GED Tips: A Teacher’s Experience

GED Tips: A Teacher’s Experience

I have been teaching basic skills and GED preparation for over 10 years. Over time there are many tips that I have passed to my students. Here are my top 25 GED tips. Note that they are not in any particular order.

Please feel free to comment on them and add any that you have found helpful.

1. If you can, take one official GED test at a time. You will be less tired and will received a better score than if you try to take as many tests as possible in one session. If you decide to double up on GED tests, only double up on the Language Arts, Reading and one other.

2. It is important to determine which GED areas you are weak in. Many study books will have pre assessment tests to help you determine what area/s of the book you should start with. This is especially important when you are studying math. Consider each piece of math as a building block. You need a solid foundation of basic math (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents) before you can successfully handle algebra, measurement and geometry.

3. When considering GED study materials, there will be many choices. My suggestion would be either Pre-GED or GED materials depending on your reading ability. Pre-GED is appropriate for individuals who are below a 9th grade reading level. GED materials are appropriate for individuals above a 9th grade reading level.

4. The only exception in study materials may be math where it is important to have a solid foundation of math skills. Most of the foundational skills require repetitive practice, and they include the following: Basic adding, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. There are many great basic math books available. However, whatever book/s you decide to prepare math with, it is important to still work through a GED math book. Top favorites of mine are Top 50 Math Skills for GED Success, Number Power Review, or GED Mathmatics.

5. It is important to prepare using the appropriate learning materials. This means materials that are appropriate with your current skills. If you have a reading level of at least 10th grade, you should not have any problems with the Language Arts, Reading, Science, or Social Studies tests. If your reading level is lower than 10th grade, consider purchasing Pre-GED study materials. A great pre-GED math book is Contemporary's Pre-GED Math.

6. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the test.

7. When taking the GED practice and official tests, answer those questions that you know right away first and go back to the others later. Do not spend an over amount of time on questions and passages that you do not understand. Rather, skim through and answer those you are sure about, then go back and finish those in question.

8. If you find yourself out of time, but still have unanswered questions, do NOT leave the answers blank. Quickly fill in an answer; any answer- At least you will have a chance of picking the right one.

9. When working with passages and questions, skim through the questions first. This will give you an idea of what you are reading for.

10. Have a study plan and stick to it.

11. Reward yourself! When completing a GED test, treat yourself to a good movie or a great night out! You deserve it.

12. If you are easily distracted by noise, check with the official GED Testing Center in your state to see if you can use earplugs.

13. Use ALL resources available to you. Call your local GED testing center. If you have a local GED Learning Center, use it! They will be able to answer questions that are specific to your locale. In addition, you may receive one on one instruction or tutoring.

14. Make it your responsibility to keep track of your GED scores. Know what you have taken and what you received as a score. Request a certified copy of your test scores.

15. If you move, your score will follow. Most GED Centers will require a certified copy of your current scores. In addition, they will want to know what materials you have been working in and any other assessments you may have taken.

16. Many states will require a formal GED Orientation Session prior to testing. In addition, some may require classes or have other requirements. It is important that you contact them to see what requirements are specific to your area.

17. Take ownership of your GED education. It is YOUR responsibility to learn all you can about your states GED requirements. It is your responsibility to study and prepare for the GED tests. It is your responsibly to seek help when needed, and it is your responsibility to make getting a GED a priority in your life. You can do it!

18. Getting your GED is a starting point in your life. It is a stepping-stone to greater things. Start thinking about what you will do once you have accomplished this goal. Will you take additional classes at the local community college? Will you be able to get a job or upgrade your current job situation?


19. Read, read, and read some more. All the GED tests involve reading. Unless you can read and comprehend what you read, you will have difficulty with the tests. Read every day whether it is the local newspaper, a book, or your email. Grab a book and read to your child.

20. Write, write, and write some more. Most people do not have to write daily, and therefore many do not feel confident in writing a 200+ word essay without practice. Keep a journal and write in it each and every day. Get an email account and use it. Write a letter to your friend or to the local newspaper. The more you write, the easier it becomes.

21. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide. To be successful at the GED math test, you need a solid foundation of math skills. They include, but are not limited to, the following: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Get those skills down and studying for the GED test becomes easier. Some great math study packets include Solving Word Problems, Fractions, Algebra, and Measurement and Geometry.

22. GED scores move with you. You can start testing in one state and complete the GED process in another; however, check with your local official testing center to determine the exact requirements for your location.

23. Consider a study buddy. Find someone who you know, like, and trust and study with them. It may be another individual who is working on their GED, or someone who is taking other classes.

24. Know the formulas for the math test. The formulas are found in the front part of many GED math books. They are also included in this guide.

25. Take Practice GED Tests prior to taking an Official GED Test. The practice tests will give you a sense of time (GED tests are timed), and they will give you an idea of what the tests will be like. Currently, only ½ length tests are available. The practice tests will also be a good indicator of the score you may receive. If you score 500+, you should do well on the official test in that area. There are many GED practice tests available, but I recommend Steck Vaughn’s forms PA, PB, PC, PD, PE or PF. If you take at least two of Steck Vaughn’s practice tests and receive a score of 500+ on both, it is time to sign up for the official test. Call your local GED testing Center.

Usborne Math Dictionary: Your GED Math Reference Book

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 ∙

The GED math test is perhaps the hardest GED test to pass!! I have had success with some students who have used Usborne's Math Dictionary as a reference.

Check it out!

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 Math test: I've taken it twice and failed!

"What do I do? I just can't pass that GED math test! I have taken it twice and failed!" I hear this so often.

If you follow my blog, you know then that I have talked about this before. In my experience, the GED math test IS the HARDEST test for many GED candidates to pass.

A friend of mine recently used the following comparison. Many students address their math weakness like a person who wants to loose weight.

As a person who is overweight myself... I would pay almost anything for a "pill" to magically take my excess pounds off. What I need to do is put in the hard work, exercise, and eat less!

Some students who struggle with math also want that quick fix. They do not want to put in the time, start at the beginning, and build on what they know.


If you are a math student who is struggling, or you are a tutor helping someone learn math..... be patient, keep working, and have your eye on the goal!

GED math student update

One last test.... one last score....another GED issued! How exciting! After 10 years of trying and just not quite getting enough points, this student is now complete! Needing to make up 20 points he retook his science test and made up 20 points plus!!

Congraduations to each of you who continue to pursue your dreamwhether it is a GED or a Bachlor's degree.

Pursue your dream no matter how long it takes.

GED "Blues"

Are you as tired as I am with Winter? It is that time of year when we think of flowers, sun, and patio parties. Not here in the upper mid-west. Winter is never ending!

As a GED teacher, I see the GED 'blues" or depression setting in on some of the students I work with. They are not always showing up, and when they do.... they are not necessary ready to WORK.

Just keep encouraging your students! Let them know that winter is just about over and that it is normal to get the winter blues.

Perhaps take a field trip, or have a "I can't wait until Summer" party.

Now is not the time to slow down.... but to keep pressing forward.

Remind them to keep their eye on the prize!

GED Anxiety

It is not unusual for a GED student to have a bit of anxiety. For many students, their past educational experience had not been a positive one. Many remember a time when all they experienced was negativity from teachers and "F's". To put themselves in the forefront, go to school/learning center, and take a test/s..... takes a lot of courage and self determination! Remember to continually praise your students and encourage them throughout the GED testing process. Getting positive reinforcement goes along way.... and everyone needs and craves it.... regardless of age.

GED Age

When can a person take the GED tests? Some can take them at age 17 while others must wait until they are 18.5 years of age. You need to check with your local GED testing center to see what their requirements are.

In most cases, you will need to attend a GED orientation so that you understand the program, complete the proper paperwork, and take an assessment to determine your reading skills.

GED Reading

Read, read, and read some more. Encourage your GED students to read on a daily basis. All the GED tests involve reading. Unless you can read and comprehend what you read, you will have difficulty with the tests. Read every day whether it is the local newspaper, a book, or your email. Grab a book and read to your child.

Teaching GED Math Real Life Application

Adult students, just like any other student, must connect to their math lessons to their daily life situations. This will make math real for them.

When I teach students about perimeter, I try to connect it with a remodeling project, applying base board around a livingroom.

When I teach about area, I connect it to painting walls or laying carpet.

If the student can connect their math lesson to a life situation that they can relate to..... they understand the lesson a whole lot better...... and quicker!

Pascal's Triangle

An interesting number pattern is Pascal's Triangle. It was named after Blaise Pascal, a famous French Mathenatician and Philosopher.

Pascal's Triangle is included in the GED Math Practice tests and may appear in an "official" GED test. Therefore, it is importatant that GED students understand what the pattern is. I know that for myself, each time I see it, I have to THINK about the pattern.

Once you know what the pattern is, it is easy to continue the pattern.

Each number is just the two numbers above it, added together.

Now that I know the pattern..... I won't forget it!

GED Student Retention

Remember the student who received a 410 on math, but not enough overall points? This student needs to make up 80 points? Perhaps you have a student like this. Well...still have not heard from him.

How do you retain students, especially students who not only struggle, but also work full time and have a family?

I struggle with this all the time, but I believe the KEY to this is the relationship you develop with your students. This teacher-student trust must begin the first time you meet.

If I have not seen a student for awhile, I will call and sometimes send a card encouraging them to return. Eventually, most of them do.

GED Adult Learners

Soon I will be going back to work and tutoring/teaching adult students, mostly in math and the GED testing areas. As I reflect on my job and my students.... I am reminded that my job is important. Whether you are a tutor, student, or teacher you have gone through tough times where you think that you are not making a difference. Let me remind you that you are! Not only are you making a difference in the world around you, you are making a difference in yourself! You are important and your actions show others the person you are. Believe in that and believe in yourself.

I hope in 2008 to continue to help others get their GED.

Happy New Year!

GED Math

For a student who simply wants to "pass"the GED, it is tempting to spend little time on the math portion. For some students, those who have a fairly good foundation in math concepts, that is ok. But for those students who don't have a good foundation, this can be disastrous. Those students typically want to "bounce" around from topic to topic.

When tutoring my GED math students, I use an analogy of a mason building a brick house. Each brick represents a math concept. You must first lay a solid foundation of basic whole number understanding. If you skip or skim over a concept, it will weaken your house. Start with a solid foundation and then lay each brick of knowledge thoughtfully and in the right order.

Students don't always know what that order is. They either need a tutor, or a good GED math book.

GED Math Help