Welcome to the Official Practice Test Seminar Patti

Welcome to the Official Practice Test Seminar Patti Mac. Kenzie Don Davidson

The rules have changed… n As of July 1, 2008, we have new guidelines for the General Education Development Test (GED®). n All candidates for the test must pass Official Practice Tests… n They then qualify for free testing.

When you contacted us about taking the GED Test… n You should have been offered two choices: Try to qualify for the free testing by taking the OPTs (what we’re doing today) OR n Register for free classes where you set your own class times / study only what you need / take the time you need to prepare and THEN take the OPTs one at a time to qualify for the voucher. n

You chose to…. n Take the Official Practice Tests!! n They are similar in content, difficulty, and format to the actual GED® Tests. These Practice Tests will provide you with a solid introduction to the types of topics and questions you can expect to find on the GED® Tests. They will also help you practice your test-taking skills under simulated test conditions.

n The Practice Tests are only half as long as the actual tests, but they will help you estimate your scores on the actual GED® Tests. With all this practice, by the time you walk into the actual test center, you’ll feel confident and prepared to do your best!

n. You will know your scores at the end of our session today; we’ll meet privately with each of you to tell your results.

What’s a passing score? ? n The State Department requires that applicants taking the GED® Tests achieve a minimum passing score of 2250 or above on the battery of five subtests and a standard score no lower than 410 (out of a possible 800) on any one of the five subtests. n Scoring is almost the same for the OPTs; the only difference is in the minimum score. (420 on the OPTs) n Let’s look at a few sample scores…

Sample Score #1 n Science n Social Studies n Language Arts, Reading n Language Arts, Writing n Mathematics 500 470 600 420 440 n Total Score _______ (2250 or above) n Average_____ (450 or above) n No score below 410 ______

Sample Score #2 n n n Science Social Studies Language Arts, Reading Language Arts, Writing Mathematics 400 500 600 430 700 n Total Score _______ (2250 or above) n Average_____ (450 or above) n No score below 410 ______

Score results… n If your Practice Test Scores are much higher than those required to pass the tests, you are probably ready to take the actual GED Tests. You qualify for the free GED® testing, and we’ll finish your paperwork for the test using the online GED Wizard website at another time…

Then you’ll choose a test site/date n GARNET Room 317 (an n RESA III in Dunbar elevator is available) n Parking is a HUGE problem for the morning (8: 45 AM) testing session; in the afternoon (3: 45 PM) session it’s fine. n Next test dates—Monday and Tuesday, June 8 th and 9 th @8: 45 AM or 3: 45 PM n No parking problems n Afternoon (3: 30) testing ONLY n Not so good if you are riding a bus…long walk at night, etc. n Next test --Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9 th and 10 th at 3: 30 PM

Marginal scores… n If your Practice Test scores are about the same as the required scores, you should STUDY before taking the actual GED® Tests. You qualify for the free testing, so you can decide to: n Come back to GED Wizard registration, OR n Register for classes

If your scores are not high enough… n We will give you an appointment for an Orientation for study classes. This session will last for four hours and is held on selected Monday mornings and evenings. We will give you all the information you need to enroll. n After that, you will attend class on a schedule of your own choosing at a class site in the county. You will follow an individual program of studies that includes online computer resources, group instruction, and individual help when you need it. n You will attend classes for whatever length of time you need to achieve passing scores on another form of the OPT. That will qualify you for the free testing.

Questions? ?

Rules for testing… n When we begin testing, you will be directed to turn off cell phones and put them away. Do not get your phone out during the test. n The tests are timed; everyone should stay in his/her seat until the time is stopped. The time will be written on the board and a “ 5 minutes left” notice will be given. If you finish before time is called, feel free to go back through and double check your test answers.

Rules, continued… n During testing, do not look at any other candidate’s answer sheet, do not talk, and do not make any unnecessary noise. If you appear to be copying answers, using notes, or acting suspiciously, your test booklet will be collected, you will be excused from the testing room, and there will be an imposed waiting period before retesting. Likewise, if your activity makes it difficult for others to concentrate on their work, your booklet will be collected, and you will be excused from the testing room. n Questions? ? ?

Restrooms, etc. First floor, unisex, one person Basement, men only Mezzanine, women only Parking—if you are on a meter, plan to feed it during breaks; tickets are EXPENSIVE! n Smokers must exit the building at the main office (where the blue awning is on Dickinson Street) and cross the street. Please use the containers provided to dispose of trash and cigarette butts. n n

Other building details… n Breaks will be long enough that you should be able to visit the restroom or get a snack from the machine; you will have forty minutes for lunch, which is why we suggested that you bring a bag lunch. You may eat your lunch in the commons area in the center of the building.

Our schedule today (8 AM to 4 PM) n Paperwork in the folder…we’ll fill out all we can on each form…SUPER QUICK BREAK n Language Arts, Writing Test n SHORT break n GED Math Videos, then Math Test n LUNCH— 40 minutes (around noon, we hope) n Science Test n Social Studies Test n Language Arts, Reading Test

Then a break… n We will need some time to grade all the tests and get total scores and averages. Then we will call each person’s name in random order to discuss your results and your next step. n We will ask that you take a break for at least 15 minutes, then have a seat in the hallway and wait for us to call your name. n Questions?

On the tab of your orange folder… n Please use your pen to PRINT legibly and large n Last name, first name n Today’s Date n Phone number n On the front of the folder, please write GARNET

Inside your orange folder… n There is a Garnet folder; you will use this to take home your record of testing today. Please place the folder in the space under your desktop. n You can also put away the agenda you picked up outside and the sample essay (unless you want to study it at break…)

Let’s fill out papers. . n Take out all of the papers that are inside your orange folder; set the orange folder to the side…

WV GED Form n If you are 17 or 18 years old and you brought a form documenting your withdrawal from school, please put it inside your orange folder.

Pull out the OPT Score Report (colorful map of WV at top left) n This is a multi-part form; please use your pen n n n and press firmly! Fill out last, first, and middle name, social security number, telephone number, and date of birth. For OPT Administration Site, please write GARNET Today’s date ABE Instructor Name– Patti M. Inside the “scores” box -- Form PG Please put this completed form back into your orange folder.

Next… n Find the ABE 400 A/Student Profile. Please fill out information on the front of the form only. n Put the completed form back into your orange folder.

n Find the green WVABE Program General Release of Information Form. We will discuss this, then sign and date this form and put it back inside the orange folder.

Pull out the multi-page answer folder n There are three pieces of lined paper to use for draft essays, math computations, etc. You will turn these in after the tests. You can put them in your desk. n Put your name and today’s date on the top of pages 4, 5, 6, and 7 n Please bubble in the test form PG for all tests. n Please fold and tear the perforation, then pass the first page forward (no name on it). Keep the rest on your desk.

Next… n You should only have your answer sheets and your scrap paper on your desk. All other papers should be completed and inside your orange folder. n Questions? n Pass the orange folders to the front.

SUPER QUICK BREAK n Keep in mind that the shorter we keep the breaks, the sooner we get finished!! n Come back in 10 minutes.

Stress reduction… n Deep breathing: You might feel a little bit of stress or anxiety right now. This may be because you are holding your breath. Take a few minutes to take a few deep breaths from your stomach (from your chest makes you feel lightheaded) and exhale from your mouth. It’s impossible to feel anxious while you’re breathing.

Test taking tips… n Read all directions and questions carefully and completely. n Pick the single best answer. All multiple-choice questions have five answer choices. There are no “trick” questions. n Answer every question. If you get stuck on a question, move on. Complete the rest of the test, and then come back to the questions you skipped. Eliminate the answer choices you know are wrong and pick the best remaining answer. Even if you are unsure, mark an answer choice for every question because you will not be penalized for wrong answers.

More test rules… n Do not write or mark in the test booklets!! n Mark only one answer for each question; multiple answers will be scored as incorrect. n Record your answers on the answer sheet. Fill in the numbered circle that corresponds to the answer you select for each question in the test booklet. n If you change an answer, erase your first mark completely.

Turn off cell phones now and put them away… n Remember that you can not get your cell phone out for any reason during the test, so please set on silent rather than vibrate.

Language Arts, Writing Skills n Please put all items away except for answer sheets pages 6, 7, and 8 and your pen and pencil.

n Make sure you have a working pen for the essay ONLY; you will use a pencil on all other forms. n Use page 6 to record your answers to the 25 multiple choice questions; mark the circle at the top of the page marked PG n Use pages 7 and 8 to write your essay (LEGIBLY) in ink. Use your lined paper for a draft copy if you want; remember to save time to copy it over to the official essay pages!

Writing Test Ø We’ll pass out the test booklet, but please leave it face down on your desk. Do not open the test booklet. Ø Part I: Multiple Choice 25 questions; 38 minutes on sentence structure, usage, mechanics, and organization Ø Part II: Essay— 45 minutes

Your essay will be evaluated… n You must write on the assigned topic ONLY n Well-focused main points n Clear organization n Specific development of your ideas n Control of sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, word choice, and spelling n Write large and legibly—some of us are old here.

In preparing your essay, n Read the DIRECTIONS and the TOPIC carefully. n Plan your essay before you write. Use the scratch paper provided to make any notes. These notes will be collected but not scored. n Before you turn in your essay, reread what you have written and make any changes that will improve your essay. n Your essay should be long enough to develop the topic adequately.

You have 83 minutes for this test n Spend no more than 38 minutes on the 25 multiple-choice questions, leaving the remaining time for the essay. I will alert you to start the essay. The general directions for the essay begin on page 14 of the test booklet; go directly to the essay when you finish the multiple choice questions. If you have time before both parts are over, you may go back and look over or finish Part I. n Questions?

Writing Test n Begin! n Part I— 38 minutes n Part II— 45 minutes

BREAK n Please pass your essays forward; we’ll start grading them. Leave your answer sheet on your desk. n 10 minutes—return at ______

Mathematics n Video— 20 minutes n Quick calculator hints n Part 1 example n Part 1— 23 minutes—turn in calculators n Part 2 example n Part 2 test– 22 minutes

Mathematics n We will pass out the booklets; please leave them face down. n Look at the directions on the back page… n Questions? n BEGIN

LUNCH— 40 minutes n Please pass your test booklets forward. n Please pass your answer sheets forward. n Please return here PROMPTLY at ____

Science Test n 40 minutes— 25 questions n Locate the section on your answer sheet designated for the Science Test; put a star beside question number 1. mark the circle at the top of the section marked PG. n We will pass out the test booklets; please leave them face down on your desk n Look at the directions on the back page… n Questions? n BEGIN

Social Studies n 35 minutes— 25 questions n Locate the area designated for the Social Studies Test; put a star beside question number 1. Mark the circle at the top of the section marked PG.

Language Arts, Reading n Pull out the answer sheet marked page 4 n Use page 4 to record your answers to the 25 multiple choice questions n Locate the area designated for the Reading Test; put a star beside question number 1. mark the circle at the top of the section marked PG.

The testing is FINISHED!! n Please pass up your test booklets n Now please pass up your answer sheets. n Gather your belongings to take with you; you should also take your envelope and agenda from the desk. n Please take about a 15 to 20 minute break, then have a seat in the cafeteria. There will be an evaluation form for you to fill out; please give us your opinion about how we can improve this process! n We will call your name and meet with you individually to tell you the results of your testing.