The GED Reading test assesses comprehension of fiction, nonfiction, and workplace texts through 35–40 multiple-choice questions in 65 minutes. Aim for 145+ out of 200 to pass. Success requires strategy, practice, and understanding question types.
1. Know the Test Format
- Passages: 450–900 words from literature (75% excerpts like novels/poems), nonfiction (25% reviews/articles), or workplace docs.
- Skills Tested: Main ideas, details, vocabulary in context, inferences, author’s craft (tone, purpose, structure), and text relationships (cause/effect, compare/contrast).
- Tip: Skim questions first, then read actively—underline key phrases.
2. Build Core Reading Skills
- Active Reading: Identify topic, main idea, and supporting details. Ask: “What’s the author’s point? How do they prove it?”
- Vocabulary: Learn roots (e.g., “bio” = life). Use context clues for unfamiliar words.
- Inferences: Connect evidence to unspoken conclusions. Practice with short editorials.
- Practice Daily: Read 1–2 articles from news sites or GED prep books. Summarize in 3 sentences.
3. Master Test Strategies
- Time Management: Spend ~1.5 minutes per question. Flag tough ones, return later.
- Elimination: Rule out 2 wrong answers to boost odds to 50/50.
- Evidence-Based Answers: Every correct choice ties to a specific line—cite it mentally.
- Question Types:
- Main Idea: Look at first/last sentences.
- Detail: Scan for keywords.
- Inference: “What must be true?” not “could be true.”
4. Practice with Real Materials
- Use GED Practice Tests (ged.com) or apps like GED Flash.
- Review mistakes: Note why you missed—careless error or skill gap?
- Take 2 full timed tests weekly; track progress.
5. Test Day Prep
- Sleep 7–8 hours. Eat protein-rich breakfast.
- Bring ID, pencils. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Stay calm: Deep breathe if stuck.
With 4–6 weeks of focused practice (30 min/day), most students pass. Free resources: local adult ed classes, Khan Academy, or library GED books. You’ve got this!