The literature on essay testing, and particularly the selection of topics which will stimulate the writing of essays, was reviewed in order to recommend a set of specifications that will produce topics that are maximally fair to all teacher certificate candidates. It was found that by far the greater part of the research relating to writing assessment was concerned with the completed essay, and with how to evaluate it reliably. Only a relatively few researchers in the national testing services and at universities have concerned themselves in a systematic fashion with the effects of variations in essay topics on student writing performance. Specifications to be followed in producing fair topics should: (1) supply essential rhetorical specifications via simulations or role-playing scenarios; (2) call for types and levels of discourse that approximate those which teachers are likely to have to use in the discharge of their professional duties; (3) deal specifically with educational situations; and (4) are presented in at least two variations, one suited to primary and elementary teachers, another to middle and high school teachers. Sixteen topics intended to meet the foregoing specifications are provided. (RL)