GED Exam

GED exam (General Educational Development) is a high school equivalency test. The GED was created in 1940 to help World War 2 veterans complete their high school education. Five years later, the GED test became available to civilians. Over 20 million people have passed the GED® since it’s creation over 70 years ago.

Although the “GEDinitialism is frequently mistaken as meaning “general education degree” or “general education diploma”, the American Council on Education (ACE), in Washington, DC (USA), which owns the GED trademark, coined the initialism to identify “tests of general educational development” that measure proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, reading, and writing. Passing the GED test gives those who do not complete high school, or who do not meet requirements for high school diploma, the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency credential, also called a high school equivalency diploma or general equivalency diploma. It is called the GED in the majority of the United States,[1][2] Canada, or internationally.[3] In 2014, some states in the United States switched to alternate exams, the HiSET and TASC.[4]

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How Hard is the GED Test? Facts You Should Know

The General Educational Development (GED) test is like a second chance for individuals who still need to complete their high school education through traditional means. 

However, this high school equivalency test presents a formidable challenge, demanding preparation, dedication, and determination. So, how hard is the GED test? Let’s discuss why GED may be challenging for a test taker.

What is the Structure of the GED Test?

GED is a standardized assessment of an individual’s knowledge and skills at a level equivalent to a high school graduate. This adult education program comprises four subjects: language arts (reasoning through language arts or RLA), mathematics, science, and social studies.

Language Arts

This component of the GED exam consists of two parts. The first part, reading, assesses one’s ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret written texts, spanning fictional and nonfiction genres. 

This section includes multiple-choice questions and requires a test taker to write a short response essay based on the provided text. The second part, writing (extended response), evaluates writing skills. 

As such, a test taker responds to a prompt by constructing a well-organized essay with a clear thesis, supporting evidence, and proper grammar.

Mathematics

GED math assesses quantitative and algebraic problem-solving skills in two parts. The first, mathematical reasoning, includes various question types, such as multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blank problems. 

The second part, calculator-active, allows test takers access to a calculator and covers more advanced GED math concepts, including geometry, statistics, and algebra.

Science

This segment evaluates scientific reasoning skills and has two parts, similar to GED math. Scientific reasoning includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer items, and data analysis tasks. The calculator-active part covers biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science topics.

Social Studies

It’s the fourth subject of the GED exam. This section measures knowledge in history, government, economics, and geography. Test takers must respond to multiple-choice questions and short-answer items. 

Further, they interpret charts and graphs. Additionally, social studies has an extended response portion that assesses the ability to construct a well-reasoned essay with supporting evidence in response to a social studies prompt.

Types of GED Scores

The GED testing service uses a diverse scoring system, each score serving a specific purpose. To be GED-ready, you should understand this scoring system to align your studies to your credential goals. 

For example, your score should be above average to join a college or other higher education channel after your GED test. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the scores your testing center may use:

Standard Score

Standard scores are the primary scores on the GED exam. They represent a test-taker’s performance relative to the national group of candidates. These scores range from 100 to 200. Higher scores indicate above-average performance, while lower scores suggest below-average performance in the subject.

GED Passing Score

Test takers must achieve a minimum passing score in each subject to earn a GED credential. This passing score is 145 for each subject.

GED Composite Score

It’s the cumulative score across all four subject tests. You must achieve a total composite score of at least 580 to earn this high school equivalency credential. The composite score is an important indicator of overall performance and readiness for higher education or career opportunities.

Percentile Rank

Percentile rank indicates where a test taker’s scores stand compared to others who took the GED test. For example, a 50 percentile rank means you scored better than 50% of the rest in the reference group.

Extended Responses (ER) Score

In the language arts and social studies sections of GED testing, there are extended response (ER) components where test-takers are required to write essays. These essays are scored separately from the multiple-choice questions. ER scores reflect the quality of the essay, assessing factors such as organization, clarity, development of ideas, and use of evidence.

How Hard is the GED Test? Factors that Make GED Difficult for Some Students

The GED is your ticket to higher education or a job promotion since you still need to get a high school diploma. Hence, give it your best despite being out of school for long. Here are reasons some learners struggle with GED classes and the exams:

Comprehensive Subject Matter

This high school equivalency credential isn’t a single exam; it’s a battery of tests covering several core subjects. Each subject requires a deep understanding of concepts typically taught over four years in high school. From solving complex math problems to comprehending complex literary texts, you demonstrate a wide-ranging knowledge base.

High Standards

The GED testing service demands a high level of proficiency since this credential is equivalent to a high school diploma. Hence, test takers must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Rigorous Testing Environment

It’s administered under strict testing conditions. Test centers have minimal distractions, and candidates must adhere to specific rules and regulations. Time management is another critical skill when taking this test because you can only succeed when you pace yourself effectively. 

Please manage time to ensure complete sections and higher scores.

Writing Skills

Learners must convey their thoughts effectively and construct well-organized, coherent, and grammatically correct essays. It requires a level of writing proficiency that can be challenging to attain. 

This language arts test is more intricate than what you may have learned in elementary school, as it’ll prepare you for your next academic level, which is college.

Preparation is Key

Success on the GED test is not a matter of luck or innate talent. It requires dedicated preparation, which can be challenging for individuals who have been out of school for some time. Read on for tips on how to plan your study time.

How to Prepare for the GED Test

This adult education program doesn’t merely assess superficial knowledge. It delves deep into the subject matter, expecting test takers to showcase their understanding of complex topics. 

For example, the science section requires memorization of facts and the ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions based on scientific principles. 

Once you register on the GED testing service website or a local testing center, it’s time to get to work.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to be GED-ready:

Assess Your Current Knowledge and Skills

Take a GED practice test in each subject to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. It’ll help you identify areas that need the most attention.

Set Clear Goals

Establish specific, measurable goals for your GED preparation. Determine when to take the exam, the testing center, and what scores you aim to achieve. Having clear objectives will help you stay motivated and focused.

Create a Study Schedule

Balance your schedule to have enough study time depending on your daily routine. Allocate dedicated time for each subject and be consistent in attending GED classes.

Gather Study Materials

Collect study materials such as preparation books, online resources, and GED practice test papers. Look for materials designed for GED preparation to ensure they cover relevant content and practice questions.

Enroll in a GED Prep Program

Consider enrolling in a GED prep program. These adult education programs often provide structured lessons, GED practice test papers, and expert guidance to help you prepare more effectively. Such classes may be available at your local community college.

Study Each Subject Thoroughly

Language Arts

Work on improving your reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills. Hence, practice writing essays with clear thesis statements and supporting evidence. 

Mathematics

Review mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, statistics, and arithmetic. Solve various math problems, both with and without a calculator.

Science

Study biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science concepts. Focus on data interpretation and scientific reasoning.

Social Studies

Brush up on history, government, economics, and geography. Familiarize yourself with key events, figures, and principles in these subjects.

Use Online Resources

Find online resources such as GED preparation websites, YouTube tutorials, and interactive practice tests. Many websites offer free study materials and practice questions to add to the work you get from GED classes.

Join Study Groups

Form or join study groups with other GED test takers. Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives, help clarify doubts, and motivate you. 

Stay Healthy and Manage Stress

Adult education isn’t the same as the workload in elementary school. Therefore, ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in physical activity. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga can help you stay focused and calm during the test.

In the weeks leading up to the test, take practice tests under timed, exam-like conditions to build confidence and improve your time management skills. On the exam day, arrive early, bring necessary identification and testing materials, and stay calm and focused. Trust that you did your best and attempt the test confident that you’ll get an excellent score.

Conclusion

The GED test is undeniably a challenging endeavor. It assesses a broad range of subject matter, demands high proficiency, requires test takers to perform under rigorous conditions, and tests depth of understanding. However, it is also a pathway to a better future and higher education for many without a high school diploma. 

Consequently, it’ll take more than just basic exam preparation. But it’s not possible to get excellent grades. You can pass the GED exam through dedication, hard work, and the right GED-ready resources. 

FAQs

What part of the test is the hardest?

It varies from person to person, but many test takers find the math section particularly challenging due to its range of topics and problem-solving demands. Hence, practice tests come in handy as you prepare for this test.

What kind of math is on GED?

The GED math section covers mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, statistics, and arithmetic, designed to assess a test taker’s quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Can you use a calculator on the GED?

Yes, some tests require one. The calculator is provided during the calculator-active portion of the math and science sections to assist with complex calculations.

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HiSET vs GED: Differences and Similarities

With the current job market being quite competitive, advancing your career without high school diplomas is impossible. Therefore, folks who didn’t graduate from high school and want to advance their studies go for high school equivalency. 

In the U.S., the acceptable high school equivalency is either HiSET or GED.

Unfortunately…

Deciding between the two can be quite challenging; in fact, most people wonder, “GED vs HiSET: which one is better?” So, in this guide, we’ll help you pick the right option.

The Main Difference Between GED vs HiSET

The main differences between GED vs HiSET are:

  • About 20 American states accept HiSET results when awarding high school equivalency diplomas, whereas the GED test is accepted in about 40 states.
  • The GED test has 4 test sections, whereas the HiSET exam comes with 5 test sections.
  • The testing centers for HiSET offer computer and paper options, while GED offers computer testing versions. But some states, including West Virginia and New Jersey, require both tests to be taken in computer-based format. 
  • The price of HiSET exams ranges between $55 and $95, whereas the GED tests are more costly, averaging $120 in some states. 
  • The passing score for HiSET is 8/20 for all subsets, whereas the passing score of the GED subtests is 145/200.

Regardless of where these tests are taken, secondary education equivalency diplomas are accepted by all the colleges and employers in the country. But before we talk about the differences and similarities between the 2 high school equivalency tests, we must find out what they are.

What Is the GED?

The GED, which stands for General Educational Development, is a high school equivalency credential that is widely recognized and accepted in the United States and Canada. 

It is designed for individuals who did not complete their high school education but wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate.

What Is the HiSET?

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is another high school equivalency credential program in the United States. Like the GED, it is designed for individuals who did not complete high school but want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate.

female graduates

GED vs HiSET: The Difference

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) and GED (General Educational Development) are two different high school equivalency exams that assess the knowledge and skills typically acquired in a high school education. 

While both exams serve the same purpose of providing individuals who did not complete high school with a credential equivalent to a high school diploma, there are some key differences between them. Some of the differences between these two adult education systems include the following:

Test Content

The HiSET exam consists of five subtests: Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. It also includes an essay portion as part of the Language Arts – Writing subtest.

On the other hand, the GED test comprises four subject areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts (which includes reading and writing skills), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.

Test Format

The HiSET is available in both paper-and-pencil and computer-based formats, depending on the test center’s offerings and the state’s policies. On the other hand, the GED is primarily offered in a computer-based format, although some locations may still offer a paper-and-pencil version.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirement for HiSET may vary by state, but typically, test-takers must be at least 18 years old (or 17 with certain conditions). They should not be enrolled in high school or hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

For GED, the test-takers must be at least 16 or 18 years old (depending on the state). They should also not be enrolled in high school or have completed high school.

Cost

The cost of the HiSET exam varies by state and testing center. Some states may subsidize or cover the cost for eligible individuals.

On the other hand, the cost of the GED exam also varies by state and can include fees for each subject area. Some states offer financial assistance or vouchers to help cover the cost for test-takers.

Scoring

The HiSET uses a scoring scale of 1 to 20 for each subtest. The passing score of each subtest is 8, which means you need a cumulative score of 45 to pass. 

GED uses a scoring scale of 100 to 200 for each subject area. The passing score for each subject area is 145, and you need a cumulative score of 580 to pass.

Retesting Policies

Every state and testing center has its own policies regarding retaking HiSET subtests. Some may require waiting periods between attempts. However, the GED Testing Service allows test-takers to retake failed subjects without waiting, although individual states may have specific retake policies.

Recognition

The HiSET is recognized and accepted by many states, colleges, and employers. On the other hand, the GED is a widely recognized adult education test that’s accepted as a high school equivalency credential by colleges, employers, and the military.

HiSET vs GED: The Similarities

Despite being different, these 2 adult education exams have lots of similarities. Some of their most common similarities include:

  • High School Equivalency Credential: Both the HiSET and GED programs offer a high school equivalency credential that is widely recognized and accepted by colleges, universities, employers, and the military as equivalent to high school diplomas. This credential allows individuals to pursue higher education, better job opportunities, and personal growth.
  • Test Subjects: Both exams assess the knowledge and skills typically acquired in a high school education. They cover similar subject areas, including Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Test Preparation Resources: Both the HiSET and GED programs provide test-takers with a range of resources to help them prepare for the exams. These resources may include study guides, practice tests, and access to adult education programs or classes.
  • Eligibility Criteria: While specific eligibility requirements can vary by state, both the HiSET and GED typically have similar eligibility criteria. Test-takers are generally required to be at least 16 or 18 years old (depending on the state), not be enrolled in high school, and not have completed high school.
  • Cost: The cost of taking the HiSET and GED exams can vary by state and testing center, but both programs often offer financial assistance or fee waivers for eligible individuals to help cover the cost.
  • Recognition: Both the HiSET and GED credentials are recognized and accepted by educational institutions and employers across the United States and, in some cases, internationally.
  • Retesting: Test-takers who do not pass one or more subject areas on both the HiSET and GED exams are generally allowed to retake those sections, although specific retake policies may vary by state.
  • Flexible Test Formats: Both programs offer flexible test formats. The HiSET is available in both paper-and-pencil and computer-based formats, while the GED is primarily offered in a computer-based format.

Final Thoughts

Despite the many differences, the HiSET and GED diplomas are accepted by most colleges and employers. But to qualify for these exams, you must not be enrolled in high school and be over 17 years old in most states. 

Luckily, enrolling in these courses is quite easy, and they can prove that you have the same qualifications as a high school graduate. But for special education, you’ll need to submit the right documentation for your disability to the educational testing service.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are there other high school equivalency tests?

Yes, you can also take the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) if you don’t qualify for GED or HiSET.

Is the GED accepted in every state in the United States?

Yes, but some states use GED test alternatives, which are accepted in most states like the HiSet. 

GED vs Hiset: which one is better?

Well, GED is not necessarily better than the HiSET, as they’re both recognized by most states as high school equivalency.

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How to Beat Math Anxiety on Your GED Test Day

How To Beat Math Anxiety On Your GED Test Day

For many GED test takers, math is the biggest obstacle towards reaching their goal of passing the test. Very people love math and some would even think that you’re either born with math skills or not. Just like in any field, talent can only get you so far. You still need determination and hard work to get the results you’re looking for.

We have GED Math Video Lessons

Is math really that scary? Truth be told, it is not. However, this fear of math may be the factor that’s hindering you from passing the GED test. It is the fear that kills, a saying once said. Math anxiety is very real, it happens when you are so afraid of the math test that you can’t help but feel hopeless, uncertain and so you lose your confidence.  When you feel anxious, you won’t be able to concentrate and all that your preparations for the math test will be thrown out the window.  GED practice test for math

Beating the anxiety is half the battle done in passing the GED math test.

Here are tips to fight off math anxiety on the day of your GED test:

  1. Believe your preparation is enough.

GED test

If you know that you have prepared well for the test, all you have to do is to remind yourself of the fact that you have done all you can to study for your math test. Believe in the quality of your preparations and you will lessen your fears by almost 90 percent. On the other hand, if you know that you have not prepared well, then you will surely feel scared.
Check our Free GED® Classes Online for the GED® Exam

The importance of studying for your GED test to increase your chances of passing can’t be undermined. It is a good idea to enroll in a GED review center and get yourself a reliable math GED Math study guide and math practice sheets because they helped many people pass the GED math test.

Related Topic: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam

Check our Math Blueprint Video Course covering every possible topic for GED Math. It includes +100 videos, +2000 practice questions and loads of information.
  1. Don’t look down on yourself.

GED test prep

Math anxiety often comes from lack of self-confidence that develops from years of low math scores in school. It is a learned fear response to math and can cause problems in tests. Anxiety makes you focus more on your fear and negative thoughts than on studying or on answering the questions. What you have to remember is that if others can do it, so can you. Many people pass the GED test, even those who started with bad grades in school.

If you have conditioned yourself into believing that you are dumb in math, then this is the right time to unlearn that. Here is a way to unlearn your math fear. As you study for your math test, you are bound to answer some questions right and some questions wrong. Now try to forget about your wrong answers and think more about the answers you did right. That does not mean of course that you don’t study to correct those you did wrong, but by remembering about your success, you can slowly build up our confidence and dissolve the lack of confidence that causes anxiety.

Related Topic: Online GED Classes

  1. Recite your positive affirmation.

GED online

A positive affirmation is a short verse that you repeat either verbally or mentally that can help change the way you think and feel about something. Affirmations were introduced in the 1970’s by neuroscientists and have been popular ever since. By mentally or verbally reciting positive affirmations, you will be able to change the way you feel about math. Here is a sample of an affirmation to help you fight math anxiety:

If others can solve math problems, so can I.

I believe my brain has enough power to help me solve math problems.

I am not afraid of math.

Math is not hard, it just needs focus and attention.

I will pass the GED math test because I am well prepared.

Most people who fail in the GED math test did so because their fear and anxiety got the better of them. Don’t make the same mistake. Controlling your fears is half the battle won. Remember that the best antidote to math anxiety is preparation. If you did your best to study for your math GED exams, then all you need to do is believe in yourself.

Related Topics:

Watch our Online GED Math Videos covering all topics you will face during the GED Math test

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How to Fail-Proof Your GED Math Test

How To Fail-Proof Your GED Math Test

Out of the four GED test subjects, GED Math is the subject most feared by test-takers. A study says six out of 10 university students have math anxiety. If your parents are also afraid of math, chances are you’d be afraid of it too, according to the Association for Psychological Science.

If you fear math, this instantly reduces your chance of passing the GED math test. That’s because anxiety affects your working memory, which you need for learning and solving problems, says neurologist and former middle school teacher Dr. Judy Willis. When you feel fear while answering math problems, you’ll have distracting thoughts that uses some of your processing memory. The fear and worry take away some of your brain’s ability to solve math problems.

This is why the first step to fail-proof your GED math test is to get rid of your fear of math.

Check our Free GED Math Practice Test 

Why You’re Afraid of Math

GED Math Test

There are various possible reasons why you fear math:

  1. We’ve been told again and again by our teachers, parents, and peers that math is hard and you started to believe it.
  2. You’ve had a bad experience in the classroom while learning math. Maybe you’ve failed math tests before or you’ve felt humiliated in class for your inability to answer a math problem correctly.
  3. You’ve attached math to pain because you’ve connected it with the negative feelings associated with paying debts or bills.
  4. Traditional methods of teaching math didn’t work for you, so you failed to develop basic math skills and struggled to catch up in class. You couldn’t forget how difficult it has been for you to keep up with the math lessons in class.
  5. You’re learning math in highly competitive environments. You focused way too much on comparing how well you performed at math compared to your peers.
  6. The timed tests made you feel anxious.

No matter what the reason for your fear math is, one thing is clear: it distracts you and decreases your brainpower to solving math problems. If you’re taking the GED math test, it’s your math anxiety that can cause you to fail, not your math skills.

Contrary to popular belief, being a “math person” can only get you so far when studying math. You need to stop saying you’re bad at math. Business Insider confirms by citing a research published in Child Development that the most important factor in improving math ability is hard work and good study habits.

Related Topic: GED 101: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

Study Tips for GED Math

GED math study tips

If you’ve always been afraid of math, it’s never too late to face that fear and get rid of it by discovering your ability to learn the subject. Yes, math can be learned. Here are tips to study math to prepare for your GED test:

We have GED Math Video Lessons HERE

Check our Math Blueprint Video Course covering every possible topic for GED Math. It includes +100 videos, +2000 practice questions and loads of information.

Let go of negative beliefs about math

GED math guide

Again, it all begins with your attitude towards math. Believe that math can be learned. If you encounter a difficult math problem, it just means you need to work harder and try harder to arrive at the right question. It means you need to understand the principles, instead of merely memorizing them.

Related Topic: Free GED Practice Tests

Study from the bottom up

GED math practice tests

Another thing about math is you need to master the basic skills and concepts before you can move on to the next. For example, you can’t progress to adding or subtracting improper fractions if you don’t understand how fractions work in the first place. You can’t move on to algebra unless you understand pre-algebra concepts like integers, one-step equations, etc. Check out GED Math study guides to know the specific topics covered by the test.

Related Topic: Powerful GED Prep Tips and Material to Survive GED Test Anxiety : USA Test Prep for GED

Practice daily

Math test prep

Take GED math practice tests to test your understanding of concepts you have just learned. By practicing, you will be able to spot your weak areas and strengthen new skills. It will help you remember how to solve particular problems.

Learn more about GED Study Guide

Get help from a tutor or online classes

GED math online classes

Studying math needs more than just memorizing formulas. You need to understand how to apply those formulas and math concepts. Sometimes, reading technical math words from books is not enough to make you understand how they work. This is where online GED classes will help. An instructor will be able to demonstrate how to apply mathematical concepts in a visual way. Through online classes, you’ll also be able to see the practical application of math concepts in real life.

We have Practice Test that you can use: GED Math Practice Test 1

Time yourself when taking practice tests

GED guide

The pressure of taking tests within a limited amount of time is a source of anxiety for math students and GED test-takers. The best way to manage this kind of anxiety is to time yourself when taking practice tests. You’ll be able to check your performance, see where you need to improve and gain confidence in your ability to complete the test within the time limit.

Math is difficult only because you have been repeatedly told and convinced that it is. Go out of your comfort zone and start learning math the right way. Don’t waste your mental energy on worrying about failing the subject. You’ll be amazed to discover that you can learn math and be good at it.

Related Topics:

Watch our Online GED Math Videos covering all topics you will face during the GED Math test

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GED Science Test

6 Quick Tips To Prepare For The GED Science Test

Passing the GED exams can open opportunities for a person who has not completed his high school education. A GED credential, after all, is accepted by most companies in lieu of a high school diploma. And if a GED passer chooses to continue his education in college, his GED credentials are also accepted by most colleges, universities, and institutions in the country. To get his GED credential, however, one of the subjects a GED test-taker has to pass is the GED Science test. The test covers physical science, life science and earth and space science. A person would need a score of 145 in his science test to pass the GED test.

The following tips should help you study for your GED science test effectively:

1. Choose The Right Study Setting

GED study guide

The place where you study for the test could mean the difference between passing and failing. Look for a place that is free from distractions like a library or a study center. You can study in your room as long as you tell your housemates not to distract you during your study schedule. Turn off the electronics and put them as far from you as possible because they can distract you from your tasks – smartphone, TV, radio, laptop, and other gadgets. You can use an MP3 player to play songs if that can help you study better. Also, make sure that the place you are studying in is clean and organized to help you calm down and focus.

Related Topic: GED 101: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

2. Make A Study Schedule

Set a study schedule and stick to it. The brain learns faster if you feed it with information at the same time every day. Make sure to tell everyone not to bother you during your study time. Schedule your study at the same hour as your test will be. For example, if your test is at 7 am to 2 pm, schedule your study time at the same hours so that you condition your brain to be active during those hours during the exam.

Don’t forget to take breaks, too. Studying without taking breaks can cause a brain burn out and all you have studied that day will be wasted because you would forget them. A good rule is to take 15-minute breaks for every 1 hour of studying.

Related Topic: Free GED Practice Tests

3. Learn Rather Than Memorize

Science is a branch of knowledge that is anchored in facts and concepts, but memorizing these would not be enough. Memorization is not learning. When you memorize the water cycle without understanding the underlying reasons for its existence, for example, you are simply storing a series of words in your brain. The bad thing is that what you have memorized is often stored in the short-term memory of your brain. That means it is easy to forget it what you have memorized.

On the other hand, if you understand why the water becomes vapor (because of sun’s heat) and rises up (because warm gases are lighter than cold gases) and becomes a part of the cloud through condensation (because the cold temperature up there turns the water vapor into liquid water and ice crystals) and finally becomes rain (because they get too heavy), it would make it easy for you to remember. Understand instead of memorizing. A visual way of learning that is available through GED online lessons will help you get a better understanding of concepts.

Visit our website: GED® Science Study Guide

4. Think Like A Scientist

GED guide

Scientists are curious people. They try to find the hidden reasons for the natural goings on in the observable universe. If you want to be successful in your science test, you should incorporate the traits of scientists. Try digging up the cause of information you encounter. For example, if you just found out that Mars is called the red planet, try to find out the reason for its reddish tint. Go on try it, you would be surprised. A natural curiosity for the subject will again help you understand science concepts more easily.

TRY  Our GED Science Practice Questions | GED Study Guide

5. Try Out The Formulas

When studying for science tests, you cannot avoid meeting formulas. Most people try to memorize them, but memorizing is not enough. The best way to retain even the most intimidating formulas in physics is by trying to solve them. Not only will you understand the formula better, you have also familiarized yourself with it so it is easier to recall. Take GED practice tests that check your science knowledge and skills.

Our GED®Science Practice test will help you pass faster Check HERE

6. Remember Interesting Information About Things

Humans remember specific information best if it is attached to interesting facts. Using this in your study strategy is a good idea, especially if you do have to memorize some information. Like for instance if you want to memorize the planets in the solar system, you may google interesting facts about each planet. You may be amazed to learn that Jupiter has a hurricane on its surface that’s been going on for thousands of years or that a day on Venus is equal to a year on Earth. How about that Jupiter and other big planets are made almost entirely of gas and almost no solid core? Let us not forget that the former planet Pluto has a huge heart-shaped landmass facing the earth. Now that should make you remember the planets easier.

Don’t get intimidated by the GED Science test. Science may seem difficult to study, but with the right tools and strategy, you can conquer it.

Related Topics:

Watch our Online GED Math Videos covering all topics you will face during the GED Math test

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GED Test

When Is The Best Time To Take the GED Test? Here Are 4 Questions To Guide You

One of the keys to passing the GED test with flying colors is to take it at the right time. When is the best time to take the GED test? The answer is simple: take the test when you’re ready. But when are you ready? The following guidelines can help you:

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  • Do You Feel Confident About Your Knowledge Of The GED Test Content?

Do you know the coverage of all the GED test subjects and have you prepared for each of the topics? Get a study guide and make a checklist of all the topics you need to study. In addition to knowing the topics, you also have to be familiar with the test structure and the types of questions you might see on the actual test.

Once you’ve covered all the topics and have addressed areas that you find difficult, chances are you are ready to take the test.

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  • Do You Get High Scores In Your GED Practice Tests?

When you take GED practice tests, do you get more correct answers than incorrect ones? GED practice tests are crucial in your test prep. They can tell you what your problem areas are so you’d know where to focus your efforts when you study. They help you retain what you reviewed as you apply what you’ve learned. These tests can also predict the likelihood of you passing the test. If you regularly take practice tests and consistently pass them, then it’s a good sign of your GED test readiness.

Otherwise, if you get low scores on certain topics, it’s time to focus on your weak points. You need to work on them.  Numerous and valuable resources are available online for GED practice tests. Be keen on choosing a credible and reliable website to guide you in your test prep.

Related Topic: GED 101: 2021 GED Practice Tests, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

  • Can You Finish Your GED Practice Tests On Time?

By “on time,” that means you can finish taking your practice test within the time limit for each test subject. Let’s say you’re taking GED practice test for math, can you answer most questions correctly within 90 minutes? That’s because you have 90 minutes to finish the actual GED math test.

Here is the time limit for each GED test subject:

  1. Math: 90 minutes
  2. Reasoning Through Language Arts: 35 minutes
  3. Social Studies: 90 minutes
  4. Science: 90 minutes

When you take GED practice tests, have your timer ready and set them according to the actual GED test subject time limits. You’ll know that you are capable of taking the GED test already if you can stay focused on your test and answer most questions correctly within the time limits.

Related Topic: GED Study Guide

Check our Math Blueprint Video Course covering every possible topic for GED Math. It includes +100 videos, +2000 practice questions and loads of information.
  • Have You Dedicated At Least 6 weeks Of Focused Study Time To GED Test Prep?

Most tests, including SAT and ACT, need at least 6 weeks preparation time. The same goes for the GED test. You need to prepare at least one to two months before taking the test. The best time to prepare for the test is when you don’t have a lot of activities or projects that might interfere with your study time.

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Choose The Most Effective Test Prep Method

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There are various test prep methods for the GED test. You can go by the usual route of attending adult classes or you can form a study group or hire a tutor. Otherwise, you can study on your own and at your own schedule with the help of an online study guide. You can look for a tested and proven GED test prep website where you can take practice tests, join online classes and interact with other test takers. Through this learning strategy, you will know what topics would come out in the GED test and you can specifically study for them. This saves you time and effort.

Recent changes in the GED test bode well for test takers. The revisions in the 2014 GED test give better chances for learners to pass it.

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12 Last-Minute GED Tips Of An Unstoppable Test Prep Warrior

  • You may be feeling anxious as the day of taking your GED test approaches. A little anxiety is not bad–it will keep you on your toes. But all in all, you should be feeling calm, composed and ready for the big day. After all, taking the GED test is an extraordinary feat. Passing it will open new doors of opportunities for you. So what will make your GED test day as superb as it can be?

Consider the following last-minute GED tips.

What To Do One Week Before Taking The GED

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  • Continue with your studying. If your test prep had been well-maintained, you should feel that you know all the information at this point. Carry on with your study habits, even for just 30 minutes a day. Take practice tests or run through some flashcards. Note that you need to keep your brain active so that you’ll be ready for your GED test.
  • Focus on the subjects that you’re struggling in. There may be subjects in the GED test that you don’t particularly like. Thus, you may find it hard to keep up with them. Pay special attention to these topics. The point is for you to feel comfortable with these certain areas in the GED.
  • Get enough sleep. Numerous write-ups about the GED say that learners have to get enough sleep only on the evening of their test. The fact, however, is that it doesn’t work. One cannot easily cram extra hours of sleep in a single night. What is more beneficial is to get enough and well-rested sleep for a few consecutive nights before the day of your test.

Check our GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Guide

What To Do On The Night Before Your GED Test

  • Be calm and relaxed. Keep still so to speak, and steer clear of cramming during this time. According to research, learners can absorb information better by studying consistently, and not by cramming at the last hour. Don’t stress yourself by over studying, but instead focus on doing activities that’ll divert your attention from your test. Try going on a walk, hanging out with a friend or go watch a movie.
  • Pack your bag with the things that you’ll need on your test day. Pack up on the night before your test. Load your backpack with your valid, government-issued photo ID, your optional TI-30XS hand-held calculator, and your snacks. Everything that you need for your test day should be taken care of at this time. Your focus should be solely on your GED test on the next morning. Try to sleep a little bit earlier than you usually do.

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What To Do On The Day Of Taking Your GED

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  • Eat a nutritious breakfast. Consume your breakfast within 30 minutes after waking up. It will boost your brain as well as your metabolism. Your morning meal actually sets your brain up, signifying that it is time to do some thinking.
  • Bring with you all the things that you need and leave those that are unnecessary behind. Part of the services offered by the GED body is providing test-takers with erasable note boards. You can bring your own calculator, the approved type which is the TI-30XS hand-held calculator. Gadgets and other what-nots that are not allowed in the GED testing room are wallets, cellphones, backpacks, handbags, and keys. You can keep these items in the storage facility of your testing center.
  • Arrive a bit early in your testing center. That’s at least 15 minutes before your test time. You’ll need time for checking in and acquainting yourself to your surroundings. Remember that if you arrive 15 minutes late, you might forfeit your privilege to take your test and lose your testing fee.

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What To Do While Actually Taking Your GED Test

  • Go through the answer choices first. Your analytical skills will be challenged by the GED test. You must learn how to think critically and select the most appropriate answer choice. Reading the answers first will make it easier to respond to the question because you already have an idea of what it is looking for.
  • Take time to re-read difficult sections. Preferably read them out loud because it will help you tone down on your pacing and allow you to concentrate on every word. You’ll have a deeper understanding of the test content by rereading. As a result, you can comprehend and analyze pertinent information that’ll enable you to answer your test.
  • Be calm and composed mentally and physically pacing yourself. Keep in mind the time limit for every test subject:

Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes with short breaks between parts)

Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes with 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3, and 45 minutes for the essay test)

Social Studies (70 minutes without breaks)

Science (90 minutes without break)

Be aware of the time that you can allocate for every item in the test. Your pacing should be steady as you move on from one question to the other. Come break time, you can get up and drink some water. Walk around a bit because you’ve been sitting down for an extended time, and this tends to make your brain sleepy. The last thing you would want to happen is for you to feel tired in the middle of your test.

  • Be positive and confident. On the day of your GED test, you’ll obtain the final payoff for all your days and weeks of test prep. Take confidence in the thought that you have prepared well, so focus on the test and know that whatever the outcome, you can always retake the GED test.

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Step-by-Step Guide To Taking The GED Test

US citizens who have not finished high school and who want to pursue further education or better employment option can acquire a high school equivalency credential by passing the General Education Development program or GED exams, which are offered in every state in the country. The GED credential is accepted by many companies, colleges, and post-secondary educational institutions as equivalent to a high school diploma.

If you plan to take part in this year’s GED examinations, here are the steps you should follow:

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Step 1: Check your state requirements.

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Each state has its own requirements and fees for those who want to take the GED exam. However, most states require that applicants be at least 16 years old although there are states that require that the applicant be 18 years old and above and would only allow 16-year-old applicants if they undergo an approval process and acquire an age waiver. States also have different policies with regard to fees and retake policies. Locate a test center nearest you and check the state’s requirements.

Related Topic: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam

Step 2: Prepare for the test.

A solid preparation for the GED test will result in the better chance of passing. Fortunately, there are several resources available for adult learners to study and learn. Check out GED study guides to know what you need to prepare for. There are free GED practice tests and online classes. One of those is the GED Testing Service, which offers free and affordable online tutorials and practice tests. There are also colleges that offer test preparatory classes via their adult education departments.

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Step 3: Register online.

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To register for the exam, test-takers should visit the official GED website, create their account, and provide the personal information needed. Once they have their account, test-takers can then log in to the website, select the subject tests they want to tackle and choose a testing center.

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Step 4: Take the test.

All four GED test sections would require 7.5 hours to complete, but they are usually taken one at a time. The test is done through a computer. The longest section of the exam would be the language arts test, which takes up to 150 minutes to finish followed by math test, which takes 115 minutes and social studies and science taking 90 minutes each.

Test-takers who are suffering from vision impairment, learning disorders, and handicaps can take advantage of special accommodations, which are available upon request. This special accommodation includes extended test time, braille, stop-the-clock breaks, scribe, and other forms of assistance.

Related Topic: 4 Things You Can Do After Passing the GED

Step 5: Check your score reports.

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To pass the GED test, examinees must get 145 on each subject. You can get your test score on the same day.

If you fail the test, you only need to retake subjects that you have failed. You can reschedule the test by logging into your MyGED account. The price for retaking the test will automatically be discounted.

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7 Tips to Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills for GED

7 Tips to Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills For GED

Reading comprehension is an essential skill that you’d need for the GED Language Arts test. The hard part about tests that involve reading comprehension is it does not depend on facts you memorize, but purely on intelligence and logic.

What is Comprehension Skill?

Comprehension skill is the ability to understand exactly what another person is telling you in writing or through spoken language. Reading comprehension is more difficult than verbal comprehension because when you don’t understand what someone is saying, you can ask him to repeat or clarify what he said. When reading a text, however, the author is often not there and you can’t ask them what they meant.

We have Practice Test that you can use: GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Tests

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills

There are ways to improve your comprehension skills fast, which can help you pass your GED Language Arts test and other subjects. After all, math, science, and social studies require a certain degree of reading comprehension, too.

  1. Read slowly.

GED reading

Many people read too fast for their own good. Being a fast reader is good only if you also understand what you are reading. If you don’t, and then your reading is useless. Remember, reading is about learning ideas, not just identifying words. Try reading a book aloud and recording your voice, then play it back and listen to yourself. Do you understand what your recorded voice is saying? If you don’t, then read the text slower this time, record it and listen to it again. Do this until you find the reading speed wherein you can comprehend yourself.

Learn more: GED 101: 2021 GED Practice Tests, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

  1. Improve your vocabulary.

Sometimes the reason you may not understand a sentence is that there are words that you are not familiar with. Most meticulous readers open their dictionaries to understand a new word, but most people just let it pass,  limiting their understanding of the text. You can improve your vocabulary by having a dictionary nearby when you read a book and using it to check the meaning of unfamiliar words. You can also understand meanings of words using context clues, but we will come to that later.

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  1. Master grammar.

The reason why English has a strict grammar is precise to aid understanding.  One of the reasons many people are confused when reading a book is because they can’t identify what part of speech a particular word is and how it relates to other words in the sentence. Improving your grammar will improve your comprehension skills automatically.

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  1. Identify main ideas.

GED reading practice tests

Every text you read is telling you something, that something is the central theme or main idea. The main idea is then followed by an explanation, clarification, proof, or example. Here is an example:

Wearing sunglasses is important if you want to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays from the sun. UV rays are radiation coming from the sun that will damage your eyes, leading to eye defects. Not all sunglasses have UV ray protection though so when you go out to buy one, be sure to check for the UV protection logo on the lens itself.

In the above paragraph, the main idea is that you have to wear sunglasses. The rest of the paragraphs are just there to explain why you need to wear sunglasses and clarification about the sunglasses you have to buy. Most of the time, the main idea is in the first two sentences of the paragraph, but sometimes it is placed somewhere else.

Related Topic: GED Study Guide

  1. Summarize what you read.

Summarizing what you read helps you measure how much of the text you were reading you understood. If you have a hard time making the summary, then you probably did not comprehend the text very well and you have to read it again.  Summarizing allows you to organize what you have just learned from the text.

More review materials: GED Reasoning through Language Arts

  1. Be a detective with context clues.

Sometimes in your reading, you may come across an unfamiliar word that can confuse you. If there’s no dictionary around, you can use context clues. Here is an example:

Two months ago, John got involved in a vehicular accident and broke a bone in his right leg. After the surgery to repair his broken bone, John could not walk and had to use a wheelchair wherever he went. Thankfully, now his is ambulatory again and does not need the wheelchair anymore.

What does ambulatory mean? The context clue here is that he does not need the wheelchair anymore. Ambulatory means he can walk again. There will be context clues in most of the text you read, so you need to pay attention to these details.

Check our GED Reading Practice Test

  1. Read more.

Finally, the most important way to improve your comprehension skill is reading. Read a wide variety of materials. People who read a lot understand better because every time they read, they are training their brain to comprehend what the author of the text is saying. So read and read a lot and improve your power of comprehension. Remember that comprehension is not only useful for tests like the GED, but for every aspect of your life.

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3 Tips to Ace the GED Language Arts Exam

3 Tips To Ace The GED Language Arts Exam

The questions on the GED Language Arts exam focuses on the 3 different skills. You’re expected to be able to use as you read both fiction and nonfiction passages:

  • Ability to read closely
  • Ability to write clearly
  • Ability to edit and understand the use of standard written English in context

We have Practice Test that you can use: GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Tests

Here are some tips to ace the GED Language Arts exam:

  1. Simulate the test conditions through practice tests

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GED Language Arts exam has two types of materials that you will be expected to read. The first part is informational text, this from the workplace and non-fictional contents. This section makes up 75% of the test questions. The second part is literary text, which constitutes 25% of the test. You are expected to carefully read, analyze, and apply the information.

Take practice tests to get acclimated to the actual exam. Taking practice tests can help you get familiarized with the exam condition and help your mind prepare on how you will answer the test. It’s a good strategy and highly advisable to be part of your review routine. GED Language Arts practice tests can help you simulate the real deal. You can also learn from these and know what’s your weakness. You can use our GED Language Arts practice tests to learn more how you can practice.

Related Topic: GED 101: 2019 GED Practice Tests, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

  1. Create brain space

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On exam day, make sure to find some time to collect and relax. Don’t over study. Information overload, stress, and overthinking might cause you to blank out at the worst possible moment. If you don’t allow some space in your head, you may forget everything you have reviewed.

Information overload due to too much time spent on reviewing. Your routine should have breathing space to process all the information. Don’t forget to take a break while reviewing!

Make sure to show up for the exam at least 15 minutes earlier than the schedule. Prepare all the required identification and documents at night to avoid cramming.

Figure out your answers ahead and identify how much time you’ll need to complete each section. You can opt to not to follow the exam’s order of questions. But you should answers clearly and make sure you don’t miss anything. Creating a breathing space will allow your brain to calm and not to overthink. It can create a peaceful space in your head and will help you gain clarity during the exam.

And it is important to eat healthy meals beforehand. Maintain a healthy diet! Nothing greasy or heavy.

Related Topic: GED Study Guide

  1. Read, read, read

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Before taking the GED Language Arts exam, you must, read, read, and read some more. You can read articles over the Internet or some books in your community library. Reading a lot can help expound your comprehension and understanding. This also gives you more vocabulary and grammar tips! It is advisable to have a variety of topics in your reading list. You can read history books, fiction, non-fiction, and even grammar books as well.

If you are taking the GED Language Arts soon, ensure that you read the texts carefully – the answer is in the text. The best chance that you’ll excel in this section is to become an analytical reader.

Have you taken the GED Language Arts exam recently? Share some tips in the comment section!

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5 Highly Successful People Who Took The GED

Most people don’t make it right at the first time. In fact, mistakes often happen during the initial tries. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes as long as you did your best. Very few of them are actually fatal.

This thought applies to high school dropouts as well. It is not the end of the world if you are or were unable to finish high school. If you adopt a positive mindset and take control of your life early on, you will realize that you can do something to change your future.

One of them is by taking the GED, which is a high school equivalency test and credential. Although a GED certificate has a lesser value than a high school diploma, there have been numerous successful people who took it and made it big in life.

Who are some of these celebrities and famous personalities who passed the GED?

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Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s

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Dave started to work in the restaurant industry at the early age of 12. His family constantly moved from one location to another, but Dave aimed for a more stable life. At 15, he separated from his parents and sought a part-time job at the Hobby House restaurant in the city of Fort Wayne. After deciding to work full time in the business, he dropped out of high school.

Dave served during the Korean War after which he worked at KFC. His diligence and business intelligence helped turn many of KFC’s failing franchises around. It was in 1969 when he made up his mind to sell his KFC franchise and began his own restaurant business in Columbus, Ohio. His named his restaurant after his daughter Melinda whose nickname was Wendy. Now, Wendy’s is a hugely popular burger chain- the third largest in America. It was only in 1993 when Dave enrolled at the Coconut Creek High School where he chose to earn his GED certificate because he wanted to set a good example for youngsters.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: GED Reading Practice Questions | Fiction 1960-Present

Michael J. Fox, famous Hollywood actor

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Michael’s father gave him $3,000 to set out and pursue a career in Hollywood at the age of 18. He was close to finishing high school in his native Canada but decided to drop out to go after his dream.

After years of hard work, Michael indeed made his name as a Hollywood actor and got married and had kids. The talented actor made it a priority to take the GED test, and he did so in 1995.

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Richard Carmona, Arizona senator, and former U.S. Surgeon General

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Richard was born in New York and grew up in Harlem. He is of Puerto Rican descent. At the age of 16, he dropped out of Dewitt Clinton high school and joined the U.S. Army in 1967. It was during his time of enlistment in the army when he earned his GED. Following this undertaking, he became a member of the United States Army Special Forces. As a Vietnam veteran, Richard was combat-decorated. While in the Special Forces, he started his career in medicine as a medic.

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Paris Hilton, American TV personality, socialite, model, and businesswoman

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In her bio, it was stated that Paris spent her childhood in palatial houses located in the most expensive neighborhoods in both coasts of the country. Her experience with the educational system was brief where she went to study at Dwight School that was an ultra-exclusive institution. Paris dropped out from the said school and earned her GED certificate afterward.

Learn more: GED Science Study Guide

Peter Jennings, a popular journalist and sole anchor of ABC News Tonight for over 22 years

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Peter’s father was a prominent radio broadcaster who worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He also pursued a career as the host of “Peter’s People” which was a CBC children’s program.

At the age of 9, Peter entered the broadcasting industry. While his father was attending to one of his assignments, Peter was chosen for the “Peter’s People” gig. His father was allegedly furious at CBC for hiring Peter primarily because he was the son of a broadcaster. While in school, Peter was a bad student but a talented athlete. For him, going to school was tremendously boring. After failing 10th grade, Jennings dropped out of school. He enrolled at Carlton University, but stayed there for only 10 minutes and left the institution. After his unsuccessful attempts at schooling, Peter worked at the Royal Bank of Canada but continued to harbor his dream of becoming a professional broadcaster.

These are five of the most successful GED stories throughout time, and if you look for more, you will find that there are numerous of these hardworking and lucky people who didn’t give up on completing their education as they found their way to wealth and fame. Setting a good example for young and adult learners, they are indeed worth emulating.

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GED vs. High School Diploma Which One is Right For You

GED vs. High School Diploma: Which One Is Right For You?

A high school diploma and a GED credential basically mean one thing: that you possess high school-level knowledge and skills. It means you’re ready for college or for a job that requires you to have high school education.

Earning a high school diploma means finishing the four years of high school by getting a passing grade in all your classes and subjects. As simple as it may sound, not every student can complete high school for various reasons.

We have Free GED Social Studies Practice Test HERE

Why High School Students Drop Out

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A 2015 Statistic Brain data reveals over 3 million students drop out of high school each year. The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network at Clemson University cites school-related, family-related, and employment-related reasons why students drop out of high school.

Here are common reasons why a student might not be able to complete high school:

  1. Missed too many school days due to illness
  2. Could not catch up with schoolwork
  3. Conflict with students or teachers
  4. Early pregnancy or parenthood
  5. Need to work to support the family
  6. Boredom
  7. Lack of parental support
  8. Financial problems

When students drop out, the next option is to complete the GED, the only high school equivalency credential that all the 50 states recognize. The GED only tests four subjects: math, science, social students, and reasoning through language arts and it takes just over 7 hours to complete. However, you can schedule each subject on different days. You need to be at least 17 years old to take the test. Also, you should not be currently enrolled in high school.

Related Topic: GED 101: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

Where the Real Difference Lies

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While both credentials mean that you have the skills and knowledge of someone who completed high school, colleges and employers often ask you why you took the GED. And this is where the real difference lies. What you want your future college or employer to know is you have the right reasons for taking the GED.

It’s important that you are able to provide a good reason why you chose GED instead of completing your high school years.

For example, if you quit high school because of money problems, you can tell future employers that you’re taking the GED to improve your chances of getting into college. You can also tell them that you’re doing this to boost your chances of landing a better job. This gives them the impression that you are a responsible and driven individual.

Sometimes, students take the GED to complete high school and consequently finish their university education earlier. If you are thinking of doing this, it is best to talk to consult your school’s guidance counselor. This will give you a clear picture of the pros and cons of your options.

Once you have made the decision to take the GED, don’t just aim for a passing score, especially if you’re planning to take it to get into a good college or university. Some schools require scores that are above the passing rate. Prepare for the test by reviewing GED study guides, attending Online GED classes and taking practice tests.

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GED Exam Day

6 Things To Do During The GED Exam Day

It’s finally here, the day you have spent your precious time preparing. Day in and day out of studying different subjects culminates to this moment the day you take the GED test. You may be confident that your preparation is enough to pass this hard test but, you have to remember that studying is different from taking the actual test. If you don’t have the right strategy, your preparation may not be enough. So here are some tips that will help you during the test so you can get your highest score possible:

  1. Make yourself at home in your seat.

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Being comfortable in your seat before the exam starts is a big part of making the exams easier. Make sure your seat is comfortable, you have enough light, and you don’t feel too hot or too cold. GED tests often take hours, you don’t want to lose focus just because you feel uncomfortable. Dress appropriately for the test. If you are not comfortable with your location, ask to be transferred to another seat.

Related Topic: 2019 GED Practice Tests, GED Classes for GED Exam

  1. Skim the questions and allocate a time for each one.

Once you have the questions, skim through them and spot which ones are easier, which ones you have a sure answer and which ones you really have no idea about. Then quickly and mentally allocate a time for each question. The easier questions will require less time and those and the difficult questions will need more time. This is called time management and it is very useful not only during tests but on all other daily tasks as well.

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  1. Answer easy questions first.

After skimming the questions and allocating time for each, go right ahead and answer the questions which you know you can answer correctly. Doing the easy questions saves time, which you can later use the harder questions.

Sometimes while skimming, you may meet a question that seems easy to answer, but when you are about to answer it, you begin to have doubts. Better leave that question unanswered for now and answer other easier questions instead.

Related Topic: GED Study Guide

  1. Be aware of the time, but don’t be wary of the time.

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Because GED is a timed test, you have to be constantly aware of the time. This is easier to do if you follow the second tip above which deals with time management. However, while being aware of the time is good, been worried about the time may ruin your focus. That is why just be aware, but not wary of the time you have left in the exam. Again, if you follow the second tip, you wouldn’t have to worry about time.

Related Topic: How to Fail-Proof Your GED Math Test

  1. Be sure all questions are answered before submitting.

Even if you have managed your time well during the test, even if you have already answered most questions, they will often be some questions that remain unanswered. These are the questions who really don’t know the answer. Some people just leave those questions they can’t answer blank, that is a wrong strategy. Leave no question unanswered, if you don’t know the answer,  follow your gut feeling.  Think about it if you leave a question blank, there is no chance you can get a score from it. But if you answer it even if you are not sure of the answer, there is a chance your answer may be correct.

  1. Using GED practice tests makes everything easy.

Practice makes perfect, according to an old saying. Even if you memorize all the information in the world as you prepare for the GED test, that would not prepare you for the actual exams. But if you used GED practice tests during your preparation, you would be familiar with the whole test and you would feel confident and relaxed when you do take the test.

There you have it, the tips that will help you during the exams. Being strategic in your approach during the test may determine whether you pass or not. So aside from studying hard for the exams, make sure that you have also prepared your body and mind. It is for your future after all.

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3 Common Reasons Why Test-takers Fail GED

3 Common Reasons Why Test-takers Fail GED

For many Americans who were not able to finish high school, taking the GED test is the key to open opportunities for further education or for better employment. GED, also known as General Education Development, provides adults who have not finished high school with a GED credential that is equal to a high school diploma.

GED is a way to improve a person’s life, especially that many jobs available in the US require at least a high school credential. You can also get accepted into a college or a university with a GED credential. Because of these, millions of Americans have taken GED test and so far, more than 20 million have passed the test.

Learn more: GED 101: 2021 GED Study Guide, GED Classes for GED Exam – 1 Stop GED Programs Guide

Why Some Test-takers Fail

The passing rate for GED from 2006 to 2013 has been fairly consistent at 68% to 75.3%. That means at least 25% might fail each year. What are the common reasons why people fail GED?

 

  1. High fees

GED fees

The cost to take a GED test is around $30 on the average. The price varies per state. In Florida for example, it costs $32 per subject and $128 for the entire test. The test fee may not be affordable for all those who want to take the test.

The relatively high fees, confounded with the recent economic crash, discourage many people from completing the test, resulting in less GED takers in the recent years. Those who are willing to pay the fees will also have to spend more money in preparation classes, test practice books and much more to increase their chances of passing.

However, remember that GED opens up lots of opportunities to those who pass and the benefits outweigh the cost. People with at least a high school or a GED diploma earn $10,000 more annually compared to dropouts, according to PBS.org. If you’re worried about the preparation fees, there are free GED practice tests and video lessons online that you can take advantage of.

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  1. Difficulty level

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It was very long ago when the GED program was started. In fact, it started in 1943 to help veterans get back on track for civilian life. The test became available to civilians in 1972 and has been revised 4 times already. The last revision that was applied in 2014. However, according to many experts in the education field, the test is markedly more difficult and it has to be answered using a computer. Aside from the difficulty of the test itself, those who are not adept at using computers are at a disadvantage. Because of the tougher test, it is very important for those who want to take GED exams to focus on preparing for the test.

The good news is they have lowered the passing rate for GED from 150 to 145, which can make it easier for students to pass as long as they prepare efficiently for the test.

The lack of mental, physical and emotional preparation is one of the reasons why a test-taker might fail the test. Like a boxer preparing for the biggest fight of his life, GED test takers should also put all their heart and effort in preparation to win. That said, here are some ways to prepare for your upcoming GED test:

We have practice test that you can use : GED Reasoning through Language Arts

  1. Enroll in GED preparatory classes

GED preparatory classes

Enrolling in Online GED classes helps prepare you not only by increasing your knowledge but also by familiarizing you with the test itself, so you will be confident to answer test during the exam day.

Learn more about GED Social Studies Classes Online

GED practice tests

Taking practice tests helps you achieve two things: know your areas of weakness and increase your knowledge and skills. Practice tests have been also shown to protect memory against stress.

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  1. Gain self-confidence.

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Lack of confidence is the enemy of success. Not believing in yourself is just like giving up. Gain confidence by reminding yourself of your strengths and doing everything to improve in areas where you are weak. Thinking positively is already half the battle won.

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  1. Exercise

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This may seem far-fetched and unrelated to taking a test, but eating healthy and exercising improves your body and mind and help you survive the rigors of the GED test. Good nutrition and exercise fuel the mind.

When taking the GED test, there are only two ways it can go, either you pass or you fail. The test may be difficult because of hurdles along the way, but with the right frame of mind, a healthy body and efficient preparation, you can improve your chances of passing the test and improving your life.

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7 Top Jobs For GED Graduates: Earn Six Figure Income Without A College Degree

Don’t lose hope if you aren’t able to acquire a college degree. You have other options (and they’re not that discouraging) even if going to college is not possible for you. Deemed to be an equivalent of a high school diploma is a GED certificate, and with it, you can avail of opportunities to earn six-figure salaries. What are the top jobs for GED graduates?

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  • Working As An Electrician

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It’s these people who basically keep the lights working, so their job is just as important. A career in electrical troubleshooting can bring in a good amount of income. Even if you don’t have experience, you can learn through on-the-job training in an apprenticeship as an entry-level worker. Working as an electrician can have you earning a median yearly wage of $51,110, as indicated in 2014 data. If you’re good in your job and belong to the top 10% tier, the figure can rise to an annual income of more than $85,000.

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  • A Career As A Loan Officer

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What do loan officers do? These individuals are the ones who make decisions whether an applicant is financially fit to pay a loan back. If you’re interested in obtaining this career in the financial services industry, you can earn up to $62,620 of median annual salary, according to statistics gathered in 2014. The top 10% of those performing this job can gain a yearly income of $128,390. 

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  • Doing The Work Of A farmer

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What farmers do is supervising the crop production as well as the ranging process, from the planting task to fertilizing, along with harvesting and herding. Selecting and purchasing machinery and fertilizer supplies, among others, is part of the job. Agricultural managers, ranchers, and farmers can make a median yearly wage of $68,050 in 2014. The top 10% of these workers can earn as much as $121,690 of annual salary.

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  • A Job As A Power Plant Operator

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For some people, it can be exciting to work in a power plant wherein they operate pertinent equipment and troubleshoot and repair malfunctions and perform equipment maintenance. Those working as power plant operators, dispatchers and distributors can make $72.910 of mean annual salary in 2014 with those belonging in the top 10% earning approximately $97,300 yearly.

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  • Performing The Job Of An Elevator Installer

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What does an elevator installer or repairman do? It’s these people who take over when an elevator, escalator or other lifting equipment need to be installed, fixed or maintained. Part of their task is to identify and repair testing equipment in case they malfunction. As an elevator installer or repairman, you can earn a yearly median income of $78,620 in 2014. Being in the top 10% tier of this career can have you making $109,450 of annual wages.

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  • Enjoying A Career As A Commercial Pilot

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As a high school or GED diploma holder, you can enjoy a career in aviation. Being a pilot can be a dream job where you get to enjoy traveling and piloting commercial airplanes. There’ll be plenty of new places to visit and get to know interesting folks at the same time. Other than your high school or GED certificate, you need to get hold of a commercial pilot’s license which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2014, it was indicated that a commercial pilot can earn a median annual pay of $103,390, with the top 10% of these employees earning $187,200 of yearly income.

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  • Doing The Job Of An Air Traffic Controller

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If the hustling and bustling of the airport is your thing, you’ll enjoy a career as an air traffic controller. What are the requirements of being an air traffic controller? Primarily, you have to be a U.S. citizen, obtain training from the Federal Aviation Administration Academy before your 31st birthday and pass your medical and security evaluation. Make sure that you pass the pre-employment test, too. According to the FAA, you can find employment opportunities as an air traffic controller at the USA jobs website. As an air traffic control specialist, you can avail of a median yearly salary of $122,340 (2014 statistics) and over $172,000 if you belong to the top 10% of these workers.

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What To Do If Your High School Diploma Is Not Equivalent To A US Diploma

Thousands of people from all over the world move to the US each year to study or find work. Some of them may be planning to pursue college studies or establish their careers here. To be able to do so, these applicants must secure their valid visas so that their stay would be legitimate and provide the appropriate proofs of their education and/or work experience.

What if you are a foreigner who wants to continue your studies in the US? Maybe you are looking for a job that earns well and wants to show your qualifications. Will your high school diploma in your own country be acceptable in the US? There are many factors to consider when it comes to this, such as the standard and quality of education in your former country along with the differences in the educational systems on the international level.

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As A Foreign Student, Is Your High School Diploma Acceptable In The US?

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What if your high school diploma is not equivalent to a US diploma? You can rectify this particular circumstance by first having your secondary education diploma evaluated. If you are from another country and you want to pursue further education in the US, you have to present a solid proof of an educational equivalency. You can look for a credible agency that offers credential evaluation services. This tool is also helpful for those applying for work in the US. A primary proof that you have to comply with is being able to meet the standards required of high school graduates in the country.

You can have your high school diploma evaluated by hiring the services of a credential evaluation provider. Third party agencies such as these do the job for the government. Evaluating the educational credential of foreigners is not performed by the government in the US. Rather, individuals hire credential evaluation agencies to validate the diplomas and transcripts that they submit. Among the initial tasks that you should do is to contact the high school that you attended to request copies of these documents. They need to provide proof that you indeed went to that school and were able to finish their high school curriculum.

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What To Do In Order To Qualify For Work Or Study In The US

US diploma

It is possible that your high school diploma will not be accredited because it is not on par with a US diploma. The education system in the US may not have the same standards as that of your home country. As a US immigrant, you have two options to remedy this situation. Your first option is to take the GED test. If you pass the said test, you will receive a high school equivalency certificate. Although a GED diploma is deemed to have lesser value than a high school diploma, it will suffice as a qualification for many jobs in the US. A GED certificate is also acceptable for enrollment in community colleges.

If your credential evaluation provider assesses that there are missing equivalencies in your high school diploma, your second option is to attend continued education classes and night classes. When you have completed your school’s educational requirements, you should again submit your continuing education classes credentials together with your diploma to your credential evaluator. Granting that everything works out, you will subsequently be rendered with a final documentation stating that your education complies with the high school standards in the US.

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These said, don’t think that having your credentials evaluated means that the standard of education in your home country is inferior compared to the US. It simply has to do with the varying values placed by different countries about educational results. As they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, and so it is when you want to legitimately work, live and study in the US as well.

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GED Test

4 Major Differences Between GED 2002 And GED 2014

The history of the GED test indicates that there have been five series of the high school equivalency exam. The first series was created in 1942 to 1977, the second within 1978 to 1987, the third in 1988 to 2001, the fourth series in 2002 to 2013, and the fifth and most current series was initialized in 2014 and is still being implemented up to the present. The most applicable series are those that were set up in 2002 and 2014 because they concern the current generation of GED diploma holders.

What Are The Major Differences Between The 2002 And The 2014 Editions Of The GED Test?

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Overall, you will see major differences between the 2002 and 2014 GED test in these areas:

  1. Test format

In the 2002 version, the item types were composed of multiple choice, grid format, and essay questions while in the 2014 revision, test takers tackled multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, cloze, drag and drop, extended response, short answer and hotspot items.

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  1. Test development and assessment

Bloom’s Taxonomy was used for development of the 2002 GED Test whereas the Common Core Standards and the Webb’s Depth of Knowledge model does the same in the 2014 release of the exam. Boom’s Taxonomy focuses on the activity of the test-taker while Webb’s Depth of Knowledge puts emphasis on the complexity of cognitive processes, according to The Ohio State University.

  1. Test administration

The fourth series of the test was administered by paper and pencil but the most recent GED series still being used up to date is taken through a computer.

  1. Price

The price of taking the GED increased by 100% from 2002 to 2014. Test takers used to pay $60 in 2002, but in 2014, they are required to pay $120.

These are some of the predominant changes in the earlier and newer versions of the GED exam as a whole.

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2002 vs 2014 Changes In The GED Test Subjects

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2002 vs 2014 GED Reasoning Through Language Arts

In the past, the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test included a reading test as well as a writing test. Now, this section is composed of a reading comprehension and a writing component. Before, the Reading and Writing test is composed of 90 items that test-takers had to accomplish in 3 hours. At present, the number of items in the Reasoning Through Language Arts test varies and has to be done within 3 hours, but the test takers are allowed to have a 10-minute break throughout its duration.

The old GED Reading test used to feature passages with about 200 to 400 words while the new test has passages with 450 to 900 words. The text in the Reading test of the earlier GED test was mostly 75% literary, composed of prose, poetry, and drama while at present, 75% of the texts feature informational and non-fictional content and are in the context of the workplace. Poetry is not included in 2014 GED Reading test anymore, unlike in the 2002 version.

The earlier series of the GED Writing test required test-takers to compose an essay about a subject, which was familiar to them and it was written on paper. On the other hand, the present series of the test requires learners to extract evidence from an informational or literary text in order to support their reflection and analysis. Because it is taken on a computer, test-takers should also have basic computer keyboard skills while arranging their essays.

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2002 vs 2014 GED Social Studies Test

The GED Social Studies test in 2002 was made-up of 50 items of multiple choice questions with a time limit of 70 minutes but in 2014, the number of questions varies and its time limit is set to 90 minutes. In the fourth series, only multiple choice questions were featured while the present series, an extended response item is included with passages each containing about 550 to 650 words.

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There were also changes to the topics included in the GED Social Studies Test:

2002 GED Social Studies Test Topics:

U.S. History content- 25%

World History content- 15%

Geography content- 15%

Civics and Government content- 25%

Economics content- 25%

2014 GED Social Studies Test Topics:

Civics and Government content – 50%

U.S. History content- 20%

Economics content – 15%

Geography and the World content – 15%

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2002 vs 2014 GED Science Test

There were differences between the 2002 and 2014 GED Science Test content areas:

In 2002, the content areas were:

Physical Science (including physics and chemistry) content- 35%

Life Science content – 45%

Earth and Space Science content – 20%

The test was designed with 50 multiple choice items and test-takers were given 80 minutes to accomplish it.

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From 2014, the GED Science test content areas are:

Life Science content – 40%

Physical Science content- 40%

Earth and Space Science content- 20%

The number of question items in the test varies and this test has to be completed in 75 minutes.

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2002 vs 2014 GED Math Test

There were 50 items of multiple choice questions in the 2002 GED Math test, which had to be accomplished in 90 minutes. In one of the couples of sections in the test, test-takers were allowed to use the Casio fx-260 Solar Scientific calculator and they were given a sheet that contained a list of commonly-used formulas.

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In the 2014 GED Math test, the number of test questions varies and the set time limit is 75 minutes. On-screen, candidates can access a Texas Instruments TI-30XS Scientific calculator along with a calculator reference tool and they can click to be able to view a formula sheet.

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Check our Math Blueprint Video Course covering every possible topic for GED Math. It includes +100 videos, +2000 practice questions and loads of information.

Why The GED Test Revised in 2014

The workforce and education landscapes have changed for over a decade since 2002, that’s why the GED test was revised in 2014. Many candidates claimed that the GED test has become more difficult and the standards for passing are now more stringent. Times may have changed especially as statistics has predicted that by 2024, 75% of jobs are bound to require more qualifications than a high school credential.

Whatever the case may be, it is recommended for candidates to use a complete GED test prep program with updated GED practice tests and online classes in order to pass it with flying colors and be a step closer to their academic and career goals.

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GED Test

What Does Your GED Test Score Mean?

Many test-takers got concerned about the recent changes in the GED test. Some say that the test has become more difficult and passing it is trickier. But there is no basis for this. On the contrary, the GED passing rate is higher now in 2017 (79%) compared to the passing rate in 2002 (70%).

The updated GED test is deemed to be a more accurate representation of the academic skills of test- takers and its scoring system is considered to be more lenient. You now have better chances of passing the GED test, and its revision in 2014 is good news.

Revisions in the GED test were implemented in 2014. Other than its content, the creators of this test also modified its scoring system. The latest adjustments in the GED are meant to ensure that the value of the GED diploma is indeed on par with that of a high school diploma.

The GED body wants to guarantee that students earning their GED certificates are truly academically fit to have the knowledge and skills of a high school graduate. GED officials have carried out extensive research and analysis where they recommended lowering the passing score from 150 points to 145 points. This new standard in the scoring system aims to accurately signify the range of aptitude and abilities of test-takers.

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Better Chances Of Passing The GED Test

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Most states have approved and implemented changes in the GED while a few are still holding up on this undertaking. This is no cause for worry, though, because the GED Testing Service will accord the test takers’ transcripts and scores to the most recent pass and fail standards until the remaining states completely take on the adoption process.

What exactly are the 2014 changes to the GED scoring? In each of the subjects, the passing score was lowered from 150 points to 145 points. So if you have garnered a score ranging from 145 to 149 in the past GED test, congratulations! The changes in the new GED scoring system now consider you as a certified GED passer. Check your online GED account and you will find that your status has been updated automatically.

It is even better if you are planning to take the GED test. With the updated scoring system, your chances bode well when it comes to becoming a GED diploma holder. You’ll want to achieve the best score, that’s why you have to take time for a GED test prep that works. Reviewing for the GED test online is a good place to start where you can take GED practice tests, join GED online classes and communicate with fellow test-takers.

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How To Interpret Your GED Score Based On The 2014 Revisions

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What are the particulars of the new GED scoring system? There are 3 categories:

  • GED Passing Score – A passing score of 145 for each test subject.
  • GED College Ready – Passing the test by scoring between 165 to 174 on any test subject.
  • GED College Ready + Credit – Passing the test by scoring over 175 on any test subject.

These different levels indicate varying ranges of aptitude and college-readiness.

  • 145 points to 164 points: GED Passing Score

If you achieved a score within this range, it means you have passed the GED. This means your academic abilities are on par with high school graduates.

  • 165 points to 174 points: GED College Ready
    Other than successfully passing the GED, this score also signifies that you are capable of taking college-level programs. GED officials recognize your score as being qualified to study in college without taking college placement tests and remedial classes.
  • 175 points to 200 points: GED College Ready + Credit
    If you have achieved a score within this range, it means that you are eligible to earn credits in college and possesses the skills to keep up with college-level courses. You are qualified to earn a maximum of 10 college credits in accordance with the requirements of the program or college you want to gain admission to.

Adult test-takers predominantly benefit from the 2014 alterations of the GED test. To uphold its quality and credibility, the GED test remains to be challenging. But you don’t need to worry because numerous and valuable resources are available online and offline to assist you in passing the GED test successfully.

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The Four Spheres of Planet Earth

The Four Spheres of Planet Earth

One of the topics under the GED Science Test is Earth Science. It covers the four spheres of planet earth.

The Earth, the planet we call home, how much do you know about it? Sure, you know that it looks like an imperfect circle, a little flat at the top and a little bulged on the sides. You know about the sea and the sky and about the land that you stand on. But there is more to our home planet than those things.  For example, have you ever wondered what is in the center of the earth or what it’s called? And most importantly, will you be able to answer if this topic appears in the GED test? All these questions will be answered once you understand the earth and its four spheres – lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.

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Lithosphere

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All the four spheres of the Earth, the lithosphere is one of the most mysterious. What’s ironic is that it is also the sphere where we live. The lithosphere is composed of the crust, the mantle, and the core. The crust is composed of soil and rocks and those buildings we built on it. The crust is more or less 40 kilometers in thickness.

Below the crust is the mantle which is a giant river of molten rock and silica flowing under the crust and over the core. With a thickness of about 2,660 km, the mantle’s movement inside the earth is so strong that it could move big continents at its will. The continents of the planet float helplessly on the mantle and when these big pieces of the crust collide, you will experience an earthquake. The mantle is also the main actor in the creation of volcanos.

Below the crust is the outer and inner core. Rotating in the absolute center of the earth in opposite directions, the inner and outer core power up the processes that make our planet dynamic and supportive of life. Without the core, we would have less gravity. Without the core, the processes that created the conditions that started life would not exist and we would not be here.  The core also creates the magnetic field that protects the planet from harmful radiation from the sun and other sources. The most amazing thing about the core is that scientists say it spins 5,000 times faster than the spin of the earth. Imagine how fast that is.

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Hydrosphere

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The hydrosphere is composed of water in all its state – liquid, solid and gas. That means the seas, oceans, rivers, and lakes, as well as water underground all, belong to the hydrosphere since they are water in liquid form. Glaciers, icebergs and the snow piling up on the road during winter is part of the hydrosphere as a solid form of water.  Finally, the water vapor, steam and clouds being the gas form of water are also part of the hydrosphere. The thickness of the hydrosphere extends several kilometers into the lithosphere and 12 or more kilometers into the atmosphere.

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Biosphere

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The biosphere consists of all living things on the planet. From the lowly bacteria under the earth’s crust to the fierce lion stalking in the savannah to the human beings living on the international space station in space, as long as something is living, it is part of the biosphere. Within the biosphere, living organisms live and build their own ecological communities based on the ecosystem they are on. These communities are called biomes. The biosphere extends to wherever a living thing is found.

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Atmosphere

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The most popular among the four spheres of the earth is the atmosphere. Extending from 1 meter below the ground to ten kilometers above ground, the atmosphere has a very big influence in human life. First, it is important to acknowledge that the atmosphere refers to air including the oxygen we breathe and the various gases that make up air. The more carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere, the less oxygen we breathe. But that’s not the only way the atmosphere affects us. Weather and climate are conditions affected by the atmosphere. The wind you enjoy or the tornado that you fear, are all created in the atmosphere.

The atmosphere is also at the receiving end of human abuses. Every time you burn something, the smoke (carbon dioxide) goes up into the atmosphere and makes it dirty. Every time you drive your car, it releases various gasses that go into the atmosphere. As the atmosphere is filled with pollution, humans experience acid rain, smog, and extreme weather conditions. In the end, whatever we do to the atmosphere will come back to bite us in the hand.

The lithosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere make up the planet we call home. We affect these spheres, in the same way, affect us. Now that you know the four spheres of the earth, you will be able to answer when it appears on your GED test. Learn more about it by signing up for our online GED classes and taking GED science practice tests.

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What to Study for Civil Liberty in the GED Social Studies Test

What To Study For Civil Liberty In The GED Social Studies Test

A major topic of the GED social studies test is US History. One of the topics under it is civil liberty. One of the most important aspects of a democracy like the US is the protection of civil liberties of all people. In the US, civil liberty is a big issue fought in various levels of society, from the streets to the hallowed ground of the White House.

If you are going to take the GED exams, you have to know about the struggle for civil liberty, because it is a big issue that spans a hundred and more years of US history. Civil rights include a lot of topics including gender equality and racial equality.  However, the struggles of African Americans for equal rights is the biggest civil rights issue you that you need to understand.

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Key Events In Civil Rights History

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The civil rights history in the US has been going on for more than a hundred years from the emancipation of black slaves, but certain events drive it in certain directions. If you want to pass your GED test, you might want to familiarize yourself with these key events in the quest for racial equality in the US.

From the day of emancipation to the day segregation has been banned to the approval of blacks voting rights, there are many events, protests and political turmoil that helped fuel the search for equality.  Here are some useful links that you can read:

http://faculty.polytechnic.org/gfeldmeth/chart.civrights.html

https://www.infoplease.com/spot/civil-rights-timeline

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Key People In The Civil Rights History

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The civil rights movement in the US  has gone through several key events that lead the country to more equality, but these key events would not have happened had it not been for some major key players or personalities that drove it forward. Of course, you know some of the big names like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X,  but these people could not have done it all alone without the support of different people from all walks of life, from ordinary citizens clamoring for change to the politicians who listened to their clamor.

If you want to know more about these people who shaped the civil liberties movement, then these links will help you a lot:

http://www.civilrightsmovement.co.uk/key-figures-civil-rights-movement.html

https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/federal/civil-rights-movement/

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Study Tips For Understanding Civil Rights

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Most of the time, GED test lets you read an article or excerpts from books and legal documents about civil rights. You don’t need to memorize everything, just understand what you read. You also have to test yourself to see if you have retained the information you have studied. The best way to test yourself is by using GED practice sheets, which also help you familiarize with the test procedure itself. Read various documents and sign up for GED prep classes that explain civil rights topics in detail. One helpful tactic when reading is to write summaries of the passages on your own. This will help ensure that you understood what you’ve read.

Civil Liberty is a part of GED social studies test under history. But learning your country’s history should not be only for the test but also to help you understand what events shaped your country today and help you become a knowledgeable and responsible citizen.

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What to Study for the Earth and Space Science Topic in the GED Test

What To Study For The Earth And Space Science Topic In The GED Test

The Earth and Space topic in the GED Science test constitutes 20 percent of your GED Science score. While it may not be as big a percentage as the other sections, namely, Life and Physical sciences, it is also the easiest among the three. Acing the space and science section would help you a lot in your score especially if you don’t do very well in the other topics included in the science tests. When it comes to the GED test, you would need every single score you could get to ensure you pass. You may be asking what specific topics you need to study for Earth and Space Science.

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Here are the specific topics to review:

Interactions Between Earth’s Systems and Living Things

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Every single day you wake up, you check the weather. Is it sunny, rainy, cloudy or windy today? You hear in the news about earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that destroy forests and leave wild animals and even some humans homeless. You know about droughts that cause famine in different parts of the world. Every day, you are reminded that living things on this planet are constantly at the mercy of the systems that govern the planet. The water cycle brings the rain. The circulation of the magma below the earth’s crust causes earthquakes. The interaction of the cold and hot wind in the ocean causes typhoons.

Study about the planet, from the core, which is in the center of the earth to the stratosphere up above. Learn about the tides, erosion and all the cycles you can find such as the water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle. Also, brush up on knowledge about fossil fuels, natural hazards and their effects on living things. Familiarize yourself with renewable and nonrenewable resources too because there is a big chance they’d be on the test.

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Have you ever wondered what lay beneath the surface of the earth? We human beings stand on the surface of the planet, called the crust. Beneath the crust is a river of molten rocks and metals circulating around a solid core. This is the structure of the earth, and this is one of the topics in the test. For this portion of the test, you must study about plate tectonics, the structure of the earth geological cycles and processes, and how each of these interact with each other and its effect on the living things on this planet.

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Structures and Organization of the Cosmos

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Yes, this is all about space, the planets within and beyond our solar system and the various theories about the universe. Naturally, you have to be able to name the planets in our solar system. Understand black holes, dark matter, The Big Bang theory (not the TV show), and expansion of the universe. You may also have to understand some terms like light years, galaxy clusters and a whole lot of interesting topics.

Earth and Space Science is an interesting topic, and you might find yourself enjoying while studying it. Don’t worry though if you can’t memorize many of the things you learned because most of the test gives you a paragraph or two to read and you will base your answers on that paragraph. Nevertheless, it would help you a lot of you are familiar with the topics presented here.

Sign up for GED science online lessons to understand science concepts quickly. Then test yourself by answering GED practice tests.

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What You Need to Study for Life Science in the GED Science Test

What You Need To Study For Life Science In The GED Science Test

Most people panic when they think about the GED science test. Science, after all, is a subject that deals with almost everything on this planet and beyond, from plants and animals to thermodynamics. Luckily, the GED test only includes three areas of science: physical science, life science, and earth and space science.

You don’t have to read all the science books in the library to study for the GED science test, you just need to focus on these three areas. Here is a quick guide for you before you start studying life sciences:

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What is Life Science?

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Life Science is a broad area of scientific knowledge that studies all forms of life, from the lowly bacteria to highly advanced organisms such as human beings.  The aim of Life Science is not only to gain knowledge but also to use that knowledge to improve human life and condition.  

Life Science is composed of many scientific disciplines with biology at its core. While life sciences itself is a broad body of knowledge, GED test only includes six topics: Human Body and Health, Relationship Between Life Functions and Energy Intake, Energy Flows in Ecologic Networks, Organization of Life, Molecular Basis of Heredity, and Evolution.

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Human Body and Health

This is self-explanatory but deserves to be explained nonetheless. This topic will challenge your knowledge about your own body, its parts and how the different parts of the body function to keep you alive.

You have to familiarize yourself with the various vital organs like the heart, lungs, kidney and liver and what roles they play in the body.  This part of the test will also include items that relate to human health, nutrients from food, medicines and current advances in medical science.

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Relationship Between Life Functions and Energy Intake

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Every living thing on this planet needs energy to continue living. In animals, including human beings, energy comes from the food they eat, which may be another animal or plants.

For example, lions eat smaller animals as food and a source of energy. Humans can eat both types of meat from other animals and plants, too.  

Plants, on the other hand, produce their own food through photosynthesis and produce a certain sugar to sustain their growth. In studying for this section of the Life Science test, familiarize yourself with the following terms:

  • Cellular Respiration
  • Photosynthesis
  • Fermentation
  • Respiration

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Energy Flows in Ecological Networks

Don’t be scared by the highly technical title, instead, think of it as the food pyramid. All living things on this planet depend on each other for survival.

Plants feed the herbivores (animals that eat only plants) and herbivores get eaten by carnivores (animals that only eat meat), then when an animal dies without being eaten by another animal, it decomposes and enriches the soil with nutrients that are then used by another plant.

In the food chain, energy is also transferred when one species eats or consumes another. The energy from the plant gets transferred to the animal that eats it and ultimately the energy goes back to the soil and into the plant.

According to Jake Willhoite from Animal Dome, “in ecological networks, the transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next is remarkably inefficient, with only about 10% of the energy being passed on to the next level. This means that if a plant captures 100 units of energy from the sun, only about 10 units are transferred to the herbivore that eats the plant, and just 1 unit is transferred to the carnivore that eats the herbivore.”

This inefficiency is a key factor in shaping the structure of food webs and determining the abundance of different species within an ecosystem.

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Organization of Life

The organization of life explains how living things are structured from the smallest particles up. The smallest part of every living thing is the atom, which combines together to become cells.

These cells combine to become tissues like muscle tissue and fat tissue. Then the tissues combine further to create organs and the body structure. Then the body structure and organs combine to create a living animal.

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Molecular Basis for Heredity

Molecular basis for heredity is simply about DNA, genes and chromosomes and how these factors affect heredity. Heredity is important because it fuels the slow but constant change in living things.

Make yourself familiar with such terms such as genes, DNA, RNA, and chromosomes because these may come out in the exam.

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Evolution

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Evolution is the leading theory that tries to explain how humans and the animals and plants we know today came into existence. As one study defines it, it is “the change in heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations.”

Surely, you have heard about evolution and how all living things started as single-celled organisms and slowly developed through millions of years.

Remember the name Charles Darwin because he was the first to come up with the theory.

You may have to memorize some of the ancestors of humans such as the homo habilis, homo erectus and many others. Studying evolution is fun and exciting.

When it comes to life sciences, memorizing facts is not enough, you have to understand the concepts and the theories. When studying this subject, adopt an attitude of curiosity because this subject explains a lot about you as a living organism and how you affect other living things on this planet and how they affect you, too.

Take notes while reviewing or listening to online GED classes. Test your knowledge by taking GED science practice tests.

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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Natural Resources

Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Natural Resources

Part of the GED Science test is Earth Science. To learn more about this topic, one of the concepts you need to learn is renewable and non-renewable natural resources.

There are things that people use every day that they thought would be there forever. That is why some people abuse and waste these resources on useless things. An example for this is fossil fuel where gasoline and diesel are derived.  According to some estimates, by 2025 all of the current fossil fuel reserves are going to be drained. That is bad news if you own a car since, without fossil fuels, there won’t be gasoline or diesel to run it.

Fossil fuel is called a non-renewable resource. As the name implies, non-renewable resources are finite, meaning we could run out of them in the future. On the other hand, resources like water are renewable because it is constantly being recycled.

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Non-Renewable Resource

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The earth provides its inhabitants with lots of gifts that we can use to advance our civilization and keep us alive.  Fossil fuels are only one of those gifts – it gives humans a source of energy in the form of gasoline and diesel. But it does not last forever because it takes earth millions of years to create fossil fuels from bones of dinosaurs and other ancient animals, but we already used up almost all of it in just 200 years.

Other resources that earth made for thousands, even millions, of years are the different metals we use for development like iron, copper, zinc, nickel, and others. Because we used them faster than they can be made, they are sure to be all used up at one point. That is why they are called non-renewable.

What you have to remember to determine if something is non-renewable is that these things take thousands and millions of years to make. If earth can run out of something, then that something is a non-renewable resource.

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Renewable Resource

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Renewable resources are resources that are constantly being reproduced naturally. A tree, for example, can be cut to make homes, but another tree grows to replace the one that has been cut. A cow can be killed for food, but new cows can be raised to replace that one that’s been turned into jerky or steak. Anything that can grow from the earth is natural resources.  Plants, animals, fishes are all renewable natural resources.

Another group of natural resources is those that are renewed naturally by earth processes such as water and oxygen. Water is an important renewable resource. When you use water, it flows to seas or treatment plants and evaporates under the sun. Then it turns into clouds, which will soon fall as rain, and you can use it again. Oxygen is another very important renewable resource that you can’t live without – literally! We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, then the carbon dioxide we exhaled is used by the plants and released again as oxygen that we breathe. Oxygen is renewable as long as trees are around.

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Protecting Non-Renewable Resources

Because we can run out of them, we have to do everything we can to keep non-renewable resources from disappearing. That is where conservation and recycling come into the picture.

Conservation means minimizing the use of a resource so they don’t disappear fast. Conserving fossil fuel means using your car less so that you don’t use gasoline. Keeping electricity usage low also helps conserve fossil fuel, since producing electricity uses fossil fuels.

Recycling is another way to conserve non-renewable resources. Metals that are used in electronics, for example, can be recycled. For example, if your TV stops working, the copper and zinc and other materials on it can be used to make other appliances so that the copper and zinc still under the earth are preserved for future generations.

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Protecting Renewable Resources

Wait, do renewable resources need protecting? Yes, they do. That is because many of the natural resources can also run out if human beings abuse them. Think of the animals that were made extinct because of hunting and you get the point.

Oxygen, for example, is renewable only as long as trees are around and as long as the trees remaining on the planet can cope up with the massive amount of carbon dioxide we produce as a species.

Protecting our oxygen supply means protecting forests and jungles from being denuded because of over logging.  That is why it is important to appreciate conservation of forests. Remember this, trees are renewable but forests and jungles are not.

Fish, a very important food resource are renewable, but the seas and oceans are being destroyed by oil spills and chemical run-offs from factories.  Rivers become poisonous and so do lakes. If the places that fishes live are getting smaller, that means only a few of them can live.  But then again humans consume so much fish as food, so soon we may run out of fish because of overfishing. Protecting fish, therefore, means protecting the seas, oceans lakes and rivers and not overfishing.

Not only does the understanding of renewable and non-renewable resources help you pass your GED test, it also helps make you more responsible for using these resources. To increase your knowledge, take GED Science practice tests and sign up for GED classes.

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Why GED Practice Test

Why GED Practice Tests – 3 Reasons You Should Take GED Practice Test Now

The two most frequently asked questions by GED test takers are these: How do I pass the GED test? and What’s the best way to study for the GEST test?

Our answer to both questions have been pretty much the same and consistent: Take GED practice tests.

GED practice tests are the closest you can get to the real thing. They contain questions that are structured similarly to the ones you’d find in a real GED test. What’s great about practice tests is you’d get to know the correct answer after taking the test. This means you’re reviewing for the test and practicing and assessing your skills and knowledge at the same time.  Some tests also include scores, which help predict your likelihood of passing or failing the exam.

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Why Take GED Practice Tests

Here are 3 reasons to include GED practice tests in your study plan:

  1. Boost confidence.

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Test anxiety is real. When you’re struggling with test anxiety, you experience feelings of anger or fear, you find it difficult to concentrate, and you might also show physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Noticed how you’d sweat more when you’re scared of something? That symptom is also present when you have test anxiety.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says the causes of test anxiety are fear of failure, lack of preparation, and poor test history. Not knowing what questions will appear on the test and the pressure of passing it can create feelings of anxiety and fear of failure. Cramming for the test and studying randomly might leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you already failed the test before, it can lead to thinking you’d fail again.

The best way to combat these test anxiety causes is to take GED practice tests. They boost your confidence and eases fears of failure as you become familiar with the test content and structure of questions. You won’t be left in the dark wondering what you’ll face during the test, which gets rid of your fear of the unknown.

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  1. Protects memory against stress.

When you’re stressed, you’ll find it more difficult to retain information when studying. Try reading a book when you’re tired and you’ll notice how understanding and memorizing information feel tougher than when you’re well-rested. Stress, especially if you’re working, can be hard to manage. But there’s a form of studying that protects memory against stress, and that’s taking practice tests.

According to a Tufts University research, ” learning by taking practice tests, which is a strategy known as retrieval practice, can protect memory against the negative effects of stress.”

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  1. It’s the best way to learn, according to psychologists.

A study published in the Psychological Science in the Public Interest says that the best way to study of for a test is by taking practice tests and sticking to a schedule that spreads out your study time.

The researchers involved in the study tested different learning strategies used by students to study for an exam. This included interrogation, self-explanation, summarization, highlighting, using keywords, using mental images, re-reading, practice testing, distributed practice, and interleaved practice. Out of all the 10 different learning methods, taking practice tests over a distributed schedule presented the most positive outcome.

Unfortunately, what the research found the least effective methods were strategies that are so often used by students and GED test-takers, including re-reading and highlighting. This also might explain why some students still fail despite studying for the test.

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GED Practice Test: An Effective Learning Method

why GED practice tests

The reason why you need to take GED practice tests is pretty simple: it just might be what you need to pass the test. It gets rid of your fears of failing the test, it protects your memory against stress, plus it has been proven to be an effective way to learn. Use it alongside other studying methods that you find helpful, such as watching video lessons or reading lectures.

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