GHSWT Help
Description
Students in the 11th grade participate in the Georgia High School Writing Test and must pass the GHSWT to earn a regular education diploma. Students are asked to produce a response to one on-demand persuasive writing prompt. The writing test requires students to produce a composition of no more than two pages on an assigned topic. The two-hour test administration includes 100 minutes of student writing time. The test is administered three times a year so that students have multiple opportunities to take the test before the end of the 12th grade. The main administration of the GHSWT takes place in the fall of the 11th grade year. Results of the GHSWT are used to identify students who may need additional instruction in academic content and skills considered essential for a high school diploma.
Students in the 11th grade participate in the Georgia High School Writing Test and must pass the GHSWT to earn a regular education diploma. Students are asked to produce a response to one on-demand persuasive writing prompt. The writing test requires students to produce a composition of no more than two pages on an assigned topic. The two-hour test administration includes 100 minutes of student writing time. The test is administered three times a year so that students have multiple opportunities to take the test before the end of the 12th grade. The main administration of the GHSWT takes place in the fall of the 11th grade year. Results of the GHSWT are used to identify students who may need additional instruction in academic content and skills considered essential for a high school diploma.
Types of Writing
The GHSWT is a test of persuasive writing. In persuasion, the writer assumes a position on an issue and uses language to influence the reader. The purpose is to express a writer’s opinion on a subject either explicitly or implicitly. Through the support provided, the writer presents a convincing point of view.
For additional information and resources visit the Georgia Department of Education web page.
Other Resources:
10 Steps to Writing An Essay (American University in Cairo)
How to Write an Essay (WikiHow)
GHSWT Grading Rubric (Rubric .pdf)


