How to Excel in Diary Writing for the NSW Selective Test 2026

📝 **How to Write a Diary Entry for the NSW Selective Test (Years 5–7)**

Diary writing is a common creative task in the NSW Selective School Test, particularly for students in Years 5–6. It allows you to express your thoughts and feelings candidly, as if you were writing in a genuine diary.

🔍 **What is Diary Writing? **

A diary entry is a personal piece of writing, usually written in the first person (I, me, my), sharing your feelings, experiences, and reflections. Diary entries are typically composed in the past tense and should sound authentic and thoughtful.

🧱 **Structure to Follow: **

– **Date + Greeting**

E.g., Monday, 4 August 2025 – Dear Diary,

– **Opening**

Set the scene — include who, where, when, and what happened.

– **Body**

Describe your feelings, reactions, and what you learned.

– **Conclusion**

Reflect on what the experience meant to you.

✍️ **Writing Tips:**

– Use emotionally rich language (e.g., “I felt nervous but excited…”).

– Incorporate sensory details (e.g., sounds, smells, or sights).

– Stay in character throughout the entry.

– Keep it realistic and personal—avoid writing it like a story.

❗ **Avoid:**

– Switching between tenses.

– Listing events without reflection.

– Forgetting to include feelings or reactions.

💡 **Example Prompt: **

“Write a diary entry about a day you were brave.”

Your response should convey how you felt before, during, and after the event.