Last checked:
The writing section is the last part of the Victorian selective entry exam: 40 minutes for two writing tasks. It comes after about two hours of multiple-choice work, so students are tired when they reach it. Speed of planning matters as much as the quality of the writing.
What the writing section is
| When | Last section, after a 5-minute break |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Tasks | Two |
| Format | Handwritten, in blue or black pen |
| What ACER assesses | Getting ideas across clearly and coherently in precise language |
ACER does not publish the task types or how to split the time. Its free sample question pack is the best guide to the exam's style.
With two tasks in 40 minutes, a sensible default is about 20 minutes each: 3-4 minutes planning, 14-15 minutes writing, 1-2 minutes checking.
What good writing looks like here
ACER's description is short: clear, coherent ideas in precise language. In practice that means:
- A clear main idea, stated early and kept to.
- A plan before writing. Even 3 minutes of planning gives a better result than starting straight away.
- Paragraphs that each do one job.
- Precise words, not long ones. One exact word beats three vague ones.
- A finished piece. A complete shorter response usually reads better than a long unfinished one.
From Jon: The structure we teach lets students get a plan down automatically and come up with ideas that sound precocious. They aren't adults yet, but their writing shows they can think about more adult situations in context and are socially aware. That's what schools are looking for when they award places.
Why students lose marks
- No plan, so the piece drifts or repeats itself.
- Running out of time on the first task and rushing the second.
- Off-prompt writing, such as a prepared story that doesn't really answer the task.
- Too many ideas, none developed properly.
Two structures, adapted to any task
Instead of learning a separate method for every text type, students can master one structure for imaginative writing and one for essays, then adapt them to the prompt.
From Jon: Students learn one creative structure and one essay structure, then learn to modify them. It has helped many of our students in the selective exams, and it sees them through high school English assignments and even university, where they'll write essays constantly.
A plan to build writing speed before June
Months 1-2: Structure, untimed
- Learn one planning structure for imaginative writing and one for discussion writing.
- Write one of each per week, with no time limit. Focus on a clear main idea and good paragraphs.
Months 3-4: Add time
- Write each type in 25 minutes, then 22, then 20.
- Move to a shorter time only after three good responses in a row at the current limit.
Final 6-8 weeks: Exam conditions
- Two tasks back to back in 40 minutes, handwritten.
- At least some practice straight after a full multiple-choice mock, to train writing while tired.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the writing section of the Victorian selective entry exam? 40 minutes, for two tasks.
What kind of writing tasks are in the exam? ACER does not publish the task types. Its free sample question pack is the best official guide to the style.
Is the writing handwritten? Yes. The exam is paper-based, and students bring two blue or black pens.
Does spelling matter? ACER has not published a marking guide. It says it looks for clear ideas in precise language, so accurate spelling and word choice help. A clear, finished response matters most.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on 31 October 2026.