GED Test (Mathematical Reasoning, Science, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts)
Earth and space science: practice questions
Our GED bank has 23 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Which building practice best reduces earthquake damage?
- Building only on loose, sandy fill
- Placing heavy water tanks on roofs
- Using flexible, reinforced structures anchored to their foundations
- Building taller, heavier walls of unreinforced brick or stone masonry
Show the answer
C. Using flexible, reinforced structures anchored to their foundations — Reinforcement and anchoring help buildings flex without collapsing. Unreinforced masonry and loose fill are especially vulnerable.
Question 2
Which gas makes up most of Earth's atmosphere?
- Nitrogen
- Carbon dioxide
- Oxygen
- Argon
Show the answer
A. Nitrogen — Dry air is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
Question 3
Which natural hazard is measured with a scale of magnitude based on seismic waves?
- Earthquake
- Drought
- Hurricane
- Tornado
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A. Earthquake — Earthquake magnitude is calculated from seismic wave measurements; each whole number step is about 32 times more energy.
Question 4
Scientists estimate Earth's age at about 4.5 billion years mainly by:
- Measuring ocean depth
- Radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites
- Counting the layers of a single cliff
- Counting tree rings
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B. Radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites — Radioactive isotopes decay at known rates, so their ratios date the oldest rocks and meteorites.
Question 5
Most earthquakes and volcanoes occur:
- Along the boundaries of tectonic plates
- Only near the equator
- In the middle of the largest continents
- Only in the ocean's deepest trenches
Show the answer
A. Along the boundaries of tectonic plates — Plates grind, separate or collide at boundaries, causing most earthquakes and volcanoes (e.g., the Pacific 'Ring of Fire').