Students often hear that they need to “improve their writing,” yet this advice means very different things depending on the subject. In the NSW curriculum, writing is assessed across English, HSIE, Science and even Mathematics, but each discipline values different skills. Understanding these expectations is the first step toward stronger results and more confident communication.
In English, good writing centres on clarity, control and insight. Students must craft arguments with precision, integrate textual evidence smoothly and interpret ideas with sophistication. Word choice, sentence variety and cohesion matter because English markers are looking for style as well as substance. A strong English essay shows flair, demonstrates conceptual understanding and guides the reader through ideas with purpose.
When students shift to HSIE subjects such as Modern History or Geography, the emphasis changes. Style becomes less important than structure. Good writing is measured by accuracy, relevance and the ability to link evidence to the question. Students should maintain a formal tone, avoid unnecessary embellishment and focus on building a logical argument that unfolds step by step. Dates, statistics and case studies become essential tools. In these subjects, writing is less about sounding polished and more about demonstrating knowledge clearly.
Science writing is even more specialised. Here, students must use concise explanations that follow scientific logic. The goal is not persuasion but clarity. Good scientific writing relies on correct terminology, sequenced reasoning and explicit cause-and-effect links. A strong response often looks simple because it avoids fluff and focuses on precision. Students succeed when they remove ambiguity and explain processes in a straightforward way.
Ultimately, good writing is not one skill but a collection of discipline-specific habits. When students understand what each subject values, they can tailor their approach and unlock higher marks. Writing becomes less confusing and far more rewarding once they learn the expectations behind the task.
Freddie Le Vay