The New York State High School Equivalency Test - Examinee Guide to the TASC Writing Subtest - Prepare

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Terk

The Examinee Guide to the TASC Writing Subtest explains how to prepare for the New York State High School Equivalency Test writing requirements. It outlines the writing tasks, including informative or argumentative essays, and the editing and revising multiple-choice portion. The guide details timing, continuous test structure, and what each section measures, then summarizes key writing skills such as punctuation, parallel structure, sentence combining, verb voice control, and revision strategies. It also describes planning, drafting, writing, and use of evidence, plus how passing scores are determined.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

How Can I Prepare?

Preparing Skills and Resources

About the TASC Writing Subtest

Test Overview and Formats

How the Writing Subtest is Designed

Timing and Structure

Part I: Editing and Revising

Part II: The Essay

Passing Scores for the TASC Writing Subtest

Writing Subtest Score Requirements

The Essay (Extended-Response)

Informative vs. Argumentative

Writing a 3–5 Paragraph Essay

Practice Process

Read the Questions and the Texts

Draft Your Essay

Write Your Essay

How Can I Prepare? • Review and practice your language and writing skills. • Get test-taking tips from the TASC test website: [http://www.tasctest.com/blog.html](http://www.tasctest.com/blog.html) • Find a High School Equivalency Preparation Program at: [http://www.acces.nysed.gov/ged/nys_map/](http://www.acces.nysed.gov/ged/nys_map/)[ ](http://www.acces.nysed.gov/ged/nys_map/)countiesprep.html • Find a TASC Test Center at: [http://www.acces.nysed.gov/ged/nys_map/counties.html](http://www.acces.nysed.gov/ged/nys_map/counties.html) New York State Education Department PO Box 7348 • Albany, New York 12234 Tel: (518) 474-5906 [www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/](www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/)[ ](www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/)[www.tasctest.com](www.tasctest.com)[ ](www.tasctest.com)[Email:](Email: HSE@nysed.gov)[ HSE@nysed.gov](Email: HSE@nysed.gov) The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print or audio tape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. Copyright ©2015 by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC. All rights reserved. TASC Test Assessing Secondary Completion is a trademark of McGraw-Hill School Education Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. McGraw-Hill Education is not affiliated with The After-School Corporation, which is known as TASC. The After-School Corporation has no affiliation with the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (“TASC test”) offered by McGraw-Hill Education, and has not authorized, sponsored or otherwise approved of any of McGraw-Hill Education’s products and services, including theTASC test. New York State Education Department The New York State High School Equivalency Test Examinee Guide to the TASC Writing Subtest This guide provides an overview of the TASC Writing Subtest to help you prepare for the exam. To succeed on the Writing Subtest, you must: • Write an informative or argumentative essay to support a claim, using evidence from provided text. • Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard written English through multiplechoice questions by: 􀀂 punctuating correctly 􀀂 using parallel structure 􀀂 combining sentences 􀀂 providing a concluding statement 􀀂 using various types of phrases to convey specific meaning 􀀂 revising sentences to add variety and interest 􀀂 using verbs in the active and passive voice to achieve a particular effect. About theTASC Writing Subtest The TASC Writing Subtest is one of the five subject area tests (Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) required for the High School Equivalency Diploma. The test is a rigorous assessment that measures national college and career readiness standards, including the Common Core. The TASC test is available in paper-based or computer-based formats. When you take the test, you may find the questions difficult but do not get discouraged. Do your best to answer all of the questions. How the Writing Subtest is Designed You are given 105 minutes for the TASC Writing Subtest. The test is in two parts, with no break between parts. The timing is continuous, so you must budget your time wisely. Part I is 60 minutes and has 52 multiple-choice and constructed-response (short answer) questions. These questions are on editing and revising sentences. For those who take the computer-based test, there are also technology-enhanced (TE) questions. TE questions require you to use the computer mouse to select one object at a time and drag and drop it in front, between, or behind the other objects. You can also select t

FAQs

How do I pass the TASC Writing Subtest?

You need a passing score of 500 or above on the writing subtest, plus an additional requirement of scoring at least 2 out of 8 on the essay. Passing the full TASC test requires passing each of the five subtests.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Terk