GED Study Guide Notes

Introduction

  • The GED exam is a high school-equivalency test that certifies the test-taker has high school-level academic skills.
  • It consists of four subtests:
      - Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
      - Mathematical Reasoning
      - Science
      - Social Studies
  • Candidates can take the subtests together or separately. To pass the GED, all four subtests must be passed.

General Overview of the GED

  • Forty states offer the GED test.
  • The test assesses high school-level content knowledge and skills in four areas and includes various types of questions:
      - Multiple Choice: Standard format where test-takers select the best answer.
      - Drag-and-Drop: Involves selecting an answer and dragging it to the appropriate location, often used for sorting items or associations.
      - Hot Spot: Requires clicking on specific areas of an image to indicate answers.
      - Fill-in-the-Blank: Test-taker types the missing word or phrase.
  • Time allotments for subtests:
      - Mathematics: 115 minutes
      - Science: 90 minutes
      - Social Studies: 70 minutes
      - RLA: 150 minutes

Skills and Topics Assessed by Each Subtest

Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
  • Skills Assessed:
      - Reading closely
      - Writing clearly
      - Editing and understanding standard written English in context
  • Topics:
      - Literature: 25%
      - Informational texts: 75%
Mathematical Reasoning

  • Skills Assessed:
      - Understanding key mathematical concepts
      - Demonstrating ability with problem-solving procedures
      - Applying concepts to realistic situations

  • Topics:
      - Algebra: 55%
      - Quantitative problem-solving: 45%

Science
  • Skills Assessed:
      - Using scientific reasoning textually and quantitatively
      - Applying scientific principles to realistic situations
  • Topics:
      - Life Science: 40%
      - Physical Science: 40%
      - Earth and Space Science: 20%
Social Studies
  • Skills Assessed:
      - Textual analysis
      - Data representation
      - Inference skills
  • Topics:
      - Civics: 50%
      - US History: 20%
      - Economics: 15%
      - Geography and the World: 15%

Unique Question Types

1. Drag-and-Drop Questions

  - Structure includes a question prompt, drop target, and tiles that contain potential responses. Test-takers drag the correct tile to the appropriate target.
  - Commonly found in RLA for sequencing events or classifying information.

2. Hot Spot Questions

  - Involves clicking on specific areas within an image. Commonly tested in Mathematics and Science sections.

3. Drop-Down Questions

  - An open-stem question where test-takers select from a drop-down menu to fill in the blanks.

4. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  - Test-takers must type in a word or short phrase to complete a statement.

Scoring of the GED

  • Scoring is based on the number of raw points earned:
      - RLA: 65 points
      - Mathematics: 49 points
      - Science: 40 points
      - Social Studies: 30 points
  • Scaled scores range from 100 to 200; a minimum of 145 is needed to qualify for a high school equivalency diploma.
  • The GED does not penalize for guessing, encouraging all test-takers to answer even if unsure.

Administration of the GED

  • The exam is computer-based and available at various locations. Ensure to bring registration and proper identification.
  • Can take the tests on separate days or all at once, without a required order.
  • Different versions of each test are available for retakes if necessary.

Chapter One: U.S. History

North America Before European Contact

  • Native American Societies: Diverse tribes controlled different regions, such as Iroquois and Algonquin in the Northeast, and Cherokee in the South.
  • Cultural Practices: Societies like those in the Great Plains depended on buffalo and fishing in the Pacific Northwest was vital for tribes like the Chinook.
Colonial North America
  • Europeans colonized the Americas post-Columbus, notably Spanish, French, and British.
  • Spanish: Conquistadors explored for land and riches, spreading Christianity.
      - Used Encomiendas for tribute and forced labor.
  • French: Focused on trade, intermarrying with local populations.
  • British: Established settlements like Jamestown in search of agriculture and economic opportunities.

Revolution and the Early United States

Post-Colonization Conflicts

  • Following the French and Indian War, the British imposed taxes, leading to colonial unrest:
      - The Intolerable Acts and events like the Boston Massacre heightened tensions.
      - The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke emphasizing government by consent.
  • Civil War (1861-1865): Following the war, the Reconstruction Era began, with amendments to protect civil rights.

Civics and Government

Organization of the Federal Government

Legislative Branch (Congress)
  • Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives (elected directly) and Senate (initially appointed by state legislatures).
      - The House starts all revenue bills; has impeachment powers.
  • Senate tries impeached officials, approves treaties, and confirms appointments.
Executive Branch
  • The president enforces laws, can veto legislation, and makes appointments. The Cabinet consists of heads of executive departments.
Judicial Branch
  • Interprets laws and includes a Supreme Court responsible for judicial review, the process to determine the constitutionality of laws (established in Marbury v. Madison).

Economics

Types of Economic Systems

  1. Traditional Economy: Based on bartering and customs; non-industrial.
  2. Command Economy: Central authority, as seen in communist regimes.
  3. Market Economy: Laws of supply and demand govern; limited government intervention.
  4. Mixed Economy: Combines market dynamics with government control.

Geography and the World

Human-Environment Interaction

  • Humans modify the environment: agriculture leads to changes in land use.
  • Renewable vs. non-renewable resources defined; sustainability seeks balance between use and preservation.

Globalization

  • Global interconnectedness drives economies, cultures, and politics. Migration impacts demographics; historical events shaped by resource availability and social organization.