Module 3 – Curriculum
GED Skills
The 5 Topic Areas
- Language Arts—Reading
- Language Arts—Writing
- Language Arts—Mathematics
- Language Arts—Social Studies
- Language Arts—Science
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“The Essay part is scary – there’s just this question and then blank paper.” |
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“I think the test is harder now in some ways. In other ways, like using the calculator, it is easier – but better reflects the real world where adults live and work. ” |
Take a moment to consider how you might locate instructional and curricular resources for addressing the five areas of the GED with adult literacy learners.
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On your worksheet, record your initial thoughts about the five areas of the GED Test. |
Notes about the GED: reading is heavily emphasized. Every component requires reading, with the language arts – reading, science, and social studies portions drawing heavily on this skill. The mathematics section includes algebra and geometry problems as well as problems addressing basic computational skills. Both the science and the social studies exams require students to have some knowledge of general subject matter, and to be familiar with common scientific principles (the scientific method) and historical documents (Constitution). Spelling is not heavily addressed in the language arts- writing section, except as it applies to homonyms. There are a wide array of commercial curricula and materials available for teaching skills needed in the five areas of the GED. Be sure you are familiar with what is available to you in your literacy program. See the link “For Further Study” to find additional Internet-based resources.
Real-Life Scenario -- Rosy’s GED Scores:
Rosy took the GED tests last month. When she received her scores, she had passed all but the Mathematics and Language Arts – Writing portions. The math score was close to passing, but she failed to pass the essay, which resulted in a zero for the entire Language Arts - Writing exam. She took her scores to a local ABE program and asked for help. Mario, her instructor, had no access to her GED tests and thus had no idea with which skills in math and writing she needed assistance. After some discussion, they decided that Rosy would re-take the remaining two sections one at a time. That way she could focus on just her math skills until she felt confident enough to re-take that test. The writing section would wait until last.
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On your worksheet, record your thoughts on Rosy’s GED study plan. |
Click the + sign in the box to the right to see ideas from other Adult Education Instructors. | [?] |
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The most common trouble on the essay is that students don’t write on topic. You can write a wonderful essay, but if it doesn’t address the question that was posed, your score is a zero. I use lots of sample essay topics and have the students practice writing just a paragraph – on topic – in response. We also practice making quick outlines for a 5 paragraph essay because students need to be able to organize their thoughts quickly in the 45 minutes allotted for the essay during the test.
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The “constructed answer” portions of the math section – particularly the coordinate plane - are hard for many students. We practice plotting points on a plane and on learning how to double check if answers make sense.
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The math section contains Geometry and Algebra problems – these topics can intimidate some students. I try to emphasize the importance of knowing how to use the formula page. I also have them practice algebra problems, starting with some easy equations and working up to multi-step problems. I also remind students to simply skip problems they don't know how to do and go back to them only when they have completed all the problems they know.
In reviewing these ideas, did you find any similar to your own? Did any of them strike you as particularly interesting? Did they provide any new insights for your instruction of adult literacy learners?
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On your worksheet, make note of any tips, insights, or new ideas gained from the instructors’ suggestions. |
In Summary:
- The GED is a comprehensive test, encompassing five topic areas.
- Adult literacy instructors supporting learners who wish to do well on the GED should take the time to become very familiar with each different section of the exam.
- There is an Official Practice Test, published commercially, that can help assess a student’s progress in obtaining the skills they need to pass the GED.
- The most commonly failed portions of the exam are the essay and mathematics sections.¹
- Adult learners need strong, fluent reading skills in order to improve the likelihood of success.
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On your worksheet, record any final notes or thoughts, specific ideas you want to remember, plans for further study, etc. |
Click "Next" below or a specific topic on the outline to the left to continue.
References:
1 General Educational Development Testing Service. (2006). 2005 Statistical Report: Who passed the GED tests? Washington, DC: American Council on Education.