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Writing Tips for the NSW Selective Test
A strong response in 30 minutes comes from a plan, a clear structure and a confident voice. These tips help your child write well under the clock.
Get your writing markedNew to this section?What the Writing task actually asks for
Planning
- ✓Spend the first 2–3 minutes planning — always.
- ✓Decide your main idea and how the piece will end before writing.
- ✓Jot 3–4 beats so you never freeze mid-page.
Structure
- ✓Open with a hook, not a restatement of the prompt.
- ✓One clear idea per paragraph, in a deliberate order.
- ✓Land a purposeful ending — don’t just stop.
Persuasive writing
- ✓Take a clear position and commit to it.
- ✓Back each point with a specific reason or example.
- ✓Use rhetorical questions and strong verbs sparingly for effect.
Narrative writing
- ✓Show emotion through action, not labels (“she froze”, not “she was scared”).
- ✓Keep the cast and timeframe small and focused.
- ✓Build to one clear moment rather than many events.
Vocabulary
- ✓Choose precise words over big words.
- ✓Vary sentence length to control pace.
- ✓Keep a few strong words ready, but let them fit naturally.
Editing & time management
- ✓Leave the last minute to fix sense and obvious errors.
- ✓Read the final line — does it feel deliberate?
- ✓Finish the piece: a complete, clear response beats an unfinished brilliant one.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing with no plan and losing direction.
- A weak opening that just repeats the prompt.
- Running out of time with no ending.
- Telling the reader the feeling instead of showing it.
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