Reading Tips and Strategies For The GED

This guide covers GED® test reading tips and strategies that will help you be successful on exam day. You'll learn how to read each kind of passage effectively and efficiently, how to select and eliminate answers, and how to manage your time during the test. this guide also contains stress management strategies for the days before and the day of the real test.

Reading the Passages
Keep in mind that you will be reading several passages on the test.

Pay Attention to the Purpose Question

As you already know, each passage is preceded by a purpose question. This question is printed in bold and is there to give you a purpose and focus as you read. Use this question to your benefit. Read it carefully, and think about what you might read about in the passage.

Suppose the following is one of the purpose questions on your test:
Who Is Knocking?
How can this help you? Well, before you even begin reading, you know that in the passage, you will read about someone knocking. Because the purpose question doesn't tell you who that is, you know you need to look for that information as you read. For some reason, this is going to be important for you to know.
The purpose question is just there to provide a focus for your reading; you will not have to answer this question.

Read the Questions First
Another way to help you focus on important information as you read a passage is to take a quick look at the questions before you begin reading. This will help you know what information to look for in the passage.

1. How does the author feel about the topic? B. reading the questions ahead of time, you know you need to look for words and details that offer clues about the author's attitude toward the subject matter. This could help focus your attention as you read and possibly save time in the long run.

First Scan, Then Read
You may find it helpful to quickly scan the passage to identify the main idea, then go back and read the passage carefully. Knowing the main idea first can help you identify supporting details as you read. This also lets you know what information you should be looking for when you read the passage slowly and critically the second time.

Read Carefully
Make sure you read slowly and carefully enough to catch every single detail. You may be a master at skimming a passage to simply get the gist of it, but now is not the time to practice that skill. Really focus on the material and think about what you are reading.

Use Context Clues
Don't get upset if you come across an unfamiliar word in a passage. Use what you have learned about context clues to figure out the meaning. Try doing the following:
- Notice how the word is used in the sentence.
- Read the surrounding sentences.
- Look for hints such as synonyms, antonyms, examples, and definitions.
- Think about what would make sense in the context of the passage.

To correctly answer the questions, it is imperative that you completely understand each passage.

Notice Important Details
As you read, pay attention to words, phrases, and details that seem to be important to the meaning of the passage. Be on the lookout for the information listed here:
- key words
- names of real people
- names of characters
- names of locations
- dates
- headings
- specific details
- clues about mood or tone
- hints about the theme
- point of view

If a word is in italics or CAPS or is underlined or bold, it is probably important. Pay close attention to this information.

Read Everything
As you read, you may come across information that is set off in brackets. These are explanatory notes that can provide valuable information.
Information in brackets [such as these] can be helpful in selecting the best answer.
It may be tempting to skip over the information in the brackets, especially if you're beginning to feel the time crunch. Don't skip anything. Be sure to read all the information you've been given. It may be there for a good reason.

Classify Information
As you read, be sure to recognize the difference between the main idea and supporting details. Also, be sure to recognize whether a statement is a fact or an opinion. Classifying statements correctly can help you completely understand the passage and mentally organize the ideas you have read.

Don't Forget the Visuals
Any time a passage includes visual displays, pay close attention to them! They are probably there for a reason and often include extremely valuable information that will deepen your understanding of the passage. Visual aids that you might find include the following:
- maps
- charts
- graphs
- diagrams
- illustrations
- photographs
Read the titles, labels, and captions as well as the information contained within the visuals themselves.

Read the Passage Completely
Some people find it helpful to read the questions before reading the passage. That's great; however, you need to read the passage completely before trying to actually answer the questions, even if the questions appear to be simple. Most of the questions will require you to understand the entire passage completely in order to correctly answer them. Remember, this is not the time to assume that you know what the passage is about. Read the entire text carefully, then answer the questions.

Carefully Read the Questions
This may seem obvious, but it is vital that you read each question carefully and make sure you completely understand exactly what is being asked. In fact, read each question twice. How can you select the correct answer if you misread or do not understand the question?

Which of the following is least likely to occur next?
Suppose you read this question too quickly. You might miss the word least. This one simple word completely changes the question. Overlooking one word in a question could cause you to select the wrong answer choice.
Also, it may be tempting to assume that you know what the question is asking, especially if several similar questions are grouped together and you're feeling rushed for time. But remember—just because it would be logical for a certain question to come next, there's no guarantee that it will.

Pay Attention to Line Numbers
Some questions may refer to line numbers in the passage. Be sure to refer back to the passage and read the information in that line again. It is important to understand the words and information in the correct context.
What is the meaning of the word buffet in line 17?
You're probably familiar with the word buffet and could easily give a definition. But, this word does have several meanings. Without reading line 17, how will you know which meaning is correct?
(17) Heavy raindrops and hail continued to buffet the tiny cabin throughout the night.

Now that you've read the word in the correct context, you will be able to select the appropriate meaning.

Pay Attention to Information in the Question
The question itself may offer essential information that you will need in order to select the best answer choice. Synthesis questions, for example, require you to combine information provided in the question with information in the passage.
Other questions may refer to a specific quotation or section of the passage. If so, there's a pretty good chance that the answer can be found in or near that section. The reference is there for a reason.
Any information that is offered within a question is important! It would not be there if you didn't need it.

Selecting the Best Answer
You know all the reasons why test takers should read the passages and questions carefully. Now comes the part that makes all the difference: selecting the best answer. When all is said and done, this is the part of the test that matters most. To do well on the GED® test, it is essential that you select the best possible answer to each question.
Try to Answer the Question before Reading the Choices A. soon as you finish reading the question, think about what the best answer would be. Then, see if your answer is among the choices listed. If so, there's a good chance that it is correct, but don't mark the answer right away. Read all the choices first to be sure your answer is really the most complete option.

Read Every Choice
As you read the answer choices, you may determine that the first choice looks really great. But don't stop there! Read every single choice, no matter how wonderful any one of them appears to be. You may find that one of the first answers looks good but that the last one is even better.

Read Each Choice Carefully
Remember how important it is to be sure you read every single word in a question? The same holds true for reading each answer choice. Read each choice slowly and carefully, paying attention to every word. Take the time to read each answer choice twice before making your selection. Slight differences in wording can make one answer choice better than the others.

Use the Information in the Passage
Make sure that you choose an answer based solely on the information in the passage. You may already know a lot about the topic, which is great; however, the correct answers are in the passage. This test is not asking about what you knew before you read the material; it only wants to find out whether you are able to identify the correct information in this text.

Avoid Careless Mistakes
There will probably be answers you know right off the bat. Don't rush on these. Even if a question appears to be easy, read the question and answer choices carefully before making your selection. Careless mistakes can lower your score.

Watch Out for Absolutes
If certain words are found in answer choices, they should catch your attention. Look for words such as these:
- always
- never
- forever
- every

It is unlikely that the correct answer choice includes these inflexible words. Very few things are always true or never occur. Be suspicious if an answer choice suggests otherwise.
Pay Attention to Except and Not

Be sure you read every word in a question and pay close attention to the words except and not. It is easy to overlook these words by reading too quickly, and they completely change the question.
One trick for correctly answering these questions is to cover except or not, read the question, then look for the answer choice that does not belong.

Read Each Question for What It Is
Have you ever read a test question and wondered, 'What is this really asking?' It can be easy to read too much into a question. Try not to do that on this test. The good news is, there are no trick questions on the GED® test. Just pay attention to what is being asked and select the best answer.

Choose the Best Answer
As you look through all the answer choices, you may find that more than one could be correct. Make sure that the answer you choose most completely answers the question. Just because a statement is true or looks like an acceptable choice does not mean it is the best answer. Carefully evaluate each choice before making a selection. Also, make sure your choice is the best answer based on the passage, not based on your own assumptions or beliefs.
Tempting answer choices are often listed before the best answer choice. Read all the answers carefully and make sure you completely understand each option before selecting the best response.

Read the Question Again
After you have selected your answer, read the question one more time. Make sure that your choice actually answers the question that was asked. Read the question, the appropriate section of the passage, and any visual aids, then read your answer choice. Does your answer make sense? If so, great! If not, now is your chance to try again.

Trust Your Instincts
Did you know that your first answer is usually correct? If you know that you have carefully read the passage and each answer choice, you have probably selected your best choice.
You may have time at the end of the test to look back over some of your answers. Unless you find an obvious mistake that you are certain about, don't change your answers. Research has shown that your first answer is usually right.

Answer Every Question
Make sure you do not leave any answers blank. Any question that is not answered is considered wrong, so take your best guess. There is no guessing penalty, so it is better to guess than to not answer a question.
If you have been diagnosed as having a learning disability or physical handicap, you may be entitled to special accommodations for taking the GED® test. Be sure to check with the testing center you will be attending ahead of time to find out what, if any, documentation you might need to provide.

Eliminating Answer Choices
There may be times when you have no idea which answer choice is correct, and your only option is to take your best guess. In this situation, it is important to eliminate as many incorrect answer choices as possible, then select among those that remain.
Think of it this way: If you randomly choose one of the four answer choices, you have a 1 in 4 chance of getting it right. That's a 25% chance. Not bad, but definitely not in your best interest.
Suppose you are able to eliminate one of the answer choices. Now, you have a 1 in 3 chance of guessing correctly. Your odds just increased to 33%. Eliminate two choices and you have a 1 in 2 chance of answering correctly. This 50% chance of getting the answer right is much better than what you started with. Now, your random guess is much more likely to be the correct answer.
A few hints follow on how to make your best guess. These are only hints and will not work every single time. It is always better to use what you know and select the best answer based on the passage. Use these hints if your only option is making a random guess.

Look for Similar Answers
If you find that two of the answer choices are almost exactly the same, with the exception of a few words, eliminate the other answers and select between these two.

Also Look for Opposite Answers
You may notice that two of the answer choices are opposites.
Which is true about the duck-billed platypus? a. It lays eggs. b. It is a bird. c. It does not lay eggs. d. It is a vegetarian.
Notice that choices a and c are opposites, and obviously, both cannot be correct. So, you can automatically eliminate at least one of these answers. In this case, choice a happens to be correct. However, keep in mind that in another question, it is possible that both of the opposite answers could be wrong.

Get Rid of Extremes
Sometimes one answer may seem very different from the rest. In this case, eliminate the extreme answer.
Where did the story take place? a. Alabama b. Florida c. Georgia d. Paraguay
The answer choices here include three southern states and a foreign country. Paraguay seems a little extreme among the other choices in the list. If you are going to try to eliminate an answer so that you can make your best guess, Paraguay might be the most logical choice to eliminate.

Look for Grammatical Hints
Some questions may require you to choose the answer choice that correctly completes a sentence. Look for any choices that do not fit grammatically and eliminate these. For example, if the beginning of the sentence is written in past tense and an answer choice is in present tense, there's a good chance that the answer is incorrect.
If you are asked to choose a missing word or to identify a word with the same meaning, eliminate any choices that are a different part of speech.
The attorney was late for the meeting and asked us to brief her quickly on what had taken place so far.
What best tells the meaning of brief in the sentence? a. concise without detail b. to summarize in writing c. a synopsis of a document d. to give necessary information
In the sentence, brief is a verb, so the correct answer will also be a verb. Choice a is an adjective, and choice c is a noun. These can be eliminated, leaving only answers b and d, which are both verbs. In this case, d is the best choice.

Keeping Track of Time
Remember that this is a timed test. Being aware of how much time has passed and how much time remains can make a tremendous difference in your overall performance.
Wear a Watch: Be sure to wear a watch on the day of the test. Check the time as the test begins and figure out the time at which the test will end. The test administrator will probably update you on how much time remains throughout the test. However, it's a good idea to be able to check for yourself.

Don't Rush
Remember the old saying 'Slow and steady wins the race'? Yes, there is a time limit. Yes, you need to pace yourself. However, if you rush, you'll be more likely to make mistakes. Work quickly, but most important, work carefully.
It's better to answer some of the questions and get them right than to answer most of the questions and get them wrong.
Keep an eye on your watch, but keep your focus on doing your best.
Most people who have not passed the GED® test actually had the knowledge needed to pass. So what was the problem? They ran out of time. Don't let this happen to you! Pace yourself, monitor the time, and keep moving.

Use Your Time Wisely
Don't spend too much time trying to select a single answer. If a question has you stumped, take your best guess and move on. You can always come back later if you have extra time at the end. Wasting time on one tricky question can prevent you from having time to answer another that you might think is a breeze.
Sometimes, if you skip a tough question and come back to it later, you will find it easier to answer the second time around. Information and clues in other questions may help you figure out the best answer.

Wrap Things Up at the End
You already know the importance of keeping an eye on the time. If you find that there are only a couple of minutes left and you have not yet finished the test, start guessing. Any answer that is left blank will automatically be marked wrong. Go ahead and take a stab at any remaining questions; quickly get an answer marked for every test item. At this point, what have you got to lose? You may or may not get them right, but at least you tried, and as previously noted, there is no guessing penalty.


Tips for Nonfiction Passages
The purpose of the nonfiction passages on the test may be to entertain, inform, or persuade readers. The testing standards of the GED® Reasoning through Language Arts test place a particular emphasis on the understanding and analysis of arguments and evidence, so expect passages that focus on presenting a viewpoint or position on an issue. Regardless of their purpose, these passages are based on actual people, topics, or events and will offer information, facts, and details about the topic.

Notice Details
Watch for details such as statistics, dates, names, events, section headings, and key words that are included in the passage. You may see these again when you get to the questions. However, do not select an answer choice simply because it matches something from the passage; many incorrect answer choices are also taken from the text. This is to ensure that you are understanding the passage and not just skimming for a correct answer.

Pay Attention to Descriptive Language
Descriptive language can offer clues about an author's views on a topic. For example, if an author describes a car as a 'beast,' that author probably feels that the vehicle is very big or powerful. After you find the main idea, begin looking for language, facts, and details that reveal or support the author's point of view.

Look for Evidence
Keep in mind that each paragraph of a nonfiction passage will have a main idea. The rest of the paragraph will include details to support the main idea. As you read, search for this evidence. Facts, examples, descriptions, and other information that helps explain the main idea are essential to understanding the text and will probably be the subject of at least some of the questions.

Draw Your Own Conclusions
Some types of nonfiction passages will include opinions on a particular topic. In some cases, you will be given two passages that offer different views on the same topic. Pay special attention to the evidence and reasons presented to support the view presented in each passage. Then, draw your own conclusions regarding the author's ability to present and support that opinion. For the extended response item on the test, reaching your own conclusions and expanding on the evidence and views presented in the passages is critical if you want to score well.

Tips for Fiction Passages
Prose fiction passages involve imaginary people and events. While you may see prose fiction passages that contain arguments and evidence to support a viewpoint or conclusion, the author's main intent for prose fiction is generally to entertain. These passages are more likely to focus on tone, style, setting, point of view, and making inferences about the characters and the world.

Make Inferences
Often in prose fiction passages, the author intentionally leaves out some information. This requires readers to make inferences about the plot, characters, or setting. Use the information that is implied to 'fill in the blanks' and create your own complete mental picture. For example, you can infer what type of person a character is by paying attention to what other characters say or think about him. You can put together information about the sights, sounds, and smells described in a story to infer the setting.

As Maxwell stepped outside, he noticed the sounds of the cows mooing in the distance and could make out the silhouette of the barn on the opposite side of the field. This was nothing like the city he was used to.
What is the setting of the story? a. a barn b. a big city c. a farm d. a zoo
The writer mentions a city, but this is not the setting. Because we know that Maxwell hears cows and can see a barn on the other side of the field, we can infer that he is on a farm (choice c). If the barn were the setting, he would be in it or near it; it would not be in the distance.

Notice Names
Pay close attention to the names of people and places, as well as to dates and key words. These are often important to remember if you are going to accurately understand the story.

Pay Attention to Details
Details can help you determine many things about a story. This information is invaluable when answering questions about plot, conflicts, mood, point of view, and theme. If you get to a question about one of these and are unsure of the answer, look back in the passage and see what insight the details can offer.

Preparing for the Test
Like so many things, the key to doing well on the GED® test is preparation. A few other tips to help you prepare are discussed in this section.

Practice, Practice, Practice
Taking a practice test, such as the ones in this book, is a terrific way to be sure you are ready. These practice tests help you in several ways:
- You will know what types of questions to expect.
- You will become comfortable with the format of the test.
- You will learn about your own strengths and weaknesses.
- You will be aware of what you need to study. A. you take the practice tests, pay attention to the types of questions you get right and those that are more challenging. For example, you may find that the questions about main ideas are really easy. That's great! You might also find that you miss a lot of the questions that deal with themes. No problem. Now you know what skills to study.

Create Opportunities for Even More Practice
You probably read different types of passages all the time, either in magazines or newspapers, in novels, or on the Internet. As you read, think about the types of questions you will find on the GED® test. Then, ask yourself questions about your reading material. For example, you might ask yourself:
- What is the main idea of the passage I just read?
- What details support the main idea?
- What were the conflict and resolution in this story?
- What context clues helped me determine the meanings of unfamiliar words?
- What is the theme (or tone or mood) of the passage?
Another idea is to work with a friend and write questions for each other based on passages you select. You could also summarize passages, underline key words, circle the main idea of each paragraph, and highlight supporting details.

Know Yourself
Figure out what works best for you. For example, not everyone benefits from reading the questions before reading the passage. Some people may find it helpful to scan a passage for the main idea before reading; others may not. Try different strategies as you work through the practice questions and pay attention to which strategies you find most comfortable and most beneficial. B. Ready the Day Before the Test
Being ready mentally and physically can help you do your best on the test. Here are some suggestions:
- Start studying and preparing in advance; don't plan on cramming for the test in the few days before you are scheduled to take it.
- The day before the test, take a break and relax. Go for a walk, call a friend, or see a movie. Don't stay up late to study.
- Have anything you want to take with you ready ahead of time. Set out your pencils, sweater, watch, or anything else that you need to take to the test location in the morning.
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the test. If you're concerned that you won't be able to fall asleep, get up extra early the morning before the test. That way, you'll be ready for bed early that evening.

The Big Day
You've studied, you're well rested, and now you're ready to take the GED® Reasoning through Language Arts exam! Now that test day is here, make the most of it.

Get Off to a Good Start
First, set your alarm early enough so that you won't have to rush. Not only will you feel more relaxed and have time to get settled before the test starts, but you also might not be allowed to enter the testing center if you are late. Make sure that being on time is one thing you won't have to worry about.
Then, be sure to eat a well-balanced breakfast. You need to keep your energy up, and you certainly don't want to be distracted by the sound of your stomach growling. If today is going to be a long day of testing, bring a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, or some trail mix to snack on between sessions.
Also, dress in comfortable, layered clothes and bring a sweater. Feeling like your shoes are too tight or being too hot or too cold can be distractions. Do everything you can to be sure you feel great and are on top of your game today!

Keep Your Cool
You've studied, you've practiced, and now you're ready. Don't let your nerves get the best of you. Getting worked up will not help you get your highest possible score. In the overall scheme of things, the GED® test is just a test. If things don't go as well as you'd hoped today, consider this a practice run. You have three chances in a calendar year to pass the test. Try to stay calm and focus on doing your best.

Carefully Read the Directions
If you are unsure about the directions or what exactly you are supposed to do, be sure to ask the test administrator before you begin the test. He or she cannot help you with specific test questions or vocabulary, but you may be able to get the information you need to clarify the test's instructions.

Directions: Choose the one best answer to each question.

Questions 1 through 4 refer to the following passage:
Which Pieces of Art Are the Artist's Best Work?
Local up-and-coming artist Melanie O'Keefe 
debuted a number of pieces from her 
collection at the Laurel Oaks Fine Art 
Museum recently. Attendance at the showing
(5) exceeded expectations and brought a
number of renowned art critics to the 
downtown area. Members of the museum's 
board of directors were impressed by O'Keefe's 
display as well as excited about the (10) attention the show brought to the museum
itself.
The most prominent piece in the collection, 'Springtime Rain,' will remain on
display for approximately one year. This
(15) piece depicts two barefoot young children
walking through a field of brightly colored 
wildflowers during a spring rain shower. 
The artist's use of light creates a warm effect 
through the mostly overcast sky and gives a
(20) cheerful feeling to the piece, while the softening of each line nearly creates the effect 
of looking out of a rain-streaked windowpane. 
Her attention to detail in each brushstroke 
lends a professional quality to (25) the work of a relative newcomer in the field.
O'Keefe's signature watercolor piece, 'Winter in the City,' depicts a cityscape of the early years of our own town, including
only a few early model vehicles and several
(30) residents wrapped in heavy coats and scarves, walking along the brick roads. The artist's
use of texture and shadow allows museum 
visitors to feel the chill in the air and hear the 
sounds of the wind whistling between
(35) the buildings. The use of various shades of grays and blues adds to the depth of the piece 
while helping to create the feelings of a winter 
day. The subtle use of white light to 
illuminate the streetlamps
(40) nearly causes them to pop off the canvas.
The charcoal drawings in the collection
drew an impressive amount of attention
from visitors, although these works do not
display the same quality as her works done
(45) in other mediums. The overall images are
pleasant to view but portray an amateur feel. 
'Cottage on the Shore' was undoubtedly 
the most memorable piece created in this 
portion of the show; however, it was the (50) subject matter rather than the talent of the artist that will remain in the viewers' minds. 
It is apparent that these are the earliest pieces 
O'Keefe created.

Questions:

1. Based on the passage, all the following statements are true about Melanie O'Keefe EXCEPT which one? a. She is a relatively new artist. b. Painting is her favorite form of art. c. Her work was displayed in the museum. d. The names of two of her pieces mention seasons.

2. Which is true about the writer of the commentary? a. The writer enjoys art EXibitions by local artists the best. b. The writer never likes artwork that includes the use of charcoal. c. The writer always prefers watercolor paintings to other art forms. d. The writer felt the charcoal drawings were the weakest in the collection.

3. What can be concluded about the artist and her work? a. The artist included an impressive use of light in all the pieces in the display. b. The artist's use of light is one of the prominent aspects of some of her artwork. c. The artist's use of light is better in 'Winter in the City' than in 'Springtime Rain.' d. The artist's use of light is better in 'Springtime Rain' than in 'Winter in the City.'

4. Which statement can be inferred about the artwork in the EXibit? a. 'Springtime Rain' was created using paint. b. 'Winter in the City' was the most recent piece on display. c. 'Cottage on the Shore' showed use of texture and shadow. d. 'Springtime Rain' and 'Winter in the City' were both watercolors.

Answers:

1. b. Notice that the question includes the word except. The answer choices include three statements that are true, based on the passage, and one that is not. While several of the pieces in the EXibit were paintings, nothing in the passage states that this is her favorite form of art. This question is an example of why it is crucial that test takers carefully read every word; had someone overlooked the word except, he or she might have been looking for a statement that was true rather than the one statement that was not true.

2. d. Choice d is the only one supported by the information in the passage. Choices b and c might be tempting because the statements contain some truth in regard to this particular art show; the writer does prefer these paintings to the charcoal drawings. However, remember what you read about answers that are absolutes. These choices include the words never and always. If you needed to eliminate incorrect answer choices, these would be a good place to start. The passage does not suggest that the writer always likes one form of art and never likes another. Remember, very few things always or never occur.

3. b. The artist's use of light is mentioned in the reviews of both 'Springtime Rain' and 'Winter in the City,' implying that this is one of the most noticeable or important aspects of these pieces. Suppose you were unsure of which answer choice was correct. Which could be eliminated to help you make a strong guess? Notice that choice a includes the word all. This word is an absolute that must be carefully considered before selecting this answer. If you needed to get rid of one option, this might be a good one to eliminate. Then, notice that choices c and d are opposites. Obviously one, if not both, of these can be eliminated. In this case, nothing in the passage indicates that the use of light is better in one piece than it is in the other, so both can be eliminated.

4. a. Here's an example of why readers need to notice details. Without paying attention to the name of each piece of artwork, it would be difficult to know which statements are true about the artist's displays. The passage never directly states that 'Springtime Rain' is a painting, but the attention to detail in each brushstroke is mentioned. Because brushstrokes are used in painting, readers can infer that this piece is a painting. While the writer does mention that the charcoal drawings are the artist's earliest works, he or she does not tell which work is the most recent. The use of texture and shadow, watercolors, and professionalism are mentioned in the passage, but not regarding the pieces named in choices c and d.

Summary of this guide: In this guide, you learned a number of tips that will help you do your best on the GED® Reasoning through Language Arts test:

1. Before you begin reading a passage, be sure to pay attention to the purpose question that precedes the passage as well as the comprehension questions that follow it.

2. Scan the passage first, then read it carefully, noticing important details and mentally organizing the information. Remember to read the information in brackets, the visual aids, and the captions as well.

3. After you read the passage completely, thoroughly read each question, paying close attention to any information stated within the question itself.

4. Try to answer each question before you actually read the answer choices. Then, read each choice carefully, paying close attention to every word, before selecting the best answer based on the passage.

5. After selecting an answer, reread the question to make sure your answer choice is the best fit.

6. Answer every single question, even if it means you have to guess.

7. If you are unsure of which answer to choose, look for options that are similar or are opposites, contain extremes, or have grammatical hints. Then, eliminate as many choices as possible before taking your best guess. Remember, the more options you eliminate, the better your chance of choosing the correct response.

8. Because the GED® test is timed, it is essential that you are aware of the time. Wear a watch, pace yourself, and don't spend too much time on any one question. If you see that time is running out, quickly select an answer for each of the remaining questions.

9. As you read nonfiction passages, look for evidence that supports the main idea of the passage. Be sure to pay close attention to details, names, dates, statistics, and descriptive language that can enhance your comprehension of the material and help you draw your own conclusions about the topic.

10. When reading fiction passages, be sure to pay attention to details, such as the names of characters or places, and use the ideas that are included in the passage to infer information that the author has not included.

11. Practicing for the test can help you feel prepared, show you important information about your own strengths and weaknesses, and make you aware of the strategies that work best for you.

12. Take a break the day before the test. Don't study too much that day, and be sure to get a good night's sleep.

13. Get up early and have a good breakfast on the morning of the test. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers in case the testing center is too warm or too cool for your liking.

14. Read the test directions carefully and ask questions if you need to.