ICAS Writing can be a challenging yet exciting experience for students. At Tuition Zone, we believe in building confidence through preparation. To help your child shine, we’ve created a set of 10 ICAS-style writing prompts, 5 narrative and 5 persuasive, complete with sample responses.

These examples reflect the clarity, structure, and creativity expected at Year 4 level and are perfect for practice at home or in class.

NARRATIVE WRITING TASKS (with Sample Responses)

Narrative writing involves telling a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Students should use vivid vocabulary, dialogue, and structure to keep the reader engaged.

1. The Mysterious Door

Prompt: You find a strange door in a place where a door shouldn’t be. What happens when you open it?

Sample Response:

• One rainy afternoon, I was cleaning out the garden shed when I noticed something strange. Behind a dusty shelf was a small wooden door with a silver lion-shaped knob. I had never seen it before.
• I opened it and crawled in. A magical forest glowed on the other side. Talking rabbits ran up to me, asking for help to find missing magic stones. Together, we journeyed through streams and caves, even meeting a friendly dragon!
• When I came back through the door, everything was back to normal, except the glowing leaf still in my pocket.

2. A Day Everything Went Backwards

One morning, I woke up and everything was backwards! My clock ticked the wrong way, and people walked in reverse. At school, lunch came first and spelling came last.

It was funny at first, but also confusing. I couldn’t wait to go to sleep and fix it. The next day, the clock ticked forwards again. Phew!

3. The Lost Key

I found a shiny old key on my way home with a “Z” carved on it. That night, I remembered a locked box in the attic. I used the key and it worked!

Inside was a map and a note: “To the bravest adventurer.” It led to a hidden treehouse where my journey began. But that’s a story for another day.

4. The Pet That Could Talk

One morning, my cat Max said, “Can I have chicken instead of kibble today?” I nearly fainted!

Soon, we were chatting all the time. He helped me with homework, warned me before storms, and even stopped me from forgetting my lunch. Best of all, he became my best friend.

5. The Day the Internet Disappeared

It was chaos! No YouTube, no games, no messages. At first, everyone panicked.

But soon, we started reading books, playing board games, and talking to each other. We even played outside! It turned out to be the best day ever.

PERSUASIVE WRITING TASKS (with Sample Responses)

Persuasive writing requires students to form an opinion and support it with clear, structured reasons. Strong persuasive writing also includes rebuttals and confident language.

1. School Should Start Later in the Day

Prompt: Would it be better if school started at 10:00am instead of 09:00am?
 

Sample Response:

I believe school should start later at 10am. Many students are tired in the morning. More sleep means better focus. Families would also have more time to get ready.

Some might say we’d finish school later, but learning better is more important. A later start helps students feel fresh and ready to learn.

2. Should Homework Be Banned?

Homework helps us remember what we learned, but too much can be stressful. A small amount is useful, like reading or practising maths.

It also lets parents see our progress. Homework shouldn’t be banned, it should be fair and helpful.

3. Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Dogs are better than cats because they’re loyal, helpful, and playful.

Dogs love people and protect them. Some even work as guide dogs or in rescue teams. You can also play fetch with them. Cats just sleep and ignore you!

Cats are cute, but dogs make the best friends.

4. Swimming Should Be Compulsory

All children should learn how to swim. Swimming can save lives. If someone falls in water, they need to know how to stay safe.

Swimming also keeps kids healthy and strong. It’s fun too! Every school should teach swimming, it’s a life skill.

5. Every Student Should Get a Device for Learning

In today’s world, every student should have a tablet or laptop. We use devices to research, learn, and stay organised.

Not every family can afford one. If schools provide them, it makes things fair for everyone.

Learning is better when technology helps us grow.

Final Thoughts

Writing well is about practice and feedback. These ICAS-style prompts give students the chance to:

• Organise ideas clearly
• Use strong vocabulary
• Develop creative and convincing pieces

At Tuition Zone, we support students through targeted writing workshops, ICAS prep, and personalised tutoring to build these exact skills.

Need more practice? Looking for writing classes?

Contact us today at 1300 830 991 or visit www.tuitionzone.com.au