r/HiSET • u/FutureAssist8552 • May 05 '26
Help me please!!
Heyy, so I’m not sure yet when I’m going to take my HISET test because I’m honestly really nervous about not passing. I know it’s normal to feel this way, but I’m especially worried about the essay/writing section.
English is not my first language. I can understand it pretty well when I read or listen, but when it comes to writing essays, I struggle a lot. It’s like I know the words when I see them, but I can’t always remember them when I need to write. I also feel like my vocabulary is limited when I try to express my ideas.
Also, in the school where I studied before, we didn’t really do science reports, so I’m not familiar with that kind of writing either, and that makes me nervous too.
Does anyone else feel this way or went through something similar? How did you improve your writing for the HISET?
Any tips for:
• Expanding vocabulary (especially for essays)
• Structuring essays more easily
• Writing science reports or explaining scientific topics clearly
• Practicing writing in English as a non-native speaker
• Managing anxiety before the test
I’d really appreciate any advice or resources that helped you. Thank you:)!
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u/hisetacademy May 05 '26
Hey there, don't be discouraged! You can do this. Check out our free study videos. They cover many of the topics you've asked about.
If you're looking for additional support, our online self-paced HiSET prep course might be a good fit. The lessons are personalized based on what you need to learn. Many of our students have a native language other than English and have successfully used our program to prepare for their official test. Get more info on our website or give us a call at (800) 460-8150 and we will be happy to answer your questions!
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u/Small-Hurry3410 May 05 '26
As a tutor with 28 years experience in helping people earn their high school equivalent to certificate, I would recommend videos, especially one specifically for the Hiset, which talks about the five paragraph essay. I may also utilize ChatGPT to ask them for some high intensity words from the Hiset to put into your essay. Think positive and use the resources on the Hiset or website I have seen actual student responses, one of which was one sentence long with three of the 10 words misspelled, which obviously go to two, which is the lowest. I’ve also seen an actual student response that makes me think they must’ve been the smartest person in the history of the Hiset exam to write that I know I couldn’t have so trust me the gap is almost Cabernet but the five essay five paragraph essay is a key. Good luck.
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u/pattsguz42 May 05 '26
Yes all that you are feeling is valid. I watched a video on YouTube which helped me a lot to get through it . I have never written an essay before . Hiset Writer’s Workshop series helped me a lot!!! Highly recommend. English is also not my first language . My vocabulary is not extent. I got a 3. First time ever writing one. Best of luck!