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Contents
How to Use This Book
Introducing the GED® Test
About the GED® Test
How Do I Register?
Question Formats
The Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Test
The Mathematical Reasoning Test
The Science Test
The Social Studies Test
More About the Test Interface
How the Tests Are Scored
General Test-Taking Tips
Analyze Documents
Read Critically
Use the Process of Elimination
Watch Out for Extreme Answer Choices
Find the Answer in the Passage
Use the Answers
Estimate Values
Essay Tips
Time Management Tips
Test Day Tips
How to Use This Book to Set Up a Study Plan
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) One-Month Study Plan
Mathematical Reasoning One-Month Study Plan

Science One-Month Study Plan
Social Studies One-Month Study Plan

PRETESTS


How to Use the Pretests
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Pretest
Part 1: Multiple Choice
Part 2: Extended Response
Part 3: Multiple Choice
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Mathematical Reasoning Pretest
Mathematics Formula Sheet
Part 1, Questions 1–5: No calculator allowed
Part 2: Calculator allowed
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Science Pretest
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Social Studies Pretest
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart

REASONING THROUGH LANGUAGE ARTS
(RLA)
INTRODUCTION
The Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Test

The Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Review
The Top 25 Things You Need to Know for the GED® RLA Test

CHAPTER 1 Testing Basic English Usage
Standard English
“Drop Down” Questions
Editing Mechanics


Capitalization
Punctuation
Sentence Fragments
Run-on Sentences
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Parallel Structure
Improving Awkward Sentences
Eliminating Informal or Nonstandard Words
Subject-Verb Agreement
Verb Tenses
Pronoun Usage
Apostrophes and Possessive Nouns
Transitional Words and Expressions
Frequently Confused Words
Practice: Testing Basic English Usage

CHAPTER 2 Testing Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension on the GED® Test
Question Types
Multiple-Choice Questions
“Drag and Drop” Questions

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Basic Critical Reading Skills
Identifying the Main Idea in a Text
Finding Details in a Text
Analyzing Implicit Main Ideas
Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
Identifying Textual Evidence
Making Connections Between Ideas
Practice: Testing Reading Comprehension

CHAPTER 3 Structure and Author’s Choices
Sequence of Events


Structural Relationships
Author’s Language
Transitional Words
Context Clues
Connotation
Tone
Figurative Language
Practice: Structure and Author’s Choices

CHAPTER 4 Literary Texts
Using Textual Evidence to Analyze Elements of Fiction
Theme
Plot or Events in a Story
Characters
Motivation
Character Traits

Interaction Between Characters
Setting
Character and Narrator Viewpoint
Practice: Literary Texts

CHAPTER 5 Informational Texts
Foundational Texts
Inferring Relationships Between Ideas
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Parallel Ideas
Author’s Viewpoint and Purpose
Analyzing Arguments
Fact Versus Opinion
Source Reliability
Evaluating Claims
Rhetorical Techniques


Author’s Response to Conflicting Viewpoints and Bias
Comparing Texts
Practice: Informational Texts

CHAPTER 6 RLA Extended Response
Elements of a Persuasive Essay
Opening Statement
Supporting Evidence
Answering Opposing Arguments
Concluding Statement
Scoring Rubric

Writing a Persuasive Essay
Practice: RLA Extended Response
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Answers and Explanations

MATHEMATICAL REASONING
INTRODUCTION
The Mathematical Reasoning Test
The Mathematical Reasoning Review
The Top 25 Things You Need to Know for the GED® Mathematical
Reasoning Test

CHAPTER 1 Whole Numbers and Operations
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Calculators and the GED® Mathematical Reasoning Test
Word Problems Involving Basic Operations

CHAPTER 2 Exponents, Roots, and Number


Properties
Exponents
Negative Exponents
The Rules of Exponents
Rule 1: When Multiplying Two Terms with the Same Base, Add the
Exponents
Rule 2: When Dividing Two Terms with the Same Base, Subtract the
Exponents

Rule 3: To Take a Term with an Exponent to a Power, Multiply the Powers
Square Roots and Cube Roots
Exponents and Roots on the TI-30XS
Exponents
Roots
Order of Operations
The Distributive Property

CHAPTER 3 Decimal Numbers and Operations
Decimals and Place Value
Rounding Decimals
Comparing Decimals
Scientific Notation
Scientific Notation on the Calculator
Adding and Subtracting Decimals
Multiplying Decimals
Dividing Decimals
Dividing a Decimal by a Whole Number
Dividing a Whole Number by a Decimal
Dividing a Decimal by a Decimal

CHAPTER 4 Fractions and Operations
Equivalent Fractions
Reducing Fractions to Lowest Terms


Reducing Fractions on the Calculator
Fractions and Decimals
Converting Between Fractions and Decimals on the Calculator
Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Converting Between Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions on the
Calculator
Comparing Fractions
Comparing Fractions and Decimals
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Multiplying Fractions
Dividing Fractions
Operations with Fractions, Whole Numbers, and Mixed Numbers
Operations with Fractions on the Calculator

CHAPTER 5 Ratios, Rates, and Proportions
Ratios and Rates
Word Problems with Ratios and Rates
Proportions
Word Problems with Proportions

CHAPTER 6 Percents and Applications
Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Converting a Percent to a Fraction
Converting a Percent to a Decimal
Converting a Decimal to a Percent
Working with Percents
Word Problems with Percents
Simple Interest

CHAPTER 7 The Number Line and Negative Numbers
The Number Line
Absolute Value



Adding and Subtracting Negative Numbers
Multiplying and Dividing Negative Numbers
Negative Numbers on the Calculator

CHAPTER 8 Probability and Counting
Basic Probability
Compound Probabilities
“And” Events
“Or” Probabilities
Counting

CHAPTER 9 Statistics and Data Analysis
Analyzing Data Sets
The Mean
The Median
The Mode
Weighted Averages
The Range
Summarizing Data with Pictures
Bar Charts
Circle Graphs
Dot Plots
Box Plots
Histograms
Relationships Between Data Sets
Line Graphs
Scatter Plots

CHAPTER 10 Algebraic Expressions
Variables, Terms, and Expressions

Evaluating Expressions
Combining Like Terms


Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Multiplying Polynomials
Multiplying Single Terms
Multiplying Single Terms and Larger Polynomials
Multiplying Two Binomials
Multiplying Polynomials with More than Two Terms
Factoring
Factoring Using the Greatest Common Factor
Factoring by Reversing FOIL
Difference of Squares
Rational Expressions
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Multiplying Rational Expressions
Dividing Rational Expressions
Writing Expressions

CHAPTER 11 Solving Equations and Inequalities
Linear Equations
Two-Step Equations
Multiple-Step Equations
Inequalities
Solving Inequalities
Graphing Solutions
Writing Linear Equations and Inequalities
Word Problems with Equations and Inequalities

Systems of Two Equations with Two Unknowns
Word Problems and Systems of Equations
Solving Quadratic Equations with the Square Root Rule
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solving with the Quadratic Formula
Writing Quadratic Equations


CHAPTER 12 Graphing Equations
Plotting Points
Graphing Lines
Intercepts
Slope
Calculating the Slope
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Interpreting Slope
Finding the Equation of a Line
Graphs and Systems of Equations

CHAPTER 13 Functions
Evaluating Functions
Recognizing Functions
Properties of Functions
Key Features of Function Graphs
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Relative Maximums and Minimums
Positive and Negative Values
End Behavior and Periodic Functions

CHAPTER 14 Geometry

Polygons
Circles
3-Dimensional Objects
Complex Figures
The Pythagorean Theorem
Mathematical Reasoning Answers and Explanations

SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION


The Science Test
The Science Review
The Top 25 Things You Need to Know for the GED® Science Test

PART 1 Life Science

CHAPTER 1 Structures and Functions of Life
Cells, Tissues, and Organs
Specialized Cells
Levels of Organization
Cell Functions and Components
Cell Components
Cell Division
Mitosis
Meiosis

CHAPTER 2 Life Functions and Energy Intake
Photosynthesis
Respiration

Fermentation

CHAPTER 3 Heredity
DNA and Chromosomes
Chromosomes
Alleles and Traits
Assortment of Alleles
Environmental Altering of Traits
Expression of Traits
Simple Inheritance
Probability of Inheriting Traits


CHAPTER 4 Evolution
Evolutionary Relationships
Cladograms
Evolution by Natural Selection
Requirements for Selection
Evolutionary Change
Speciation

CHAPTER 5 Ecosystems
Energy in Ecosystems
Flow of Energy
Conservation of Energy
Matter in Ecosystems
Food Chains
Food Webs
Capacity for Change
Limiting Factors

Relationships in Ecosystems
Predator-Prey
Symbiosis
Disruption of Ecosystems
Extinction

CHAPTER 6 The Human Body and Health
Body Systems
Interaction Between Body Systems
Homeostasis
Effects of External Environments
Nutrition
Nutrition Concepts
Disease and Pathogens
Prevention of Disease


Effects of Disease on Populations
Practice: Life Science

PART 2 Physical Science

CHAPTER 7 Chemical Interactions
Structures of Matter
Atomic Particles
Ions and Isotopes
Molecules, Elements, and Compounds
Physical and Chemical Properties
States of Matter
Chemical Formulas and Equations

Conservation of Mass
Balancing Chemical Equations
Limiting Reactants
Types of Chemical Reactions
Solutions and Solubility
Solubility
Saturation
Weak and Strong Solutions

CHAPTER 8 Energy
Types of Energy
Energy Transformations
Waves
Parts of Waves
Types of Electromagnetic Radiation
Uses and Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation
Heat
Heat Transfer
Energy in Reactions
Endothermic Reactions


Exothermic Reactions
Sources of Energy

CHAPTER 9 Motion and Force
Motion
Momentum and Collisions
Force
Newton’s Laws

Gravity
Mass and Weight
Work and Machines
Simple Machines
Mechanical Advantage and Power
Practice: Physical Science

PART 3 Earth and Space Science

CHAPTER 10 Space Systems
The Age of Earth
The Solar System
Interactions Between Earth and the Solar System
The Universe
Age and Development of the Universe
Age and Development of Stars

CHAPTER 11 Earth Systems
The Structure of Earth
Tectonic Plates
Earth’s Atmosphere
Atmospheric Gases
Effects of Gases on Earth
Weathering and Erosion


Wind
The Oceans
Ocean Currents
Coral Reefs


CHAPTER 12 Interactions Between Earth’s Systems
and Living Things
Cycles in Nature
Nitrogen Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Water Cycle
Natural Hazards
Effects of Natural Hazards
Hazard Mitigation
Natural Resources
Sustainability of Resources
Practice: Earth and Space Science
Science Answers and Explanations

SOCIAL STUDIES
INTRODUCTION
The Social Studies Test
The Social Studies Review
The Top 25 Things You Need to Know for the GED® Social Studies Test

CHAPTER 1 Civics and Government
Types of Historical and Modern Governments
Basic Principles of American Constitutional Democracy
Structure and Design of the U.S. Federal Government
The Legislative Branch


The Executive Branch

The President’s Cabinet
The Judicial Branch
Amending the Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Citizens’ Rights and Civic Responsibilities
Political Parties
Political Campaigns, Elections, and the Electoral Process
Contemporary Public Policy
Practice: Civics and Government

CHAPTER 2 United States History
European Exploration of the Americas
The English Colony in Virginia
English Colonies in New England and Maryland
The Thirteen Colonies Take Shape
Tensions Rise Between the Colonies and Great Britain
The First Continental Congress and the Beginning of the American
Revolution
The Second Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence
The Revolutionary War
From the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution
The War of 1812
The Monroe Doctrine
U.S. Policy Toward Native Americans
Manifest Destiny
Civil War and Reconstruction
The United States Becomes a Major Industrial Nation
The United States Becomes a World Power
World War I
The Great Depression

World War II
Postwar America


The Cold War
The Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Movement
The Great Society, the Vietnam War, and Watergate
Presidencies in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries
Issues Facing the United States at the Start of the 21st Century
Practice: United States History

CHAPTER 3 Economics
Fundamental Economic Concepts
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Banking and Credit
The Role of Government in the National Economy
International Trade
Key Economic Events in U.S. History
Practice: Economics

CHAPTER 4 Geography and the World
Ecosystems
Geography and the Development of Human Societies
Human Changes to the Environment
Human Migration
Population Trends and Issues
Geography Tools and Skills
Practice: Geography and the World


CHAPTER 5 Focusing Themes
What Are Focusing Themes on the Social Studies Test?
The Earliest Civilizations
Early China
Early India


Classical Greece
Rome
The Great Migration and the Middle Ages
Feudalism
The Middle East and Africa
Civilizations in the Americas
Renaissance and Reformation in Europe
The Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution
The Age of Exploration
Building Empires
Revolutions in Britain and France
New Political Ideas in the 19th Century
Political Developments in 19th-Century Europe
World War I and the Russian Revolution
The Rise of Fascism
World War II
The End of European Dominance and the Formation of the European Union
The End of the Soviet Union
China Today
The Arab World
Practice: Focusing Themes
Social Studies Answers and Explanations


POSTTESTS
How to Use the Posttests
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) Posttest
Part 1: Multiple Choice
Part 2: Extended Response
Part 3: Multiple Choice
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Mathematical Reasoning Posttest
Mathematics Formula Sheet


Part 1, Questions 1–5: No calculator allowed
Part 2: Calculator allowed
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Science Posttest
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart
Social Studies Posttest
Answers and Explanations
Evaluation Chart

GLOSSARY
Important GED® RLA Terms
Important GED® Math Terms
Important GED® Science Terms
Important GED® Social Studies Terms