Perspectives - Science

GED 2002:
Sample Test Questions for Science

Sample Questions: Science Test

The GED Science Test consists of a set of multiple-choice questions drawn from the following content areas:

· Biology

· Earth Science

· Physics

· Chemistry

Questions in the Science Test ask you to use information provided in the test question or learned through life experience. The information may show up in the form of a paragraph, or it may be found in a chart, table, graph, map, or figure.

In order to answer the questions on the Science Test, the test-taker must understand the information provided and make use of that information to solve the problem or make a judgment.

Directions and Sample Questions for the Science Test:

Choose the best answer to each item based on the following figure.

1] A large fiberglass tank was placed in a pit. Before the pipes were attached and the tank filled with gasoline, the workers were asked to move the tank to another location.

Which of the following suggestions would be the best way to raise the tank off the bottom of the pit so cables could be placed under the tank?

1. Fill the tank with gasoline.

2. Fill the tank with water.

3. Fill the pit with water.

4. Fill the pit with water and the tank with gasoline.

5. Fill both the pit and the tank with water.

Typical of questions in the Science Test, this physics question presents a practical problem that must be solved. To answer the question, you must be able to understand the key features and understand the reaction from each of the proposed solutions.

Option (3) is the best choice because the method proposed will result in the tank floating off the bottom of the pit. By filling the pit with water, and with the tank being filled with air, the tank becomes buoyant and will rise off the bottom, allowing cables to be placed under the tank.

2] An electric current releases heat to the wire in which it is traveling.

Toaster Which of the following appliances would best illustrate an application of the above statement?

1. mixer

2. clock

3. vacuum

4. toaster

5. fan

Many questions in the science test provide scientific principles followed by a question or problem regarding the application’s use. Only one appliance named in the options, the toaster, uses heat produced by the electric current running through the wire.

In this case, the toaster illustrates an application of the principle. All of the other appliances named in the options given contain wires which release heat, but heat is only a by-product and not central to the purpose of the appliance.