GED Academy Provide an Opportunity for Adults Who Have Not Graduated from High School to Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma by Taking and Passing

GED Academy

Provide an Opportunity for Adults Who Have Not Graduated from High School to Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma

by Taking and Passing These Tests

Mission

Test Design

Language Arts, Writing 120 50 + EssayLanguage Arts, Reading 65 40Social Studies 80 50Science 80 50Mathematics 90 50

435

TestNumber of Questions

Length(in minutes)

Overall Design

• Communication: Written & Visual Text• Information Processing• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Overall Design

Measured Skills on GED Test

Communication: Written Text

• Informational texts• Historical, political, social/cultural texts• Texts representing different groups• Different kinds of literature texts

Overall Design

Graphs, charts, maps, photos, cartoons,figures, diagrams, timelines

Communication: Visual Text

Overall Design

50% Science Test60% Social Studies Test

50% Math Test

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Emphasis on Higher Order Skills

Overall Design

Language Arts, ReadingComprehension 20%

Analysis 30-35%Synthesis 30-35%

Social Studies Comprehension 20%

Application 20%Analysis 40%

Evaluation 20%

Language Arts

Language Arts, Writing

Multiple Choice SectionTypes of Text (Full-Page Format)

“How to” Documents

Informational Mailings

Memos, Letters


Workplace and Community Documents Letters

Memos

Reports

Applications

Executive Summaries

Brochures/Informational Letters


Workplace and Community Documents How to write a memo

Organizing meetings

Balancing a checkbook

Holding a garage sale

How to plan a party

How to apply for college

How to organize one’s day

Using equipment, i.e. operating a printer

(A)(1) Looking for a pet you might consider acquiring a dog. (2) However, choosing a member of the canine

species is not a light matter. (3) Where you live, your financial resources, how you live, all of these have to be thought out before you make a decision you don't wish to regret in the future.

(B)(4) Your living accommodations and their location will have a lot to do with the size of dog you buy. (5)You

may live in an apartment with no easy access to the great outdoors. (6) A large dog such as a Saint Bernard would not be a good option. (7) Another issue with big dogs are that they mind the heat dreadfully, and unless your home is air-conditioned, the heat they give off as they pant will only make you warmer. (8) If you are fussy about the cleanliness of your home, you probably don't want a big dog in it with big feet to track in dirt. (9) Big dogs need lots of space to move about in comfortably. (10) Also, long-haired dogs present problems of your own with shedding hair and dirt. (11) They required a lot more grooming than short-haired breeds.

(C) (12) Dogs cost money to keep. (13) It takes a real commitment to earmark resources for veterinary services,

annual shots, unanticipated illnesses, porcupine quills if we live in the country, and grooming. (14) Feeding the dog may also be an issue as table scraps don't cut it for today's Rover. (15) A high quality diet is required by him, and the larger he is the more of it he needs. (16) Finally, your own lifestyle has to match the dog you choose to share your life. (17) Do you have children? (18) Then the dog must be from a breed that was gentle and not too high-strung. (19) Dogs themselves also need companionship for they are social creatures. (20) In your absence, chewing your favorite possessions may become your dog's favorite pastime. (21) Of course, you could always get another dog to be his pal!

(D)(22) Before you decide to acquire a dog, think the matter threw carefully so that your decision isn't one you

will eventually regret.

Language Arts, Writing“How to” Document

Micro-level Sentence EditingReader Evaluates the Accuracy of the Writer’s use of Standard Edited American English (SEAE)


Sentence Structure

Usage

Mechanics

Macro-level Document EditingReader Evaluates the Writer’sAbility to Communicate Effectivelywith the Reader


Organizational Items


Overall Document EditingAdd, Remove or Reposition a Sentence

Overall CoherenceEffective Topic SentenceSequencing of ParagraphsTransition of Sentences Among Paragraphs

Bridge Multiple Choice and Essay


To: State of Tennessee

Office of Vital Records

Nashville, Tennessee [Zip]

From: Michael Norsworth

774 Kane Ave.

Apt. 47

Natan, New Jersey [Zip]

Dear Sir/Ms:

(A)

(1) I need a copy of my birth cirtificate. (2) The reason is because I am applying for Social Security. (3) There has been much discussion recently at both the state and national level concerning ways to ensure Social Security survives. (4) I phoned Clarksville, Tennessee, where I was born, but the Department of Health and Vital Statistics could not locate it. (5) To contact you, I was advised by them.

Memorandums, Letters: Organization/Paragraph Division


(B)

(6) First, my full name is Arthur Michael Stevens, although I am usually addressed as Michael. (7) And having used it most of my life, so that all my records with the exception of my birth certificate are under that name. (8) My father’s name was David Jackson Norsworthy, my mother’s maiden name was Charlotte Mason Eaton. (9) Also, my mother was living, when I was born, in Bastrop at home with her family while my father worked in Sterlington.

(C)

(10) Second, according to the Social Security office, several types of certificates is not acceptable. (11) I have to send them the original document, so if I do not have the original, I must send a copy certified by the person who is the custodian of the original record. (12) Also, cannot be sent copies signed by a notary public.

(D)

(13) In fact, of all the types of copies available, I think a certified copy would be most beneficial. (14) This copy should be printed on “security paper” have a raised Department of Health seal, and have the issuance date stamped on it.

(E)

(15) Thank you for your assistance in this matter. (16) Enclosed is a check for $25.00 to cover the cost of the certificate as well as postage. (17) If you have questions or needing further information, I must be contacted at 225/335-6937 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST).

Sincerely,

Michael Norsworthy

Memorandums, Letters: Organization/Paragraph Division

Language Arts, WritingOrganization Item

Which would be the most effective sentence to insert at the beginning of paragraph B?

Add a Sentence

1. The following information should prove useful in your search for my certificate.2. There are not many facts about my life that you don’t already know, so I will just ask you to get my first name correct.3. The name on my birth certificate is not the name that most people I know recognize as my name, but I know that you will know the difference.4. For your information, I changed my name, which my parents did not like for me to do.5. To help you find my birth certificate, let me provide you several reasons for changing my first name.

Language Arts, WritingOrganization Item

MoveWhich revision would improve the organization of the document?

1. Combine paragraphs A and B

2. Start a new paragraph with sentence 8

3. Combine paragraphs B and C

4. Combine paragraphs C and D

5. Combine paragraphs D and E

Language Arts, WritingRemove or replace

Sentence 3: There has been much discussion recently at both the state and national level concerning ways to ensure Social Security survives.

Which revision should be made to the sentence 3 within the document?

1. Move it to the beginning of paragraph A

2. Move it to the end of paragraph A

3. Move it to the end of paragraph B

4. Move it to follow sentence 10

5. Remove sentence 3

Direct Writing Assignment Expository Essay


Generate, organize, connect and express ideas

No required word count; sufficient development to communicate the ideas effectively

37% to 40% language arts, writing test scores

Essay Topic Framework

Part one

• Question or Informative Statement (Non-Controversial/Not an Assertion)

Part two

• Instructions Derived from Part One• Guiding Toward an Expository Essay• Opportunity to use Personal Experience, Observations, and Knowledge


Topic F

If you could make one positive change in your dailylife, what would that change be?


In your essay, identify the one change you would make.

Explain the reasons for your choice. Use your personal observations, experience and knowledge.

4 3 2 1Effective Adequate Marginal Inadequate

Reader understands andEasily follows the writer’sExpression of ideas.

Reader understandswriter’s ideas.

Reader occasionally has difficultyunderstanding or following thewriter’s ideas.

Reader has difficulty identifying or following the writer’s ideas.

ResponseTo The Prompt

Presents a clearly focused mainidea that addresses the prompt.

Uses the writing prompt toestablish a main idea.

Addresses the prompt, though thefocus may shift.

Attempts to address prompt but with little or no success in establishing a focus.

Organization Establishes a clear and logicalorganization.

Uses an identifiableorganizational plan.

Shows some evidence of an organizational plan.

Fails to organize ideas.

DevelopmentAnd Details

Achieves coherent developmentwith specific and relevant detailsand examples.

Has focused but occasionallyuneven development;incorporates some specificdetail.

Has some development but lacks specific details; may be limited to a listing, repetitions, or generalizations.

Demonstrates little or no development; usually lacks details or examples or presents irrelevant information.

ConventionsOf EAE

Consistently controls sentencestructure and the conventions ofEdited American English (EAE).

Generally controls sentencestructure and theConventions of EAE.

Demonstrates inconsistent control of sentence structureand the conventions of EAE.

Exhibits minimal or no control of sentence structure and the conventions of EAE

Word Choice Exhibits varied and precise wordchoice.

Exhibits appropriate wordchoice.

Exhibits a narrow range of word choice, often including inappropriate selections.

Exhibits weak and/or inappropriate words.


Essay Scoring Guide


Scoring Rubric/Matrix for Essay 4 – Effective

3 – Adequate

2 – Marginal

1 – Inadequate

Language Arts, ReadingTypes of Text

Literary Text (75%)

Poetry

Drama

FictionPre 1920

1920 to 19601960 to present

Language Arts, ReadingTypes of Text

Non-fiction Text (25%)

Non-fiction ProseBiography, Critical Reviews of Fine

and Performing Arts

Workplace, Community Documents

Language Arts, Reading

Literary Text: Synthesis Questions

Bring additional information to presented text– About the author

Life: diaries, biographies Other works

– Related to the presented text Events occurring or characters appearing earlier or later Historical background



At least one compare/contrast question

Expanded synthesis questions

200 – 400 word passages



Old SeriesComprehension 60%

Application 15%Analysis 25%

2002 Series

Comprehension 20%Application 15%

Analysis 30%Evaluation 35%


What is the Best Wayto Learn a Lesson?

Here is an example of fiction prior to 1920.

Language Arts, ReadingWhat is the Best Way to Learn a Lesson?

A few days ago I asked my children's governess, Julia Vassilyevna, to come into my study.

“Sit down, Julia Vassilyevna,” I said. “Let's settle our accounts . . . . Now then, we

agreed on thirty rubles a month. . .”“Forty.”“No, thirty. I made a note of it . . . . Now then,

you've been here two months, so. . .”


“Two months and five days.”“Exactly two months. I made a specific note of

it. That means that you have sixty rubles coming to you. Subtract nine Sundays . . . you know you didn't work with Kolya on Sundays, you only took walks . Three holidays, therefore take off twelve rubles. Four days Kolya was sick and there were no lessons, as you were occupied only with Vanya. Three days you had a toothache and my wife gave you permission not to work after lunch. Twelve and seven - nineteen. Subtract . . . that leaves . . . hmm . . . forty-one rubles. Correct? . . .”


“Around New Year's you broke a teacup and saucer: take off two rubles. The cup cost more, it was an heirloom, but - let it go. When didn't I take a loss! Then, due to your neglect, Kolya climbed a tree and tore his jacket: take away ten. Also due to your heedlessness the maid stole Vanya's shoes. . . .So that means five more rubles off. The tenth of January I gave you ten rubles. . . .”


“Take twenty-seven from forty-one - that leaves fourteen.”

“Only once was I given any money,” she said in a trembling voice, “and that was by your wife. Three rubles, nothing more.”


“Really? You see now, and I didn't make a note of it! Take three from fourteen . . . leaves eleven. Here's your money, my dear. Three, three, three, one and one. Here it is!”

“Merci,” she whispered.I jumped up and started pacing the room. I was

overcome with anger.“For what, this – ‘merci’?” I asked.“For the money.”


“But you know I've cheated you, for God's sake - robbed you! I have actually stolen from you! Why this ‘merci’?”

“In my other places they didn't give me anything at all.”

“They didn't give you anything? No wonder! I played a little joke on you, a cruel lesson, just to teach you . . . .I'm going to give you the entire eighty rubles! Here they are in an envelope all ready for you. . . .Why be silent? Is it possible in this world to be without teeth and claws - to be such a nincompoop?”. . .


I asked her pardon for the cruel lesson and, to her great surprise, gave her the eighty rubles. . . . I looked after her and thought: “How easy it is to crush the weak in this world!”

Anton Chekhov, excerpted from “A Nincompoop,”

Checkov: Selected Stories, 1960.


How does this quotation relate to the passage?

Chekov once wrote in his notebook that “Man will become better only when you make him see what he is like.”

1. It clarifies Chekhov’s purpose in having the narrator of the story help the governess identify her behavior.

2. It reinforces Chekhov’s skill in capturing the governess’s anger.

3. It reveals Chekhov’s inability to depict the secondary characters mentioned in the passage.

4. It suggests that Chekhov’s goal as a writer was to use fiction to hide the flaws of humans.

5. It shows that Chekhov created characters who despised comments that would be considered critical.


Purpose of the Writing

Facts Presented

Cause/Effect Relationships

Expected Outcome/Action

Non-fiction Prose: Reading QuestionsEvaluate

Social Studies

50 Questions

History 40% (20 Questions) US/Canada Specific (12 Questions) Global (world) ( 8 Questions)

Civics 25% ( 13 Questions)Economics 20% ( 10 Questions)Geography 15% ( 7 Questions)

Social Studies

• Visual Text (60%)

• Written Text

Social Studies

Practical Documents (Discretionary)

Key Documents (Constant)

Cartoons, photos, timelines, graphs, charts

Advertisements, Voter Guides, Insurance Forms, Tax Forms

Constitution, Declaration of Independence,Landmark Supreme Court Decisions

• More History, Civics and Government Content

Social Studies

Major Changes

• More history, civics and government content

• More visual processing skills required

• Higher order thinking skills required

• “Key” historical documents

Social Studies

American HistoryMajor periods and development

• Colonization through westward expansion• Civil War• Industrialization• Armed conflict and global economic depression• Postwar and contemporary United States• Enduring issues and current challenges

Social Studies

World HistoryMajor periods and development

• Early civilizations and the great empires• World religions• Feudalism through the era of expansion• Global age• Revolutions• Armed conflicts• 20th Century

Social Studies

GeographyThe world in spatial terms

• Places and regions• Physical systems• Human systems• Environment and society• Uses of geography

Social Studies

Civics and GovernmentDemocracy, citizenship and foreign relations

• Politics and government• The American political system• Constitutional democracy• Relationship of United States to other nations• Roles of citizens

Social Studies

EconomicsEconomic theory and consumerism

• Economic reasoning and choice• Comparison of modern economic systems• Production and consumers• Financial institutions• Government’s role in the economy• Labor• Global markets

Social Studies

Major Changes

Interdisciplinary and Everyday Life

Social Studies

FormatProse only

Graphic or visual only

Prose and graphic combination

QuestionsSingle 40%

Item Sets 60%

Science

Science

“In a world filled with the products of scientific inquiry, scientific literacy has become a necessity for everyone. Everyone needs to use scientific information to make choices that arise every day.”

National Science Education Standards: An Overview,

National Academy of Sciences, 1995.

• Life Science Biology and Health 45% 23 Items

• Earth & Space Science 20% 11 Items

• Physical Science Chemistry & Physics 35% 16 Items

Science

Life Science: Biology & Health Fundamental Understandings

• The Cell• Molecular Basis of Heredity• Interdependence of Organisms• Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems

Science

Earth and Space ScienceFundamental Understandings

• Energy in the Earth System• Origin and Evolutions of the Earth System• The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

Science

Physical Science: Chemistry and PhysicsFundamental Understandings

• Structure of the Atom• Structure and Properties of Matters• Chemical Reactions• Motions and Forces• Interactions of Energy and Matter

Science

Scientific Understandings Higher Order Thinking Skills

• Unifying Concepts: Systems, Order, Organization• Science as Inquiry• Science as Technology• Science in Personal and Social Perspectives• History and Nature of Science

Science

Mathematics

• Numbers, Numbers Sense, & Operations 20-30%• Data, Statistics, & Probability 20-30%• Geometry & Measurement 20-30%• Algebra, Functions, & Patterns 20-30%

Mathematics

• Two Separate Booklets – One Score• One Answer Sheet• 20% (10) Alternate Format Questions

Mathematics

• Scientific Calculator Casio FX-260 Permitted– 50% Questions (25)– Calculators Provided by GEDTS at

Official GED Testing Center

“Calculator used as a tool to eliminate tedium of complex calculations in realistic settings.”

Mathematics

Booklet One

Calculator Choice

3 + 4 x 5 =

a. 12b. 19c. 23d. 35e. 60

Mathematics

Booklet Two

Mathematics

• Estimation and Mental Math Emphasized– Calculator Not Permitted – 50% (25) Questions

Two Alternate Format Types – 20% Questions

• Booklet One: Six Standard Grids and One Coordinate Plane Grid

• Booklet Two: Two Standard Grids and One Coordinate Plane Grid

Mathematics

Mathematics

Alternate Formats

The Grid

Right JustifiedLeft Justified

Centered

Grid for Alternate Format Grid for Plotting Coordinates

Mathematics

Test Scoring

Standard Score Scale

When a passing standard score on a single test is 410, it may beinterpreted as40% = “F” grade

To eliminate confusion, the2002 Series GED Test Score Scalewill change to

807570656055

45

35302520

50

41

200-800

800750700650600550

450

300

200

500

Standard Score Scale

350300250

410

California Councilfor Adult Education

GED Academy

Slide Presentation RevisionJack Schuster