Leonard’s Newsletters

Happy Independence Day!

It’s the 4th of July… Independence Day! So you’ll be celebrating with fireworks… barbeques… parades. Enjoy it! This is the time to celebrate a wonderful nation and all the hope and prosperity it stands for. While you celebrate, don’t forget your own hope and prosperity. Let all the amazing opportunities this country has to offer motivate you to get your GED… to open the doors that American promises you with hard work and achievement. The year is half over… but before the new year comes, you CAN get your GED. For more motivation, here’s a GED success story:

A GED Academy student success story:

Hi Folks,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank (PassGED) for all the help your course has given me. Every one of the class modules you have developed, were very good. I actually felt as if I were in an actual classroom. The subject matter was thoroughly covered, and very understandable. It also did as you said it would, “Prepare me for the GED test”.

Using your online course, coupled with the ‘Steck-Vaughn Complete GED Preparation’ book, I’m pleased to announce that I successfully completed my GED test and received my Diploma. I might add that I did as well as 68% of graduating seniors across America. It wasn’t good enough for an Honors Diploma, but still I am very proud of it.

The hard work has finally paid off, thanks in a large part to you and doors to higher education, which were previously closed to me, are now open. Thanks for your help and good luck to all your future students.

Yours truly,
Don

And here’s some help with GED math…

GED Math: Word Problems with Measurement and Percentages

Kandyce wrote in, asking for help with word problems dealing with measurements and percents. This is great, basic information to know for the GED math test! In his blog, Curtis gives advice on how to do word problems with measurement and percentages.

Do you have any questions? Do you need more explanations? Are you having trouble with a specific math question, or an area of math? Be sure to contact Curtis to ask for math help.

GED Stories

Millions of Americans need to get their GED…so you’re not alone in what you’re trying to do. Read what other GED students are doing, and get motivated to get your own GED.

Denise has been out of school for 20 years, but she knows it’s not too late to get her GED and a better life.

Shaquita was doing well in school…until everything fell apart in the 9th grade. Now, she needs to get her GED, for herself and for her daughter.

Trish’s taken the GED 6 times…but she still can’t pass the GED math.

Summer is only 17, but her mother took her out of school in 6th grade. Now she wants to get back on track, go to college, and become a photographer.

You have your own story! Why do you need a GED? What’s stopping you from getting one? What are you going to do with your future? We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED: A Needed Edge in the Job Market

Need more motivation to get your GED? You keep hearing it on the news: The economy is having trouble. Gas and food are getting more expensive. There is more competition for jobs. And more and more jobs require a high school degree. What’s the solution for someone who never graduated high school? Getting a GED can help you get or keep a job in troubled economic times. Read more…

GED Practice Questions

The best way to learn for the GED test is with GED-style practice questions that actually teach you how to think through the answers when you’re taking the test! The passGED program brings you hundreds of questions to practice with… and here are a few good practice questions from our GED bloggers for you right now.

Becca gives you the answer to her GED social studies practice question about the recent Supreme Court decision that people imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay have the right to court hearings in the U.S. If you have any comments, questions, or problems with social studies, feel free to ask Becca.

Liz has a sample GED essay with comments for you to read and study… plus a task: rewrite the essay yourself for GED practice to see if you can make it better! This is great practice for the GED Writing exam. If you have any problems, questions, or comments on writing for the GED, ask Liz!

Reading Strategies for GED Studying

Maria answers a question on how to study effectively for the GED. She gives good advice and lots of reading strategies that you can use to improve your reading and understanding. If you have any comments, questions, or problems with reading for the GED, be sure to ask Maria.

Shocking GED Science!

Dwayne’s got some great GED science that relates to everyone’s everyday experiences. Read Dwayne’s Shocking GED Science!, and if you have any questions about science, or if there’s something you just don’t understand, be sure to ask Dwayne.

Greetings!

Hi! This is Leonard Williams again. I’ve been getting a lot of requests for information on how to pass the GED math test, so I’ve put together some information about what you’ll need to know to pass and how to study. Good luck, and good studying!

Tips for Passing Your GED: Math! Math! Math!

This week, in my newsletter blog, two people wrote to ask for more help on the math test. Whew! I know math is the hardest part of the GED for a lot of people. That’s why I’m writing with more GED math tips again…if you’re looking for your GED diploma, you’ll have to get through the math test.

What makes someone successful at math? Well, math is a different kind of thinking than reading or social studies. Other subjects focus on communicating with language, and thinking about what you’re reading. That’s something you do everyday…you listen to the TV, the radio, music…you read books, talk to people. So you’re used to thinking in terms of language, and understanding what someone else is trying to tell you. Math uses a different kind of language, and because you don’t use math language everyday, it’s harder to use.

The language of math isn’t just numbers. It’s about symbols, and rules for changing numbers in different ways. Graphing and geometry are part of the math language too…dealing with shapes, and showing patterns. The more comfortable you are with math language, the better you’ll do…that means practicing the basics. Read more…

And here’s more help with GED math…

GED Math: Subtracting Fractions

Remember, it’s the basic math concepts that will help you do math faster and better, even when you’re working with higher level math. And working with fractions is one of those basic concepts. In his blog, Curtis explains how to subtract mixed numbers with fractions.

Do you have any questions? Do you need more explanations? Are you having trouble with a specific math question, or an area of math? Be sure to contact Curtis to ask for math help.

GED Stories

Millions of Americans need to get their GED…so you’re not alone in what you’re trying to do. Read what other GED students are doing, and get motivated to get your own GED.

Royston is a father of 3 “looking to elevate myself to a higher level in life” through the GED. Read Royston’s story to learn his dreams and goals for the GED.

Sophie’s dream is to learn to read. It’s a basic skill that helps you everyday in your life… but if you get left behind when you’re younger, it’s very hard to catch up when you’re an adult. Read Sophie’s GED story.

Matthew’s got goals: he wants to complete his GED studies before fall, so he can start college right away. He can get his GED this summer…and so could you. Read Matthew’s story and be inspired to join him to get your GED before the fall!

You have your own story! Why do you need a GED? What’s stopping you from getting one? What are you going to do with your future? We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Practice Questions

The best way to learn for the GED test is with GED-style practice questions that actually teach you how to think through the answers when you’re taking the test! The passGED program brings you hundreds of questions to practice with… and here are a few good practice questions from our GED bloggers for you right now.

In her GED social studies practice question, Becca asks you to apply the Bill of Rights to an important Supreme Court decision that’s in the news this week…the decision that people imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay have the right to court hearings in the U.S. Find out what it’s all about! And if you have any comments, questions, or problems with social studies, feel free to ask Becca.

One skill that’s on more than one GED test is understanding a writer’s point of view. In her GED reading practice question, Maria talks about identifying the writer’s point of view. If you have any comments, questions, or problems with reading for the GED, be sure to ask Maria.

In his last blog entry, Dwayne gave a “POP quiz” science practice question about what happens when vinegar and baking soda are combined. Are you ready for the answer? It might surprise you…and you’ll definitely learn some GED science. Read the answer to Dwayne’s GED science practice question here, and if you have any questions about science, or if there’s something you just don’t understand, be sure to ask Dwayne.

GED Writing: “Your” and “You’re”

The GED writing exam tests your knowledge of commonly confused words that sound alike. You also want to avoid these common mistakes on your GED essay! Liz explains the difference between the commonly confused words “your” and “you’re” in her blog. If you have questions or problems with the GED writing multiple choice test or essay, or any questions about writing, feel free to ask Liz!

We all make excuses for why we can’t do things. And there are lots of excuses why you “can’t” get your GED. Here are the top ten excuses that our motivational coach Vickie hears every day:

10 Excuses for Not Getting Your GED (and What You Can Do About Them)

by Confidence Coach Vickie Hannah Lein

1. “I don’t have time, I’m too busy working.”

You know how a pedometer works? It counts every step you take. And all those little steps add up! Studying for the GED is just the same. If you spend just 15 or 30 minutes a day doing lessons that are easy and fun (really!), you’ll be amazed and proud of how much progress you can make, and how quickly you can do it.

2. “I’ve been out of school too long. I’ll never learn this stuff!”

You already know most of what you need to know to pass the GED. And even if it takes a little time to get your brain back in gear, the GED Academy Study Program helps you step back into the learning game without risking ever being embarrassed because you don’t know the answers.

3. “I’ll never pass the math!”

The GED math test requires just basic everyday practical math. Tried and failed? Don’t worry. You can learn it, if someone explains it to you in simple language you can understand and relate to real life! Our math course can teach you in just a few weeks, no problem. And you can get all the individual help you want.

4. “I can’t get started.”

Taking the first step is often the most difficult. But look at it this way…what do you have to lose? It’s my job as Confidence Coach to be there for you anytime you need some encouragement to get back in the game.

5. “I can’t afford the cost of a study program.”

We offer a financial aid program and a monthly installment plan to make it affordable for everyone. If you don’t want to use a credit card, you can pay by mail. We’re willing to help you the best we can, but you have to make a commitment to do the work. Are you ready?

6. “I’m not a good reader.”

Our online instruction has a special feature that lets you listen to the material while you read it. This will quickly improve your reading. I’m legally blind myself, and I ‘read’ everything by listening to it. If a blind, middle-aged woman can do it, you can do it!

7. “I hate tests!”

I have taught thousands of people a few simple secrets that will change the way you take tests forever. This may sound like bragging, but when you take a test with the attitude, “I’m going to nail this sucker!” you’ll be delighted to see how well your brain works and how good you can feel.

8. “I learn differently, they told me I have a learning disability.”

Our course instruction is taught for five different learning styles. One is going to make total sense to you. We also include a feature that lets you stop and replay everything until you get it. This is not the way learning was in school!

9. “I don’t write very well.”

Our writing program will teach you everything you need to know to be a good writer. It covers everything in an easy-to-understand style. In just a few weeks, you’ll see a huge improvement.

10. “I started but stopped. I can’t stick with it.”

I understand. It’s easy to lose momentum and get sidetracked. One thing that works for lots of people is to start with the easiest tests first. Nothing motivates you like success, and every test gets you closer and closer to your GED! But you won’t get there if you don’t stop…so take the first step!

Math Study Tips

Getting ready for the GED math test? Take a look at Curtis’s study tips. Find out more about how to study effectively to pass the GED math test. Got questions about math? Ask Curtis.

GED Practice Questions

Maria has a GED reading practice question about recognizing restated text. This one has some hard vocabulary, and Maria has some tips for dealing with difficult words on the GED test. Got questions about reading? Ask Maria.

Dwayne has a Pop Quiz GED science question for you to think through. If you think you’re ready for GED science, test your skills on this question. Got questions about science? Ask Dwayne.

Commonly Confused Words: Their, They’re, and There

The GED writing multiple choice test has questions about commonly confused words, and “their,” “they’re,” and “there” is a big one. Take a look at Liz’s blog to make sure you can tell the difference. Got questions about writing? Ask Liz.

GED Social Studies: The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is a very important part of the U.S. Constitution, and it’s something that’s important to know a bit about for the GED social studies test. Learn about the Bill of Rights on Becca’s blog. Got a question about social studies? Ask Becca.

Share Your GED Story!

Why are you getting your GED? What do you need to help you get there? Share your story to help motivate yourself…get some advice…motivate others…and start on the road to your own GED Success Story.

• Share your own story.

More GED Stories:

• I would like to learn to read and spell…
• I am making a goal for myself to get my GED in 6 months.

Don’t take any more excuses! The GED is too important to put off…so make the commitment now and start on the road to getting your GED!

Good studying!

Sincerely,

Leonard Williams
The GED Academy
Get Your GED with The GED Academy
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One of the GED students who shared their story with us said something very important, and very true. Maarcella Roth, from Elmo, Montana, told us: “These days you have to have a diploma, even just to get a job. Even just to wash dishes.” It’s true…more and more jobs require a diploma. And the trend is only going to continue. If you’ve been putting off your GED, or if you’ve been having trouble with your studying, remember that the GED is do-able, and the GED is worth doing. You can get your GED, and you’ll earn a lot of great possibilities for your future.

A big stumbling block for a lot of people is math. Curtis addresses two GED students who are having trouble with the math section of the GED in his blog…

How Can I Pass the GED Math?

It’s a situation we see over and over again at The GED Academy…someone has passed all their GED tests except for the math. What can you do? What do you need to study?

Curtis answers two students’ questions about the GED math test in his blog entry How Can I Pass the GED Math?

Curtis also has a new blog entry explaining the GED math formulas that appear in the front of the GED math test booklet.

Tips for Passing Your GED: Creating a Study Space

You’re spending time every day studying for your GED, and you need a good space to study in. Why? A better study space helps you learn better, and you’ll learn faster, too. So find the right space, someplace where you can relax and concentrate…and learn! Read about creating a great study space.

GED Practice Questions

Elizabeth reviews a new sample GED essay for the GED writing test. Got questions about writing? Ask Elizabeth.

Maria has a GED reading practice question that uses literary terms. Got questions about reading? Ask Maria.

Dwayne gives everyone an osmosis GED sample question to test your analysis thinking skills. Got questions about science? Ask Dwayne.

GED Social Studies: U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence

Learn about the important documents that are the basis of the U.S. government on Becca’s blog. Got a question about social studies? Ask Becca.

Share Your GED Story!

Why are you getting your GED? What do you need to help you get there? Share your story to help motivate yourself…get some advice…motivate others…and start on the road to your own GED Success Story.

• Share your own story.

More GED Stories:

• These days you have to have a diploma.
• I wish I could go back and re-do all of it…

So, get your study space together…get everything you need to pass your GED…and keep with your GED studying. Be sure to let us know when you pass your GED!

Good studying!

Sincerely,

Leonard Williams
The GED Academy

Have you completed some of your GED tests, but not all of them? Have you put off passing math, or writing? Now is the time to finish your GED credential, because changes are coming to the GED test. Your old test scores will NOT count toward the GED after 2012. Here are the details:

New GED Tests Coming in 2012!

The ACE, American Council on Education, announced that the GED test is being revised for 2012. Any tests that you have passed since 2002 are still good…but only until the new tests are released. So, if you’ve passed part of the GED, but not the whole test, now is the time to finally pass and get your GED…before you have to take all the tests over again.

The ACE is reviewing the GED test to make sure it meets all the standards for current high schools. So, as high school standards change, the GED changes, too. The new tests will reflect the most current requirements of high schools across the country. Non-English language versions of the test will be released in 2013.

For more information about the new 2012 GED tests, visit the ACE 2012 GED test webpage.

GED Success Story: “I was stuck in a dead end job paying minimum wage…”

Hi, my name is Danielle and for a long time I felt like I didn’t have a name or identity. I really did not know who I was or where I was going. I was stuck in a dead end job paying minimum wage and I was afraid to explore other opportunities because I didn’t finish school or get my G.E.D. It was hard because I was out of school for 12 years. I forgot everything and had to learn all over again, but practicing and studying really helped me. In science I got 520, reading 560, writing 520, social studies 480, math 500, yes I am so happy!

I left school because I got pregnant and was on bed rest. I did not go back after I had the baby.

I got my GED because I wanted a better life, I wanted my family to be proud, but most of all I wanted to prove to myself I am smart and I can overcome any obstacle with GOD at my side.

Don’t ever let no one tell you, you can’t. I am proof “yes you can,” don’t give up and when things get hard, and they will, remember you are worth it!!

dbryant, 32, Philadelphia

GED Success Story: “Go get your GED. It will do you wonders.”

I had received my High School Diploma on November of 2007. I dropped out of High School because I was not treated like an adult, and that is what I expected. I figured it was going to be so much better than Middle School, but I was wrong. I was pushed to my limit and blew up. My anger got the best of me. I then realized that it was time for me to leave and find a new way. I then told my mother that it was either I dropped out or got expelled. We then sat down a talked about what would happen after that. At first she wasn’t very sure about it because of my 3 older brothers and sisters who had also dropped and but didn’t receive their GED. I then told her she could trust me. So the next day dropped out and enrolled. Since then I now work two jobs, help my family, and am getting ready for college in August. For those of you that don’t agree or just simply have difficulty with your High School I suggest that you go get your GED.

It will do you wonders.

Mariah, 16, Colby, Kansas

Read more success stories…

GED Practice Questions

Becca brings you a GED Social Studies practice question about the Declaration of Independence. Got questions about social studies? Ask Becca.

Curtis gives advice on GED math word problems, and a GED Math practice question. Got questions about math? Ask Curtis.

Maria brings you another in her series of reading practice question and answers. Got questions about reading? Ask Maria.

GED Writing and Science Topics

Elizabeth explains the difference between “to,” “too,” and “two” for the GED writing test. Got questions about writing? Ask Elizabeth.

Dwayne explains osmosis…and how it’s used in making mummies…in his science blog. Got questions about science? Ask Dwayne.

Tips for Passing Your GED: Take Notes!

Read about how note-taking can help you study for your GED…it’s a simple practice, but it can get you a long way toward your GED. Read more…

Share Your GED Story!

Why are you getting your GED? What do you need to help you get there? Share your story to help motivate yourself…get some advice…motivate others…and start on the road to your own GED Success Story.

Share your own story.

We find that many students come to us after putting off their GED for years…three years, five years, ten years, twenty. The sooner you get your GED, the more opportunities you’ll have for a better job, better promotions, better education. So why put it off? Make the commitment to yourself to get your GED now.

Leonard Williams

We had a lot of great response to our last GED story, so we thought we’d share more of what GED learners are saying. Become motivated! If you don’t have your GED yet, let these stories inspire you…and become the next GED success story.

You’re just stuck if you do not have your GED.

The most important goal, that I will have to achieve in the next few years is to get a good paying job. First thing that I will need is a GED. Then I would like to take a trade at a local technical college.

Because I have lost my job after twenty six and a half years, due to free trade, I will now need a new one. Things are much different today. Jobs are hard to find and to get a good one you really have to stand out.

The first step for me is getting my GED. This can be hard for someone who has been out of school for so long. The GED Academy has helped me a lot, thanks to them I think I will pass the GED test. You’re just stuck if you do not have your GED, you cannot get a job and you cannot go to school for a trade.

Getting a good trade is important today, if you would like to get a good job. It is something that no one can take from you. They cannot ship your skill off to a cheap labor land.

My most important goal is to get a good paying job. The GED is the first thing I will have to get. Then I would like to take a trade. Something that no one can take from me. That is what I will have to do in the next few years.

GED Success Story: Shep, age 40 at time of GED, Duluth, Minnesota

I am an ex-convict who passed his GED at the age of 40. I am now enrolled at the University of Minnesota majoring in Human Resources. I was 18 years old in 1979 when I dropped out of high school. I want to finish my college degree in 2011. To anyone who reads this, pick up the GED now.

GED Success Story: Bradley G. - 18 Years Old From King, NC

I just got my GED on 11/29/07. My graduation ceremony will be 5/22/08. I also graduated with honors and won a $1000.00 scholarship. I will be attending Forsyth Tech. Community College in June. I will be taking Industrial Engineering classes and hope to one day own my own Electrical Business or Construction Company. I wish everyone good luck in getting their GED. Your program helped me to get mine with honors and a scholarship too.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

Read more success stories…

Is GED Math Your Stumbling Block?

Curtis has advice for people who are struggling with the GED math test….Read more… Got questions about math? Ask Curtis.

GED Practice Questions

Elizabeth’s got a multiple choice writing practice question and answer to help you get started on your GED writing studying! Got questions about writing? Ask Elizabeth.

Maria brings you a new reading practice question and answer to learn about inference. Got questions about reading? Ask Maria.

GED Science and Social Studies Topics

Becca’s talking about the elections and advertising in her blog about propaganda. Got questions about social studies? Ask Becca.

Dwayne talks about technology and invention in his blog…and about the infernal wedgie machine! Got questions about science? Ask Dwayne.

More GED Stories…Get Motivated!

Here are more stories from GED students…

• I just got so tired fo the fake teachers and fake students.
• I have a goal to get my GED.
• Not having my GED has always bothered me and held me back from taking new chances…
• Get Motivated!
• Share your own story.

Your GED is your future. Don’t put it off any longer. Make a commitment to get your GED now…and let us know what we can do to help you do it.

For more information about the GED exam and GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy at http://www.passged.com.

Here is a GED success story from one of our students. We hope it inspires you to succeed.

From David E.:

With the help of your program, I received my last test score yesterday and PASSED MY GED! I could have never done in without your program.

I am 45, and was laid off after 20 years in the printing industry. I was offered a new job, in a new field, on the condition I got my GED. No small feat at this stage in my life. They were actually holding the job for me! The pressure was on! And OH how the testing and entire process has changed! I studied relentlessly, with much difficulty and frustration at times, as its been a long time since I was in school and everything is ten times harder now.

Without your on-line tests and great study book, it would have taken me 6 months to a year to go to classes and learn at a snails pace. I completed the tests and passed in a little over 1 month!!!! They are still holding that new job for me and I start next week.

Not having my GED has always bothered me and held me back from taking new chances and changing my life for the better. Thank you so much and I would recommend PASS GED to anyone and everyone. You’ve help to increase my confidence, gotten me interested in reading again—it’s overall changed my life!

Read more success stories…

Get Motivated!

by Vicki Hannah Lein, Confidence Coach

My mother and sister both dropped out of high school to get married. I was determined to get an education so I would not feel trapped as my mother did. She stayed with a man who cheated on her and abused her physically and emotionally because she did not have the self-confidence or education to support herself.

I graduated from high school, then college-supported by my father’s child support and my earnings working in a cannery every summer. Now I am a Self-Confidence coach. I am working with The GED Academy, making little movies and writing a blog to help people have the confidence to get back in the game. I even designed a site, Mojo Juice Bar: Finding Humor and Grit for tough Times, because I wanted a site devoted to people who need some encouragement to make their lives better.

I’m legally blind now and have been for 14 years. I am living my dream as an international speaker and consultant. I write books, and have produced two CDs of my songs so far. I am a believer in following your dreams because that is what I am doing.

I think it would be helpful for people to eavesdrop on a coaching session with someone who is either thinking about getting a GED, is in the process, or who has gotten their GED and is wondering what comes next.

If you want to volunteer for this here is what you will get for free:

• a coaching session with me, maybe more if we have a lot of fun and think it would be good to check in on a regular basis for awhile.
• Your anonymity. No one needs to know who you are except The GED Academy and me.

You can get to know me by taking a look at my website, www.stepintoyourgreatness.us. You will see the Mojo Juice Bar logo. Click on that to go to the Mojo site and see some movies I have already made, such as “What if School Failed You?” You can also check out the Academy bookstore for three of my books. If you would like to email me personally my email address is vickihannahlein@gmail.com. I’ll send you one of my songs for free if you would like.

Here is what I know for sure:

• it is never too late,
• there is always time and money for what we think is important,
• and we can chunk any big goal down into little steps we can start taking now.

You can do it and you are not alone!

Vicki Hannah Lein, 56, Corvallis, Oregon

Understanding Fractions for the GED

Claudia wrote to ask: “I’m not understanding fractions but i get everything else okay… i just don’t get the lower terms, improper, need some help.” Curtis explains fractions, lower terms, and improper fractions in his blog. Read Curtis’s answer to this question…

Write to Curtis with all of your math ideas and questions.

GED Practice Questions

Get the explanation for Becca’s social studies practice question from the last newsletter. Got questions about social studies? Ask Becca.

Dwayne explains his science practice question. Got questions about science? Ask Dwayne.

Maria brings you a reading practice question and answer. Got questions about reading? Ask Maria.

Elizabeth’s blog shows a sample narrative essay. Got questions about writing? Ask Elizabeth.

GED Stories…Get Motivated!

Here are more stories from GED students…

• …I have been thinking it was too late for a long time.
• You’re just stuck if you do not have your GED.
• From nothing to something is what I’m striving for.
• You really can’t do nothing without your GED…
• I want to pass to get better opportunity…
• I will always make sure that I have a choice.
• Share your own story.

One of the questions I hear all the time is: How hard is the GED? Well, a half million people pass it each year. If you’re wondering whether you can pass the GED…believe me, you can. The first step is to commit to doing it. Make up your mind that it’s your goal. There are only three steps… 1) Brush up on some basic skills. 2) Find a test center. 3) Take the test. Simple!

The trick to passing the GED is knowing what it’s testing. It’s not testing a lot of facts or memorization. Most of the GED tests are really about having thinking skills…understanding, analysis, application, evaluation. You need to look at information and then answer questions. You can easily build up these skills with a little practice! Read the rest of this entry »

I want to take a moment to talk about when’s the right time to get your GED. There’s a lot of talk now about a recession… and people are worried about money and about their jobs. That makes people less likely, sometimes, to make changes or start something new.

It’s natural to get nervous when the news says a recession’s coming. But that’s exactly the time that you want to go forward and get your GED.

Jobs may be getting more scarce… and you might find yourself searching for one. That’s when having a GED, and having all the advantages you can get, can help you. The GED makes you qualified for many more jobs, and more valuable at your current job, too. It makes life easier in good times… and definitely in bad times.

Now’s the time to be prepared, and getting your GED is a great step. For most people, it only takes a few weeks of study to brush up the skills to get a GED.

Here’s an article with more information about the GED and the job market:

GEDs possible edge in slow economic times
by Brittany Lusk, Daily Herald

Ratios…Distances on Maps

Jesse wrote in with a question for Curtis about finding distances on maps. Check out Curtis’s answer about using ratios to find distances on maps.

Quadratic Equations and Graphs

Austin wrote in with a question for Curtis about solving quadratic equations and understanding graphs. Check out Curtis’s answer to learn about factoring quadratic equations, finding slopes, and more useful information.

Changing Fractions to Decimals

Mark wrote in to ask how to convert fractions to decimals without using a calculator. Check out Curtis’s answer.

What Should You Study Most in GED Math?

S. Sain-Mellner asked how many questions you need to get right on the GED math test and what you should study the most. Check out Curtis’s answer to this important question.

How Can You Pass GED Reading?

Blessing wrote in to ask what the trick is to do well on the reading section. Check out Maria’s answer for some good reading advice.

GED Practice Essay from Andre

Andre sent Elizabeth a sample essay to take a look at. Check out Liz’s comments on how to improve a GED essay.

For more information on the GED test and GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy.

In the last newsletter, I asked you to send in your GED questions to get answers. Most people really wanted to ask about GED math. I understand. It’s the hardest part of the test. Here are some comments people have sent in and responses that might help.

• Greg says: “I just don’t understand most of the math problems.” Read more…
• Pegalina says: “I just can’t seem to pass it.” Read more…

GED Math Practice Question from Saru

A small farm with a market value of 120,000 was assessed for 60% of its market value. The farm is taxed at 2% of the assessed value. Find the tax on the farm. Read the answer… Read the rest of this entry »