Social Studies GED Terms to Know
Overview
This is a list of some helpful terms to know on the GED Social Studies test.
Social Studies GED Terms to Know
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Social Studies GED terms to know
Unit 1—Geography and the World
- equator—imaginary line that runs around the middle of the Earth horizontally
- trek—a migration or long journey
- absolute location—the exact location of a place, using lines of latitude and longitude
- relative location—a way to describe a place in relation to other places
- map key—a map tool that explains the symbols used on a map (such as stars for capital cities, trees for parks, or icons for special events like battles)
- map scale—a map tool containing small marks that stand for miles and kilometers (can be used to determine distance between locations on a map)
- accurate—correct, or true, without errors
- compass rose—a map tool indicating cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and intermediate directions (northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast) used to help you determine direction on a map
- population density—the number of people living in each unit of area (such as a square mile); some political maps use shading or dots to illustrate areas where people live, showing population density
- climate—the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period
- elevation—height above a given level, especially above sea level
- via—by way of; by means of; through
- diverse—showing a great deal of variety; very different
- sparsely—in small numbers; thinly
- peninsula—a piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water
- fertile—capable of producing abundant vegetation, crops, or offspring
- cultivation—the act of preparing the soil for the raising of crops; the act of cultivating land
- scarce—in short supply; insufficient for the demand; lacking
- precipitation—rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground
Unit 2—United States History
- migrate—to move from one area or country to settle in another, especially in search of work
- migration—movement from one region to another
- urban—relating to a city or town
- rural—relating to the countryside, rather than the city
- table—a set of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns and rows
- rows—horizontal lines in a table
- columns—vertical lines in a table
- peak/peaked—to reach the highest level or greatest degree
- ratify/ratified—to sign or give formal consent to (such as a treaty or contract); makes it officially valid
- dispute/disputed—to argue about something; debate
- precede/preceded—to come before or ahead of
- sequence of events—the particular order in which things happen or are arranged
- inference—a conclusion that is reached (based on evidence and reasoning)
- temperance—restraining from or prohibition of alcoholic drink or excessive eating
- cease—to end (to “cease to exist” means it no longer exists)
- suffrage—the right to vote in political elections (women’s suffrage = women’s right to vote)
- to object—to say something to express one’s disapproval or disagreement with something
- aftermath—the consequences or aftereffects of a significant unpleasant event
- to convey—to communicate or express an idea to someone; to transport or carry to a place
- doctrine—a stated principle of government policy; a set of beliefs held by a particular group
- abasement—the action or fact of being humiliated or degraded
- decadence—luxurious self-indulgence
- internment—the state of being confined as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons
- nullify/nullified—to invalidate or cancel out; to make of no use or value
- to proclaim—to announce or declare officially or publicly
- coup—a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government