What this page helps you practise
- narrative and persuasive text structure
- creative ideas and audience awareness
- sentence variety, vocabulary, and paragraphing
- spelling, punctuation, and editing under time pressure
EdutestYear 10Written Expression
Edutest Year 10 Written Expression Practice
Year 10 Edutest written expression requires students to produce polished, creative, or persuasive writing under timed conditions. Practising planning, structure, and editing is essential.
Year 10 Written Expression sample prompts with worked plans
Each prompt comes with a worked plan, a model opening and what markers look for, so students can see how a strong response is built.
Prompt 1Narrative
Write a story titled 'Inheritance'.
Worked plan
- Choose what is inherited: an object, a trait, a debt or a secret.
- Open close to the moment the character receives it.
- Use the inheritance to reveal a relationship with the person who left it.
- Create conflict over what to do with it.
- Resolve with a choice that shows what the character values.
Model opening
The solicitor slid a shoebox across the desk as though it might bite him. "Your grandfather was very specific," he said. "This goes to you, and only you." Inside, wrapped in a tea towel, was a battered harmonica and a single sheet of paper covered in my grandfather's cramped handwriting. The first line read: You are the only one who ever asked me to play.
What markers look for
- Subtlety: meaning implied rather than explained.
- Character: a relationship revealed through objects and detail.
- Dialogue: purposeful, natural dialogue that moves the story forward.
- Structure: a satisfying arc within the time limit.
Prompt 2Persuasive
Voting in Australian elections should be optional. Argue for or against.
Worked plan
- Introduction: explain compulsory voting briefly and state your position.
- Argument 1: the effect on representation and legitimacy.
- Argument 2: freedom of choice versus civic duty.
- Rebuttal: address the strongest opposing argument directly.
- Conclusion: return to democratic values with a strong closing line.
Model opening
Australia is one of only a small number of democracies that require citizens to vote, and turnout at federal elections is usually around ninety per cent. Some argue that forcing people to vote undermines freedom. I disagree. Compulsory voting ensures that governments are chosen by the whole population rather than by the loudest or most motivated groups, and that is worth protecting.
What markers look for
- Knowledge: accurate understanding of the issue.
- Argument: logical development that anticipates objections.
- Language: controlled, persuasive and formal expression.
- Conclusion: a closing that adds weight rather than repeating.
Prompt 3Discursive
Should cities ban private cars from their centres? Discuss.
Worked plan
- Introduction: outline the trend of car-free city centres and the debate.
- Benefits: cleaner air, safer streets and more public space.
- Costs: access for people with disability, deliveries and businesses.
- Evaluation: compare evidence from cities that have tried it.
- Conclusion: a qualified position, such as a gradual or partial ban.
Model opening
Imagine walking through the heart of a city and hearing conversation, footsteps and birdsong instead of engines and horns. Several European cities have made this a reality by closing their centres to private cars. Supporters point to cleaner air and busier shops, while critics warn about access and cost. The real question is whether the benefits can be achieved without leaving some people behind.
What markers look for
- Balance: weighing benefits and costs fairly.
- Evaluation: reaching a judgement, not just listing points.
- Evidence: concrete examples used accurately.
- Expression: precise vocabulary and varied syntax.
Preparation strategy
1
Practise five-minute planning before writing full responses.
2
Alternate between narrative and persuasive prompts.
3
Leave time at the end for editing spelling and punctuation.
Frequently asked questions
What does Year 10 Edutest written expression involve?
Students write a response (narrative or persuasive) to a prompt and are assessed on ideas, structure, vocabulary, and conventions.
How can students improve their writing score?
Better planning, stronger paragraphing, varied sentence structures, and consistent proofreading produce the fastest gains.