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How can I Score Well in GED® Social Studies?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

In order to score well on the General Educational Development® (GED®) social studies test, you will usually have to score at least 410, which is the minimum score required for passing the social studies section of the GED®. Your scores on all of the sections, however, count in determining whether you will pass the GED®, and in most cases, scoring well means getting a score that is above this minimum. To meet this goal, you may have to spend a significant amount of time studying. For example, you may choose to enroll in a GED® preparation class, purchase a study guide, or create your own study program. Any of these options may work, as long as the option you choose helps you build your reading comprehension skills, brush up on math skills, build your vocabulary in subjects related to history and the government, and learn how to read and interpret maps and diagrams.

The first step to scoring well on the GED® social studies test is understanding what the test entails. The test typically includes 50 questions in the social studies section, and you will likely have about an hour and 10 minutes to answer all of the questions. The topics included on this part of the test usually fall into the category of world history, history of the United States, and economics. This test also includes government and civics questions as well as some for geography. In most cases, you will need to have good reading comprehension skills as well as the ability to interpret graphs and maps to pass this part of the GED® with at least the minimum score of 410.

The GED includes geography questions, along with others on U.S. and world history.
The GED includes geography questions, along with others on U.S. and world history.

When you are preparing to take the GED® social studies exam, you may do well to chose a study plan that will effectively cover the main topics that will be included on the exam. While you cannot cover every conceivable topic, you may find that study guides created specifically for the GED® will provide adequate preparation for the GED® social studies exam. You may alternatively use social studies review books that cover the information most high school seniors are expected to know. Alternatively, you may enroll in a GED® preparation course to prepare for the exam.

When considering GED® social studies preparation options, you may do well to choose study materials that include practice in chart and graph reading as well as the analysis of political cartoons. Likewise, materials that help you build reading comprehension skills may help as well. Additionally, you may find it advantageous to take practice tests to prepare for the exam.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • The GED includes geography questions, along with others on U.S. and world history.
      By: mmmg
      The GED includes geography questions, along with others on U.S. and world history.