Selective Test Preparation: Recommendations for Writing

The Five Senses Education team has gathered our top recommendations for practice questions and tests for the new Selective Test format. We have generated this list at the request of Year 5 and 6 parents, and we wish students and their families all the best for the next few months. A set of new blogs will be released over the next few weeks, addressing relevant skills and requirements. 

Spelling and Vocabulary

Basic Skills: Vocabulary Builder

• 60 practice pages in vocabulary building
• Improve your child's spelling and ability to construct sentences
• Includes answers

English Vocabulary Aid

• A collection of useful lists such as proverbs, similes, frequently misspelt words, idioms, root words and more

Spelling Essentials

• A comprehensive, easy reference guide of spelling rules and definitions

Understanding Text Types

Text Type Writing Samples

• Examples from all text types
• Follows the Australian syllabus
• Suitable for Selective Entry Exam, ICAS, NAPLAN
• Extras/appendices: proverbs, idioms, sayings, similes, synonyms and phrases

Text Types: A Writing Guide for Students

• A comprehensive guide and reference tool for improving writing skills
• Covers a wide range of text types including: poetry, interview, formal letter, playscript, persuasive essay, biography, narrative and more
• Presented as double-page spreads: one page analysing the structure and the second page as a sample text

Writing Practice

Bond 11+

• A practical guide with an accessible, step-by-step approach
• Includes parent tips - practical activities you can do with your child to improve question type understanding

English Writing with Creative and Critical Thinking

• Focuses on three key area: 
  • What to write - plots/ideas for creative writing and topics for critical thinking
  • How to write - using writing techniques and writing to specific text types
  • Vocabulary - expand student's vocabulary beyond everyday words, e.g. "jubilant" instead of "happy"
• Answers are included