Writing

On the NSW Selective Writing test you have one timed task (about 30 minutes) typed on screen. Narrative (also called creative) prompts ask you to write a story — often from an image, a title, or an opening line. Markers reward a clear moment, vivid detail, and a voice that feels real, not a plot summary or a list of events.

This unit teaches you what narrative tasks look like, how to plan under time pressure, and how to show a character's experience instead of telling the reader what to feel.

Persuasive writing on the Selective test asks you to convince the reader of a position — for example, whether homework should be reduced, or whether a local pool should stay open. You are not writing a balanced essay for a teacher who already knows both sides; you are arguing with clear reasons, examples, and a confident tone.

This unit teaches thesis statements, PEEL paragraphs, counter-arguments, and how to write for a real audience — including formal letters.

Discursive writing is the third main text type on the Selective test. Unlike persuasive tasks, you are not trying to win a debate — you are exploring an issue from more than one angle, like a thoughtful conversation.

This unit teaches hedging language, perspective pivots, and synthesis conclusions. Complete Unit 2 first so you can tell persuasion and discussion apart.

A news report tells readers what happened at a real or realistic event — clearly, accurately, and in journalist style. You are not persuading and not writing fiction; you are reporting.

This unit teaches headlines, lead paragraphs (who, what, when, where), subheadings, quotes, and objective third-person tone.

A speech persuades people who are listening to you — at an assembly, a meeting, or an election. It uses the same clear reasons as persuasive writing, but it must sound spoken: direct address, hooks, signposts, and a strong ending.

This unit teaches assembly and community speech structure, oral rhythm, and how to use facts from a stimulus without turning your speech into an essay.

Letters and emails are written to a specific person or team — a principal, councillor, or transport office. You still persuade or inform, but format counts: greeting, clear purpose, paragraphs, and the right closing.

This unit teaches formal letters, email subject lines, polite register, and how to use stimulus facts in correspondence. Unit 2 covers argument skills; this unit covers how the piece should look on screen.

Advice writing helps someone who is worried or stuck — a younger student, a shy new arrival, or a friend facing a challenge. You are not winning a public argument; you are offering clear, kind steps they can try.

This unit teaches empathy openings, practical tips in you voice, and endings that encourage without empty clichés.

A diary entry is written for yourself — or for a reader who sees your private page. You recount what happened in first person, describe how you felt, and often end by thinking about what it meant.

This unit teaches date headings, time sequencing, honest reflection, and how to use a list of required events without turning your diary into a report.

Description writing paints a picture for the reader — a place, a person, or a moment frozen in detail. You use the senses, strong verbs, and careful order so the scene feels real.

This unit teaches atmosphere without plot overload, spatial organisation, and how to include required details from an image or checklist without sounding like a shopping list.