Practice Test Instructions:
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Focus: Creative structure, persuasive techniques, and grammatical precision.
Description: Students will demonstrate their ability to compose a cohesive text based on a NAPLAN writing prompt. This practice test evaluates the use of text structure (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), vocabulary choices, and the logical flow of ideas to engage a specific audience.
Practice Test Instructions
Welcome to the Writing section of the interactive NAPLAN Year 3 practice test. In this section, you will be presented with a "Stimulus" (a prompt) that includes an image and a set of ideas. You must use this prompt to write either a Narrative (story) or a Persuasive (opinion) piece.
What to Expect
- The Stimulus: You will see one image and a topic title. Study the image carefully as it provides clues for your writing.
- The Genre: You will be told whether to write a story to entertain or an argument to convince.
- Writing Space: Use the provided text area to type your response. Ensure you use "Enter" to create clear paragraphs.
- Checklist: A reminder list is provided on the prompt to help you remember to include a beginning, middle, and end.
Tips for Success
- The 5-Minute Plan: Use the first 5 minutes to plan. Don't start writing until you know how your story or argument will end.
- Sparkle Words: Replace boring words like "big" or "happy" with "enormous" or "delighted" to gain higher marks in vocabulary.
- Paragraphing: Start a new paragraph every time you move to a new idea or a new part of your story.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying "He was scared," write "His heart hammered against his ribs."
Timing
This section mimics the 40-minute NAPLAN limit. We recommend the 5-30-5 Rule:
- 5 Minutes: Planning and Brainstorming.
- 30 Minutes: Continuous Writing.
- 5 Minutes: Editing and Proofreading.
Get ready! Take a deep breath, look at the prompt, and let your creativity flow.
Genre: Narrative (Storytelling)
Topic: The Animal Door
While walking through the bush, you find a tree that looks bigger than all the others. At the very bottom of the trunk, hidden by leaves, is a tiny door with a golden handle. It is just big enough for a rabbit to fit through.
Write a narrative (a story) about what happens when you open the door.
Think about:
- Characters: Are you alone, or with a friend or pet?
- Setting: What is on the other side of the door? Is it a magical world or just a small room?
- Complication: Do you meet anyone or anything inside? Is it dangerous or friendly?
- Resolution: How do you get back to your own world?
Remember to:
- Plan your story before you start writing.
- Write in sentences.
- Use paragraphs to separate your ideas.
- Use "sparkle words" (adjectives) to make your writing interesting.
- Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.