in the developing world d. in areas where children are employed to work

4. d. The information presented in the chart contra- dicts statements in choices a, b, and e. There is
no discussion or direct evidence that can sup- port statement c.

5. b. According to the molecular structure provided

in the question, 2-propanol has three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen
atom. Only the structure in choice b has the same number of each of those atoms, but in a
different arrangement oxygen is attached to a different carbon, making the structure in
choice b, an isomer of 2-propanol.

6. d. Hero and Fermat both worked to develop theo-

ries to explain reflection and rectilinear propa- gation of light, phenomena they observed in
nature. Choice a is incorrect: According to the text, Fermat explained both reflection and
refraction with his principle of least time. Choice b is incorrect; the term rectilinear propa-
gation, not reflection, means that light travels in straight lines. The statement in choice c is not
supported by the passage. Although quantum mechanics had roots in the study of the propa-
gation of light, which Hero pursued, there is no evidence that Hero, who lived centuries before
quantum mechanics was formulated, had insight into quantum mechanics. Choice e is
incorrect because Fermat rejected the shortest- path theory and showed that light travels along
the path that takes the least time.

7. c. This is the only statement that is NOT supported

by the passage. Both of the scientists mentioned tried to formulate theories that were based on
observations and experimental evidence.

8. a. The data and information presented show a

strong indication that there is a link between smoking and lung cancer. The possible effects of
making these figures public are laws and social programs that aim to increase the awareness of
the hazards of smoking, and limit smoking— choices b, d, and e. Another potential effect is a
decrease in the number of smokers, choice c. The statement in choice a may be true, but it is
not connected to the figures that show a link between smoking and cancer.

9. d. You are told that the emissions are greater when

there are more lanes of traffic. Therefore, a four- lane highway results in more emissions than a
two-lane highway. This eliminates choices a, c, and e. Since emissions are greater when the cars
move slowly, the emissions are likely to be higher during rush hour traffic jams, choice d,
than at 2:00
A
.
M
., choice b. 10. a. The experiments described in choices b, d, and e,
which involve introducing the chaffinch birds to other bird species, contain too many variables,
and do not directly test what is required. Experi- ment c is faulty because the birds, although they
are brought up in isolation, are exposed to the recording of the song. The effect of the lack of
exposure can therefore not be tested. The fact that a reward for learning is included addition-
ally complicates the experiment described in choice c, as it adds extra variables.
Pretest Assessment
How did you do on the science pretest? If you answered seven or more questions correctly, you have earned the
equivalent of a passing score on the GED Science Test. But remember that this pretest only covers a fraction of
the material you might face on the GED exam. It is not designed to give you an accurate measure of how you
would do on the actual test. Rather, it is designed to help you determine where to focus your study efforts. For
success on the GED, review all the chapters in this section thoroughly. Focus on the sections that correspond to the
pretest questions you answered incorrectly.
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