| To receive a GED diploma, you're required to pass | | | | preparation materials. In addition, most local testing |
| five tests covering writing, reading, social studies, | | | | centers also offer preparation programs at either a |
| science, and math. Altogether, the GED includes 240 | | | | minimal charge or often no charge at all. You can also |
| questions, plus an original essay. Completing the entire | | | | check with your local school district office to see if |
| set of tests can take nearly 7 1/2 hours. | | | | there are any adult school programs in your area that |
| A daunting task at first glance. | | | | offer GED preparation help. |
| But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With some | | | | There are also some great Internet resources that |
| pre-test preparation, the experience can go much | | | | can help you get a jump on the GED. For instance, at |
| easier than you ever imagined. | | | | GEDonline ( you can take the official GED Practice |
| First, let's get a better idea of what's included in the | | | | Tests developed by the GED Testing Service, grade |
| GED testing process. | | | | them online, and study using online interactive |
| The GED Language Arts, Writing Test is composed | | | | practice lessons. It's a great interactive community of |
| of two parts, and takes two hours to complete. In | | | | people who are all after the same thing ... success |
| Part I, you'll answer 50 multiple-choice questions. In | | | | taking the GED. |
| Part II, you'll write on a topic provided to you. The | | | | You can also take the complete GED Preparation |
| topic will be something you should have no trouble | | | | Course online through Steck-Vaughn's ([ This is a free |
| writing about, such as your personal goals in life or | | | | service provided by Steck-Vaughn to help familiarize |
| your opinion on a current event. | | | | you with the types of items you'll see on the actual |
| The GED Language Arts, Reading Test covers 40 | | | | GED test. Answering the practice questions and |
| multiple-choice questions to be answered in 65 | | | | getting feedback can help you get a feel for the kind |
| minutes. The test requires you to be able to | | | | of reading, thinking, and problem-solving skills you'll |
| comprehend what you're reading, and be able to | | | | need to pass the GED test. |
| interpret different passages. | | | | Then there's GEDforFree ( where you can take a |
| The GED Social Studies Test is 70 minutes long and is | | | | complete online GED Preparation Course for free. |
| composed of 50 multiple-choice questions covering | | | | This two-hundred page course, presented as an |
| U.S. history, world history, government and civics, | | | | online class, is designed for adults with a ninth-grade |
| economics, and geography. | | | | education or higher. The information provides you |
| The Science Test allows you 80 minutes to complete | | | | with a solid foundation in the GED topics, includes |
| 50 multiple-choice questions based on life science, | | | | helpful tips and strategies, and even includes links to |
| earth and space science, and physical science. | | | | the official practice tests presented by the GED |
| The GED Mathematics Test runs 90 minutes and is | | | | Testing Service of the American Council on Education |
| delivered in two parts, each with 25 questions. Areas | | | | (ACE). |
| covered include: number operations and number | | | | Don't let the idea of taking the GED intimidate you. |
| sense, data analysis, statistics, and probability, | | | | Even though it can sound overwhelming, you have |
| algebra, and geometry and measurement. | | | | access to a wealth of resources that can help make |
| Now, the good news is that you don't have to go in | | | | sure you're well prepared and your goal of attaining |
| cold. Most libraries and bookstores carry GED | | | | your GED is a successful one. |