Pass Your TASC Test: Practice Tests and Prep

The TASC test is made up of five subtests, and it is administered in either English or Spanish. In order to gain a TASC High School Equivalency certification, all five subtests must be taken and passed. Each subtest is designed in alignment with the United States Common Core Curriculum. The five subtests making up the TASC test include:

• Reading
• Writing
• Math
• Science
• Social studies

The following table specifies test items and testing times by subtest:

TASC Test Items and Testing Time

TASC tests are administered in their respective states three times a year, and they can be taken on paper or as a computerized test. For a more extensive understanding of test items and subject areas on the TASC test, and for even more free TASC test practice visit our Free TASC Practice page.

The TASC Reading test assesses reading readiness in alignment with the Common Core's high school standard of college and career readiness. 70% of the exam is comprised of informational texts and the remaining 30% is allocated to literary texts. Both of these areas require students to demonstrate knowledge of key ideas and details, as well as craft and structure skills. Students must also be able to integrate key ideas and knowledge into their answers.

Upon reading the various texts provided on the test, students will be asked to answer questions assessing these four concepts:

• Comprehension – Test takers must demonstrate a basic understanding of the texts.
• Analysis – Test takers must be able to evaluate how specific details are used within the text and provide an explanation of them.
• Application – Test takers must be able to use ideas and themes from one text in different contexts and scenarios.
• Synthesis – Test takers must demonstrate the understanding that major ideas and themes within the text can come together to create a larger message.

You should expect to receive texts in the form of stories, drama, poems, myths, and nonfiction. Acquainting yourself with these text types will help you build proper comprehension, analysis, application, and synthesis skills to guide you through the test items. The more TASC prep you expose yourself to, the better prepared you will be for the TASC Reading test. For even more TASC practice tests, visit our Free TASC Practice page.

The TASC Writing test evaluates student language and writing abilities in alignment with the Common Core standards for grades 7–12. Students must display proper demonstration of four elements throughout both sections of the Writing test:

• Organization- Test takers must be able to properly express ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.
• Sentence structure – Test takers must be able to identify run-ons, fragments, and parallel structures.
• Usage – Test takers must be able to apply correct grammar, parts of speech, and tense.
• Mechanics – This includes basic writing technicalities such as capitalization, punctuation, and possessives.

In addition to the writing technicalities that must be displayed in your writing responses, the writing prompt section will require you to write a convincing argument with supportable evidence that demonstrates thoughtful organization. Proper grammar usage will also be rewarded in the scoring process. Be sure to carefully plan and organize your writing throughout your TASC prep and practice. In addition, proofread your work to ensure there are no grammatical or technical errors.To further enhance your TASC preperation, and to receive even more TASC practice tests, visit our Free TASC Practice page.

The TASC Math test focuses on mathematical abilities that contribute to college and career readiness. Calculator usage is permitted for only the second half of the test. The main focus of this subtest is on mathematical reasoning skills. These reasoning skills are assessed through basic math questions, word problems, algebra, and geometry. For more information on the TASC Math test and what the test entails, and for even more TASC test practice visit our TASC Math Practice page.

The TASC Social Studies subtest is made up of a number of content areas that are considered "high emphasis areas." The TASC Social Studies test is comprised of the following subject areas:

• US History – This subject area focuses on four different history eras: colonial times, Civil War times, WWI-WWII—with a strong emphasis on the Great Depression, and the Post War era. In addition to the historical events addressed in test items, test takers are also asked a number of questions focusing on monumental figures who contributed to U.S. history.
• World History – This subject area mainly focuses on the two World Wars, but it also dedicates some items to the Revolution era (1750-1914) throughout the globe.
• Civics and Government – Test takers should familiarize themselves with U.S. government structure as well as U.S. citizen rights. Specific emphasis will focus on the U.S.'s checks and balances system.
• Geography – Test items in this area cover U.S. places and regions, environment, and human systems and societies.  
• Economics – This includes microeconomics, as well as macroeconomics, inflation, and unemployment. Test takers should also familiarize themselves with the Federal Reserve System.

In order to succeed in your TASC prep, it is important that you familiarize yourself with these high emphasis areas. The bulk of the test is dedicated to U.S. History (25%) and Civics and Government (25%). Economics comprises 20% of test questions, while World History and Geography each cover 15% of test items. Focusing on the larger subject areas will ensure a higher chance of success on test day.

For a deeper understanding of the various tests on the TASC test and to familiarize yourself with more TASC question types, visit our Free TASC Practice page.