Genre Guide

How to Write an Informative Essay for the NSW Selective Writing Test (With Example)

Informative writing tests a student's ability to explain, report, or advise clearly. In this guide, you will learn the structure of a high-scoring informative essay, see a Band 5 example with score breakdown, and discover common mistakes students make.

Informative Writing Structure for Selective Test

A well-structured informative essay for the selective writing test presents information clearly and logically. Students preparing for the selective school exam should learn how to write an informative essay that follows this pattern:

1. Introduction (Topic + Purpose): Clearly state what the piece is about and why it matters. If writing an advice article, address the reader directly. If writing a report, establish the context.
2. Subtopic 1: Present the first key piece of information with specific details, facts, or examples. Use a clear topic sentence at the start of the paragraph.
3. Subtopic 2: Cover a second aspect of the topic. Link it to the previous paragraph with a transition ("Another important factor is..." or "In addition to this...").
4. Subtopic 3: Address a third aspect, practical advice, or real-world application. This is where depth of knowledge shows.
5. Conclusion (Summary): Summarise the key points and end with a final thought, recommendation, or forward-looking statement.

Time tip: Spend 2 minutes listing 3 subtopics before writing. This ensures you cover the topic thoroughly without wandering.

High-Scoring Informative Features (Band 5–6)

Here is what markers look for in a high-scoring informative essay, tied to the 6 scoring dimensions used in the selective writing test:

• Content & Detail: Demonstrates genuine knowledge of the topic. Uses specific facts, examples, or practical details rather than vague statements. Covers the topic thoroughly within the word limit.
• Structure & Cohesion: Clear paragraphing with one subtopic per paragraph. Logical sequence that builds understanding. Effective transitions between sections. Introduction and conclusion frame the piece well.
• Style & Vocabulary: Appropriate formal or semi-formal register. Uses topic-specific vocabulary accurately. Maintains an objective, authoritative tone. Adjusts language for the intended audience.
• Sentence Variety & Control: Mix of simple explanatory sentences and complex sentences with embedded information. Uses subordinate clauses to add detail efficiently ("Bees, which pollinate over 80% of flowering plants, are essential for food production").
• Punctuation: Correct use of colons before explanations, commas in lists and after introductory phrases, and brackets for additional information.
• Spelling: Accurate spelling of topic-specific terminology and ambitious vocabulary.

Band 5 Informative Writing Example

Prompt: Write an advice article for students on how to manage their time during exams.

Exam time can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, students can manage their workload without burning out. Good time management is not about studying more — it is about studying smarter. The first step is to create a realistic study timetable. List every subject and the date of each exam, then work backwards to allocate study sessions. A common mistake is planning eight hours of study per day — this is unsustainable. Instead, aim for three to four focused blocks of 40 minutes each, with short breaks in between. Research shows that the brain retains information better after regular rest periods. Equally important is knowing what to prioritise. Not every topic needs the same amount of attention. Students should identify their weakest areas first and spend more time on those, rather than revising subjects they already feel confident in. A simple traffic-light system works well: red for topics that need significant work, amber for those that need some revision, and green for those that are already strong. Finally, students should not underestimate the value of sleep. Staying up late to cram may feel productive, but tired brains struggle to recall information under exam pressure. A well-rested student who has studied less will often outperform an exhausted student who has studied more. With a clear plan, smart priorities, and proper rest, exam time does not have to be stressful. Start preparing early, stay consistent, and trust that steady effort will pay off.

Score: 20/25 (Band 5)

Dimension	Score	Commentary
Content & Detail	4/5	Practical, specific advice with the traffic-light system as a concrete tool. References research on rest periods. Could add one more specific example or statistic.
Structure & Cohesion	4/5	Clear three-point structure with logical progression. "The first step," "Equally important," "Finally" provide smooth transitions. Strong framing introduction and conclusion.
Style & Vocabulary	4/5	Appropriate semi-formal tone for an advice article. Direct address ("students should") is effective. Good vocabulary range ("unsustainable", "allocate").
Sentence Variety	3/4	Good mix of sentence types but could include more complex constructions. The dash usage adds variety.
Punctuation	3/3	Dashes, colons, and commas used accurately throughout. Comma placement after introductory phrases is consistent.
Spelling	2/3	Accurate spelling of ambitious vocabulary throughout.

What Makes This Band 5

• Practical specificity: The traffic-light system is a concrete, memorable tool — not just generic advice
• Audience awareness: The tone and language are appropriate for a student audience
• Clear structure: Each paragraph has one focus, with transitions that guide the reader
• Authoritative voice: The writing sounds knowledgeable without being condescending

Common Mistakes in Informative Writing

1. Being too vague: "You should study hard" is not advice. Specific, actionable details ("study in 40-minute blocks with 10-minute breaks") score much higher on Content & Detail.
2. Sounding like a list: Informative writing should flow as connected paragraphs, not dot points. Use topic sentences and transitions to link ideas.
3. Wrong register: Using slang or overly casual language ("heaps of tips") in a formal report or advice article loses marks on Style & Vocabulary.
4. No clear structure: Jumping between subtopics without clear paragraphing confuses the reader and loses marks on Structure & Cohesion.
5. Forgetting the audience: The prompt often specifies who the piece is for (students, parents, visitors). Ignoring this affects the Task/Form Fit assessment.

See all 10 common mistakes with examples →

Tips to Improve Your Informative Writing

• Identify the format (advice article, report, explanation) and write accordingly
• Plan 3 subtopics before writing — one per body paragraph
• Use specific facts, examples, or practical tools (not vague statements)
• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence
• Use transitions: "The first step," "In addition," "Finally"
• Match your tone to the audience (formal for reports, friendly-formal for advice)
• End with a summary and a forward-looking or encouraging statement
• Save 3 minutes at the end for proofreading