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