GED-TEST Sample Questions & Answers
Language arts reasoning makes up the largest portion, ahead of quantitative and algebraic math, life, physical and earth science topics, and social studies spanning civics, government and history.
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- Question 1Intermediate
Social Studies · Civics and Government
The principle of 'checks and balances' in the U.S. government is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Which of the following is a primary example of the legislative branch checking the power of the executive branch?
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Correct answer: C
This is a direct check by the legislative branch (specifically the Senate) on the executive branch's (the President's) power to appoint officials. The President can nominate, but the Senate must confirm, thus limiting the President's authority.
- Question 2Beginner
Science · Life Science
True or False: In a food web, energy flows from the producers to the consumers, and nutrients are cycled back to the producers by decomposers.
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Correct answer: A
This statement is true. Energy flows in one direction through an ecosystem: from the sun to producers (like plants), then to various levels of consumers. Decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil for producers to use again, thus cycling the nutrients.
- Question 3Intermediate
Reasoning Through Language Arts · Reading for Meaning
A candidate's campaign speech includes the following statement: 'My opponent's plan to raise taxes on small businesses will destroy our local economy. He has never run a business, so how could he possibly understand what's best for it?'
This statement primarily relies on which type of rhetorical fallacy?
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Correct answer: C
The statement attacks the opponent's character and personal experience ('He has never run a business') rather than addressing the merits or flaws of the actual tax plan. This is a classic example of an ad hominem fallacy, which means 'to the person.'
- Question 4Beginner
Mathematical Reasoning · Algebraic Problem Solving
A car rental company charges a flat fee of $40 per day plus $0.15 per mile driven. If a customer's total bill for a one-day rental was $65.50, which equation could be used to find the number of miles, m, the customer drove?
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Correct answer: B
The total cost is the sum of the flat fee and the per-mile charge. The flat fee is $40. The per-mile charge is $0.15 multiplied by the number of miles, m, which is 0.15m. Setting the sum of these equal to the total bill of $65.50 gives the correct equation.
- Question 5Advanced
Reasoning Through Language Arts · Reading for Meaning
Case Study: The Community Garden Proposal
The following are two letters to the editor of the Oakwood City Gazette regarding a proposal to turn a city-owned vacant lot into a community garden.
Letter 1: Support the Garden
The plan to create a community garden on the Elm Street lot is a brilliant investment in our city’s future. For a minimal cost, we can create a space that provides fresh, healthy produce for residents, particularly those in food deserts. Studies from cities like Philadelphia show these gardens reduce crime rates by fostering community engagement and giving teenagers a constructive outlet. The garden will also serve as an outdoor classroom for our schools, teaching valuable lessons about biology and nutrition. It will beautify a neglected eyesore, increasing property values for surrounding homes. This is a clear win for community, health, and education.
Letter 2: A Misguided Idea
While a community garden sounds pleasant, it is a fiscally irresponsible use of prime city real estate. The Elm Street lot is zoned for commercial use and could be sold to a developer for an estimated $500,000, generating significant one-time revenue and ongoing property taxes. This revenue could fund essential services like road repair or hiring more firefighters. Proponents ignore the hidden costs: city water usage, pest control, and the inevitable volunteer burnout that will leave the city to manage a weedy, abandoned plot. Instead of a garden, a small retail plaza would create permanent jobs and serve far more residents than a handful of gardeners. We need practical solutions, not passion projects.
Which statement best synthesizes the central conflict between the two letters?
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Correct answer: C
This statement accurately captures the core disagreement. Letter 1 argues for the garden based on non-monetary values like health, education, community engagement, and beautification (social benefits). Letter 2 argues against it by emphasizing the direct monetary value of the land through a sale and the resulting tax revenue and jobs (financial/economic benefits).
- Question 6Beginner
Science · Earth and Space Science
The diagram below shows a simplified version of the water cycle. Which process is represented by arrow X, where water vapor in the atmosphere cools and forms clouds?
graph TD A[Oceans & Lakes] -- Evaporation --> B(Atmosphere); B -- X --> C(Clouds); C -- Precipitation --> D[Land & Oceans]; D -- Runoff/Infiltration --> A;Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Condensation is the process by which water vapor (a gas) in the air is changed into liquid water. In the atmosphere, condensation is what forms clouds as water vapor cools and gathers on tiny dust or pollen particles.
- Question 7Beginner
Social Studies · Civics and Government
The U.S. Census is a constitutionally mandated count of the population conducted every 10 years. The primary reason for this census, as established in the Constitution, is to determine what?
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Correct answer: B
Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution requires the census to be conducted to apportion the members of the House of Representatives among the states based on their respective populations. This ensures proportional representation in the legislative branch.
- Question 8Intermediate
Mathematical Reasoning · Algebraic Problem Solving
Simplify the following algebraic expression:
3(x² - 2x + 4) - (x² + 5x - 3)
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Correct answer: A
First, distribute the 3: 3x² - 6x + 12. Then, distribute the negative sign to the second parenthesis: -x² - 5x + 3. Now, combine like terms: (3x² - x²) + (-6x - 5x) + (12 + 3), which simplifies to 2x² - 11x + 15.
- Question 9Intermediate
Reasoning Through Language Arts · Writing and Language Conventions
The following sentence needs to be revised: 'The reason for the delay is because the shipment was held up in customs.'
Which revision is the most clear and concise?
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Correct answer: B
The phrase 'The reason... is because' is redundant. Using either 'The reason is that...' or simply '...because...' is more correct. This option is the most direct and concise way to state the cause of the delay without the unnecessary words.
- Question 10IntermediateSelect 2
Science · Life Science
The process of photosynthesis is essential for most life on Earth. Which of the following are products of photosynthesis? (Select ALL that apply)
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Correct answers: B, D
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose (a sugar used for energy) and oxygen.
Oxygen is a key byproduct of photosynthesis, released into the atmosphere.
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