Advice Sheet
Learn how to organise practical tips under clear headings, use a supportive tone and help Year 5–6 readers follow advice step by step.
Watch the lesson
Watch the matching Path to Selective lesson when available, then review the structure before you practise.
Purpose, audience and tone
Purpose
Help the reader solve a problem or improve a skill with useful, easy-to-follow advice.
Typical audience
Students, parents or anyone needing guidance on a specific topic.
Tone
helpful, supportive, clear
Core structure
Follow these steps so your response matches the expected Advice Sheet format.
Title and introduction
Name the topic and briefly explain why the advice is useful.
Main tips under headings
Group advice into clear sections so the reader can find tips quickly.
Reasons and examples
Explain why each tip works and give a short example where helpful.
Warnings or extra tips
Mention what to avoid or what else the reader should remember.
Encouraging conclusion
Finish by motivating the reader to try the advice.
Exam time plan
A clear 30-minute plan for exam conditions.
Example opening or extract
Sample opening
Key features
- A clear title that names the topic
- Helpful tips organised under headings
- Reasons that explain why the tip works
- A supportive, friendly voice
- A short conclusion that encourages action
Common mistakes
- Giving tips without explaining why they help
- Writing in a bossy or unfriendly tone
- Mixing too many ideas in one paragraph
- Forgetting a clear introduction or ending
Planning checklist
- What problem am I helping to solve?
- Who will read this advice sheet?
- What are my three to five best tips?
- How will I explain why each tip works?
- How will I encourage the reader at the end?
Practice options
Apply what you learned in a timed exam using the Path to Selective exam experience.
Timed Exam Practice
Complete the response under realistic 30-minute NSW Selective exam conditions.
Start 30-Minute ExamFinal editing checklist
- Are the tips easy to follow?
- Did I use clear headings?
- Is the tone helpful rather than bossy?
- Have I checked that each tip has a reason?
Related formats
Continue with a nearby format to strengthen transferable skills.