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 Underwater City
You are on a submarine tour looking at coral reefs. Suddenly, the submarine captain announces that they have found something amazing. Through the window, you see buildings and lights on the ocean floor. It is a secret city.
Write a narrative (a story) about visiting the underwater city.
Think about:
- Setting the scene: What does the city look like? How do people breathe there?
- The interaction: Who lives there? Are they human or something else?
- The complication: Something goes wrong while you are visiting.
- The ending: How do you return to the surface?
Remember to:
- Plan your story before you start writing.
- Write in sentences.
- Use paragraphs to separate your ideas.
- Use interesting vocabulary to describe the underwater world.
- Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.