| Before committing to a GED program, most | | | | test can seem difficult. But these skills are |
| students and adult learners want to know what | | | | skills used everyday -- balancing a |
| to expect on the GED test, and whether the | | | | checkbook, following a recipe ... perhaps |
| test is harder than the tests and exams they | | | | developing or following a new way of doing |
| took in high school. | | | | things at work. The thinking skills used for |
| | | | these everyday life events are the same ones |
| There's no question about it -- the GED test | | | | required to earn the GED credential. |
| is hard. But according to graduates of the | | | | |
| PassGED program, the test isn't as hard as | | | | While most people already have these skills |
| high school exams since classes focus on | | | | and use them daily, it's important to sharpen |
| essential skills and relevant information. | | | | them for the test. And some skills may need |
| The emphasis of the GED tests is not on | | | | to be learned, or relearned. By following |
| memorization, but on thinking skills and the | | | | these four easy steps, a GED candidate can |
| application of practical knowledge. | | | | easily gain skills, reduce test difficulty |
| | | | and increase test scores. |
| So what's the difference? Just consider how | | | | |
| standard high school classes and courses | | | | 1. Understand the Test: Get acquainted with |
| work. Over weeks and months, a student covers | | | | the GED test structure; become more familiar |
| lots of information and in most cases, must | | | | with how test passages and questions are |
| commit most of that information to memory. | | | | presented and the best way to find the right |
| While quizzes and tests create a grade, and | | | | answer among five multiple-choice options. |
| indicate how well a student is progressing | | | | You'll also want to review the essay section |
| through the material, the real test -- or | | | | of the writing test, since your original |
| most important grade -- results from mid-term | | | | essay is a major portion of the Language Arts |
| and final exams. Students who have a tough | | | | - Writing Test score. |
| time with memorization may not test or score | | | | |
| well, especially if several weeks or months | | | | 2. Practice First: Take some GED practice |
| have passed since the information was | | | | tests to gain knowledge of the test and to |
| covered. | | | | determine skill weaknesses and strengths. |
| | | | Pre-tests or practice tests can also help you |
| And many students find it hard -- or even | | | | plan a study guide and determine how much |
| tedious -- to learn and remember information | | | | time and effort you'll need to prepare for |
| that doesn't seem important or practical to | | | | the GED. |
| their lives. For example, a history or social | | | | |
| studies test may require that the student | | | | 3. Prepare: Enroll in a GED class, a GED |
| remember the date the Declaration of | | | | study program, basic skills or GED test prep |
| Independence was signed. The correct answer | | | | program. Most communities offer free or |
| may not seem very relevant to everyday life, | | | | low-cost programs and classes through local |
| but could make the difference between a | | | | community colleges, universities or high |
| passing and failing grade. | | | | schools. Or you may opt for an online GED |
| | | | program, especially if your schedule, job or |
| The General Education Development test | | | | family obligations, or even finances make |
| measures knowledge differently, and focuses | | | | classes difficult. If you're looking for an |
| on application skills. Like high school, it | | | | online GED program, you'll want to shop, |
| requires knowledge of social studies, | | | | compare and read the fine print -- lots of |
| science, basic algebra and geometry, reading | | | | online companies offer fake diplomas or |
| and writing. But it's not memory of knowledge | | | | promise results that they can't deliver. |
| that the test measures. It's the use and | | | | |
| application of it. | | | | 4. Get Support: Find a community-based or |
| | | | workplace support group or study group that |
| For some people - especially those who have | | | | shares your goals, or an online learning |
| relied on memorization skills in their | | | | community of GED students and instructors. |
| education, GED testing can seem more | | | | You'll get test advice, test-taking tips and |
| difficult than high school. Generally, it's | | | | learn about resources you'll likely need. But |
| easier to just memorize information than to | | | | most importantly, a support group or learning |
| know how to use it. For people who haven't | | | | community will offer encouragement from |
| had much experience in making inferences, | | | | people who want you to achieve your |
| analyzing data, and making judgments, the GED | | | | educational and career goals. |