Mastering the 11 Text Types: Your Guide to the Selective Writing Test
- Vivo Education
- Selective Tests
- 06 Apr, 2026
In our last post, we introduced the Vivo S.T.A.R.T. Method for planning your response in just five minutes. But there is a crucial moment in that plan: T – Target your Text Type.
Many students walk into the Selective Test expecting a simple "story" or a "persuasive essay." However, the modern test is designed to see if a student can adapt their "voice" to different situations. You might be asked to write a Letter, a News Report, or even an Advice Sheet.
At Vivo Education, we teach our students to be "Text-Type Fluid." Here is your child’s essential "Toolbox" for the 11 different styles they need to master.
The 11 Text Types at a Glance
The Selective Test examiners want to see if your child understands Audience and Purpose. We group these into three main categories to make them easier to learn.
1. The Storytellers (Creative & Reflective)
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Narrative: The classic story. Use metaphors, similes, and a clear "Problem and Solution" structure.
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Diary Entry: Written in the first person ("I"). Focus on emotional reflection—how has the day changed the character?
2. The Persuaders (Convincing & Powerful)
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Persuasive: Use "High Modality" (strong words like must and will) and a clear call to action.
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Advertisement: Promoting a product. Use positive language and focus on why the product is the best.
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Speech: Use rhetorical questions to engage the audience: "Is this really the future we want?"
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Review: Evaluating something fairly. Mention both the good and the bad, then give a clear recommendation.
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Letter: Match your formality to the person you are writing to. Use questions to "talk" to the reader.
3. The Information Experts (Clear & Objective)
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News Report: Includes a catchy headline, a "Byline" (who wrote it), and quotes from witnesses.
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Discussion: The most balanced type. Present both sides fairly before reaching a preference in the conclusion.
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Guide: Provides actionable recommendations. Don’t just give a list; explain why these actions are good.
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Advice Sheet: Similar to a guide, but focused on navigating a tricky situation with a reassuring tone.
The Vivo "Blueprint" for Success
While the language changes between a News Report and a Narrative, the Structure is your child’s safety net. Most of these types follow a very similar "Blueprint" that fits perfectly into a 30-minute test:
- The Hook/Introduction: Grab the reader's attention and state the purpose.
- 3 Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should tackle one specific point, event, or argument.
- The Conclusion: Summarize the main idea and leave the reader with a final thought or recommendation.
Vivo Tip: For more technical types like the News Report, remember to include the "Tail Paragraph" at the end—this is where you tell the reader where to find more information.
Why "Text-Type Fluidity" Wins Marks
Examiners are looking for Audience Awareness. If the prompt asks for a "Letter to the Principal" and the student writes a "News Report," they will lose significant marks—even if the writing is excellent!
By mastering all 11 types, your child can walk into the exam room with the confidence to handle any stimulus the computer throws at them.
What’s Coming Next?
You have the plan (S.T.A.R.T.) and you have the tools (The 11 Text Types). Now, how do you actually get the marks?
In Post 3: The Scoring Edge, we will pull back the curtain on the marking criteria. We will discuss what examiners really look for in your child's ideas and vocabulary, and how to master the digital "feel" of the computer-based test.
Vivo Practice Challenge: Pick one of the "Information Expert" types (like a News Report) and one "Persuader" type (like a Speech). Have your child write just the first paragraph for both using the same topic: "Should school uniforms be banned?" Notice how the "voice" changes!
Stay tuned for the final part of our series!
