Interpret
Scientific Text
Learn to read science passages, decode data and visuals, and pull out the evidence that answers the question.
What Is Scientific Text?
Scientific text presents observations, data, and explanations about the natural world. On the GED, you won't just read it — you'll interpret it: find facts, connect ideas, and draw conclusions supported by the passage.
Text and Visuals Work Together
Key Terms to Know
The Golden Rule: Evidence First
Stated vs. Implied
Some answers are directly stated — the text says it word for word. Others are implied — you must combine clues to infer the meaning. Both still require support from the passage.
| Stated | Implied (Inferred) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | Written directly | Read between lines |
| Effort needed | Locate it | Combine clues |
| Example | Water boils at \(100^\circ\text{C}\) | Bubbles mean it is heating |
A 4-Step Approach
How to Read a Graph
Worked Example: Reading a Table
Passage: A student measured how far a toy car traveled at different ramp heights.
| Ramp Height (cm) | Distance Traveled (cm) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 40 |
| 20 | 78 |
| 30 | 121 |
| 40 | 160 |
Worked Example: Drawing a Conclusion
Passage: Plants in Group A received 8 hours of light daily; plants in Group B received 2 hours. After three weeks, Group A plants averaged 24 cm tall, while Group B plants averaged 9 cm tall. All other conditions — water, soil, and temperature — were kept the same.
Worked Example: Spotting Bias
Passage: "Our brand-new cleaner kills 99.9% of germs — buy it today for a healthier home!"
Common Mistakes
Quick Summary
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Question | Read it first, know the goal |
| Scan | Title, labels, units, trend |
| Evidence | Locate the exact proof |
| Answer | Match evidence, eliminate rest |
| Check | Is it supported by the text? |
Question 1 of 5
Passage: A scientist recorded the boiling point of water at different altitudes. At sea level, water boiled at \(100^\circ\text{C}\). On a mountain 2,000 m high, it boiled at \(93^\circ\text{C}\). At 4,000 m, it boiled at \(87^\circ\text{C}\).
What does the data show about altitude and boiling point?
Question 2 of 5
On a graph, what does the title usually tell you?
Question 3 of 5
Passage: An advertisement reads: "Our energy drink boosts focus instantly! Thousands of happy customers can't be wrong — try it now!"
Why is this statement not reliable scientific evidence?
Question 4 of 5
Passage: In an experiment, only the amount of fertilizer was changed between two groups of identical plants. Group A got fertilizer; Group B did not. Group A grew taller. All other conditions were kept the same.
What conclusion is best supported by the passage?
Question 5 of 5
What is the first step when interpreting a science passage on the GED?
Key Takeaways
You're Ready to Interpret
Read the question, find the evidence, and let the text and visuals guide every answer. Practice makes it automatic.