GED Test For Dummies: with Online Practice (For Dummies Series) 3rd Edition

This was for my son, and while he has used many other "...for dummies" books, this one was just a more difficult subject matter..he's decided he's stupid, which I'm not buying of course. My dislike though comes from the fact that the print inside is like 'fine print', which may be why the book is smaller in size to the other GED books. So it's nothing against Amazon or the Dummie people, it just wasn't for us.

My son loves this book, says it is loaded with information and easy to use. We are going to read it through and take the practice test before he takes the GED. He is one of those kids that school does not work for, he is highly intelligent and does not learn in a traditional setting. This book is excellent to learn, practice, take practice exams and feel ready and able to take the test with confidence.

Now if I can get my grandson to read it and take the test, I will be delighted.

I liked what it said online.

She didn't want it

What it does well:* The GED has moved to an on-line, computerized format. This GED Test for Dummies provides a lot of skill-building and practice for those types of tests.* Covers the major sections with good problems, solutions (in the back), and no errors that I located.What it could do better:* Only one year of on-line practice comes with the book, which seems to have become the "Dummies" standard for any test prep book that has on-line components. Given that the maintenance of on-line should be easier than printing, this makes little sense.Where it failed:* Not all of the concepts are explained. Depending on a person's level of English comprehension, as well as where they may have stopped in their studies, the book could do a lot more. Both the ACT and GMAT versions have comprehensive explanations built into each section. In this book's case, they refer the reader to other Wiley books. Given the audience for this book in particular, that seems like a really big failing.Overall, it's a decent book for learning computerized strategies for test-taking, getting some practice (for a year), and learning many of the concepts that will be tested on the GED. However, it is not a complete reference for someone who wants to study and prep for the GED.

This GED for Dummies book definitely faced a challenge when attempting to teach the new, entirely computerized GED test through print. Still, it is able to provide helpful images and illustrations demonstrating this new test format.I already own another "Dummies" test preparation book (ACT for Dummies). It comes with a practice disk for answering multiple choice questions PLUS math formula flashcards (all offline, so you can keep them forever). However, this GED book only allows you access to online practice for ONE YEAR with a code (located on the inside front cover under scratch-off silver). This is not so helpful when you have multiple children of different ages that need the practice.Where the ACT book effectively utilizes cartoons and other humorous bits within the text, the GED for Dummies book takes itself more seriously. Instead of being entertaining while teaching, this book focuses on reinforcing practical advice in a more straightforward way.Note: You are told WHAT the test is assessing in any given segment (such as Measurement and Geometry). However, these concepts are often left unexplained (unlike my ACT book, where you will find specific math instruction). So, keep in mind that knowledge of concepts like the order of operations or advanced geometry is assumed and may need to be supplemented. For additional help in these areas, the book recommends other Wiley titles like "Basic Math and Pre-Algebra for Dummies."

WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK?Why would you want to take the GED test? Besides there being a lot of people who do not graduate high school for a variety of reasons, there are also those who might be out of the country during school, as well as home schooled people who would like to have a GED to add to their credits. Another reason that you might want to prepare for this test is that the test has been revamped recently. That means that the whole thing was re-done to reflect common core teaching. As unappealing as that may be to some, if you have not been through that type of training, you will want to practice testing and see if you even WANT to take the GED now.Also, because the test has now been relegated to computer screens instead of paper, you also might want to get used to being tested on a computer screen as some people can not see as well on computer screens or are more used to paper testing.WHAT THIS BOOK IS LIKEThere is a basic breakdown of each of the four sections of the test and explanations of what to expect from each section. Also, it covers different circumstances involved in scheduling the test, and other things you can do if you fail, speak English as a second language or have special circumstancesCOMPUTERIZED TESTINGThe book covers different aspects of the newer computerized testing format to get you used to it. Plenty of pictures and illustrations as well as tips and tricks are covered.METHODSThere is a relatively small section on how to manage your time in the test as well as a quick explanation of how to succeed in each individual section of the test. It has explanations and strategies on how to prepare for the test in each section as well as take it.PRACTICE TESTSThere are only two practice tests in this book. That means that you have to take your time to prepare and then take one test when you are prepared- if you waste your opportunity by not being prepared, you only have one more test to practice with.Each test has the section as if you were taking the test. Then the answers are given with explanations in depth of what each answer should be and why in a following section. Scattered within the answers are small sections which explain what you can do to further explore the topics and how to make more efforts to prepare for the test.TENSAt the back there is a small section with ten ideas on how to prepare for the GED, how to survive test day, and how to use your GED when you do pass. There are also a few ways to practice computer to get prepared for the test as well.ADDED BONUSWith the purchase and registration of this book, you also get 1 YEAR of subscription to more online practice at the online dummies site as well as scoring to see what you need to study more on. Once the year is up, you can renew your subscription with a fee. If you feel you want even more practice, you also get a 20% off discount on the GED Ready Vouchers which is the *official* practice test for the GED.FINAL COMMENTSFor the price I think that this book would be a wise investment at this point. With the new revisions, inclusion of Common Core, as well as changing to the completely computer administration of the test now, there may be many who would be overwhelmed with the new GED test. This book and accompanying practice subscription online would be worth taking the time to wade through and make use of.As with all of the "Dummies" books this one is on dull paper but printed in good dark fonts and is well laid out. There may be gaps or holes in the book that would come with deeper research, but honestly, this will get you off to a great start.Keep in mind that the online registration for the subscription runs out in a year so if you decide to use it, make it in the same year you plan to take the test.I was going to rate this four stars, but after taking another in depth look at it, I decided that for what you pay, this book deserves five stars for all that it provides.