Major changes were introduced to the Selective School Placement Exam in 2021, including the replacement of General Ability (GA) section with the new Thinking Skills (TS). On top of this, examinable text types for the Writing section has been expanded.
Subject | Format | Number of Questions | Time | Weighting |
Reading | Multiple Choice | 30 | 40 minutes | 25% |
Mathematical Reasoning | Multiple Choice | 35 | 4o minutes | 25% |
Thinking Skills | Multiple Choice | 40 | 40 minutes | 35% |
Writing | Long response | 1 | 30 minutes | 15% |
In 2021, students were asked to write a newspaper report.
In 2022, students were asked to write a diary entry.
The official sample question asks for an advice sheet.
The expanded text types for the writing section means that students must be able to not only demonstrate their creativity with striking originality, but also showcase an ability to write according to the aim, audience and purpose of the text type.
In accordance with the new requirements, which puts your child's true writing skills to test, we have developed the following writing questions.
Attempt the following sample questions with your child!
Q1. Earth Hour is an environmental campaign that sheds light on the effects of climate change by requesting people to switch off lights at homes and businesses for an hour.
Write a recommendation/proposal to your school, encouraging your school to participate in environmental campaigns such as Earth hour.
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Q2. Rapid technological advancements in the 21st century has seen countless changes to our lifestyles. We now depend on technology to communicate, find entertainment and information.
Write about the technologies involved in our daily lives and how it has enhanced our quality of life.
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Q3. Plastic pollution is currently the most widespread problem affecting the marine environment. It threatens ocean health, human health, coastal tourism, and also contributes to climate change.
Write a recommendation/proposal to your local council, suggesting ways we can reduce plastic waste and reduce pollution.
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Q4. School uniform represents the school’s identity in the community and promotes a sense of belonging and unity. In wearing the same clothes, there is equality between students.
Write an advice sheet to a local primary school which does not have a school uniform, informing them of the benefits of introducing a school uniform.
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Q5. Euthanasia is defined as the artificial quickening of death of a patient to prevent further sufferings. While euthanasia can end patient’s untreatable pain, there are concerns that it reduces the value of human lives.
Discuss whether you support euthanasia or not, giving reasons why.
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