How to Pass the GED Writing Test

The GED Writing Test may be the final obstacle standing in the way of you obtaining your GED. The name of the exam is actually misleading as there are two parts, or "tests," which make up the exam. The first part is composed of multiple choice questions that deal with basic concepts such as sentence structure and organization. The second part of the test is the short essay. Here are some tips you can use to pass the test.

Instructions

Multiple Choice Portion

1. Know what to expect during the multiple choice portion of the GED Writing Test. During this part of the test, you will be asked to make corrections to sentences and sentence fragments. You may be asked to find an error in a sentence, change one word in the phrase or add to a sentence fragment.

2. Read each excerpt carefully before you move on to the questions. The multiple choice part of the GED Writing Test will be broken down into several sections. Each section will have questions that deal with a specific writing example. Some excerpts are a paragraph, while others are just a few sentences. You only need to read the excerpt once before moving on to the questions.

3. Go over the question in your head and make sure you understand it. Each question will have two parts. The first will be an underlined sentence that comes from the excerpt you just read. The second part is the question dealing with that excerpt.

4. Substitute each multiple choice option as the answer until you find the correct answer. You don't want to simply brush off an answer because you think it may be wrong. Take the time to consider that option in order to make sure that it is indeed incorrect.

5. Double-check each of your questions if you have the time. This doesn't mean that you're second-guessing yourself. It's always wise, however, to give a second look to any questions you had any difficulty answering. Say the answer you selected to yourself (in your head, of course) and make sure that it sounds right.

The Short Answer Portion

1. Be prepared for the question you will be given. Most GED Writing Test essays revolve around your personal life, such as your future plans or a personal trait. Almost every question ends with a phrase similar to "Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your essay."

2. Read over the essay question twice before you begin working on your essay. Make sure you fully understand the question before you begin brainstorming.

3. Use the scrap piece of paper you are given to outline your essay. Your essay should be four or five paragraphs in length. Make notes on that piece of paper regarding each paragraph you are going to write. You could break down your outline like this:

   Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Give a brief synopsis of what you're going to write about. Think of this as the preview to your GED writing essay.

   Paragraphs 2-4 (Body): Remember that the question asks you to write about personal life experiences. Include any significant people or events that are relevant to answering the question.

   Paragraph 5 (Closing paragraph): Bring everything together with one final paragraph. Explain what you learned through these experiences or why they are so significant. Remember that your closing paragraph shouldn't repeat anything you've previously written.

4. Begin writing your essay. Once you've created notes, all you need to do is put coherent sentences together. Remember to write each paragraph one at a time.

5. Re-read your essay when you're finished. Make sure that you've completely answered the question and look for any mistakes you may have made. Double-check your spelling and grammar and make sure that you didn't use the same word too often during the essay.

Tips & Warnings

• Take practice tests for both parts of the GED Writing Test (see Resources below). This can help better prepare you for the GED Writing Test and let you know what to expect. Use a thesaurus and dictionary when writing the practice essay in order to improve upon your writing.

Resources

• Practice GED Writing Test Part I
• Practice GED Writing Test Part II