TASC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TASC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which word is a coordinating conjunction? → But
2. What form of energy travels in waves and allows us to see objects? → Light energy
3. Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement? → The group of students is ready.
4. What is the greatest common factor of 24 and 36? → 12
5. Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory phrase? → After the game, we ate.
6. Which branch of the U.S. government interprets laws and the Constitution? → Judicial
7. Energy stored in an object due to its position or height is called what? → Potential energy
8. Which of the following is equivalent to 0.75? → 3/4
9. If x = -2, what is the value of x^2 + 3x? → -2
10. What is the pH of a neutral solution? → 7
11. Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' and 'less'? → I have fewer books than you.
12. What is the meaning of the word 'benevolent'? → well-meaning and kind
13. Which sentence correctly uses a colon? → I need the following: eggs, milk, and bread.
14. What gas do plants take in from the air during photosynthesis? → Carbon dioxide
15. When two passages present different views on the same topic, a reader should: → Compare the claims and evidence of each
16. What does the word 'context' refer to in reading comprehension? → The surrounding text that clarifies meaning
17. Which is the correctly punctuated quotation? → She said, "Hello."
18. What is a primary source? → An original document or firsthand account from the time period being studied
19. The word 'chronological' is best defined as: → arranged in order of time
20. Which transition word shows contrast? → However
21. What is the theme of a literary work? → The underlying message or insight about life
22. What does an author's use of vivid sensory details most help create? → Strong imagery for the reader
23. The Great Depression of the 1930s was triggered in part by what 1929 event? → The stock market crash
24. A peninsula is best defined as what? → Land bordered by water on most sides
25. What is the climax of a story? → The turning point of highest tension
26. Which inequality is true? → -3 < 1
27. During which process do organisms release energy by breaking down food in the presence of oxygen? → Cellular respiration
28. In the sentence 'The politician made an eloquent speech,' what does 'eloquent' mean? → fluent and persuasive
29. What is the value of 5^2 - 3^2? → 16
30. What is the area of a triangle with base 10 and height 6? → 30