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Based on real NSW Selective marking criteria.
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Know your score — and exactly what to fix to reach Band 5–6.
This is a typical Band 5 response
The essay presents well-chosen content with relevant and clear examples supporting the importance of friendship, such as helping with crafts and cheering up when sad. Ideas are well developed but could be more vivid or original.
The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs each with a main idea, and a conclusion. Paragraphs are used and ideas are linked logically, though transitions could be smoother and the conclusion slightly stronger.
“The park was very fun. I played games and it was really good. I liked it a lot and I want to go there again because it made me happy.”
“The park was full of laughter as I raced across the field with my friends, enjoying every moment. By the end of the day, I left with a big smile, already hoping to return for another exciting adventure.”
Essays are scored across 6 dimensions, matching the NSW Selective School writing criteria (Set A + Set B, total 25 marks). Learn what each score means →
| Dimension | Max | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Content & Detail | 5 | Relevance, specificity, development, originality |
| Structure & Cohesion | 5 | Paragraphing, sequencing, cohesion, satisfying ending |
| Style, Vocabulary & Register | 5 | Word choice, stylistic features, tone, formality |
| Sentence Variety & Control | 4 | Length/type variety, complex sentence control |
| Punctuation | 3 | Correctness, range, deliberate use of internal punctuation |
| Spelling | 3 | Common, irregular, and ambitious word accuracy |
| Band | Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Band 6 | 22–25 | Outstanding — top-tier selective school level |
| Band 5 | 18–21 | Strong — competitive for selective placement |
| Band 4 | 14–17 | Competent — solid skills, room to sharpen |
| Band 3 | 10–13 | Developing — key areas to work on |
| Band 2 | 6–9 | Emerging — needs focused practice |
| Band 1 | 0–5 | Beginning — building foundational skills |
Timed writing practice — just like the real NSW Selective test. Read our genre guides: Narrative, Persuasive, Informative.
Get dimension-by-dimension scores with specific evidence from your child's writing — in under 30 seconds.
Scoring criteria match the real Selective High School Placement Test — Set A (content, structure, style) and Set B (sentences, punctuation, spelling).
Submit essays regularly and watch scores improve. See which dimensions are growing and which need more practice.
No real names required — students use nicknames only. Essays are never shared or used for training.
The NSW Selective Writing Test is scored out of 25 marks across 6 dimensions in two sets. Set A (15 marks) covers Content & Detail (0–5), Structure & Cohesion (0–5), and Style, Vocabulary & Register (0–5). Set B (10 marks) covers Sentence Variety & Control (0–4), Punctuation (0–3), and Spelling (0–3). Total scores are mapped to Bands 1–6.
The test may ask for one of three genres: Narrative (storytelling with plot, character, and setting), Persuasive (argument with evidence and rhetorical devices), or Informative/Discursive (explanation, report, advice sheet, or discussion). Students should prepare for all three as the genre is unknown until test day.
Effective preparation involves regular timed practice (30 minutes per essay, matching test conditions), structured feedback on each attempt, reading widely to build vocabulary, and tracking progress over time. A 12-week plan with 1–2 essays per week is a proven approach. See our complete preparation guide for a detailed week-by-week plan.
Band 5 (18–21 out of 25) is generally competitive for selective school placement. Band 6 (22–25) is outstanding. Band 4 (14–17) may be sufficient for less competitive placements, especially with strong scores in other test components. There is no fixed passing score — it depends on the cohort and the specific school.
EurekaWrite's AI scorer is calibrated against the NSW Selective Writing rubric and scores essays across all 6 official dimensions. Every score is backed by specific evidence quotes from the student's writing, making feedback transparent and verifiable. While no AI replaces a human marker, EurekaWrite provides consistent, detailed feedback that helps students identify specific areas for improvement.
In-depth resources to help your child understand the test and improve their writing.
Scoring system, genres, band meanings, and a 12-week preparation plan.
Bad-vs-good examples for the most common errors, with specific fixes.
6 practical strategies for timed practice, feedback, and focused improvement.
Real examples with full score breakdowns and marker commentary.
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