Is reading hard for you?  You must be a good reader to go to many classes.  Try to read the text in the next few sections.  Count the words that are hard.  If you do not know a word, count it.  Count words that you must think hard about, too.  Stop reading when you count five words that are hard. 

This is the reading level that most people need to get along in life.  It lets you to read directions, recipes, and newspapers.  You can read stories to your kids.  You can read well enough to get by.  Some reading is easy for you.  Other reading is hard.  You might need some help to read harder things, like contracts, tax forms and loans.  If this is the best you can read, then you might have some trouble with the entry level tests.  You might need to work on your reading before you try other classes.  This passage is at about the fifth grade level.

This passage is a bit tougher to read.  You will notice that the sentences are a bit longer and the words are somewhat more difficult.  To be successful at reading this paragraph, you need to be able to read at approximately the seventh grade level.  This is the reading level that will be required to work on your GED.  You should be able to complete this passage with little difficulty.  If you can read this comfortably, then you have a reading level of about seventh grade.  This is still not quite what you will need to be successful at beginning college work, though.  This level of reading will allow you to begin successful work to prepare for the GED.

If you are considering entry-level college classes, you will need to be able to read comfortably at the high school level.  Many technical fields, such as nursing, science-related training, and bachelor’s level (four year) programs will require more challenging reading than this passage.  In order to be successful at a community college, you will need to be able to read text similar to this as well as develop sound study skills and test-taking skills.  You will need to demonstrate basic math skills, as well, and you can try your hand at the quick basic math test by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.  This text is at the high school level.

Finally, if you are considering a challenging career that requires a significant amount of science or other technical learning, you will need to read efficiently and well at this level.  This is the level required for productive use of your time if you want to pursue a career in nursing, other medical fields, science and engineering, and similar degrees.  In addition, you will need to demonstrate proficiency at higher levels of math, such as algebra and calculus.  It will be hard work for you earn a degree like that, but well worth your effort!  Individuals who hold degrees in those fields are far more employable, and they generally earn quite a bit more money than those who choose not to pursue higher education.