Now, you may or may not be able to get accommodations, depending on your medical history. There are still things you can do to maintain focus. One is breaking apart the essay into smaller tasks. Write a list on your notepaper of the things you’re going to do:
1) Read the prompt and restate it in my own words:
2) Make an outline of a main idea, two supporting ideas, and a conclusion:
3) Write an intro paragraph:
4) Write the first body paragraph:
5) Write the second body paragraph:
6) Write the conclusion:

That gives you six small things to do, instead of one big thing that you can be lost in. It’ll also help your writing stay organized and focused. A couple more tips: (1) Give yourself a break. If you find yourself drifting, take a deep breath, look around, say “I can do this,” and re-focus. It can help to have a ritual, like doodling a cat or saying a mantra (I will pass!) to yourself, to give a short break and then be back on track. (2) Eat before the test, layer your clothes so you won’t get too hot or cold, and choose a seat that won’t be distracting. Being hungry or by a window or cold or hot can ruin your concentration, so pay attention to your needs!

Hope this helps!

That’s a good question. The GED essay is a 45-minute exam, and you have to write an essay responding to one prompt. The prompt will ask you about a topic that relates to your life or that you’re likely to be familiar with. It might ask you your opinions or experience. You’ll need to write a response that completely responds to the prompt, that’s well organized, that’s easy to read (without too many mistakes), that has details, and that hopefully says something interesting!

An example of a GED writing prompt might be:

Many people are interested in researching their family history and cultural heritage. Explain why this might be important and what people learn about themselves from their family background. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your essay.

You won’t know the subject of the essay before your test, so you need to be prepared to think about the topic and compare it to your life. For example, with this topic, I’d think about my own background. What have I learned from my grandparents? What do I know about my own family background, and have I ever tried to find out more? Do I know anyone who’s researched their family background? Why did they want to do that? Linking the topic to your life really helps you write a good essay.

Liz