Once you’ve have studied and prepared yourself for the GED test, here are a few tactics and strategies that you can use on test day to help you be successful.
Allow plenty of time to get to the test site. Taking a test is pressure enough. You don’t need the extra tension that comes from worrying about whether you will get there on time.
Read all directions and questions carefully. Answer the question given, not one you expected. Look for key words, such as except, exactly, and not. Carefully examine tables, graphs, and diagrams so you don’t miss important information.
Don’t expect trick questions. A straightforward presentation is used in all GED test sections.
When you have difficulty finding and answer, eliminate choices that are definitely wrong. Then consider the remaining choices.
Don’t let one or two challenging questions upset you. Some questions are definitely harder than others. Remember you do not have to get 100 percent on this examination. No one does.
Don’t get bogged down on any one question. If a question is taking too much time, circle it and make a guess. Then, if you have time at the end of the examination, go back and review the circled questions.
Change answers only if you have a good reason for doing so. Don’t change your answer on a hunch or a whim. Most often the first judgment that you make is correct.
Check answer order frequently. Make sure you are putting your answers in the right spaces.
Use your time wisely. After taking a few practice tests, you will be familiar with the proper pace needed to complete each test.
Be careful not to make stray pencil marks on the answer sheet. These may interfere with the rating of your performance. If you wish to change an answer, be sure to erase your first mark completely. The rating machine will automatically mark an answer wrong if more than one choice is made. Also, do not fold or crease the answer sheet.
Answer all questions, even if you have to guess. Your score will be determined by the number of correct answers; no points are deducted for wrong answers. For this reason it is better to guess at an answer than to not respond at all. Of course, wherever possible, eliminate as many wrong answers as you can before guessing. Every answer you eliminate improves your chance of guessing correctly.
Remain as calm as possible. If you consider yourself a person who “goes to pieces” on tests, cheer up! Psychologists claim that more than 90 percent of us think we don’t perform well on test of any kind. Nobody likes tests. But more than 80 percent of the people who have taken the High School Equivalency test in the New York area, for example, have passed them. They must be doing something right. And so can you – with the right attitude and careful preparation.
As long as you have prepared properly, sing some of these tactics should give you an edge and help you be successful with your GED experience.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Some GED Study Hints
Educators agree that, for learning to be efficient, certain steps must be followed. As a mature person, you will probably appreciate the value of carefully following these ten tips for successful study.
1. Physical conditions. Find a quiet place to study. Tolerate no distraction – noise or music. Don not work in an overheated room.
2. Timing. You will learn faster and remember longer if you study in several short sessions rather than in one long session. Do not attempt to study for an entire weekend. Fatigue will set in after a few hours. It is wiser to spend some time each day rather than to “cram” your work into one or two days.
3. Schedule for study. A study schedule must be workable, realistic, practical, and, above all, suited to you and your other obligations. Decide which days and hours you can spare for study. Make a schedule, and stick to it.
4. Using odd moments. Put spare time and wasted moments to work. Riding on the bus or train may be a good time to memorize troublesome spelling words and to study rules of grammar or definitions of unfamiliar terms.
5. Efficiency. Most people find that learning occurs faster in the early part of the day. Perhaps you can work into your schedule some time for study before your day’s work begins or on weekend mornings. Certainly you should not schedule study in the later hours of the evening.
6. Review periods. On certain days, plan to review. Take stock of yourself in these study periods. This review will serve at least two purposes. It will definitely reinforce the learning, and the gratification of knowing that you have acquired new material will stimulate you to learn more.
7. Writing while you learn. Wherever possible, write what you are studying. Spelling can best be learned by writing. Get into the habit of writing down key ideas of the passages you read. This writing will focus attention on your learning, will help you avoid distractions that may cause your mind to wander, and will provide an opportunity to chick up on yourself. Also, educators believe that the more senses employed while studying, the more effective the learning will be.
8. Reading. The best way to improve reading comprehension is by practicing reading. You will find that a great part of the test involves the interpretation of reading material. Read your newspaper very carefully. Make it a habit to read the editorials. If possible, engage a member of your family or a friend in frequent discussions of the ideas presented in your newspaper. You can also uses specific reading exercises, but remember, there is no substitute for general reading.
9. The dictionary. An important book that can help you prepare for the High School Equivalency Examination is the dictionary. It is important to have one nearby as you study.
10. S Q 3R. A popular way to remember the five important steps needed to study effectively is the S Q 3R method.
S stands for survey. You examine the material to be learned to get a general idea of the content.
Q stands for question. You turn the topic, the title of the section you are studying, into a question or questions. For example, if the title of the section is Drawing Conclusions,” you turn it into a challenging question: “How do I draw conclusions from what I read?”
The first of the three R’s stands for read. You use the reading skills that are taught in this book, such as locating the main idea, finding details, reading critically, detecting propaganda, determining cause and effect, and comparing and contrasting ideas.
The second R stands for recite. You close the book and speak aloud from memory. Include especially the main ideas you have located and any name, word, or fact you find difficult to remember.
The third R stands for review, which literally means to “view” or see again. You look over your notes, the lines you have highlighted, or the outline you have made. Do this again until you are sure you have mastered the material, for example, spelling words that trouble you or a rule of punctuation you find hard to remember. This is a summary of the S Q 3R method of study:
S urvey
Q estion
R ead
R ecite
R eview
1. Physical conditions. Find a quiet place to study. Tolerate no distraction – noise or music. Don not work in an overheated room.
2. Timing. You will learn faster and remember longer if you study in several short sessions rather than in one long session. Do not attempt to study for an entire weekend. Fatigue will set in after a few hours. It is wiser to spend some time each day rather than to “cram” your work into one or two days.
3. Schedule for study. A study schedule must be workable, realistic, practical, and, above all, suited to you and your other obligations. Decide which days and hours you can spare for study. Make a schedule, and stick to it.
4. Using odd moments. Put spare time and wasted moments to work. Riding on the bus or train may be a good time to memorize troublesome spelling words and to study rules of grammar or definitions of unfamiliar terms.
5. Efficiency. Most people find that learning occurs faster in the early part of the day. Perhaps you can work into your schedule some time for study before your day’s work begins or on weekend mornings. Certainly you should not schedule study in the later hours of the evening.
6. Review periods. On certain days, plan to review. Take stock of yourself in these study periods. This review will serve at least two purposes. It will definitely reinforce the learning, and the gratification of knowing that you have acquired new material will stimulate you to learn more.
7. Writing while you learn. Wherever possible, write what you are studying. Spelling can best be learned by writing. Get into the habit of writing down key ideas of the passages you read. This writing will focus attention on your learning, will help you avoid distractions that may cause your mind to wander, and will provide an opportunity to chick up on yourself. Also, educators believe that the more senses employed while studying, the more effective the learning will be.
8. Reading. The best way to improve reading comprehension is by practicing reading. You will find that a great part of the test involves the interpretation of reading material. Read your newspaper very carefully. Make it a habit to read the editorials. If possible, engage a member of your family or a friend in frequent discussions of the ideas presented in your newspaper. You can also uses specific reading exercises, but remember, there is no substitute for general reading.
9. The dictionary. An important book that can help you prepare for the High School Equivalency Examination is the dictionary. It is important to have one nearby as you study.
10. S Q 3R. A popular way to remember the five important steps needed to study effectively is the S Q 3R method.
S stands for survey. You examine the material to be learned to get a general idea of the content.
Q stands for question. You turn the topic, the title of the section you are studying, into a question or questions. For example, if the title of the section is Drawing Conclusions,” you turn it into a challenging question: “How do I draw conclusions from what I read?”
The first of the three R’s stands for read. You use the reading skills that are taught in this book, such as locating the main idea, finding details, reading critically, detecting propaganda, determining cause and effect, and comparing and contrasting ideas.
The second R stands for recite. You close the book and speak aloud from memory. Include especially the main ideas you have located and any name, word, or fact you find difficult to remember.
The third R stands for review, which literally means to “view” or see again. You look over your notes, the lines you have highlighted, or the outline you have made. Do this again until you are sure you have mastered the material, for example, spelling words that trouble you or a rule of punctuation you find hard to remember. This is a summary of the S Q 3R method of study:
S urvey
Q estion
R ead
R ecite
R eview
Seven Commonly Asked Questions about the GED Tests
1. Who can take the GED Tests? Adults who meet the eligibility requirements established by their state, territorial, or provincial departments of education can take the GED tests. Some states also have provisions for youth under the age of 18 but it varies from state to state.
2. Where are the GED tests given? GED tests are given at official testing centers. You cannot take the GED online. The address of your state, territorial, or provincial administrator can be obtained from your local high school. Write to that office for the location of the GED testing center nearest your home.
3. What score is required to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma? The standard score requirements vary for each state, territory, or province. You will find that in some states a candidate must earn a minimum score of 40 on each of the five test areas or a minimum average score of 45 for each of the five tests. The majority of states require a minimum average score of 45 and no individual test score below 35 or 40.
4. What types of questions are on the GED tests? Part II of the Writing Skills test requires a written essay. For the other test questions, you will be given information in the form of a written passage, graph, diagram, map, or table, and asked to answer on or more multiple-choice questions based on the information presented. Five answer choices are given for each question.
5. How can experience outside the classroom help me pass the GED tests? Many people worry about the difficulty of taking the GED Examination, especially if they’ve been out of school for a long time. What you should realize is that learning continues after you leave school You read newspapers and follow political events; you travel and talk to many different people; you listen to the radio, watch television, and go to the movies. All of these experiences are forms of learning and add to your educational background.
6. Why are maturity and motivation strong assets? More mature students have experiences that will help them visualize or understand situations that may be involved in a problem on the GED Examination. Also, older students understand the need for good study habits and have the self-discipline to work regularly toward accomplishing their goals. With the mature decision to study for the GED tests, half the battle is over. Many educators know that motivation, the desire to learn, is the first step toward success.
7. When are you ready to take the GED Examination? After reviewing and doing practice exercises, take a practice test. Most practice tests are scored similar to the GED so you will be able to see if your score on your practice test is good enough that you would be able to pass the real thing. If your score on your practice test is not so great, do not apply for the GED Examination until you have studied further. Concentrate on the areas in which you are weak.
2. Where are the GED tests given? GED tests are given at official testing centers. You cannot take the GED online. The address of your state, territorial, or provincial administrator can be obtained from your local high school. Write to that office for the location of the GED testing center nearest your home.
3. What score is required to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma? The standard score requirements vary for each state, territory, or province. You will find that in some states a candidate must earn a minimum score of 40 on each of the five test areas or a minimum average score of 45 for each of the five tests. The majority of states require a minimum average score of 45 and no individual test score below 35 or 40.
4. What types of questions are on the GED tests? Part II of the Writing Skills test requires a written essay. For the other test questions, you will be given information in the form of a written passage, graph, diagram, map, or table, and asked to answer on or more multiple-choice questions based on the information presented. Five answer choices are given for each question.
5. How can experience outside the classroom help me pass the GED tests? Many people worry about the difficulty of taking the GED Examination, especially if they’ve been out of school for a long time. What you should realize is that learning continues after you leave school You read newspapers and follow political events; you travel and talk to many different people; you listen to the radio, watch television, and go to the movies. All of these experiences are forms of learning and add to your educational background.
6. Why are maturity and motivation strong assets? More mature students have experiences that will help them visualize or understand situations that may be involved in a problem on the GED Examination. Also, older students understand the need for good study habits and have the self-discipline to work regularly toward accomplishing their goals. With the mature decision to study for the GED tests, half the battle is over. Many educators know that motivation, the desire to learn, is the first step toward success.
7. When are you ready to take the GED Examination? After reviewing and doing practice exercises, take a practice test. Most practice tests are scored similar to the GED so you will be able to see if your score on your practice test is good enough that you would be able to pass the real thing. If your score on your practice test is not so great, do not apply for the GED Examination until you have studied further. Concentrate on the areas in which you are weak.
What is the GED?
GED stands for the Test of General Educational Development. The GED Test is a national examination developed by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education. The credential (certificate) earned for passing the test is widely recognized by colleges, training schools, and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma. The American Council reports that almost all (more than 95 percent) of employers in the nation employ GED graduates and offer them the same salaries and opportunities for advancement as high school graduates.
The GED Test reflects the major and lasting outcomes normally acquired in a four-year high school program. Since the passing rate for the GED is normed (based) on the performance of graduating high school seniors, you can rest assured that your skills are comparable. In fact, those who pass the GED test actually do better than one-third of those graduating seniors. Throughout the test, your skills in communication (both reading and viewing text), information processing, critical thinking, and problem solving are keys to success. There is also special emphasis in the questions on preparation for entering the workplace or entering higher education. Much that you have learned informally or through other types of training can help you pass the test.
There are five subject tests on the GED. The subjects are: reading, writing, social studies, science, and math. The math section contains two parts. On one section a calculator is allowed and on the other a calculator is not allowed. The writing section also contains two parts. One part is a multiple choice section, and the other part is an essay section where you will be required to write. On all five tests, you can expect subject matter to be interdisciplinary. All five subjects will be interrelated. For example, a mathematics question might include a social studies chart. A science question might require the use of mathematics computation skills. You are expected to demonstrate the ability to think about many issues.
Special editions of the GED Test include the Canadian French-language, Spanish-language, Braille, large print, and audiocassette formats. Many adult education programs or test centers can assist you if you need accommodations such as special reading or marking devices.
So why do people take the GED? Some do so to get a job, to advance in a present job, to go to college, or to qualify for military service. Some have been home schooled and use the GED to document their learning and qualify for college scholarships and financial aid. More than two out of every three GED graduates work toward college degrees or further trade, technical, or business schools. A study in Colorado showed that some GED graduates reported the following: improvements in educational and employment status and in personal finances; greater participation in the community or in cultural activities; and increased awareness of psychological benefits and health strategies.
So what are you waiting for? Getting your GED can mean an improved lifestyle, more money in your pocket and many more advantages when it comes to employment and opportunities. Get that GED today!
The GED Test reflects the major and lasting outcomes normally acquired in a four-year high school program. Since the passing rate for the GED is normed (based) on the performance of graduating high school seniors, you can rest assured that your skills are comparable. In fact, those who pass the GED test actually do better than one-third of those graduating seniors. Throughout the test, your skills in communication (both reading and viewing text), information processing, critical thinking, and problem solving are keys to success. There is also special emphasis in the questions on preparation for entering the workplace or entering higher education. Much that you have learned informally or through other types of training can help you pass the test.
There are five subject tests on the GED. The subjects are: reading, writing, social studies, science, and math. The math section contains two parts. On one section a calculator is allowed and on the other a calculator is not allowed. The writing section also contains two parts. One part is a multiple choice section, and the other part is an essay section where you will be required to write. On all five tests, you can expect subject matter to be interdisciplinary. All five subjects will be interrelated. For example, a mathematics question might include a social studies chart. A science question might require the use of mathematics computation skills. You are expected to demonstrate the ability to think about many issues.
Special editions of the GED Test include the Canadian French-language, Spanish-language, Braille, large print, and audiocassette formats. Many adult education programs or test centers can assist you if you need accommodations such as special reading or marking devices.
So why do people take the GED? Some do so to get a job, to advance in a present job, to go to college, or to qualify for military service. Some have been home schooled and use the GED to document their learning and qualify for college scholarships and financial aid. More than two out of every three GED graduates work toward college degrees or further trade, technical, or business schools. A study in Colorado showed that some GED graduates reported the following: improvements in educational and employment status and in personal finances; greater participation in the community or in cultural activities; and increased awareness of psychological benefits and health strategies.
So what are you waiting for? Getting your GED can mean an improved lifestyle, more money in your pocket and many more advantages when it comes to employment and opportunities. Get that GED today!
Taking the GED
So you’re thinking about taking the GED. The GED is actually 5 different tests each dealing with a different subject. In order to get your GED certificate, you will need to pass a test in the following subject areas: math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. There are two parts of the math test, a calculator part and a non calculator part, and two parts of the writing test, a multiple choice test and an essay part.
Each test has a time limit associated with it. The time limit for the writing test is 75 minutes for the multiple choice part and 45 minutes for the essay. The time limit for the reading test is 65 minutes. The Social Studies time limit is 70 minutes. The math test time limit is 90 minutes, and the science test time limit is 80 minutes. You can see that if you decided to take all 5 tests on the same day, you'd be in for at least 7 hours.
Now while it's true that you may not take the full time on each test, the test is usually administered to more than one person at a time, so you will not be able to start on the next test as soon as you finish the one you are working on. The testing center will usually keep to a schedule of times when they administer each test. So, if you are thinking about taking the complete GED in one day, plan to spend the whole day.
Usually a few of the tests will be in the morning, then a break for lunch, and then the rest of the tests in the afternoon. If you are the kind of person that can just stick to something and remain focused for long periods of time, then you should give the complete test a shot. If you are the kind of person that has a hard time sitting in one place for long periods of time, get restless, or find it difficult to remain focused for extended periods of time, then you should probably consider taking the tests in chunks; maybe one or two on one day, and another one or two on another day, etc. It can be done in one day. I've seen many do it. But it depends on the individual as to which way is better.
Whichever you decide to do, take it in one day or over several days, do it. Make sure that you are prepared by studying and practicing for it ahead of time. Whether you use the internet and find help for the GED online, use an adult education program in your area, or just get a book or two to help you prepare, do it.
The GED is a worthwhile endeavor and can open many doors. It will allow you to continue your education if you’d like at a college or technical school. Or, if continuing education isn’t your goal, it can allow for advancement in a current job or an edge finding new employment. The job market is so competitive these days with the economy the way it is. Any edge you can get is invaluable. Getting that GED is definitely worth it. Get started working towards it today!
Each test has a time limit associated with it. The time limit for the writing test is 75 minutes for the multiple choice part and 45 minutes for the essay. The time limit for the reading test is 65 minutes. The Social Studies time limit is 70 minutes. The math test time limit is 90 minutes, and the science test time limit is 80 minutes. You can see that if you decided to take all 5 tests on the same day, you'd be in for at least 7 hours.
Now while it's true that you may not take the full time on each test, the test is usually administered to more than one person at a time, so you will not be able to start on the next test as soon as you finish the one you are working on. The testing center will usually keep to a schedule of times when they administer each test. So, if you are thinking about taking the complete GED in one day, plan to spend the whole day.
Usually a few of the tests will be in the morning, then a break for lunch, and then the rest of the tests in the afternoon. If you are the kind of person that can just stick to something and remain focused for long periods of time, then you should give the complete test a shot. If you are the kind of person that has a hard time sitting in one place for long periods of time, get restless, or find it difficult to remain focused for extended periods of time, then you should probably consider taking the tests in chunks; maybe one or two on one day, and another one or two on another day, etc. It can be done in one day. I've seen many do it. But it depends on the individual as to which way is better.
Whichever you decide to do, take it in one day or over several days, do it. Make sure that you are prepared by studying and practicing for it ahead of time. Whether you use the internet and find help for the GED online, use an adult education program in your area, or just get a book or two to help you prepare, do it.
The GED is a worthwhile endeavor and can open many doors. It will allow you to continue your education if you’d like at a college or technical school. Or, if continuing education isn’t your goal, it can allow for advancement in a current job or an edge finding new employment. The job market is so competitive these days with the economy the way it is. Any edge you can get is invaluable. Getting that GED is definitely worth it. Get started working towards it today!
Getting your GED
Didn’t get your high school diploma? Have you ever thought about getting your GED? GED stands for “General Educational Development”. There are five subject test which when passed certify that the taker has high school equivalent academic skills. The GED is also referred to as a General Education Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma, or Graduate Equivalency Degree. Once you pass the five subject tests, you have the equivalent of a high school diploma that can be used to further your career, or get you into college or other forms of higher education.
So what is the GED like? The GED test consists of five different subject tests: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. The following is a breakdown of each of those categories.
1. Language Arts, Writing: This section includes two parts; a multiple choice part involving the areas of organization, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics; and then a written essay portion.
2. Language Arts, Reading: This section involves being able to read and comprehend texts in the areas of poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and workplace documents.
3. Social Studies: This section involves testing your knowledge in the areas of history, geography, civics and government, and economics.
4. Science: This section will test what you know in the areas of physical science, life science, and earth and space science.
5. Mathematics: This section will test many mathematical concepts including number operations and number sense, measurement and geometry, data analysis, statistics, and probability, and algebra, functions, and patterns.
Each of the five GED tests has a maximum score of 800. That means the highest possible score for all five tests is 4000 points (5 x 800). The average high school graduate scores 500 on each test, or a total of 2,500 points. The GED test is scored based on this average. You must pass each test with a minimum score of 450.
If you did not get your high school diploma then this is really a great option. With the economy the way it is, jobs are scarce and they there is fierce competition for the jobs that are out there. Not having a high school diploma really hinders ones ability to secure a job. Not only will a GED make you more attractive to employers. But it will also allow you to continue your education if you so choose and go to college. Again, any advancement you can make in your education give you that much more advantage in this competitive job market.
There are lots of resources for you out there to help you study. There are many websites online that you can use. There have been tons of books published to help you practice and study for the GED. Usually communities have an adult education program or continuing education program that can also help you with your GED endeavors. There really is no excuse to not get it and the advantages that it will give you are limitless because of the doors it can open for you. So what are you waiting for, passing the GED test and being awarded a GED certificate can be as much a reason to celebrate as high school graduation, and it opens as many doors.
So what is the GED like? The GED test consists of five different subject tests: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. The following is a breakdown of each of those categories.
1. Language Arts, Writing: This section includes two parts; a multiple choice part involving the areas of organization, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics; and then a written essay portion.
2. Language Arts, Reading: This section involves being able to read and comprehend texts in the areas of poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and workplace documents.
3. Social Studies: This section involves testing your knowledge in the areas of history, geography, civics and government, and economics.
4. Science: This section will test what you know in the areas of physical science, life science, and earth and space science.
5. Mathematics: This section will test many mathematical concepts including number operations and number sense, measurement and geometry, data analysis, statistics, and probability, and algebra, functions, and patterns.
Each of the five GED tests has a maximum score of 800. That means the highest possible score for all five tests is 4000 points (5 x 800). The average high school graduate scores 500 on each test, or a total of 2,500 points. The GED test is scored based on this average. You must pass each test with a minimum score of 450.
If you did not get your high school diploma then this is really a great option. With the economy the way it is, jobs are scarce and they there is fierce competition for the jobs that are out there. Not having a high school diploma really hinders ones ability to secure a job. Not only will a GED make you more attractive to employers. But it will also allow you to continue your education if you so choose and go to college. Again, any advancement you can make in your education give you that much more advantage in this competitive job market.
There are lots of resources for you out there to help you study. There are many websites online that you can use. There have been tons of books published to help you practice and study for the GED. Usually communities have an adult education program or continuing education program that can also help you with your GED endeavors. There really is no excuse to not get it and the advantages that it will give you are limitless because of the doors it can open for you. So what are you waiting for, passing the GED test and being awarded a GED certificate can be as much a reason to celebrate as high school graduation, and it opens as many doors.
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