# GED information

## 4 exams to take:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Science

## Mathematical Reasoning

### Test Topics
Basic Math
Geometry
Basic Algebra
Graphs and Functions

### Time (to take the test)
115 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
Includes 3 minute break between parts (to retrieve your calculator in test center)

### Format
Access to calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet
* Access to onscreen calculator on part 2 of test
* Your own TI-30XS calculator allowed in test center
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area, and drop down)

## Reasoning Through Language Arts
### Test Topics
Reading for Meaning
Identifying and Creating Arguments
Grammar and Language

### Time (to take the test)
150 minutes
Includes 3 minutes of instructions and final review
Includes 10 minute break between parts 2 and 3
Includes 45 minutes for the written essay

### Format
3 sections
1 written essay (extended response)
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)

## Social Studies

### Test Topics
Reading for Meaning in Social Studies
Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies
Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies

### Time (to take the test)
70 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
No break

### Format
* Access to onscreen calculator
* Your own TI-30XS calculator allowed in test center
Access to calculator reference sheet
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, fill in the blank, select an area, and drop down)

## Science
### Test Topics
Reading for Meaning in Science
Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments
Using Numbers and Graphics in Science

### Time (to take the test)
90 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
No break

### Format
* Access to onscreen calculator
* Your own TI-30XS calculator allowed in test center
Access to calculator reference sheet
Multiple choice and other question types (fill in the blank, drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)

---

# 18-24 Month GED Study Plan

## Year 1: Building Core Knowledge (Months 1-12)

### Months 1-3: Foundation Building

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Fundamental Arithmetic Operations**: Focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including long division.
- **Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages**: Understand conversion between these forms and how to perform operations with them.
- **Basic Geometry Concepts**: Learn about different shapes, their properties (like angles, sides), and basic formulas for calculating area, perimeter, and volume of common geometric figures such as squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles.
- **Introduction to Data Interpretation**: Start with basic graph reading skills, such as understanding bar graphs and line plots.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Basic Reading Comprehension**: Focus on understanding the main idea, theme, and details in short paragraphs and passages.
- **Main Ideas and Themes in Texts**: Learn to identify the central message or lesson in a variety of texts, including fiction and non-fiction.
- **Basic Grammar and Sentence Structure Studies**: Start with parts of speech, sentence construction, punctuation, and basic syntax rules.
- **Vocabulary Building**: Begin to expand your vocabulary through reading and using context clues to understand new words.

---

### Months 4-6: Developing Advanced Skills

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Algebraic Expressions and Equations**: Learn to simplify expressions, solve basic linear equations, and understand the properties of algebraic expressions.
- **Properties of Geometric Figures**: Dive deeper into geometry by studying properties of more complex shapes like polygons, and understanding concepts like congruence and similarity.
- **Linear Equations and Their Graphs**: Start graphing linear equations on the coordinate plane, understanding the concept of slope, and how to interpret linear graphs.
- **Introduction to Statistics**: Begin with basic concepts of statistics, such as mean, median, mode, and range, and how to interpret simple statistical data.

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Algebraic Expressions and Equations**: Begin with simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, and understanding basic algebraic concepts like variables and coefficients.
- **Properties of Geometric Figures**: Study different properties of geometric shapes including polygons, circles, and triangles; focus on theorems and postulates related to these shapes.
- **Linear Equations and Graphs**: Understand the concept of slope and intercept, how to graph linear equations, and interpret the meaning of graphs in real-world contexts.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Advanced Reading Comprehension**: Engage with more complex texts, including literature and technical writing, focusing on deeper comprehension and critical analysis.
- **Argument Identification and Analysis**: Start identifying arguments in texts and understanding their structure, including claims, evidence, and reasoning.
- **Enhanced Grammar and Writing Skills**: Move towards more complex sentence structures, paragraph writing, and the basics of essay construction.
- **Critical Thinking and Inference**: Begin to develop skills in making inferences and drawing conclusions from readings.

This expanded focus for the initial six months lays a solid foundation in both mathematical reasoning and language arts, setting the stage for more advanced topics and deeper understanding in the subsequent months.

### Months 4-6: Developing Advanced Skills

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Argument Identification and Analysis**: Develop the ability to identify arguments in texts, understand their components (claims, evidence, reasoning), and evaluate their effectiveness.
- **Complex Sentence Structures and Advanced Grammar**: Move beyond basic grammar to explore complex sentence structures, verb tenses, and advanced punctuation rules.
- **Persuasive and Expository Writing Techniques**: Introduction to writing persuasive and expository texts; focus on techniques like thesis development, argument structure, and effective use of evidence.

### Months 4-6: Developing Advanced Skills

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Algebraic Expressions and Equations**:
  - Start with the basics of algebra including understanding variables, constants, and coefficients.
  - Learn to simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms and using distributive properties.
  - Practice solving linear equations and inequalities, including one-step and two-step equations.
  - Explore word problems involving algebra to understand practical applications.
- **Properties of Geometric Figures**:
  - Study various properties of geometric shapes, particularly polygons, circles, and triangles.
  - Learn important theorems and postulates related to these shapes, such as the Pythagorean theorem and properties of parallel lines.
  - Begin exploring the concepts of congruence and similarity in geometry.
  - Apply these concepts in solving problems, such as finding missing angles or sides.
- **Linear Equations and Graphs**:
  - Understand the concept of slope and y-intercept in the context of linear equations.
  - Learn how to graph linear equations on a coordinate plane.
  - Practice interpreting and analyzing graphs, understanding how they represent real-world situations.
  - Explore different forms of linear equations, such as slope-intercept form and standard form.

  #### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Algebraic Expressions and Equations**: Learn to simplify expressions, solve basic linear equations, and understand the properties of algebraic expressions.
- **Properties of Geometric Figures**: Dive deeper into geometry by studying properties of more complex shapes like polygons, and understanding concepts like congruence and similarity.
- **Linear Equations and Their Graphs**: Start graphing linear equations on the coordinate plane, understanding the concept of slope, and how to interpret linear graphs.
- **Introduction to Statistics**: Begin with basic concepts of statistics, such as mean, median, mode, and range, and how to interpret simple statistical data.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Argument Identification and Analysis**:
  - Develop skills to identify arguments in various types of texts, distinguishing between claims, evidence, and reasoning.
  - Practice analyzing the effectiveness of arguments, evaluating the strength of evidence and the logic of reasoning.
  - Engage in critical reading exercises to understand persuasive techniques used in texts.
- **Complex Sentence Structures and Advanced Grammar**:
  - Move beyond basic grammar to study complex sentence structures, including compound and complex sentences.
  - Understand advanced grammar concepts like verb tense consistency, subject-verb agreement, and correct use of modifiers.
  - Practice identifying and correcting grammatical errors in writing.
- **Persuasive and Expository Writing Techniques**:
  - Introduction to writing persuasive texts, focusing on developing a strong thesis statement and building a logical argument.
  - Learn the structure of expository writing, including how to present information clearly and concisely.
  - Practice writing exercises that involve crafting well-structured paragraphs and essays, using evidence effectively to support arguments.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Advanced Reading Comprehension**: Engage with more complex texts, including literature and technical writing, focusing on deeper comprehension and critical analysis.
- **Argument Identification and Analysis**: Start identifying arguments in texts and understanding their structure, including claims, evidence, and reasoning.
- **Enhanced Grammar and Writing Skills**: Move towards more complex sentence structures, paragraph writing, and the basics of essay construction.
- **Critical Thinking and Inference**: Begin to develop skills in making inferences and drawing conclusions from readings.

---  

### Months 7-9: Integration and Application

#### Social Studies
- **Understanding Historical Texts and Current Events**:
  - Engage with diverse historical texts, understanding their context, significance, and impact.
  - Stay informed about current events and learn to draw parallels with historical concepts and events.
  - Develop critical thinking skills to analyze how historical perspectives influence current societal issues.
- **Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources**:
  - Learn the differences between primary and secondary sources and their roles in historical research.
  - Practice analyzing these sources for bias, reliability, and perspective.
  - Engage in exercises that involve comparing and contrasting different sources to gain a more nuanced understanding of historical events.
- **Data and Graph Interpretation**:
  - Start interpreting more complex data and graphical representations in social studies.
  - Learn to analyze charts, maps, and graphs for information relevant to historical and social studies research.
  - Practice applying this data to support historical arguments or perspectives.

#### Science
- **Basic Scientific Principles and Concepts**:
  - Dive into key concepts across various scientific disciplines like biology (cell structure, genetics), chemistry (elements, compounds), physics (force, energy), and earth science (rock cycle, weather patterns).
  - Explore foundational principles and how they apply to the natural world.
- **Scientific Reading and Comprehension**:
  - Develop skills to effectively read and comprehend scientific texts, diagrams, and data.
  - Practice summarizing scientific articles and explaining concepts in layman's terms.
  - Engage with a variety of scientific genres, from academic journal articles to popular science writing.
- **Scientific Method and Experiment Analysis**:
  - Learn about the steps of the scientific method from hypothesis generation to conclusion.
  - Design basic experiments, understand variables, controls, and experimental setups.
  - Practice analyzing experimental data and drawing conclusions based on scientific reasoning.

### Months 10-12: Comprehensive Review

#### All Subjects
- **Review of All Covered Topics**:
  - Systematically revisit all topics covered in previous months across all subjects.
  - Focus on areas of weakness or topics that require additional practice.
- **Practice Diverse Question Types**:
  - Engage with a variety of question types expected in the GED exam.
  - Include practice sessions focusing on multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions.
- **Integration of Knowledge**:
  - Start connecting and applying concepts across different subjects.
  - Engage in interdisciplinary exercises, such as using mathematical skills in science or applying historical context in language arts.

### Months 13-15: Advanced Topics and Practice

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Advanced Algebraic Concepts and Problem-Solving**:
  - Explore complex algebraic topics like quadratic equations, systems of equations, and inequalities.
  - Practice solving real-world problems using advanced algebraic techniques.
- **Complex Geometry Problems**:
  - Delve into advanced geometry topics including the study of congruent and similar figures, circles, and geometric proofs.
  - Apply geometric concepts to solve complex problems and proofs.
- **Graph and Function Analysis Integration**:
  - Combine algebraic and geometric knowledge to analyze and interpret complex graphs and functions.
  - Explore different types of functions, including quadratic, exponential, and piecewise functions.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Advanced Essay Writing Skills**:
  - Focus on refining essay writing skills for the 45-minute essay component of the exam.
  - Emphasize structure, clarity, logical flow, and argumentation in essay writing.
- **Timed Essay Writing Practice**:
  - Practice writing essays within a 45-minute time frame.
  - Focus on planning, writing, and revising essays under timed conditions.

### Months 16-18: Mastery of Concepts

#### Social Studies and Science
- **Historical Events and Impact Analysis**:
  - Study significant historical events and their impacts on society, culture, and politics.
  - Analyze these events from multiple perspectives and understand their long-term effects.
- **Complex Argument Analysis in Social Studies**:
  - Engage with complex texts and historical documents.
  - Practice analyzing and interpreting different viewpoints and arguments in social studies.
- **Advanced Scientific Text and Experiment Design Study**:
  - Deepen understanding of scientific concepts by engaging with complex scientific texts and research.
  - Focus on advanced topics in various scientific disciplines and how they are approached experimentally.

### Months 19-21: Exam Format Familiarization

#### All Subjects
- **GED Test Format Familiarization**:
  - Study the structure and format of each GED test section to understand what to expect on the exam day.
  - Familiarize yourself with the types of questions, the scoring system, and the rules for each section.
  - Practice with sample questions and tests that replicate the format of the actual exam.
- **Calculator Practice**:
  - Become proficient in using the onscreen and physical TI-30XS calculators, focusing on the types of calculations and operations allowed during the test.
  - Practice solving problems with the calculator to improve speed and accuracy.
  - Learn shortcuts and functions of the TI-30XS that can save time during the exam.
- **Formula and Reference Sheet Review**:
  - Review and memorize key formulas, especially for the Mathematical Reasoning section.
  - Understand how to use the provided reference sheets effectively during the test.
  - Practice applying formulas in various contexts to reinforce memorization and understanding.

### Months 22-24: Final Review and Mock Exams

#### All Subjects
- **Full-Length Mock Exams**:
  - Take several full-length practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the real test environment.
  - Use these exams to assess readiness and identify areas that need further review or practice.
  - Practice pacing to ensure you can complete each section within the allotted time.
- **Time Management and Question Analysis**:
  - Develop strategies for effectively managing time during the exam, such as allocating time to different question types and knowing when to move on from a difficult question.
  - Enhance skills in quickly analyzing and understanding what each question is asking.
  - Learn to identify keywords and critical information in questions and passages.
- **Weak Area Improvement**:
  - After each mock exam, identify areas where you scored lower and focus on improving these.
  - Seek additional resources or help for topics that are consistently challenging.
  - Engage in targeted practice, focusing on the type of questions or content areas where improvement is needed.

This final phase of the study plan emphasizes familiarization with the GED exam format and intensive practice to ensure readiness. The goal is to enter the test day with confidence, knowing that you have thoroughly prepared for each section of the exam.


---
## Specific Exam Topics Focus

1. **Mathematical Reasoning**
   - **Topics:**
     - **Basic Math**: Master arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Understand their applications in various contexts.
     - **Geometry**: Explore shapes, angles, area, perimeter, and volume. Study properties and theorems related to geometric figures like polygons, circles, and triangles.
     - **Basic Algebra**: Delve into variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities. Understand how to manipulate and solve algebraic expressions and linear equations.
     - **Graphs and Functions**: Learn the basics of graphing linear and quadratic functions. Understand how to interpret and solve problems involving different types of functions.
   - **Practice:**
     - Solve real-world mathematical problems using a combination of arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric concepts.
     - Tackle word problems that require an integrated approach, using various mathematical principles.
     - Analyze and interpret data through graphs and functions, applying these skills to real-life scenarios.

2. **Reasoning Through Language Arts**
   - **Topics:**
     - **Reading Comprehension**: Engage with diverse texts, including literary works, scientific articles, and historical documents. Focus on understanding themes, main ideas, and details.
     - **Argument Analysis**: Develop skills to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate arguments in written texts. Understand the elements of logical reasoning and fallacies.
     - **Advanced Grammar**: Master complex sentence structures, punctuation rules, verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement. Understand the nuances of the English language.
   - **Practice:**
     - Write essays requiring critical analysis, synthesis of information, and coherent argumentation.
     - Analyze various texts for their underlying meanings, structures, and rhetorical strategies.
     - Regularly practice editing and revising written work to improve grammatical accuracy and clarity.

3. **Social Studies**
   - **Topics:**
     - **Historical Events Analysis**: Study significant events in global and national history, understanding their causes, contexts, and impacts.
     - **Data Interpretation in Social Studies**: Become proficient in interpreting charts, graphs, and data within the context of social studies.
     - **Social Dynamics and Systems**: Gain insight into social dynamics, government structures, and economic principles.
   - **Practice:**
     - Read and critically analyze historical texts and primary documents.
     - Interpret and apply graphical and numerical data to understand historical and current events.
     - Relate historical events and concepts to contemporary social issues, demonstrating an understanding of their interconnectedness.

4. **Science**
   - **Topics:**
     - **Scientific Concepts Comprehension**: Cover essential concepts in biology (like cell biology and genetics), chemistry (atoms, molecules, chemical reactions), physics (forces, energy), and earth science (geology, meteorology).
     - **Experiment Analysis**: Understand the steps of the scientific method, including hypothesis formation, experimental design, and data interpretation.
     - **Environmental and Health Sciences**: Explore topics related to ecosystems, environmental issues, human anatomy, and physiology.
   - **Practice:**
     - Interpret and analyze scientific graphs, charts, and data, extracting relevant information.
     - Critically evaluate scientific experiments, focusing on hypothesis testing, methodology, and drawing conclusions.
     - Explain and discuss scientific phenomena and theories, demonstrating a clear understanding of key concepts.

- Begin integrating knowledge across different subject areas.

## Year 2: Intensive Preparation and Practice (Months 13-24)

### Months 13-15: Advanced Topics and Practice
#### Mathematical Reasoning
- Tackle advanced algebraic concepts and problem-solving.
- Explore complex geometry problems.
- Integrate algebra and geometry with graph and function analysis.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Develop essay writing skills, focusing on structure, clarity, and argumentation.
- Practice timed essay writing for the 45-minute essay component.

### Months 16-18: Mastery of Concepts
#### Social Studies and Science
- Deepen understanding of historical events and their impact.
- Analyze complex arguments and viewpoints in social studies.
- Study advanced scientific texts and experiment designs.

### Months 19-21: Exam Format Familiarization
#### All Subjects
- Familiarize with the specific format of each GED test.
- Practice with onscreen and physical calculators (TI-30XS).
- Review calculator reference sheets and formulae.

### Months 22-24: Final Review and Mock Exams
#### All Subjects
- Conduct full-length mock exams under timed conditions.
- Focus on time management and question analysis.
- Identify and improve any remaining weak areas.

## Specific Exam Topics Focus

1. **Mathematical Reasoning**
   - Topics: Basic Math, Geometry, Basic Algebra, Graphs, and Functions.
   - Practice: Solve real-world problems using mathematical concepts.

2. **Reasoning Through Language Arts**
   - Topics: Reading comprehension, Argument analysis, Advanced grammar.
   - Practice: Write essays and analyze texts for meaning and structure.

3. **Social Studies**
   - Topics: Historical events analysis, Data interpretation in social studies.
   - Practice: Read and interpret graphs and charts related to social issues.

4. **Science**
   - Topics: Scientific concepts comprehension, Experiment analysis.
   - Practice: Interpret scientific data and understand experimental designs.

This plan ensures thorough coverage and understanding of the content for each GED test area, with a focus on application and practice to build confidence and mastery.

---

### Months 7-9: Integration and Application

#### Social Studies
- **Understanding Historical Texts and Current Events**: Engage with a variety of historical texts, understanding their context and significance. Keep abreast of current events and learn to connect them with historical concepts.
- **Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources**: Learn to differentiate between primary and secondary sources in social studies and the importance of each in historical research.
- **Data and Graph Interpretation**: Start interpreting complex data and graphical representations in social studies, understanding how they contribute to historical analysis and current events understanding.

#### Science
- **Basic Scientific Principles and Concepts**: Dive into fundamental scientific concepts across various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
- **Scientific Reading and Comprehension**: Develop skills in reading and understanding scientific texts, diagrams, and data.
- **Scientific Method and Experiment Analysis**: Learn about the scientific method, how to design basic experiments, and how to analyze experimental data.

### Months 10-12: Comprehensive Review

#### All Subjects
- **Review of All Covered Topics**: Revisit all topics from basic arithmetic to complex sentence structures, ensuring a strong foundational understanding.
- **Practice Diverse Question Types**: Engage with a variety of question types that are likely to appear on the GED, such as multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer.
- **Integration of Knowledge**: Start connecting concepts across different subjects, understanding how skills in one area can support learning in another.

## Year 2: Intensive Preparation and Practice (Months 13-24)

### Months 13-15: Advanced Topics and Practice

#### Mathematical Reasoning
- **Advanced Algebraic Concepts and Problem-Solving**: Explore more complex algebraic topics such as quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions.
- **Complex Geometry Problems**: Delve into more advanced geometry including the study of congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean theorem.
- **Graph and Function Analysis Integration**: Combine algebraic and geometric knowledge to analyze more complex graphs and functions.

#### Reasoning Through Language Arts
- **Advanced Essay Writing Skills**: Focus on refining essay writing skills, particularly for the 45-minute essay component, emphasizing structure, clarity, logic, and argumentation.
- **Timed Essay Writing Practice**: Practice writing essays within a 45-minute time frame to simulate test conditions.

### Months 16-18: Mastery of Concepts

#### Social Studies and Science
- **Historical Events and Impact Analysis**: Study major historical events and their impacts on society, culture, and politics.
- **Complex Argument Analysis in Social Studies**: Engage with complex texts in social studies, analyzing and interpreting different viewpoints and arguments.
- **Advanced Scientific Text and Experiment Design Study**: Delve deeper into scientific studies, focusing on understanding and critiquing complex scientific texts and experiment designs.

### Months 19-21: Exam Format Familiarization

#### All Subjects
- **GED Test Format Familiarization**: Gain a thorough understanding of the format and expectations of each section of the GED test.
- **Calculator Practice**: Become proficient with using the onscreen and physical TI-30XS calculators for relevant sections.
- **Formula and Reference Sheet Review**: Review and memorize key formulas and reference information provided for the test.

### Months 22-24: Final Review and Mock Exams

#### All Subjects
- **Full-Length Mock Exams**: Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the test day experience.
- **Time Management and Question Analysis**: Focus on effective time management strategies and techniques for analyzing and answering different types of questions.
- **Weak Area Improvement**: Identify any remaining weak areas and dedicate time to improving these before the test date.

This expanded study plan provides a detailed and structured approach to preparing for the GED, covering all necessary content areas and skills required for success on the test.

---
## Specific Exam Topics Focus

1. **Mathematical Reasoning**
   - **Topics:**
     - Basic Math: Focus on arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
     - Geometry: Study shapes, angles, area, perimeter, volume, and the properties of geometric figures.
     - Basic Algebra: Cover variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities.
     - Graphs and Functions: Understand the basics of graphing, interpreting linear and quadratic functions, and solving function-related problems.
   - **Practice:**
     - Apply concepts to solve real-world mathematical problems.
     - Practice word problems that require the application of multiple mathematical concepts.
     - Use graphs and functions to analyze and interpret data and trends.

2. **Reasoning Through Language Arts**
   - **Topics:**
     - Reading Comprehension: Engage with a range of texts, including literary, scientific, and historical.
     - Argument Analysis: Learn to identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments in various texts.
     - Advanced Grammar: Study complex sentence structures, punctuation, verb tenses, and agreement.
   - **Practice:**
     - Write essays that require critical thinking and argumentation.
     - Analyze texts for meaning, structure, and rhetorical strategies.
     - Practice editing and revising written passages for grammatical accuracy.

3. **Social Studies**
   - **Topics:**
     - Historical Events Analysis: Study significant events in history, their causes, and their impacts.
     - Data Interpretation in Social Studies: Learn to interpret charts, graphs, and data in the context of social studies.
     - Understanding social dynamics, government systems, and economic principles.
   - **Practice:**
     - Read and analyze historical texts and primary documents.
     - Interpret graphical and numerical data related to historical and current events.
     - Connect historical events to contemporary social issues.

4. **Science**
   - **Topics:**
     - Scientific Concepts Comprehension: Cover fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
     - Experiment Analysis: Understand the scientific method, experimental design, and data interpretation.
     - Environmental and health science topics, including ecosystems and human body systems.
   - **Practice:**
     - Interpret scientific graphs, charts, and data.
     - Analyze scientific experiments, including hypothesis formation, methodological design, and conclusion drawing.
     - Understand and explain scientific phenomena and theories.

---