Study Skills and Key Terms

Overton County Adult Education

2012 - 2013

Study Skills•Some GED students have been out of a

traditional school setting for an extended amount of time and re-entering an educational environment successfully will depend upon attitude.

•Learning is an active process▫If you don’t participate in learning, you will

NOT be successful.▫Each step in the learning process takes

EFFORT on YOUR part.

Earning YOUR GED

•If you’re going to earn your GED, then YOU’VE got to EARN IT!

•Anything worth this much of your time should be taken seriously.

•Your success is up to YOU!

Supplies for GED Classes

•3-ring Binder Notebook•Pens•Pencils•Paper•Notecards (used to make study flash cards)

•Bring Materials to EVERY Class!

Cell Phones

•Class time, note taking, study time; these are all NO CELL PHONE ACTIVITIES!

•THIS INCLUDES TEXTING!!!!

GED Test

• LanguageLanguage▫ Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice▫ EssayEssay

• MathMath▫ Multiple choiceMultiple choice▫ Alternate formatAlternate format

• ScienceScience▫ Multiple choiceMultiple choice

• ReadingReading▫ Multiple choiceMultiple choice

• Social StudiesSocial Studies▫ Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice

What is the majority of the GED test?

MULTIPLE CHOICE!!!!

Multiple Choice Tests• When taking a multiple choice test, you

usually have 5 options. Your job is to identify the one correct option. You can do this by:

1. IF you know the material, first answer the question mentally and then read all the options and choose the correct one.

2. IF you know the material but can’t answer the question mentally, read all the options, eliminate those you know are incorrect, and choose the answer from those items remaining. The more options you eliminate, the more likely you are to choose correctly.

3. If you do not know the material, or if you can’t figure out the answer, guess.

GED Math• Many students fail the math portion of the

practice test before they even walk in the door.

• The questions on the math test are LIFE SKILLS.

• A lot of the time NO COMPUTATION (no math) is required to solve the problem.

• It is always possible to eliminate answers that do not make sense.

• Make sure to READ the question at least twice!

Multiplication Facts

Not knowing a skills can hinder your ability to take the GED test. It may take longer to figure out a problem. For example: multiplication facts

One way to brush up on this skill is make some flash cards and practice daily!

Multiplication facts are a DRILL, Drill, drill, SKILL!

Key Terms

•Many people miss test questions because they lack understanding of certain math terms.

▫By understanding the meanings, math

problems can then be solved correctly.

Addition Key WordsAddition Key Words• Add ( +) • Plus (adding numbers)• Sum (2 or more items added together)• *Total (final answer after all numbers added together)• Altogether • Combined (bringing together many numbers by

adding)• Increased by (set number then add more numbers to

it)• In all (total / add)• When combining different amounts

AltogetherAltogether

• Addition – problems can be written in many forms

Vertical (up and down) form: 23 +13

Horizontal (sentence form): 23 + 13 =

Or in a word problem: Mary bought shoes for $12.98, a scarf for $16.92

and a watch for $25.00. How much did Mary spend altogether? First, find the clue word.

Second, get your answer.

Now lets do some ADDITION . . .

1.609 2. 924

+ 15 + 88

Now lets do some ADDITION . . .

1.609 2. 924

+ 15 + 88

624 1012

Subtraction Subtraction VocabularyVocabulary•Subtract (-)•Minus (Take away)•Difference (when two or more numbers

are subtracted)•Reduced (smaller)•Change (refers to money)•More than >•Less than <•Decreased by (small number subtracted

from a larger number•Farther than (travel)

ReductionReduction

•Subtraction problems can be written in many forms

•Vertical (up and down): 98 - 26

Horizontal (sentence form): 98 - 26= In a word problem: The Smith’s house payment is $1,450

and is being reduced by $245. How much will the house payment be after this reduction?

What is the clue word?

Subtraction Practice

1. 621 2. 318

- 30 - 41

Subtraction Practice

1.621 2. 318

- 30 - 41

591 277

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

1. Jan went to the market to buy tailgating food. She bought 2 bags of chips for $2.69 each, hotdogs for 2.49 and buns for $1.29. How much did she spend altogether?

2. Anna is having a party. She is buying pizza for everyone. She invited 14 people, so she is ordering 4 pizzas at a cost of $10.98, $14.63, $8.98, and $12.76. What is the total cost of the pizzas? She gave the delivery guy $50.00. How much change will she get back?

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems1. Jan went to the market to buy tailgating food. She bought 2

bags of chips for $2.69 each, hotdogs for 2.49 and buns for $1.29. How much did she spend altogether?

2.69 + 2.69 + 2.49 + 1.29 = 9.16

2. Anna is having a party. She is buying pizza for everyone. She invited 14 people, so she is ordering 4 pizzas at a cost of $10.98, $14.63, $8.98, and $12.76. What is the total cost of the pizzas? She gave the delivery guy $50.00. How much change will she get back?

10.98 + 14.63 + 8.98 + 12.76 = 47.35

50.00 - 47.35= 2.65

Multiplication Key WordsMultiplication Key Words•Times (x)•Twice (x2)•Total (look at other key words)•Multiply •Product (result of multiplying one or

more numbers)•When finding several of a given

amount•When given the part and finding the

whole

•Multiplication problems can be written in many forms –

•The format that is most recognizable is using the “x” between two numbers, example: 2 x 3.

•Using a dot between numbers also means multiply.

•Parenthesis around a number means multiply. (9)(6), 5(3)

TOTALTOTAL

•Vertical: 45 22 × 2 x22

•Horizontal: 45 x 5 =

• In a word problem:

Billy’s BBQ sold 365 small drinks at the Summer Festival. If the small cup was 6oz, how many ounces (oz) total did Billy’s BBQ sell?

What is the clue?

Multiplication Problems

1. 2 3 2. 8 1

x 8 x 5

Multiplication Problems

1. 23 2. 81

x 8 x 5

1 8 4 4 0 5

Multiplication Practice

1. Steve is going in the store to get his friends a bottle of water. He needs to purchase 5 bottles at a cost of 1.49 each. What is his total cost, before tax?

2. Frank has a new car. He needs to know how much to budget for gas each month. His car will hold 14 gallons, total. If gas is $2.89 per gallon, how much will the cost of a complete fill-up be?

Multiplication Practice1. Steve is going in the store to get his friends a bottle of

water. He needs to purchase 5 bottles at a cost of 1.49 each. What is his total cost, before tax?

1.49 x 5 = 7.45

2. Frank has a new car. He needs to know how much to budget for gas each month. His car will hold 14 gallons, total. If gas is $2.89 per gallon, how much will the cost of each complete fill-up be?

2.89 x 14 = 40.46

Division Key WordsDivision Key Words•Divide • Into (one small number divided into a larger

number – larger number goes inside the box)•Quotient (answer to a division problem)•Each•Average -add several numbers and divide

by set numbers given 15+5+15+5=40÷4=10avg (Two Step process).

•Mean is the same as finding the average.•Split•When given an amount and finding one

part•When sharing, cutting or splitting

•Division problems can be written in many forms

• In the House: 2 45

•Fraction Form: 45 = 45 ÷ 5 5

• In a word problem: Sally drove 466 miles on a tank of gas.

Her car was empty when she filled her car with 13 gallons. How many miles to the gallon did she get?

What was the clue? How many miles to the gallon. . .

Division Practice

1. 368 ÷ 8 =

2. 460 ÷ 5 =

Division Practice

1. 368 ÷ 8 = 46

2. 460 ÷ 5 = 92

Inequality TermsInequality Terms•Greater than > 6 > 2•Less than < 2 < 6•Equal to = 6 = 6

*The alligator eats the bigger number.

Signed numbers

Signed numbers are seen on the assessment test

Signed numbers are positive and negative numbers

You can add and subtract signed numbers just like all other numbers

Example. If you have 6 dollars in your checking account and you write a check for 3 dollars, how much would you have left?

6 – 3 = 3 think of the number line

-6___-5__-4__-3__-2 __-1___0___1___2___3___4____5___6___

Both numbers are to the right of the 0 (positive). So, like any subtraction problem start with the largest number and move left.

-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

What would happen if you had 3 dollars in your account and you wrote a check for 5 dollars? Start with the positive number (3) and since we are subtracting, move five spaces to the left.

-6 -5 -4 -3 - 2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

That would put you at -2 …..

-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

If you have a negative 2 dollars in your checking account and you write a check for two dollars, how much is now in your account? -4

Wait!!!

What if there was a really simple way to remember what to do with addition and subtraction of signed numbers?

Wouldn’t that be great?

What are the multiplication and division RULES of signed numbers?

4 x 4 = 16 -4 x – 4 = +16 -4 x 4 = - 16

Multiplication: positive x positive = positivepositive x negative = negativenegative x negative = positive

Division: positive x positive = positivepositive x negative = negativenegative x negative = positive

Geometry vocabularyGeometry vocabulary•Geometry on the GED test is

understanding vocabulary

•Parallel- two straight lines that stay the same distance apart and never touch

•Perpendicular – intersecting lines that create a 90°

•Where the two lines cross is called the POINT

•Vertical line runs up and down

•Horizontal line runs left to right

•A ray is a straight path of points that has only one endpoint.

•A line segment is a straight path that has two endpoints

•Perpendicular lines cross at a right angle

•An angle if formed by two rays joined at their endpoint.

•The symbol is used to indicate an angle.

•The measure or size of an angle is given in degrees. The symbol for degrees is (˚) - the angle measure is in front of the mark - 45˚.

•Acute Angle- greater than 0˚ but less than 90˚

• Right Angle - exactly 90˚

•Obtuse Angle –greater than 90˚ but less than 180˚

•Straight Angle or line - EXACTLY 180˚

Complementary Angles•Two angles are complementary if their

sum is 90 degrees.

Supplementary Angles•Two angles are supplementary if their

sum is 180 degrees

 

•In a triangle, the three angles always add to 180°

•A + B + C = 180°A

B C

Exponents

52 =

5 x 5 NOT 5 x 2 52 Equals 5 x 5 = 25

53 Equals 5 x 5 x 5 = 125 NOT 5 x 3

X, Y Charts

• X axis – the horizontal line• Y axis – the vertical line

.

Order of OperationsOrder of Operations

•IT MUST be done in this order, or the answer will be wrong!

•Use this phrase to remember which operation comes first: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

• P – Parenthesis ( )E – Exponents 22 , 32

M - Multiplication xD– Division ÷ A- Addition +S- Subtraction -

(2 x 4) 2 x (5 – 1 )+ 1

1. Parenthesis (2 x 4) 2 x (5 – 1 )+ 1

2. Exponents ( 8) 2 x (4 ) + 1

3. Multiply 64 x 4 + 1

4. Add 256 + 1

5. Answer: 257

Since the GED test is mostly written or word problems, it will be important to know the key words as each skill is introduced.

Subtraction

SubtractDifferenceCompareMinus

Less thanMore thanDecreased

by

Multiplication

MultiplyProduct

TotalTimes TwicePer

Division

DivideEach

AverageSplitShare

Addition

AddSumTotal

AltogetherCombineIncreased

byIn all

It is important, when solving word problems, to be able to recognize Key words.

Word Problems

•When solving word problems, ask yourself these four questions:

•1. What is the problem asking?•2. What numbers are needed to solve the

problem?•3. What operations will be used? Is it a

multi-step problem?•4. Does the answer make sense?

Word Problem Practice• Tony works 40 hours a week. He earns 18 dollars

an hour. The taxes taken out of each weekly paycheck are $23.45. How much is Tony’s check every week?

1. What is the problem asking?How much is Tony’s paycheck?2. What numbers are needed to solve the problem?40 hours, $18, and $23.453. What operations will be used? Is it a multi-step

problem?Multiplication and Subtraction, yes4. Does the answer make sense? $696.55 - YES

40 x 18 = 720

720 – 23.45 = 696.55

Formula Page

•In the front of the GED Math test booklet and the Official Practice Test booklet, there is a formula page. For some problems, knowing what the formulas mean is essential to answer the question correctly.

•Lets take a look at the formula’s page!

Word Problem Practice

•Stacey needs to build a fence for her goats. She has 40 goats, so she needs to build a large fence. Stacey wants to build a perfectly rectangular fence. The length of the fence needs to be 24 yards, and the width needs to be 12 yards. How much fence will she need to purchase?

•Which formula will be used?

Word Problem Practice• Stacey needs to build a fence for her goats. She has 40

goats, so she needs to build a large fence. Stacey wants to build a perfectly rectangular fence. The length of the fence needs to be 24 yards, and the width needs to be 12 yards. How much fence will she need to purchase?

1. What is the problem asking?How much fence will Stacey need to buy?2. What numbers are needed to solve the problem?24 and 123. What operations will be used? Is it a multi-step

problem?Addition or the formula 2 x length + 2 x width =

Perimeter4. Does the answer make sense?72 yards of fence, yes

Addition: 24 + 24 + 12 + 12 = 72Formula: (2 x 24) + (2 x 12)

= 72

Word Problem Practice

•Stacey needs to build a fence for her goats. She has 40 goats, so she needs to build a large fence. Stacey wants to build a perfectly rectangular fence. The length of the fence needs to be 24 yards, and the width needs to be 12 yards. What will be the AREA of the rectangular fence?

•Which formula will be used?

Word Problem Practice

24 x 12 = 288

Charts and Graphs• Charts and graphs are a large part of the

GED test. You will find them in the Science, Social Studies, and Math.

• Remember:1.Questions are identifying data from the chart

or graph.2.Most of the time, computation (math

operation) is not required.3.Charts and graphs make up a large part of

the Math portion of the test.4.It is very important to READ every detail on

the chart or graph.

Reading Charts and Graphs1. ALWAYS read the title first. (You may find

questions that can be answered just from the title.)

2. Read the Horizontal and Vertical Axis. (Helps you understand what the numbers represent)

3. Look for a KEY. (The key will explain what the different symbols on the graph or chart means.)

4. Look at the graph & compare the data shown. (Some of the questions that form in your mind, may be possible questions on the test.)

Chart Example

Chart Example

1. What percent of Sales in Tonya’s company were made in the 2nd quarter?

2. What does the orange section of the circle chart represent?

3. Approximately what percent of sales in Tonya’s company were made in the 4th quarter?1. 75%2. 10%3. 25%4. 90%5. 43%

50%

Sales for Tonya’s Company during the fourth quarter

10%

Language/ Comma RulesRules:1. Commas are used to separate 3 or more items or phrases. Example:

We went to the market yesterday and bought apples, oranges, and pears.

•2. Commas are used to separate dates and addresses.Example:

March 3, 2009 Tuesday, August 3, 2009

Nashville, TN Lenoir City, TN 37772

Comma Rules Continued3. A comma is used after a dependent clause that comes at the beginning of a sentence. A comma is not used if the dependent clause comes at the end of the sentence.Examples:

Since you are my best friend, I will tell you all my secrets.I will tell you all my secrets since you are my best friend.

4. A comma is used before a conjunction that is joining two sentences together.

Ex: We were in the city for a long time, yet we did not find the wedding dress my daughter wanted.

Fragments• A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence.

Some fragments are incomplete because they lack either a subject or a verb, or both.

• Every sentence must have a subject and a verb!

• Examples:• Because his car was in the shop (What did he do?)• After the rain stops (What then?)• When you finally take the test (What will happen?)• Since you asked (Will you get the answer?)• If you want to go with me (What should you do?)

Essay•Writing an essay is part of the GED test.

•NO ONE IS EXEMPT FROM WRITING!

•Writing an essay is like doing a math problem. If the correct process is used, a good essay will be written.

The GED Essay Made Easy?

•Great essays don’t happen by accident; they happen because of good PLANNING!

Frequently Asked Questions• What are the Essay Questions like? You

will be asked to give your opinion on a single topic. Use your personal observations, experiences, and knowledge to address the topic.

• How much time will I have to write the essay? You will have 45 minutes.

• How long does the essay need to be? The essay needs to be about a page and a half.

• Other details: Your essay will need to be written in ink, and a pen will be provided at the testing center. Your handwriting must be legible, or your essay will not be graded.

Tips on Time Management• Prewriting: Making an Outline: 5 -10

minutes: Making and using a graphic organizer is the most effective way to manage time on the essay.

• Writing: 25-30 minutes: Once the planning has been completed, finishing thoughts should not take longer than 25 to 30 minutes.

• Editing: 5 -10 minutes: Proof-reading and making small corrections will complete the essay.

Do’s

•INDENT every paragraph.•Capitalize the beginning of each sentence.•Make sure each sentence has an end

mark (., ! or ?)

•ALWAYS capitalize the word “I”

Don’ts!

•Avoid using Contractions (such as don’t)•Avoid using the word “I” at the beginning

of each sentence.▫The essay will become boring for the

reader.•Avoid using Slang or Text Lingo

Common Essay Mistakes• Too Short – Make sure the essay is about 1 to 1 ½

pages long.• Off Topic – Read and re-read the question until you

understand it fully. Make sure essay addresses the question directly.

• Lack of Organization – No format, sentences do not flow well. Using the essay format gives those who grade a clearer picture of a beginning, a middle and an end, making it easier for them to read and grade the essay.

• Repetition – A paragraph filled with the same idea repeated over and over is just as bad as an essay that is too short!

• Incomplete or Run On Sentences – We often think in fragments, but we can not write that way!

Essay- Scoring ScaleNon Passing0 = Off topic – Student did not address the prompt.1 = Inadequate - The reader could not follow or identify the writer’s ideas.Passing2 = Marginal – The reader occasionally has difficulty understanding or following the writer’s ideas. The writer lacks specific details.3 = Adequate – Reader understands writer’s ideas4 = Effective – Reader understands writer’s ideas and easily follows the writer’s expression of ideas

Essay Tips▫Look at the prompt and think of as many

ideas as you can▫If the prompt was asking your opinion -

pick one opinion and give examples. ▫These essays DO NOT have to be the truth.▫You DO NOT have to divulge your most

personal experiences. ▫The reader will only spend about 2 minutes

reading your essay – keep it simple and stay on topic.

▫The ESSAY police will not get you for making it up

Essay – Formula Writing• Essay writing• FORMULA WRITING

The essay is scored on the GED by two readers.

• Looking for: - organization• - stay on topic

▫ I. Introduction – answer prompt, list two examples▫ II. Discuss example # 1 and ONLY example # 1▫ III. Discuss example # 2 and ONLY example # 2▫ IV. Summarize – restate prompt and list 2 examples

again. Bring paragraph to a close. 4 to 7 sentences per paragraph

Brainstorming – using a graphic organizerThink of as many ideas possible and get them down on a scratch sheet.

This will help with organization

fishing hiking

Smoky Mountains

What is the best vacation that you can remember as a child?

There are many ways to brainstorm, this is just one example.

Loved the outdoors

Cold Streams

Small fish but put up a big fight

Flowers for mom

We still love to go hiking

One of the best vacations I can remember as a child is camping with my family in the Smokey Mountains. We loved to fish and hike in the Smokey Mountains. My family loved the outdoors. I think I will remember the fun times we had as a family.

I loved to fish when we camped on vacation in the Smokey Mountains. The streams were so cold but it was great. The fish were small but put up a big fight. It was challenging to fish in the streams.

I loved to hike in the mountains when we camped. I think those days as a child were wonderful. When we hiked, we looked for flowers to bring back to mom. All my brothers and sisters still love to go hiking in the mountains.

I think the best vacation I had as a child was to camp in the Smokey Mountains. The fishing and hiking I did was the reason I love the outdoors. I bring my children to the mountains to relive the fun memories of the camping trips I had as a child. The memories of a loving family are the greatest memories of all

Essay Example

Practice

• Essay writing practice

• Many students indicate that they DON’T KNOW HOW to write an essay.

• So let’s take this opportunity to practice before you take the OPT!

• Using the information presented, write a four paragraph essay for homework.

• This assignment is due tomorrow!

Prompt for Homework

•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.