The language arts GED® reading test represents a significant portion of your overall GED® score. Even for individuals who consider themselves excellent readers, this section of the test can be difficult. To score well on the GED® reading test, familiarize yourself with the types of questions in the reading sections, complete several practice tests, and make sure you are in good physical and psychological shape during the test itself.
Comprehension, application of key ideas, and your ability to analyze and synthesize information are the main skills tested in the GED® reading section. Not only will there be questions about specific details in the reading passages of the test, there will also be questions that require you to draw conclusions and infer reasonable consequences from the information gained through the reading. The goal is to assess your reading and reasoning skills together.
The best way to prepare for these questions is to use GED® practice questions and practice tests. These are widely available on the Internet, at your local library, or high school. They are published by a variety of companies. You can also call your testing center to ask if they have any test preparation materials available. When you obtain your test preparation materials, set aside time every day to practice.
After you have completed several examples of each type of GED® reading question, time yourself on a full practice reading test. There are 40 multiple choice questions on the reading section of the GED®. You will have 65 minutes to complete this section. You should be able to complete a practice test in the same amount of time.
Score your practice tests and try to determine your weaknesses. Often, test takers skim the reading too quickly, spend too much time on difficult questions, and run out of time. Make it your goal to take at least three or four practice tests before the GED® exam itself.
Some test takers think that the multiple choice questions on the GED® reading test are very hard. Individuals who have taken fill-in-the-blank or essay tests know that multiple choice answers offer an advantage: even if you do not know the answer, it is on the page. You have a one in four or one in five chance of getting the answer right. If you know that one or two of the answers are wrong, your odds of choosing the correct answer go up. Try to answer each question, even if you are not completely sure of the answer.
Although it may be tempting to stay up studying the night before the exam, it is better to get good sleep because you will perform better if you are well rested. There is no quick and easy way to prepare for GED® reading test, so studying at the last minute will not help. You should also avoid foods and drinks that affect your digestion and overall health, like spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Drink plenty of water, and consider taking a walk the day before the test, to relax your body and mind.
The day of the GED®, be sure to eat healthy and sustaining foods, like fruit, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Continue to drink plenty of water. No food or drink will be allowed in the exam room, so it's important that you eat enough so that you do not become uncomfortably hungry during the exam. Dress in layers in case the room is too hot or cool for you.
Before leaving home, make sure you have two forms of photo identification, since they are required to take the test. You may also wish to bring a copy of the registration form or confirmation number that you received after registering and paying for the test. The testing center will supply everything else — like pencils and scrap paper — that you may need. Arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the exam. If you are late, you may be denied entry and your exam fees will not be refunded.