen calculator (TI-30XS)
   • Formula sheet reference
   • Flag for review feature
   • Text highlighter and strike-through options
   • Text editor for the extended response
3. Item Interaction Types: The computerized format allows for diverse question types beyond simple multiple choice, including:
   • Drag-and-drop sequencing
   • Fill-in-the-blank
   • Hot spot selection
   • Drop-down selection

Teaching Implications:

Incorporate computer-based practice into your instruction. Ensure students have ample opportunity to work with the same tools and interface they’ll encounter on test day. The official GED practice test uses the same interface as the actual exam and is an excellent resource.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The GED Testing Service provides reasonable accommodations for test-takers with documented disabilities. As a GED teacher, you should be familiar with these options to guide qualifying students:

• Extended time (25%, 50%, or 100%)
• Extra breaks
• Private testing room
• Screen magnification
• Screen reader
• Braille materials
• Scribes or recordable answers

Students must apply for accommodations in advance through the GED Testing Service’s website, and documentation of their disability is required. Teachers should help eligible students understand and navigate this process well in advance of their planned test date.

Test-Taking Strategies to Emphasize

Successful GED preparation involves content knowledge and test-taking skills. Incorporate these strategies into your instruction:

Time Management

Each subject test has strict time limits, so students need to develop pacing strategies:

• Mathematical Reasoning: Average of 1.5-2 minutes per question
• Reasoning Through Language Arts: Quick initial read of passages, then targeted re-reading as needed for questions
• Science and Social Studies: Approximately 1-1.5 minutes per question

Teach students to:

• Answer easier questions first
• Flag difficult questions for review
• Watch the on-screen timer
• Never leave questions unanswered (no penalty for guessing)

Strategic Reading Approaches

For passage-based questions in RLA, Science, and Social Studies, students should:

1. Preview questions before deep-reading the passage
2. Skim for main ideas and organizational structure
3. Use the highlighting tool for key information
4. Focus on topic sentences and concluding sentences
5. Pay special attention to transitional phrases and signal words

Calculator Strategies

Since the calculator is available for most of the Math test:

• Teach efficient use of the TI-30XS calculator
• Practice calculator-permitted and calculator-prohibited questions separately
• Emphasize when mental math might be faster than calculator use
• Review proper calculator input for fractions, exponents, and other operations

Common Challenges and Targeted Solutions

Challenge: Test Anxiety

Many adult learners experience significant anxiety around testing, particularly if they have negative past experiences with academic assessment.

Solutions:

• Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your classes
• Conduct timed practice sessions to build comfort with test conditions
• Teach positive self-talk and stress reduction strategies
• Ensure students understand exactly what to expect on test day

Challenge: Content Gaps

Adult learners often have uneven knowledge bases, with significant gaps in certain subjects.

Solutions:

• Conduct diagnostic assessments to identify individual needs
• Create personalized study plans that target specific weaknesses
• Use spaced repetition for key concepts
• Build scaffolded learning experiences that gradually remove supports

Challenge: Limited Study Time

Many GED students are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Solutions:

• Teach efficient study techniques like pomodoro timing or spaced practice
• Create “microlearning” resources that can be used in short time blocks
• Develop mobile-friendly resources for studying on-the-go
• Focus on high-impact concepts that appear frequently on the test

Classroom Activities and Teaching Approaches

Integrated Content Learning

Since the GED tests focus on applied knowledge rather than isolated facts, consider these cross-disciplinary teaching approaches:

1. Text-based investigations that combine reading skills with content learning (e.g., analyzing scientific articles or historical documents)
2. Data analysis activities that integrate math with science or social studies (e.g., creating and interpreting graphs of population growth)
3. Argument development exercises that connect language arts with social studies (e.g., writing position papers on current events)

Simulation-Based Learning

Recreate testing conditions to build comfort and familiarity:

1. Mock testing sessions using official practice tests or similar materials
2. Computer lab sessions focused on navigating the testing interface
3. Timed writing exercises that mirror the extended response format

Resources for GED Teachers

Official GED Resources

• GED Testing Service – The official site offers practice tests, study materials, and detailed content specifications
• Wild and Wacky Worksheets – A store on TPT that has lots of practice exercises.
• GED Ready® practice test – The official practice test that provides predictive scoring

Supplementary Materials

• KET’s GED Connection – Video-based instruction aligned with GED content
• Essential Education’s GED Academy – Adaptive learning software for GED preparation
• New Readers Press – Publisher specializing in adult education materials

Conclusion

The GED test represents a critical opportunity for adult learners to expand their educational and career options. As teachers, our understanding of the exam format, content, and strategies directly impacts our students’ chance of success. By staying current with the test specifications and incorporating targeted preparation into our instruction, we can help our students not only pass the GED but develop lasting academic skills that will serve them well beyond the test.

Remember that beyond the technical aspects of the test, our role as GED teachers involves building confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset in our adult learners. Many have overcome significant obstacles to return to education, and our knowledgeable guidance can make the difference between discouragement and achievement.

By combining content knowledge with test-specific strategies and a supportive learning environment, we equip our students with everything they need to succeed on the GED and in their future educational endeavors.