Selective writing topics are one of the most common parent searches before the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. The honest answer is that the Department of Education does not publish a fixed public bank of official topics for the live test. Your child will see one prompt on the day and must respond in 30 minutes, typed on a computer.
Use this guide with the Selective writing practice page and the Selective hub. Official rules sit with the NSW Department of Education. Figures below come from FunThinkers verified NSW notes (last checked July 2026).
What the writing section actually is
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Sections in the full Selective test | Four (Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing) |
| Writing time | 30 minutes |
| Response format | Typed on the computer at the test centre |
| Number of prompts | One task |
| Genre | Not announced in advance; narrative, persuasive, or another form can appear |
There is no calculator and no dictionary in the Selective sitting. Planning notes can go on paper. The marked response is the typed piece on screen.
Why “past topic lists” online are risky
Many websites sell or list “selective writing topics” as if they were official. Treat those lists as practice ideas only, unless the source is clearly labelled as a publisher’s workbook or a coaching pack. The live prompt is set for that sitting. Memorising a shortlist of stories does not replace the skill of reading a new prompt carefully and answering it.
If a page claims a Department marking rubric with named weightings, be careful. The Department does not publish a public rubric with named criteria and percentages. In general terms, markers look at ideas and content, structure, and control of language (vocabulary, sentence variety, spelling, punctuation). See the criteria notes on Selective writing.
Prompt types worth practising
Build a home topic bank that covers at least these shapes:
- Narrative: a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end; a problem; and a character who changes or decides something.
- Persuasive: a clear position, reasons, and evidence or examples; a calm close.
- Stimulus-led: a short text, image description, or situation that must stay central to the response.
- Reflective / personal: “describe a time when…” style prompts that still need structure, not a diary dump.
Practise both narrative and persuasive every week. Do not rely on only one genre.
Practice topic bank (home use only)
These are practice prompts, not official Selective papers:
Narrative
- Write about a student who finds something unexpected on the walk to school.
- Write about a team that is one point behind with two minutes left.
- Write about a character who must choose between telling the truth and protecting a friend.
Persuasive
- Should Year 6 students have homework every night? Give your view and reasons.
- Should schools ban phones during the day? Argue one clear side.
- Is it better to practise a little every day or in long weekend blocks? Explain.
Stimulus-style
- You are given the line: “The notice on the door had only three words.” Continue in a way that fits a school setting.
- A graph shows more students walking to school than last year. Write a short piece that uses that idea as the centre.
Rotate topics. After each piece, rewrite the opening and the ending once. Those two places carry a lot of marker attention under time pressure.
How to practise under the real clock
- Set a timer for 30 minutes.
- Spend about 3–5 minutes planning on paper (who, what, order of paragraphs).
- Type the response on a computer keyboard, not only on paper.
- Leave 2–3 minutes to re-read for missing words, capitals, and full stops.
- Count paragraphs. Aim for a clear opening, 2–3 body paragraphs, and a close.
For full Selective timing across all four sections, see How long is the selective test?.
Common mistakes with topic practice
- Writing a memorised story that ignores the new prompt
- Starting so slowly that the ending is missing
- Using only one sentence type
- Practising only by hand when the live task is typed
- Looking for “perfect” topics instead of building transferable structure
How FunThinkers helps
FunThinkers includes Selective writing practice alongside Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. Each child starts with 3 free practice test attempts and no credit card. Unlimited access is $9.99/month if you want more volume.
Practise next
- Open the practice test catalog and pick a Selective Writing paper
- Build narrative stamina in Creative Write and Narrative Navigators
- Build persuasive structure in Persuasive Write
- Warm up vocabulary with Spelling Bee between writing sessions
Next steps
- Work through examples and typing tips on Selective writing
- Sit a full Selective practice test
- Keep dates on your calendar via Selective test dates
