GED key terms

The central point a passage is built to communicate, stated or implied. Supporting details, examples, and evidence in the text should all connect back to it.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason a writer includes to strengthen or illustrate the main idea. Test questions often ask which detail best backs a claim.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining clues in a text with background knowledge. The answer is not stated directly but is strongly suggested by the evidence.

The reason a writer produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a process. Purpose shapes word choice, structure, and how much evidence appears.

The attitude a writer expresses toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and sentence style. Tone may be critical, neutral, humorous, urgent, or admiring.

A leaning toward one side of an issue that shapes how information is selected and presented. Bias can appear through loaded words, omitted facts, or one-sided examples.

Information such as facts, examples, quotations, or data used to support a claim. Strong evidence is relevant, specific, and drawn from a credible source.

A statement the writer asserts as true and then tries to prove. A claim differs from a fact because it requires support and can be reasonably disputed.

A reasoned case built from a claim plus evidence and explanation. A good argument also acknowledges opposing views and shows why its position is stronger.

An opposing viewpoint a writer raises and then answers. Addressing it shows the writer has considered other positions and strengthens the overall case.

A word or phrase that links ideas and signals how sentences or paragraphs relate, such as however, therefore, in addition, or for example. Transitions guide a reader's logic.

The order and grouping of sentences within a paragraph so ideas build logically. A typical paragraph opens with a topic sentence and closes with a concluding or linking sentence.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs. Interrupting phrases can hide the true subject.

The clarity of the noun a pronoun stands for. A pronoun like it, they, or this must point to one obvious antecedent, or the sentence becomes confusing.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. Fragments must be joined to or expanded into full sentences.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. It can be fixed with a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinating conjunction.

Putting descriptive words or phrases next to the word they describe. A misplaced or dangling modifier attaches to the wrong word and creates confusing or absurd meaning.

A firsthand record created during the period being studied, such as a letter, photograph, diary, law, or speech. It offers direct evidence but reflects its creator's perspective.

An account that interprets or analyzes primary sources after the fact, such as a textbook, biography, or documentary. It synthesizes evidence but may carry the author's own slant.

The trustworthiness of a source or author, judged by expertise, accuracy, currency, and lack of obvious bias. Questions often ask which source is most reliable for a claim.

A formal change to the U.S. Constitution, proposed by Congress or a convention and ratified by the states. Amendments protect rights and adjust government structure.

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which protect individual liberties such as speech, religion, and fair trial rights from government interference.

The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct duties. The design prevents any one branch from holding all authority.

The system that lets each branch of government limit the others, such as a presidential veto or judicial review of laws. It works alongside separation of powers.

The arrangement in which power is shared between a national government and state governments. Some powers are exclusive to one level, while others are shared or reserved.

The economic relationship in which price influences how much producers offer and consumers want. Where the two meet, the market sets an equilibrium price.

The value of the best alternative given up when a choice is made. Every decision to use scarce resources for one purpose carries this hidden cost.

The condition in which resources are limited while wants are unlimited, forcing people and societies to make choices. Scarcity underlies all economic decision-making.

A sustained rise in the general price level, which reduces the purchasing power of money. It is often measured by changes in a consumer price index.

A testable, falsifiable prediction about what will happen under specified conditions. It is stated before an experiment and evaluated against the resulting data.

The factor a researcher deliberately changes or manipulates in an experiment. Its effect on the outcome is what the study is designed to measure.

The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment. It is expected to respond to changes in the independent variable.

The comparison group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment being tested. It shows what would happen without the independent variable.

A statistical relationship in which two variables tend to change together. Correlation alone does not prove that one variable causes the other.

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

The process cells use to release energy from sugar, typically consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and water. It is essentially the reverse of photosynthesis.

A sequence showing how energy moves from producers to consumers as organisms eat one another. Energy decreases at each step because much is lost as heat.

Three measures of center: the mean is the average, the median is the middle value when ordered, and the mode is the most frequent value. Outliers affect the mean most.

A ratio compares two quantities, and a proportion states that two ratios are equal. Proportions are used to scale recipes, maps, and unit conversions.

A rate expressed per single unit of another quantity, such as miles per hour or dollars per pound. Unit rates make comparisons between different offers straightforward.

The amount of increase or decrease expressed as a fraction of the original value, calculated as change divided by original times 100. It describes growth or decline.

A number from 0 to 1 describing how likely an event is, computed as favorable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. It supports predictions about random events.