The initials GED stand for General Educational Development. The GED was created in 1942 during World War II. Originally, it was meant to allow veterans to quickly get an official document that would be equal to a high school diploma so that they could go on to college. Later, it was available to all adults.
The GED Test measures how well someone has mastered the skills and general knowledge that are learned in a four-year high school education. The test does not expect someone to remember numerous details, definitions, or facts.
You are expected to demonstrate the ability to think about a variety of issues. You are tested on knowledge and skills you have acquired from life experiences, radio, television, books, newspapers, consumer products, and advertising. Being away from school for some time should not be a disadvantage.
GED graduates include: comedian Bill Cosby, actor Christian Slater, Delaware's Governor Ruth Ann Minner, and U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado.
The GED Test has changed periodically to keep up with the knowledge and skills needed in our society. The last change was in January 2002. The changes reflect what a high school graduate in 2002 knows and can do. People who obtain scores high enough to earn a GED outperform at least 40 percent of today's high school seniors.
You must have a minimum of a 9th grade reading level. This means that you have the ability to read and understand newspapers, forms, and letters. You must also have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide by hand. Developing strong reading and thinking skills are the keys to succeeding on these tests.
The teachers at the Pioneer Valley Adult Education Center can help you decide whether you will need to study for all the tests, or whether you should spend time brushing up in just a few areas.
What subjects are included on the GED Test?
LANGUAGE ARTS, WRITING: This is a two part test.
Part I - You will read passages of several sentences or real-life documents like resumes, reports, e-mails. In each you will be asked to correct grammar, sentence construction, spelling or other common writing mistakes. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 75 minutes long.
Part II - You will write an essay of approximately 250 words on a topic familiar to most adults. The topic will be given to you at the start of the test and you will have 45 minutes to write your essay.
The score for the Language Arts, Writing test is a combination of scores from Part I and from Part II.
SOCIAL STUDIES: In this test you will answer Economics, Geography, Civics and Government, and United States and World History questions. You will also interpret maps, charts, political cartoons, speeches, articles, and photographs. Questions will also come from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 70 minutes long.
SCIENCE: In this test you will answer Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science questions. You will be asked questions requiring critical thinking and problem solving skills. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 80 minutes long.
LANGUAGE ARTS, READING: In this test you will read stories, essays, plays, poetry, fiction, and possibly a review of a movie or television show. You may be asked to restate, summarize, or explain what you have read. You could also be asked to apply what you have read to another situation. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions and is 65 minutes long.
MATH: This is a two part test.
Part I - This part allows the use of a Casio FX-260 Solar calculator.Part II - This part does not allow the use of a calulator.
A basic knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is required. Questions relating to Geometry, Algebra, data analysis, number operations, and problem solving will be included in both parts. In addition to multiple-choice answers, this test includes some "grid" type answer formats. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 90 minutes long.
Are there resources available to help me prepare for the GED tests?
Passing the GED Tests may require some preparation on your part. Some people prepare by taking classes and/or studying GED preparation books and other materials. Other people can just brush up on a few of the subject areas where they need practice. The Pioneer Valley Adult Education Center can help you figure out how you can prepare to take the test. We can also help you figure out a study plan that works best for you.
Where can I take the official GED tests?
Any of our local community colleges offer the official GED test. Here are some of the links to their schedules for testing:
Visit the official GED Testing Service website at www.gedtest.org for more information.
Who can attend class?