How to Prepare for a GED Test
This article will give out tips on how to prepare for a GED test.
The Origin and Development of GED
The need to provide education opportunities for young military members who returned from World War II, and other American veterans who have not completed high school courses to obtain a high school diploma (High School Diploma) after retirement.) gave rise to the origination of the GED exam. Being an equivalent academic certificate, the GED test quickly extended to areas other than those in the military service and became a way for people who did not obtain a high school diploma due to various reasons to obtain a high school diploma and could attend college as well as find better jobs.
GED is an acronym for General Educational Development, which is an international high school diploma (equivalent to a local high school diploma). Seating for the GED exam and being awarded a GED certificate after passing it is the same as acquiring an international high school diploma based on American education.
The GED test is composed of four exams designed by the American Board of Education to evaluates students’ academic prowess and knowledge as well as skills in basic subject areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences.
Background
With a whole lot of GED test centers in the United States and Canada, mostly, located in adult education centers, community colleges, and public high schools, the teaching materials and testing company that oversees the GED Testing Service organizes these exams on a computerized basis, which can only be taken at the official testing centers.
The GED is the process of obtaining the equivalent of your high school diploma. When you seat and take a GED test, you earn a Certification.
GED Test
The four GED tests are mapped out to rate high school skills and knowledge in students. The GED test was updated in 2014. The number of exams and the time allowed for taking each subject were outlined in the update and are as follows:
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)- for this course, 155 minutes is the allotted time, (including a 10-minute break) that focuses on the ability to carefully read and identify the details presented, draw logical conclusions from them, answer questions about the passage that was read; write distinctively with the keyboard (displaying the use of technology) and provide accurate analysis of the text using corroborating instances from the text; exhibit and demonstrating a keen knowledge of the use of standard written English, including grammar, capital letters, and punctuation.
Social Studies is allotted 75 minutes, which includes multiple choice, drag, and drop, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank questions bothering on US history, economics, geography, civil law, and government.
90 minutes is given in science, and you get to answer questions related to life science, physics, earth, and space and in Mathematical thinking, 120 minutes given consists of algebraic and quantitative problem-solving questions. Here you get to use an online calculator or scientific calculator.
Preparation and Delivery
There are many materials to help you prepare for the GED test. Training centers across the country offer classes and on the spot testing. You can also find some internet companies that offer preparatory services and many books that will equip you better for the GED exam.
To easily locate the nearest center to you, register with the GED Testing Services and within a short period of 15 minutes and after providing your email address, the service will locate the nearest testing center and provide you with the next test date.
Mostly in the US, the age requirement is a minimum of18 years old to take the test, but varying states have exceptions that allow you to take the exam at the age of 16 or 17 if certain conditions are met. While there are many options for inexpensive or free GED classes, many adults choose not to go to class to prepare for the exam! Reasons ranging from work or family responsibilities make it difficult to go outside at night when these activities are usually held.
Study for your GED at home
There is a truckload of printable and interactive study guides that prepares you for the GED exam right in the comfort of your home. Also, it would be of immense benefit if you take some practice tests ahead of time. They will help you sharpen your skills and get used to the test format. Lastly, the GED exam must be taken in person at a designated testing centres and registration must be done in advance.
Tips to Note
Start with your state requirement
Each state in the United States has specific requirements for obtaining a high school diploma (GED) or high school equivalency (HSED). Make sure you know precisely what is required of you before you start your studies, so you don’t waste time or money on materials you don’t need.
Select a tutorial
Most local bookstores or library will have a shelf of GED tutorials from various companies. Each book takes a slightly different approach to learning. Go through each one, read a few paragraphs or chapters, and choose the one that you find most helpful. This book will basically become your teacher. The price of these books could be a bit on the high side but be rest assured that you can find a deal at a used book or online store.
Consider an online class
Online GED classes allow you to study in the privacy of your own home. Some are very good, and others are not, so choose wisely. A good place to look for online GED options is your state’s Department of Education website.
Create a study space
Create a study space that helps you make the most of the time you have. Chances are your life is busy. Make the best of your time by creating a space that helps you focus and be at your best functionality.
Know the passing criteria
Before you start your studies, make sure you know what it is about to study the right topics. The exam has several parts, including sections on language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics, so it is imperative to do your best to prepare for the exam before you eventually take it. If you have already attended classes in some areas and are confident in your abilities, take a practice test to determine your strength and weaknesses and how to improve on them.
Take practice tests
As you study, write down questions about the facts that you think are most important. Keep a current list and review it when you reach the end of the study session. When you feel ready to put your skills to the test, take an online or written practice test. Practice tests will not only help you assess your knowledge and skills but will also help you get used to the exam. That way, when the day of testing comes, you won’t be too agitated.
Register when you feel ready
As mentioned earlier, you cannot take GED tests online, you must go to a certified testing center and make an appointment ahead of time. The best way to find a centre near you is to visit your state’s adult education website. When you feel ready, make an appointment for the exam.
Take your test and win it
Try to stay as calm as possible on the D-day. If you are the type that gets exam jitters before a test, practice stress reduction techniques before and during the exam. Since a full GED test takes several hours, don’t forget a healthy breakfast, and bring snacks during your breaks.
Once you have received your GED, you can continue your education. Distance learning opportunities include everything from specialized certification courses to full degree programs.
If you like this article, see others like it: