Fast Track

Fast Track9 am – 12 p.m.

1-4 p.m.5 - 8 p.m.

What to expect on the O.P.T.(Official Practice Test for the G.E.D.)

The Process

Locator Test

TABE Test

OPTGED

You must complete Fast Track before you can take the O.P.T. If you miss a day, you will need to re-take Fast Track.

Studies show that people who complete the Fast Track class score higher on the G.E.D.

1. Fast Track 2. Official Practice Test

3. Take G.E.D.

Re:Start Focus Classes

The Process

Notes

• This class only meets two times this week.• At the end of class today you will sign up to

take the OPT next week.• You will get two opportunities to take the OPT

test before you need to sign up for classes.

“Success is not a doorway. It’s a staircase. Take it one step at a time.”

O.P.T. Testing Times

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9am - 1pm 3pm – 7pm

If you need to get off work or arrange your schedule, you may call us when you are ready to make an appointment.

*You need to make an appointment before you come into test.

=

=

4 hours

8 hours

*Currently you may only take the G.E.D. 3 times a year.* Different forms of the test are given each time.

*The O.P.T. is required before the G.E.D. in Tennessee.

How the scoring works……

-You need an average of 450 to pass with no subject below a 410.

-You only have to retake subjects you don’t pass- not the entire test.

We will pay for you to take your G.E.D. if you pass!

Test Day

Sleeping and eating well

More brainpower!

GED Subjects• Reading

• Writing– Part 1: Grammar– Part 2: Essay

• Social Studies

• Science

• Math– Part 1: (calculator)– Part 2: (no calculator)

Language Arts: Writing Part:2

• Essay / 45minutes

• Given a random essay prompt

The essay has more weight!

If you get a high essay score it can overcome missed questions on the grammar portion of the test.

1Inadequate

2 Marginal

3Adequate

4Effective

• Answering the Question

• Being Organized

• Writing Clearly

• Being specific

Introduction+

Thesis

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Conclusion

5 Paragraph Essay

Steps to Writing an Essay….

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Answer the question.

3. Brainstorm three reasons why you think the way you do.

4. Write your Thesis or Blueprint.

5. Write your essay.

Our world today is changing fast. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the changes. Has modern technology, such as a computer, made people’s lives better or worse?

Write an essay to explain your view on that topic. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your view.

Essay Question

Steps to Writing an Essay….

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Answer the question.

3. Brainstorm three reasons why you think the way you do.

4. Write your Thesis or Blueprint.

5. Write your essay.

I believe modern technology has made people’s lives better.

Steps to Writing an Essay….

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Answer the question.

3. Brainstorm three reasons why for your answer.

4. Write your Thesis or Blueprint.

5. Write your essay.

Brainstorm!

• More organized• Broader world view• Easier communication• Videogames• Better education• Faster transportation• Access to information

•Medical Advancements•Facebook•Better entertainment•Internet•Stay in touch with familyWhich points are examples and which are reasons? Do not use examples as your three points!

Make sure your three points are different from each other.

Steps to Writing an Essay….

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Answer the question.

3. Brainstorm three reasons why for your answer.

4. Write your Thesis or Blueprint.

5. Write your essay.

Thesis?

= Question answered + 3 points

I believe modern technology has made people’s lives better because it keeps people organized, improves education, and makes communication easier.

Steps to Writing an Essay….

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Answer the question.

3. Brainstorm three reasons why for your answer.

4. Write your Thesis or Blueprint.

5. Write your essay.

Has Modern Technology, such as the computer, made people’s lives better or worse?

Write an essay to explain your view on that topic. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your view.

Has modern technology made your life better? I believe modern technology has made people’s

lives better because it keeps people organized, improves education, and makes communication easier.

First, modern technology makes people’s lives better because it helps them keep organized. Cell phones have alarms so that people never forget about meetings. Computers have calendars where you can keep track of all your appointments and important dates. Technology definitely helps people keep organized.

Also, modern technology makes people’s lives better because it improves education. Classrooms can now have projectors where students can watch videos online. Students can even access school outside the classroom using computers and the internet. This has allowed many people to get an education while working and raising a family.

Finally, modern technology makes people’s lives better because it makes communication easier. With cell phones today families and friends can stay in touch whenever they want with a simple call. Also, facebook allows people to stay connected and even find classmates and old friends.

In conclusion, modern technology has made people’s lives better. With technology people can keep organized every day. Technology also improves education and helps make communication easier. I look forward to new technology and wonder how it will continue to make our lives better.

Essay Tips• Begin introduction with a question, story, or fact. End

introduction with thesis.

• Start each paragraph off with a transition and your key

point.

– Use exact wording from thesis.

– DO NOT include details or stories in this sentence.

• In your conclusion, do not state your thesis in one sentence.

Spread it out over two or three sentences.

– Include a final thought.

– Don’t add new ideas here.

Two main types of Questions:

Opinion Personal

What does it take to be a good parent?In your essay, describe the characteristics of a good parent. Give specific details to explain your views. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge.

Honesty

Dedication

Love

LAUGHTER

GENTLENESS

What has been the happiest day of your life so far? In your essay, tell what happened that made it so wonderful. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge.

The day my daughter was born because……..

Learned responsibilityLearned about true love

Learned to teach

Today our workplaces and neighborhoods are composed of people of diverse backgrounds. For this reason it is important for people to find ways to get along with each other.Write an essay explaining how people of diverse backgrounds can get along better.

Learn each other’s languageLearn about each other’s cultures

Be patient Be kind

Math

• Part 1

– 13 questions / 23minutes

– Calculator allowed

*most of the fractions are on this section

• Part 2

– 12 questions / 22 minutes

– No calculator allowed

* you will need to be able to multiply, divide, add, and

subtract (also know decimals)

Remember…..-No mixed numbers on answer sheet.

-Write in the bubble TOO.

-No negative numbers.

Calculator Basics

Guided Practice:

1. 23+46 =

2. 112-56 =

3. 34X3 =

4. 115 ÷ 5 =

5. 6² =

6. 36 =

7. 30.5 ÷ 5.5 =

8. 18/3 + 1 ½ =

9. -3 + (-4) =

• Addition• Subtraction• Multiplication• Division• Powers• Roots• Decimals• Fractions

– reduce– mixed numbers

• Negative Numbers

X, Y chartsVocabularyX axis = the horizontal axis ( )Y axis = the vertical axis ( )Coordinates = are a set of points that give a specific location on a map or a chart. (x, y)For example: ( 2, 4)• The first number is the x. Begin

at 0. Since the number is positive move to the right to the 2.

• The second number is the y. Start from the 2. Since the number is positive, move up 4.

1

23

45

2 31 4

-1

5

-2-3

-1

-5 -4

-3-2

-4-5

Coordinate Plane

, 4)(2

y

x

Guided Practice Directions: Plot the following points.

1. (0, 3)2. (7, 1)3. (-9, 6)4. (-12, 0)5. (-6, -5)6. (9, -6)

Example: Translation

Most Common Types of Word Problems

• Multi-step• Percent• Graphs & Tables• Algebra• Geometry• Ratios

Statistic Key Terms

• mean (average) = sum ÷ # of items

1,1,7, 3, 8, 9 = 1+1+7+3+8+9 ÷ 6

• median = order from least to greatest» if two numbers are in the middle find their average

1,1,5,7,8,9 = 5+7 ÷ 2

• mode = number that repeats the most

1,1,5,7,8,9 = 1

Multi-Step Word Problems

Multi-Step Word Problems

1. Sam bought 8 gallons of gas that cost $3.85 a gallon, and Sue bought 7 gallons of gas that cost $3.95 a gallon. Who spent less money?

Operation:Solution:

MultiplicationSam = 3.85 x 8 =

Sue = 3.95 x 7 =

Multi-Step Word Problems

2. Mel and Pam are looking to buy a new car. They can buy a new BMW for $90,000 in cash, or they can make a down payment of $1,500 and make monthly payments of $4,500 for 22 months. How much more money will they pay if they don’t pay in cash?

Operation:Solution:

Elapsed Time

Elapsed time is the actual time it takes to complete a task. It is finding the difference between to specific times, or adding to a specific time. When adding, you may have to carry into another unit. When subtracting, you may have to borrow from another unit. This can make finding elapsed time very difficult for some. Below is a chart with the measurements of time:

1 minute = 60 seconds1 hour = 60 minutes24 hours = 1 day7 days = 1 week

Let’s Practice1. An airplane left the Nashville International

Airport at 9:50 A.M. and arrived at Tampa, Florida at 11:45 A.M. Nashville is one hour behind Tampa. How long did the trip take?

2. If Mrs. Tays leaves home at 6:45 A.M. and arrives at school at 7:51A.M., how long did it take her to get to school?

3. Callie can create 200 widgets an hour. If she gets an order for 1200 widgets and takes a 30 minute break, what time will she be finished with her order if she starts at 9:00 a.m.

Percent Word Problems

Before solving percent problems, it is necessary to change the percent to a decimal.

When given the percent, always move the decimal 2 places to the left.

For example: 13% = .13

Let’s practice changing the following percents to decimals.

1. 62% = _____ 2. 122% = _____ 3. 2% = _____

0 0 0 1 3 0

ThousandthsHundredths

Tenths

Hundreds

Tens

Ones

decimal

.

At the end of problems, you may need to change from a decimal back into a percent.

When you have a decimal, always move the decimal 2 places to the right to make a percent.

For example: .6 = 60%

Let’s practice changing the following decimals to percents.

1. .33 = _____ 2. .6 = _____ 3. .03 = _____

0 0 0 6 0 0

ThousandthsHundredths

Tenths

Hundreds

Tens

Ones

decimal

.

Percent Word Problems

1. The price of a gallon of heating oil rose from $1.60 a gallon to $1.92. By what percent did the price increase?

A) 5%B) 10%C) 15%D) 20%E) 25%

Increase / Decrease

New – OriginalOriginal

Percent Word Problems

1. The price of a gallon of heating oil rose from $1.60 a gallon to $1.92. By what percent did the price increase?

A) 5%B) 10%C) 15%D) 20%E) 25%

1.92 – 1.60 1.60

Percent Word Problems

1. A t-shirt was on sale for $10.50. This week the shirt price was further reduced to $9.00. What is the percentage of the price decrease?

A) 5%B) 10%C) 14%D) 20%E) 25%

Percent Word Problems

2. A shirt is on sale for $29.95. What will the sales tax on the shirt be if the sales tax rate is 7.5%?A) $1.99B) $2.10C) $2.25D) $2.99E) $3.10

3 parts:

Percent = %

Part = % in dollars

Whole = Total Price

In other words:

•When given the PART, you must divide.

•When given the WHOLE and the PERCENT, you must multiply.

Part

Whole Percent

÷

X

One way to solve percent problems is to use the Percent Pyramid. The pyramid will explain what operation is necessary to solve the problem.

Whole•Follows the word “of”•Original •Principal •Beginning •Overall •Total

Part•Follows the word “is”•Discounted Price•Interest •Down Payment•Amount Paid •Taxes •Tips•Change in price (can be an increase or a decrease)

The following charts provide key words that will help identify what each number represents in a word problem.

Percent Word Problems

2. A shirt is on sale for $29.95. What will the sales tax on the shirt be if the sales tax rate is 7.5%?A) $1.99B) $2.10C) $2.25D) $2.99E) $3.10

3 parts:

Percent = %

Part = % in dollars

Whole = Total Price

Percent Word Problems

3. Mr. Sanchez weighed 220 lbs. He went on a diet and lost 20% of his weight. Then he gained 5 lbs back. What is his new weight?A) 205B) 185C) 181D) 165E) 160

Percent Word Problems

4. Which of the following expressions represents one month’s interest on an outstanding credit card debt of $2700 if the annual interest rate is 18%?A) $2700 x 0.18 / 12B) 12 x 0.18 / $2700C) $2700 x 12 / 0.18D) $2700 x 1.8 / 12E) $2700 x 18 / 12

Algebra

• You will use order of operations to solve three kinds of problems:

– Substitution– Solving for variable– Word Problems

Algebra - Order of Operations

• First, do all operations inside parentheses. • Next, solve the exponents.• Working from left to right, do all multiplication

and division (whichever comes first)

• Finally, working from left to right, do all addition and subtraction. (whichever comes first)

Purple Elephants Marching Down A Street

Parenthesis Exponents Multiplying or Division

Addition or Subtraction

When expressions have more than one operation, we have to follow rules for the order of operations:

Order of Operations with a Calculator

The GED calculator allows its users to solve problems that have multiple operations. The entire problem can be entered as it appears on the test. This is an excellent resource for checking your answers.

For example: (2 + 6) x 3 ÷ 6

Enter: [(---

Enter: 2 + 6

Enter: ---)]

Enter: x 3 ÷ 6 Equals: 4

[2+6] x 3 ÷ 6

(6-4)² - 2 =

(2) ²- 2 =

4 – 2 =

2

(6x2)(8÷2) ² =

(12)(4) ² =

(12)(16) =

192

2(3 + 2 x 6 -1)² =

2(3 + 12 – 1) ² =

2(15 – 1) ² =

2(14) ² =

2(196) =

392

Guided Practice

3(1+4) – 2(4) + 16

4

Substitution• A substitution is a replacement for something else.

what is:x-2

if x = 6

6 -2 = 4

Algebra – Substitution

1. If a = 1/2, what is the value of 6a-7?

A) a=4B) a= -4C) a = 4.5D) a = 6.5E) a = -6.5

Algebra – Substitution

2. Evaluate 7a-3b if a = 2 and b = -2 a

A) 2B) 4C) 10D) 20E) Not enough information is given

Guided Practice

3(x) – 2(4) + 16 if x = 4

x

Algebra Rules

1. What you do to one side you must do to the other. This keeps them equal.

2. You must get the variable by itself to find out what number value it equals. The variable must be ALONE with nothing else touching it.

X = 56

Solving for variableOne Step:-4 = x + 2-2 - 2 x = -6

Multi-Step: 3 + 2n = 43-3 -32n = 40 2 2n = 20

Multi-Step: ½ n -4 = 9-2½ n -4 = 7 +4 +4½ n = 112( ½ n) = 11(2)n = 22

Like Terms:2x + 3x + 4 = 6

Algebra – Solving for Variables

1. Solve for s in 6s – 1 = 2s + 1

A) s = 2B) s = 1C) s = 2/3D) s = ½E) s = 1/3

Algebra – Word Problems

1. Steve makes $42 a week more than his wife, Karen. Karen’s father, Joe, who lives with Steve and Karen, works part-time and makes $150 a week less than Karen. Together, the three of them bring home $1212 a week. How much does Steve make each week?

A) $440B) $482C) $492D) $504E) $524

Geometry

• You will use what you know about geometry to solve word problems and diagrams:

– length of triangles (Pythagorean theorem)– angle measurements– area– perimeter*may be combined with algebra

Pythagorean Theorem•Is used to find the third side of a right triangle when the other two sides are known.

•Key Terms:•a & b are known as the legs.• c is known as the hypotenuse.

•The hypotenuse will always be the opposite side of the right angle.

•The formula for solving Pythagorean problems is:

a² + b² = c²

a

b

c

Pythagorean Theorem

•When you are solving Pythagorean word problems you will need to identify what sides you are looking for. The following words be used to refer to the hypotenuse, side c:

The hyptenuse =• diagonal • direct distance• directly• any intermediary directions (NW,NE,SW,SE)• original destination

Pythagorean Theorem

1. Barnstable is directly west of Appleton by 48 miles, and Chatham is directly south of Barnstable. To go directly from Chatham to Appleton is 52 miles. How far is it from Barnstable to Chatham?

A) 20B) 24C) 36D) 40E) 70

Pythagorean Theorem

2. A temporary brace is built to support a new wall. The brace is 12 m long. The brace touches wall 10 m above the ground. How far out is the brace from the wall?

Triangles

A triangle has three sides and three angles

The three angles always add up to 180°

a

b c

a + b + c = 180⁰

Why do I need to know about triangles?

The GED Test will ask testers to identify missing angles. In order to answer those questions, a person must have an understanding of triangles and their characteristics.

Equilateral, Isosceles and Scalene

There are three special names given to triangles that tell how many sides are equal.

Equilateral Triangle Three equal sides

Three equal angles, always 60°

Isosceles Triangles Two equal sides

Two equal angles

Scalene Triangle No equal sides

No equal angles

• Triangles can also have names that tell you what type of angle is inside:

Obtuse Triangle Has one angle more than 90°

Right Triangle Has a right angle (90°)

Acute Triangle All angles are less than 90°

Transversal Angles

Vertical Angles = equal each other

Supplementary Angles

two angles that add up to 180⁰

Complimentary Angles

two angles that add up to 90⁰

If the lines are parallel and m<2 is 45⁰ in the figure above, what is the measure of <3?

1. 30 ⁰ 2. 45 ⁰ 3. 90 ⁰ 4. 135 ⁰ 5. 180 ⁰

1

5 6

2 3 4

7 8

Find the missing angle using complementary or supplementary angles.

80

Find the missing angle using complementary or supplementary angles.

155

Find the missing angle using complementary or supplementary angles.

30

Find the missing angles.

Circles

Graphs• A graph is a visual picture used to compare data. They allow us to see trends and make predictions on future occurrences.

Steps To Understanding Bar Graphs

* Read the title!

* Read the Vertical Axis Title :* What do the numbers or words represent?

* Read the Horizontal Axis Title:* What do the numbers or words represent?

* Look for a key! The key will explain what the bars or colors of the bars

represent.

* Look for trends on the graph.

* Finally, read and answer the questions!!!

Bar Graphs• A bar graph is a visual picture used to compare data. They allow us to see trends and make

predictions on future occurrences.

Steps To Understanding Bar Graphs

* Read the title!* Read the Vertical Axis Title :

* What do the numbers or words represent?

* Read the Horizontal Axis Title:* What do the numbers or words represent?

* Look for a key! The key will explain what the bars or colors of the bars represent.

* Look for trends on the graph.* Finally, read and answer the questions!!!

2008 2009 2010 20110

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

CrossvilleNashvilleKnoxville

Total Rainfall in inches from 2008 - 2011Av

erag

e ra

infa

ll in

inch

es

Year

1. Based on the information provided on the graph, which city reported the most rainfall from 2008 to 2011?

2. Which city reported the least amount of rainfall in 2011?

3. Approximately, what was the average rainfall for Crossville from 2008 to 2011?

4. In what year was the least amount of rainfall reported?

5. What is the main idea of the graph provided?

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Barrel of MonkeysMarblesJacks

Sal

es in

Tho

usan

ds

2011 Sales for Oldies but Goodies Toy Factory

Line Graphs

1. Based on the graph provided, which toy had the best sales

in 2011?

2. Based on the 4th quarter, will the Barrel of Monkeys’ sales

increase or decrease in 2012?

3. Which toy was the least popular in 2011?

4. Approximately, what was the difference in sales for the

Marbles and the Jacks in the second quarter?

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Dis

tanc

e fr

om T

rail

Ent

ranc

e (m

iles)

8 AM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 12 PM 1 PM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM

Mrs. Gossett’s Geology 1420 Annual Field Trip

(Analyzing Earth Contents)

Time

1. From which two points did the students travel at the lowest rate of speed?

a) 8:00 am to 9:00 amb) 9:00 am to 11:00 amc) 12:30 pm to 2:00 pmd) 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

2. At what average speed did students travel from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm?a) 5.25 mphb) 2.6 mphc) 2.5 mphd) 1.5 mph

3. At what average speed did the students travel from 11:00 to 12:30?Alternate format (fill in the blank)

Mr. Potato Head - Math 101

5%

15%

20%

20%

40%

Available Class Points

AttendanceProjectsQuizzesHomeworkTests

1. If there were a total of 375 points for projects, how many points would be available for quizzes?

2. If there were a total of 635 points available for tests, how many points would be available for homework?

3. Based on the question #2 above, what are the total points available for Mr. Potato Head’s Class?

4. What total percentage points are used for homework, projects, and quizzes?

5. What is the average points available for homework, projects, and quizzes?

Scatter Plot

• Scatter Plots are based on individual items. It is important to remember that each dot represents ONE.

• Like all other graphs, it is very important to read all the information presented on the graph.

• Most of the time, a scatter plot is used to determine the future trends or to show comparisons between two items.– A scatter plot has an imaginary line on the graph that is called the Line of

Best Fit. It gives a visual picture of the trend(s) for that specific chart.

HS Diploma vs Bachelors’ Degree Annual Salary Survey

25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65$0.00

$10,000.00

$20,000.00

$30,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$60,000.00

$70,000.00

BS DegreeHigh School

Ages of People Surveyed

Annu

al In

com

e

1. What is the main idea of this scatter plot?

2. Looking at the line of best fit, what do you think the

salary will be for a man who is 75 and does not have a

college degree?

3. If this same man has a Bachelor’s Degree, what do you

think his salary would be?

4. Based on the graph, why do you think there are more

plots from the ages of 25 to 40?

5. What does the key tell us about the graph?

Charts/Menus/Tables

Types of Questions asked about Menus:Percents

Taxes for foodTips

CombinationsHow many different combinations of entrees can be made from the menu?

Critical ThinkingWhat is the better buy between single items/combo items?

BasicSubtractionAdditionMultiplicationDivision

Averages (mean), Median, Mode, Range

Pete’s GrillEntrees Price Sides Price Drinks Price

Shrimp & Steak $12.50 Loaded Potato $2.59 Pepsi $1.59

Shrimp Scampi $8.50 Broccoli & Cheese $2.00 Diet Pepsi $1.59

Rib eye Steak $13.50 Smashed Potatoes $1.00 Mt. Dew $1.59

Rack o Ribs $21.50 Broccoli & Cauliflower $2.00 Orange $1.59

Tea or Coffee $0.50

1. How many different combinations of the entrees can Eric make?

2. Jennie ordered a Rib eye, a Loaded Potato, and a Pepsi for dinner. If she had to pay 9% sales tax, what was the total of her order?

3. If Jennie added a 15% tip, what would her total be now?

June Temperatures for Maui

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri SatWeek 1 75 77 85 80 87 90 92 83.7Week 2 88 92 90 95 100 98 99 94.6Week 3 102 97 95 96 94 97 99 97.1Week 4 95 92 89 89 91 88 87 90.1Week 5 89 91 90 90

Days of the Week

1. What is the total average temperature for week 4 in June?

2. What was the range of temperature for week 3?

3. Sheri is going to Maui on vacation. She is not a big fan of heat. Which week would be the best week for her to go?

4. What is the median of temperatures for week 2?

A clown handed out balloons to the first one hundred fifty children at a local mall. He gave them one balloon a piece, and he let them choose the color they wanted. In the chart below is the total number of balloons handed out and their colors.

Number of Children

Colors of Balloons

32 % Red

29 % Blue

18 % Green

7 % Yellow

14 % Purple

1. What is the median number of balloons handed out to the children at the mall?

2. How many children liked the color of Blue Balloons?

3. What is the percent of children who liked both Purple and Red balloons?

4. How many children liked both Blue and Green balloons?

5. What is the probability of a child choosing a green balloon?