GED® Social Studies Practices & Extended Response Review

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards summarizing the critical thinking, reading, math-reasoning, and writing skills needed for success on the GED® Social Studies test, including key definitions, strategies, graph interpretation, and extended response guidelines.

What three skill categories does the GED® Social Studies test measure, and what % of the test does each represent?

Reading & Writing in a Social Studies Context – 30%; Applying Important Social Studies Concepts – 40%; Applying Mathematical Reasoning to Social Studies – 30%.

On GED® passages, what is an inference?

A logical conclusion drawn from the evidence provided in the text.

How does a valid claim differ from an inference?

A valid claim is a statement based on an inference that can be supported by evidence from the passage.

What two steps should you use to answer inference questions?

1) Identify clearly stated details in the passage. 2) Use those details to make a logical inference or valid claim.

What two questions help you identify a passage’s main (central) idea?

1) What is the passage mostly about? 2) What is the author trying to tell me?

Give one key difference between a primary source and a secondary source.

A primary source is an original document or artifact (e.g., speech, diary), while a secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources (e.g., textbook chapter).

Which GED® reading skill involves figuring out unfamiliar vocabulary by using surrounding clues?

Determining the meaning of words and phrases in context.

Define ‘point of view’ in historical reading.

The perspective shaped by an author’s background, experiences, and opinions.

What three questions reveal an author’s purpose?

Why did the author write this? Who is the intended audience? What is the document meant to accomplish?

Fact vs. Opinion: What two questions help you tell them apart?

1) Would everyone agree with this statement? 2) Can it be verified by a trustworthy source?

Name three signal words that often introduce opinions.

Likely, believe, should (also: feel, think, probably, possibly).

What is a hypothesis in social studies?

A statement about what might have happened or might happen that has not yet been proven true or false.

When evaluating a hypothesis, what must you look for?

Evidence—facts and reasons that logically support the hypothesis.

When two passages on the same topic appear, what are you usually asked to do?

Compare and contrast their ideas, evidence, or points of view.

List three detective-style clues to review before answering a passage question.

The title, the date, and the author/background information.

What percentage of GED® Social Studies questions require applying social-studies concepts (not just reading)?

About 40%.

Give one phrase that often signals supporting evidence in a passage.

For example (others: for instance, in particular, a reason is…).

Name two common chronological transition words.

First, then (others: before, after, later, eventually, meanwhile, suddenly).

Explain the difference between cause and effect on the GED® test.

A cause is an event or factor that makes something happen; an effect is the result that follows.

What visual tool arranges events in the order they occurred?

A timeline.

Which political bias cue involves using emotionally charged positive words for favored ideas and negative words for opposing ideas?

Labeling or name-calling (part of propaganda techniques).

Define the propaganda technique ‘bandwagon.’

Appealing to the desire to join the crowd: “Everyone else is doing it, so you should too.”

In evaluating a testimonial, what key question should you ask?

Does the public figure have genuine expertise or facts about this subject?

What are the three traits used to score the GED® Social Studies Extended Response?

1) Creation of Arguments & Use of Evidence (2 pts) 2) Development of Ideas & Organizational Structure (1 pt) 3) Clarity & Command of Standard English (1 pt).

Roughly how many words should you aim for in the Social Studies extended response?

Around 250 words (no fixed minimum or maximum).

What paragraph structure is recommended for the extended response?

Paragraph 1 – introduction & thesis; Paragraphs 2–3 – evidence & analysis; Paragraph 4 – conclusion.

What two main actions must each body paragraph of your essay accomplish?

Present a clear supporting point AND cite specific evidence from the passages (and background knowledge) to back that point up.

During essay planning, why is a thesis statement essential?

It states your main argument in 1–2 sentences and guides all supporting points.

What proportion of the GED® Social Studies test requires math reasoning?

About 30%.

When you see a bar graph, what do the x-axis and y-axis usually represent?

The x-axis (horizontal) shows categories or time; the y-axis (vertical) shows quantities or percentages.

Which type of graph is best for showing parts of a whole?

A circle graph or pie chart.

Name three elements you should read first when analyzing any map.

Title, legend/key, and scale (also latitude/longitude lines/date if provided).

What is the mean of 8, 12, 15, 5, and 10?

10 (sum 50 ÷ 5 values).

How do you find the median in a data set?

Order the numbers from smallest to largest and select the middle value (or average the two middle values if even count).

Define ‘mode’ in statistics.

The value that occurs most frequently in the data set.

What is the range of 2, 9, 12, 25, 4?

23 (largest 25 – smallest 2).

What term describes a variable whose value can change when another variable changes?

Dependent variable.

When interpreting a graph, what does a sharp upward slope typically indicate?

A rapid increase in the measured quantity during that time period.

Why might the median home price be a better indicator than the mean during a housing crash?

Because extreme high or low sales can skew the mean, while the median shows the middle of the market.

List the six recommended steps for writing the extended response.

1) Read the prompt, 2) Read the passages, 3) Plan your argument, 4) Outline paragraphs, 5) Write the essay, 6) Proofread & revise.

In Trait 1 scoring, what earns 2 points instead of 1?

A clear text-based argument that cites multiple relevant, specific pieces of evidence from BOTH passages and shows understanding of context.

According to Trait 3, can you still earn the point with a few grammar errors?

Yes—minor errors are acceptable if they do not interfere with understanding and sentence variety is shown.

What approach helps you decide if two data sources agree or conflict?

Determine each source’s main idea/claim, then compare whether the evidence and conclusions align or diverge.

Which phrase below signals chronological organization? a) ‘In contrast’ b) ‘Meanwhile’ c) ‘For example’ d) ‘Therefore’

b) ‘Meanwhile’.

If a chart shows female Congressional Democrats rising from 5% to 30% since the 102nd Congress, what trend is demonstrated?

A sharp increase in women’s representation among Democratic members of Congress.

How can you spot euphemistic propaganda?

Look for pleasant-sounding terms that soften or hide unpleasant realities (e.g., calling war the ‘Defense’ department).

What is the first thing to check when transferring data from text into a table?

Identify all numbers/statistics and note the table’s required labels (rows and columns).

Why is ‘everyone would agree’ an unreliable test for facts in history?

Even widely held beliefs can still be opinions; facts must be verifiable by credible evidence, not popularity.

What is the purpose of a legend on a map?

To explain the symbols, colors, or patterns used so the map can be correctly interpreted.

Give one reason the GED® stresses comparing two historical documents.

It tests your ability to detect differing viewpoints, biases, or changes in policy over time.

When should you use your own background knowledge in the extended response?

Only to supplement and strengthen evidence drawn directly from the passages—not to replace it.

Why must you avoid personal anecdotes in the GED® Social Studies essay?

Because scoring focuses on text-based analysis and historical reasoning, not personal experience.

Which graph type typically lacks both x- and y-axes?

Circle graphs (pie charts).

What is an example of a ‘common-man’ propaganda tactic used by politicians?

Wearing work clothes and speaking in slang at a factory to appear like an ordinary citizen.

To show chronological order in writing, which word best fits? ‘Eventually’ or ‘In contrast’?

‘Eventually’. It signals the next point in time.

How many total points can you earn on the Social Studies extended response?

4 points (2 for Trait 1, 1 for Trait 2, 1 for Trait 3).

What does analyzing variables in social-studies graphs help you determine?

Whether changes in one factor may influence another (cause/effect or correlation).

According to the text, what reading strategy is advised if you don’t understand a sentence?

Stop, reread the section, and ask questions until clarity is reached.

Name two clues that may suggest bias in a historical text.

Use of prescriptive words like ‘should’ and strongly worded statements using ‘always’ or ‘never.’

What mental step turns a reader into an ‘active reader’ as defined in the chapter?

Asking questions about the text while reading and seeking evidence for answers.