Yes, you have to write an essay for the HiSET,it is a required part of the Language Arts – Writing test. The HiSET does not offer a choice; every test taker must complete one essay to pass the exam. The essay is not optional, and failing to write one will result in an automatic failure of the entire Language Arts – Writing section,even if you score well on the multiple-choice questions.
The essay is 45 minutes long and asks you to respond to a prompt on a familiar topic, such as education, technology, or community life. You must present a clear position, support it with reasons and examples, and organize your writing logically. The prompt is designed to be accessible,no specialized knowledge is needed.
Why the Essay Matters
The essay makes up half of your Language Arts – Writing score. The other half comes from 40–50 multiple-choice questions on grammar, usage, and revision skills. To pass the HiSET, you must earn at least a 2 out of 6 on the essay. That means your writing must show:
- A clear main idea
- Some supporting details
- Basic organization
- Minimal errors that interfere with understanding
You don’t need perfect grammar or advanced vocabulary—just clear, coherent communication.
The HiSET essay is not meant to be literary. It’s a practical test of your ability to express ideas in writing—a skill essential for college and the workplace.
How to Prepare
Use the official HiSET Practice Essay Prompts from hiset.ets.org. Time yourself for 45 minutes. Practice outlining your response in 5 minutes, writing in 30, and reviewing in 10. Focus on structure: introduction, two or three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Many test takers panic about writing,but the HiSET doesn’t expect perfection. It asks for competence.
If you have to write an essay for the HiSET, treat it like a conversation, not a test. Write like you’re explaining your opinion to a friend.
You can’t skip it. But you can master it.
With a little practice, writing the essay becomes the easiest part of passing the HiSET. Don’t fear it,prepare for it.
Your essay is your chance to show what you can do.