Leonard’s Newsletters

Melissa writes: “I thought there was no way I would ever pass my GED.”

Here’s Melissa’s story… be inspired to stick with it and finish your GED!

What motivated you to get your GED? After working in a restaurant for so many years, I finally realized that this is not the career I wanted. I wanted to be a successful business woman. As I got older, I got wiser about what kind of life style I wanted. Fast food was not in my future. It took me 11 years to finally get the courage to get my GED. I just had faith in myself that I can do it and studied hard. If I would have not found passged I don’t think I would have done it.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family have always said I can do it. But, I guess I just never gave myself enough credit. I used to say I have been out of school too long to go back and graduate. But I always had my family there to tell me it’s never to late. They never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself.

What problems have you faced? Math and Social Studies have always been my worst subjects. I could never understand them. So, I thought for sure there was no way I would ever pass my GED. After studying on passged.com I found out that there’s nothing to it, just understanding how to do critical thinking. My highest score on my GED were these two subjects.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Getting my GED has given me a sense of dignity and self confidence. I am already starting to attend college to get my degree in Business Management.

We want to hear about your GED story, too…so share your GED story with us.

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: Math in Careers

Curtis talks about how math is used in real-life careers and gives a math practice question that someone on-the-job might run into.

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

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

NaSha’s husband can’t get a good job.

Ashleye needs to make something of herself!

Korina says, “I need to do something for me…”

Sharon believes in helping people…

Heather’s work didn’t pay the bills…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Essay Scoring: Being Organized

Elizabeth continues her advice about meeting the GED essay scoring requirements, with organizing your essay.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on writing for the GED, ask Liz.

GED Social Studies: Practice Question about Cheerios

The FDA is telling Cheerios to stop advertising that they can reduce cholesterol. Becca has a GED Social Studies practice question about the issue.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on social studies for the GED, ask Becca.

GED Reading: Banned Books

Maria was reading about banned books, and decided to give a GED practice question in literature, about an excerpt from a banned book.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on reading for the GED, ask Maria.

GED Science: Daydreaming

Dwayne reports about a study about brain activity while you’re daydreaming, and he’s got a GED science practice question about daydreaming.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on science for the GED, ask Dwayne.

If you’re a GED Academy student, just log in to your account to download the new GED Smart ebook! The new ebook is included with your program.

GED Academy has a new, comprehensive GED ebook to help you with study skills, staying motivated, and all five GED tests. Log in to your GED Academy account and click on “Start Here” to download the GED Smart ebook at no cost.

Learn more about GED Smart here. If you’re already signed up, remember to log into your account to get your book at no charge.

Let us know what you think!

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: More Algebra!

Curtis tackles more algebra to help you solve problems with multiple x’s or y’s. Let Curtis know if algebra equations are giving you a problem… and send in your sample problems.

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

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Jessica hopes to gain a better future.

Helen is ready! Enough is enough!

Lan says, “I need help to guide me through…”

Keira wants a better life and better self esteem…

Shaheen says the gears in his life have been rusting…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Essay Scoring: Answering the Prompt

Elizabeth’s got some advice about meeting the GED essay scoring requirements, starting with answering the prompt and staying on topic.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on writing for the GED, ask Liz.

GED Social Studies: Geography and Earthquakes

Becca’s got some social studies questions to think about, about geography and earthquakes, based on the recent earthquake in Italy.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on social studies for the GED, ask Becca.

Fort Jackson, South Carolina: Army Pilot Program for New Recruits to Earn a GED while They Serve

Getting into the army is one of the big reasons a lot of people want to take the GED. Now, a program in South Carolina is testing the idea of letting new recruits join up and serve while they get their GED. Read the story…

From Around the Country: GEDs Needed Now More than Ever!

“For many, GED spells ’sense of hope’,” says the Winchester Star.

“Demand for GEDs on the Rise,” according to the Middletown Journal.

“GED Classes Seeing Spike Because of Job Losses,” says WBAL in Maryland.

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: Distance, Rate, and Time

Here is a practice word problem about distance, rate, and time. Curtis walks you through the answer.

GED Math: The Casio fx-260 Solar Calculator

Curtis has a run-down of how to use the Casio fx-260 Solar Calculator on the GED math test.

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Regina wants her GED, and her children say she can do it…

Kayla says, no matter what, you can always make it out.

Durry says, “I need to change my life”…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Science Practice Question

Dwayne’s got a GED science practice question… about a chimp throwing rocks at people in the zoo! See if you can answer this question about fundamental science concepts…

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on science for the GED, ask Dwayne.

New Virginia Technology Training for GED Students

If you’re in Virginia, take a look at the new “PlugGED In” training program, which gives technology training and even lets student earn Microsoft certifications while preparing for the GED. Students get job training while working on their GEDs.

After the GED

Read the stories of GED grads in North Carolina in the Asheville Citizen-Times article “For GED graduates, diploma is a job market boost.”

Urban League Brings GED Training to Unemployed in Rochester, New York

Read about the Rochester, New York Urban League program in the article “Urban League Tries to Erase Employment Disparity.”

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: Practice Word Problem

Here is a practice word problem from GED geometry, a multiple-step problem about area. Curtis walks you through the answer.

GED Math: What to Study for GED Algebra

Curtis has a run-down of what’s most important for the algebra questions on the GED math test.

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Chris has a feeling the GED is the right path…

Batnuni gives words of encouragement for the GED… it takes commitment, determination, and pride to accomplish.

Shanna is aiming for a very high score…

Sakina struggled with her disability and needs a GED for college…

Brittany says, “Don’t ever say you can’t do it.”

Andrew is trying his best to get his GED…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Study Skills: Studying for Math

Jasmin wrote in to Maria’s blog asking about study skill help for math… so Maria’s got some math study skills for you…

More GED Study Skills

Plus, learn some tips on using Google to help improve your reading and study skills…

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on reading or study skills for the GED, ask Maria.

GED Science: Darwin Day

Dwayne has info on Darwin’s 200th birthday and a GED practice question about evolution.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on science for the GED, ask Dwayne.

Fake GED Seller Prosecuted

If you know anyone looking for a GED diploma, be sure to warn them about the fake GED scams out there! The New York Attorney General is seeking jail time for one man who’s been selling fake diplomas, but there are a lot more out there.

The Recession Drives More to Take the GED

To be as competitive as possible, stay on track to your GED! More and more adults are pursuing their GEDs in Kansas and around the country. Stay ahead of the game by making the commitment to study and get your GED.

GED Success Story Contest for Virginia GED Grads

Virginia GED grads could win a Wii or Ipod Nano for sharing their GED story on YouTube. If you’re from Virginia, take a look at this GED story contest…

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: More Word Problem Advice

Another GED student wrote in asking for advice about dealing with word problems, so here’s Curtis’s advice.

GED Math: Fraction Rap

Trouble with fractions? Listen to this fraction rap for some fun learning!

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Chinedu wants help, so he can help others…

Warren just needs to stay motivated!

Stephanie wants a GED… and stability…

Atilda wants to go to college and have a career…

Stacey Ann needs some support. She doesn’t want to quit…

Juanita wants to show her family that she can do this…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Social Studies: Restated Information

Here’s a social studies skill that will help you on the reading and science tests, too. Becca wrote a blog on recognizing restated information… the same idea written in different words.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on social studies for the GED, ask Becca.

GED in the News

Charles Washington of Hazen, Arkansas is featured in the Arkansas Leader. He’s a farm worker, disabled in an accident, whose goals are to read and understand the Bible and to pass the GED. Read his story here.

The GED is more important than ever!

With jobless rates going up, now’s the time to stick with the studying and get your GED, so you can stay competitive. The GED can help you keep your job, find a new job, or switch to a better job… and it’s even more important when the economy is having trouble! So, keep with the studying, just focusing on doing it every day… you can succeed!

Questions? Problems? Ideas? Post in the GED Forums.

GED Math: Word Problems

Curtis has two posts about word problems, an important part of passing the GED. Tanya wrote in, asking how you know whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide in a word problem.

Plus, Curtis has a practice word problem from Zaher. He’ll walk you through finding the answer to a multiple-step word problem that requires some good thinking skills!

GED Math: Probability

Probability… the chances of something happening… has a 100% chance of showing up on the GED! Curtis solves a sample GED problem about finding probability.

GED Math: Algebra

Algebra is getting into some serious stuff! But it’s not too hard, when you know how it works. Curtis has a sample algebra problem dealing with variables with numbers before them (like 4x).

Plus, here’s a more advanced problem… dealing with three variables and two equations! It’s not too hard, really, if you know what it’s asking.

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Ginger says it’s time for her to go back…

Mandy says the GED would give her more confidence…

Mary wants her GED…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Science: The Scientific Method

Dwayne has a must-know science lesson for you… what is the scientific method?

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on science for the GED, ask Dwayne.

GED Writing: Punctuation

Liz has three punctuation and spelling articles for you, that will help with the GED writing multiple choice test, as well as improving your editing skills:

Possessives

Commas

Semicolons

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on writing for the GED, ask Elizabeth.

Happy New Year!

A new year is starting, and now’s the time to get back on track with your GED. Promise yourself, you’ll have your GED this year… even in the next few months. You can do it!

Sunflower Writes:

I’m such a big procrastinate person I was doing so well studying I got sick for a minute now I’m finding all and every excuse in the book not to start studying for my GED again. Is anyone here having the same problem where you just feel like you cant do it so why bother.You see I’m scared of succeeding why I don’t know maybe its because I was always told I would never be anything in life.I know I have to pass this GED test if I want to give my kids a better life.Sometimes I wonder if i’m the only person like this out there I hope not because its not a good feeling …….

Leonard Replies:

It’s a new year… time to make new year’s resolutions! I know a lot of people who feel like you do, who procrastinate and put off studying for their GED. And I know a lot of GED teachers who see students drop out when they’re really close to succeeding, too. You’ve hit the nail on the head, when you say you’re “scared of succeeding.” A lot of people feel the same way, but not a lot of people talk about it.

The truth is, success can be scary–especially when you haven’t had a lot of it. How would it change your life? And what if you can’t really do it after all? The truth is, you can do it. And it can change your life. But you’re in control of those changes, of what you choose to happen for yourself and your family. You know that you want something better. So, just take a deep breath.

The best way to get through it is to take things one step at a time. Don’t think too far into the future. Just think, every day, “today I will study 1/2 hour.” Okay. Just that. That’s not too hard, or too frightening. It’s just 1/2 hour. Make it your BIG priority. Your promise to yourself every day. Focus on just that: studying 1/2 hour a day. Take it one subject at a time, the easiest subject first. And when you’re ready with a couple of subjects, take the GED test, and get those subjects out of the way. Then you can move forward, with some success already under your belt. One small step at a time. You don’t need to worry about what will happen after you get your GED. Just focus on what’s right in front of you.

To avoid procrastinating, make a rule: you’ll never miss two days’ studying in a row. If you miss one day, don’t kill yourself about it. Just get right back on the horse. You can do it!

Now’s the time for New Year’s Resolutions. And you can get your GED with plenty of the year left over to celebrate and relax. Promise yourself a vacation from worrying about stuff for a few months after you get the GED. So you don’t have to face any big decisions right away… just take some time to be happy and feel like you’ve accomplished something.

You can do it. And if you need help with a study plan, call 1-877-480-7780. Just keep going!

Respond at the GED Forums.

GED Math: Fractions

Curtis has an article about adding and subtracting fractions and a good practice problem about using fractions in everyday life.

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Mary Jo’s a mom who hopes she can get her GED.

Mina needs her GED because she’s got something to give.

Victor has a CPA degree in his country, but now he needs a GED.

Becky wants to feel better about herself by getting her GED.

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them. We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Reading: Taking Notes

Maria has another good study skill for you… how to take notes to improve your learning.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on reading for the GED, ask Maria.

GED Writer’s Notebook

The GED Academy has been developing a new forum to practice your writing and connect with other GED students and teachers to develop your writing skills. This week, one of our students found it:

Batuni Writes:

I have recently discovered the Writers Notebook what a wonderful resource. I enjoy writing, and was thrilled to have the opportunity to submit my work for others to review. I look forward to reading any suggestions and comments submitted. What a great learning tool this site has the potential to become.

I have been searching for this type of site endlessly without any luck, and had no idea it was provided with this GED course. It would be great to see this resource actively advertised, perhaps on your home page, or in some other way it would be easily noticed. It would be great to assist other students in discovering the Writers Notebook exists. Perhaps this would inspire more students to participate.

In the quest for greater knowledge, this GED course and the sites provided make learning much easier. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone behind PassGED.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Batnuni

Resource Reminder

Links to learning resources: http://www.passged.com/links

Questions or comments? Ask at the GED Forum.

Get more practice questions and information from our blogs. Here’s what’s new this week:

GED Math: Percent and Ratio Word Problems

Percents and ratios are a big part of the GED math test, and Curtis explains how to approach percent and ratio word problems.

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.

More GED Stories

All across the U.S., people like you 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.

Read Anita’s GED success story…

Zainab’s best bet is getting a GED…

Lubna says life is short…

Freda got sick while trying to finish her GED…

Naz needs a GED diploma…

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Writing: Brain Freeze!

Liz has advice about brain freeze… when you get the essay topic in front of you, and just can’t think what to say! There are two posts, Brain Freeze on Essay Topics and More about Brain Freeze.

If you have any comments, questions, or problems with writing for the GED, be sure to ask Liz.

GED Reading: Business documents

Maria has some advice on the GED Reading Workplace and Community Documents.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on reading for the GED, ask Maria.

GED Social Studies Practice Question: Throwing Shoes at George W. Bush!

Becca’s got an interesting political cartoon and a GED practice question about the Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush.

If you have any comments, questions, or problems with social studies for the GED, be sure to ask Becca.

From a successful country music singer, to prison inmates, people all over the U.S. are earning their GEDs….

Country Singer Gretchen Wilson Earns GED

Gretchen Wilson, whose first single “Redneck Woman” was released in 2004, has earned her GED after being out of school for twenty years.  Read her story.

Esmeralda Gonzalez Highlights GED Learning in Prisons

21-year-old Esmeralda Gonzalez landed in prison at 17 for burglary, but that didn’t stop her from moving forward in her life. Now she’s earned her GED and hopes to start college soon. Read her story.

Resource Reminder

Links to learning resources: http://www.passged.com/links
Questions or comments? Ask at the GED Forum.

Get more practice questions and information from our blogs. Here’s what’s new this week:

GED Math: Lines, Angles, Points, and Transversals!

Curtis tackles GED geometry on his blog, with a GED math practice question on transversals. He’ll explain parallel lines and calculating the size of angles formed by crossing lines.

Be sure to contact Curtis if you need math help.

GED Forum: Looking for Study-Buddies

The GED Forum is a great resource to connect with other GED studiers. Sunflower is a new student looking for a study partner:

“I must say I was skeptical when i sign up for this class but I just spent 4 hours studying even though I didn’t pass any subject when I was done I felt good about it.I haven’t felt this good about studying for a long time I didn’t want to stop the students are so funny and I must say I find the teacher voice a little hot I love listening to him any ways hope to here how other students are doing so we can compare notes or even help each other”

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.

Cathy dropped out in 1999. Now, she wants to make progress for herself. “I know that I can do better.”

Eric is a student in Ghana who wants to be a medical doctor. “I am a self-innovated person.”

Kala says, “most people think if you drop out, you’re stupid.”

Shanell is having trouble graduating, and she wants to become a cosmetologist and a pharmacist.

Fadumo moved from Somalia to North Dakota. Now, with 9 children, she wants to earn her GED and become a nurse.

Brenna needs to face the GED math test, and like many GED students, she’s scared!

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Practice Questions

Here is some good GED practice from our GED bloggers…

GED Writing: A GED Essay Walk-Through

Liz has a practice GED essay question, and her draft of an answer. She walks you through how she approached this GED practice essay prompt, with tips and advice for the GED essay test. Try this prompt yourself!

If you have any comments, questions, or problems with writing for the GED, be sure to ask Liz.

GED Science: Eek! Water Monsters!

Dwayne is back: with a GED science comprehension practice question. He’s found a news article on Mexican water monsters, and what’s causing them to go extinct.

If there’s something you just don’t understand or need help with in GED science, be sure to ask Dwayne.

GED in the News

WWII Vet Receives GED

Charlie Cagle, a veteran who served in World War II and went on to serve in the Korean war, finally received his GED at the age of 85. Read his story.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Student of the Year in GA

Artesia Brown dropped out of school during her senior year. At the time, she was 19 and pregnant. With the help of the TANF program in Georgia, she was able to get her GED and start working, helping other women who needed to find better opportunities. Read her story.

Resource Reminder

Links to learning resources: http://www.passged.com/links

Questions or comments? Ask at the GED Forum.

Get more practice questions and information from our blogs. Here’s what’s new this week:

GED Math: Probability

Curtis has a GED math practice question on probability. He explains probability and walks you through an example question.

Be sure to contact Curtis if you need 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.

Lakeshia dropped out of school in 7th grade. Now, she needs her GED to go into the military. “I’m studying to get my GED now, and I’m so happy…”

Thomas dropped out of school in the tenth grade. He’s disabled, and he needs his GED “to get some kind of life.”

Dorothy is a GED success story… Her kids wouldn’t let her give up, and helped her get her GED… now she’s on her way to an associate’s degree.

Share your story and your successes! If you want to motivate yourself, post your success story when you pass your first test… or all of them.

We want to hear about your personal story…so share your GED story with us.

GED Practice Questions

Here are a few good practice questions from our GED bloggers…

GED Writing: Comma Splices

Liz has a practice question about comma splices from the multiple choice section of the GED writing test. She’ll walk you through a typical practice question and answer about run-on sentences.

If you have any comments, questions, or problems with writing for the GED, be sure to ask Liz.

GED Reading: Tone

Maria presents a practice question about tone in a poem fragment by the Greek poet Sappho. The poem may sound tough, but tone questions are simple to answer. She’ll explain what tone questions are and how to answer them.

If you have any problems, questions, or comments on reading for the GED, ask Maria.

GED Science: Dancing Dinosaurs!

Dwayne gives you a science practice question about an archeological find: a “dinosaur dance floor” filled with dinosaurs’ footprints. If there’s something you just don’t understand or need help with in GED science, be sure to ask Dwayne.

GED Social Studies: -isms

Becca gives you an overview of -isms that you might run into on the GED, including socialism, capitalism, communism, and fascism. What are they and how are they different?

If you have any comments, questions, or problems with social studies for the GED, be sure to ask Becca.