There are five sections of the General Education Development diploma, or GED. Students must pass each of the five sections with a score of 410 or higher, and a combined score of 2250 or higher. The social studies GED test contains a mixture of topics, from history to government to economics. Using free online and printable GED practice tests can help test takers to earn higher scores and pass on the first or second try when taking the high school equivalency diploma exam.
Sample GED for Social Studies
The social studies portion of the GED is a 50-question test. Students have 70 minutes to complete the social studies GED. This section includes questions on:
- U.S. or Canadian History (depending on which country the test taker is in) - 25%
- World History - 15%
- Geography - 15%
- Civics and Government - 25%
- Economics - 20%
The test asks a combination of fact-based questions and interpretation questions. Students may be asked specific question on details, such as the names of presidents or specific information about laws and economics. For other social studies GED questions students might face a chart, graph, or cartoon and be asked to analyze and answer a question. Understanding the different types of questions is crucial, and using a sample GED is a perfect way to prepare.
Free Printable GED Practice Test
McGraw Hill offers an online or printable GED practice test for the social studies section. This sample GED test offers 25 questions to be completed in 35 minutes or less. Students must score a 410 or higher on the real GED, and this half-scale version helps students to understand the different topics on the real exam, how many questions are needed to score a 410 or higher (less than half!) and other important details. This sample social studies test lets students take the GED test online and gain valuable practice.
The American Council on Education also offers sample GED tests for the social studies portions. The ACE site not only offers practice questions but also gives detailed answers, helping students to understand their mistakes and imparting information that will help when taking the real GED.
Study Guide for Social Studies GED
Preparing for the history, geography, economics, and government questions that students will find on the social studies GED is critical, but using free online practice exams or printable GED practice tests sometimes isn't enough. Study guides for the social studies GED can be found in local bookstores, libraries, and online bookstores.
In addition, do the research to find free study guides online. Look for information and promotions for free GED practice. The more resources students use, the more they can fill the gaps in social studies knowledge.
Regardless of the study method used for the high school equivalency diploma, earning the GED is a crucial step toward attending college, getting a job, or advancing in a career.
Resources:
"GED Testing Fact Sheet," American Council on Education, April 7, 2010.
To learn more about earning a General Educational Development diploma and studying for the GED online, please read these articles:
High School Equivalency Diploma and Free Online GED Practice Test – find overall statistics and information about the exam, free online GED information and more.
Free GED Test - Printable Sample Practice Exam Online for Prep – learn where to find printable exams for the comprehensive general education diploma exam.
Get a GED Online - High School Equivalency Diploma at Home – too busy to travel for GED classes? Learn how to prepare for a GED online.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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