8.What Subjects Are on the GED Test?

A Complete Breakdown of the Four GED Subjects and How to Prepare for Each One
HighSchoolEquivalent.com

If you’re thinking about getting your GED, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
What’s actually on the test?
The GED exam covers four core subjects that reflect high school-level skills and knowledge. Each subject has a different format, and understanding what to expect in each area will help you prepare more effectively — especially if you’re studying on your own.

In this article, we’ll break down the four GED subjects, what each section looks like, and how to prepare — with examples and free study resources to help you get started.

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🧠 The Four Subjects of the GED

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1. Mathematical Reasoning (Math)

Topics covered:

• Basic arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages)
• Algebra (solving equations, inequalities, expressions)
• Geometry (area, volume, angles, the Pythagorean theorem)
• Graphs and data interpretation (charts, tables, coordinate plane)

Format:

• 45 questions (some multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blank)
• A calculator is allowed for part of the test (TI-30XS Multiview)

Example question:

If 25% of a number is 60, what is the number?

Study Tip: Start by mastering number operations. Khan Academy and GED.com offer step-by-step video lessons and practice problems.

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2. Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)

Topics covered:

• Reading comprehension (literary texts and nonfiction)
• Grammar and language conventions (punctuation, sentence structure)
• Essay writing (called the Extended Response)

Format:

• Around 46 questions + 1 essay
• Passages range from fiction to workplace documents

Example task:

Read a passage and identify the author’s main argument, tone, and supporting evidence.

Study Tip: Read short articles daily and practice writing a clear 4-paragraph essay (Intro, 2 body paragraphs, Conclusion). Use tools like Grammarly and the Hemingway App to improve clarity.

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3. Social Studies

Topics covered:

• U.S. History (Civil War, Constitution, Civil Rights)
• Civics and Government (branches of government, voting, laws)
• Geography (maps, regions, global relationships)
• Economics (supply and demand, taxes, budgets)

Format:

• 35–40 questions based on reading passages, graphs, and charts
• No memorization needed — it’s about interpretation

Example task:

Analyze a graph showing unemployment rates and answer cause-effect questions.

Study Tip: Use CrashCourse on YouTube for fast, visual explanations of historical topics. Practice reading and interpreting infographics.

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4. Science

Topics covered:

• Life Science (cells, genetics, ecosystems)
• Physical Science (laws of motion, energy, matter)
• Earth and Space Science (weather, climate, solar system)
• Scientific Practices (experiments, hypotheses, data)

Format:

• 34–40 questions
• You’ll read short texts, interpret charts, and analyze experiments

Example task:

Read a summary of a science experiment and determine whether the hypothesis was supported by the data.

Study Tip: Focus on understanding basic scientific terms. Use Khan Academy, PBS Learning Media, or GED Flash for interactive science lessons.

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✅ Test-Taking Strategies Across All Subjects

• Practice time management — most sections are 70–90 minutes
• Use GED.com’s free practice tests to get used to the format
• Study in chunks: focus on one subject per week
• Create flashcards for terms and formulas
• Use bilingual resources if English is your second language

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🚀 Ready to Start Studying?

At HighSchoolEquivalent.com, we’ve created free tools, quizzes, bilingual lessons, and video explanations to help you succeed — no matter where you’re starting from.

📌 Start now and take control of your future.