GED and Reading Skills

Taking the GED requires adequate reading skills. You need the reading skills to comprehend and analyze what you read to help you find the answer.

This is not always easy! If you find that you lack the necessary reading skills, you will want to do something about it.

First, start reading and stop watching tv! Try this. For every 10 minutes of tv you watch, read at least 5 minutes. If you are like many people, you watch about 3-4 hours a day. Pick up a book instead of a remote!

Second, find a good tutor. Check out the Literacy Council in your area. Many times they will work with you one on one.

Third, take a reading class. Check out your technical college. They may have reading refresher courses or a learning center where a qualified teacher can help.

Every GED test will have reading.... so you want to brush up your skills!

Good luck!

GED Checklist for Success

There are many factors you must consider if you are preparing for the GED test, or if you are helping someone prepare.

Over the next several weeks, I will focus on what I believe to be the 10 top concerns/questions regarding the GED. I will focus on the following questions (questions that have been asked of me many times over my GED teaching career).

1. I want to get my GED. What is the first step?
2. How can I best prepare?
3. Where can I find out more information?
4. What does it cost?
5. How old must I be, before I can start?
6. What are the different subjects that I will be tested in? What is in each portion of the GED test?
7. Do I need to know advanced math to pass the math portion?
8. My state has an HSED and a GED. Which is better?
9. I failed the GED test. Now what?
10. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in high school. Can I get accommodations?

So follow along, and if you would like to add anything along the way...... I encourage your comments!

GED Summer Help

Just because it is June, does not mean that you should slack off studying for your GED. In fact, it may be the best time. Why?



Teachers are off work. Many will be looking for other things to do and tutoring/mentoring a GED candidate for their GED tests may be just what they are looking to do. Plus it will look great on their resume. Call a teacher you know..... today!



Learning Centers typically have fewer students during the summer months. Therefore, you will get more one-on-one attention. Check the schedule of your local GED Learning Center and get signed up today!



Even though it is summer, your local GED Testing Center should be continuing to offer the GED testing. Call today and schedule an appointment.



Good luck!!

GED Math Anxiety

Have a student who just cannot pass that GED math test? Have they taken the test more than once and failed? Now they are scared to even try.... but they have to pass so that they can get the job to support their family.

If you have a student who struggles with GED Math, or you are a student struggling with GED math, you are not alone!

Again, I am working with a young adult who has failed the GED math test twice. Although she is determined to continue studying and attempt it again... she is a bit scared. She knows that if she takes it again this year, and fails again, she will have to wait until next year, 2009.

When she returns to the tutoring center, our first step will be to re-evaluate where she is mathematically.

Then we will go from there. In the meantime, I will be encouraging her and letting her know that she is not alone.

There are many GED candidates who struggle with the GED math and have taken the test more than once.

GED Graduation

If you are a GED student you are probaly anxious to finish before the end of May. That is.... you want to finish and perhaps attend a GED graduation ceremony.

As a GED instructor, I know that this is a busy time of year. GED testing slots are filling fast and students are quickly trying to complete all their five GED tests.

Be patient with yourself. If you think you are ready..... take the test.... but if not, take some extra time and continue to study.

Also, if you want to finish in time to attend a GED graduation, you may want to check with your instructor as to any time quidelines.

Good luck!

GED and the older GED Candidate

Have an older student who is struggling to get their GED? It is my experience that many times they may take longer to "learn" some of the material. Of course this depends on what their job/s have been since high school. If their job requires alot of reading, writing or math..... great! If not they will need to prep.

As jobs get tougher and tougher to find, more employers are requiring a high school diploma or GED. Also, older students who in the past did not need a diploma to get a job, are now finding that they cannot get hired without one.

Be patient with them..... guide them...... also check to see if they might qualify for accommodations.

GED Math Dictionary

Did you know.....

is, is equal to, equals, the same MEANS =
of, the product, times, multiple, multiplied by MEANS x or ∙
add, more than, plus, sum, increased by, added to, more MEANS +
subtract, less than, minus, difference, decreased by, less MEANS -
divide, divided by, the quotient MEANS ÷
double, twice, twice as much MEANS 2x or 2 ∙
half, half of, half as much MEANS ½ x or ½ ∙


A great math dictionary to use for preparing for the GED test is Usborne Illustrated Math Dictionary. It is a great bargain and less than $15.

GED: General Education Diploma

GED stands for General Education Diploma. The GED is a battery of five tests which test your knowledge in reading, math, writing, science, and social studies. Depending on where you are located, you may need to take the entrie battery of GED tests in one or two sittings. Other places may allow you to take one test at a time.

It is important that you contact your local official GED Testing Center to fnd out the specific GED requirements for your location.