Comments on: GED Essay: Brain Freeze on Essay Topics!!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:21:19 +0000

I am going to classes to help get ready for the GED. It seems like the more I study, the more confused I get. I did better one my first practice test, than I am now. It is really stressing me out.

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:43:39 +0000

Sarah, your son is so close to getting his GED, that it’s important he doesn’t give up. Unfortunately, stress is probably the root cause of his problem, since he’s done well on past writing tests. The first recommendation I’d make is to have him brainstorm things that might be useful in writing his essay, to have some ideas prepared. Who are important people in his life? What have been defining events for him? Who does he admire, and why? What are his opinions on controversial issues? He can spend some time going down lists of essay questions… not to write an essay, but to think of his response and his reasons for his response. For each question, ask: Can I make a connection to my life–something I’ve seen, heard, read, thought, done? There are lots of lists of essay topics on the Internet, like this one: http://www.uwc.ucf.edu/Writing%20Resources/Handouts/research_topics.htm The more he’s got his brain going on essay topics, the better he’ll be able to respond to a prompt.

Another thing that can help is to come at the essay with a structured prewriting format in mind. A good one would be a variation on a thought web. A lot of good writers don’t think about using this kind of assistance, because they haven’t needed it in the past. On the test, he’ll have scrap paper to brainstorm with. Before even reading the prompt, he can make a simple web graphic… a circle in the center for the main idea, connected to three circles for three ideas to develop, each connected to 2-3 circles/lines for details. Now, the task of “getting started” is just filling in a really simple graph. Using topic lists like the one above, he can practice doing some of these before the test. Once he’s done one, writing from a thought web outline like this is a lot easier than facing a blank page.

But the best preparation is practicing writing GED essays. If he can write them in a comfortable situation at home, it’ll make the uncomfortable testing situation a lot easier to tackle. He should start by first writing a few practice essays, untimed, and then if those go well, he should try practicing timed essays… simulating the GED experience as much as possible. Because your son has trouble getting started with the prompt, he should use prompts he doesn’t know in advance. You can help him out by getting the prompts and being the proctor. The GED Smart ebook has a good section on writing with a list of practice prompts. You can also find prompts on the Internet or check out your local bookstore. You may be able to come up with your own, after reading what the GED essay prompts are like.

Being this close to passing the GED can be really frustrating, but it’s also really great. He doesn’t need to retest right away, but he can’t let his chance slip away. I hear the stories of a lot of GED students who regret putting it off so long. Now, when he’s passed most of the tests, is the time to get over this last hurdle.

By: Sarah Howard

Sarah Howard — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:55:40 +0000

My son just called in near tears over his essay on the GED. This is his second attempt (he passed all other sections with flying colors) in two months. He just freezes up when he reads the prompt. A few years ago, he scored a perfect “4″ on our state’s writing assessment, so it is not a matter of ability. He has a heart condition and has been in and out of the hospital a lot and just couldn’t get enough credits to complete his education program. I am concerned about the stress this is causing him and am REALLY concerned that he will give up after today.

He MUST get his GED to get into college, particularly because of his condition.. Please advise me on how to motivate him to try again! I am willing to do anything I can to help him.

- An overly concerned mom

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:42:07 +0000

Val, don’t worry! If you did well on the pretest, then the most important thing is not to let your nerves bother you. Be confident… you’re prepared! Let me know when you pass!

By the way, here’s an article about GED “test stress”…
http://www.passged.com/blog/2008/08/25/the-ged-test-overcome-test-anxiety-increase-your-score/

By: Val

Val — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:39:11 +0000

I am planning to take the GED in March, I did my pretest and it went well but I am still worried because I need this like yesterday.

By: gremodaempody

gremodaempody — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:19:09 +0000

Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.

By: GED Newsletter: Writer’s Notebook | Leonard's Newsletters

GED Newsletter: Writer’s Notebook | Leonard's Newsletters — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:33:22 +0000

[...] get the essay topic in front of you, and just can’t think what to say! There are two posts, Brain Freeze on Essay Topics and More about Brain [...]

By: vic

vic — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:11:08 +0000

“Bring some good snacks and water along. Wear comfortable clothes. And donâ€™t worry! Just concentrate on your essay.

Good luck!
Liz”

Elisabeth

Well Good advice. But still unable to get Idea or moving to start to write essay I am worried to take my test on January 15th . and I need to start or just giving up. I did try reading every day for one month and copying others. Or, what was the other word for copying statements making it your own?
Still having hard time to come up with an idea to write!