NAPLAN

Achieving success in Naplan

What is the writing task?● The Naplan writing task is a test that

assesses your ability to compose a cohesive, coherent and structured written composition in 40 minutes.

● You will be given a writing prompt that will give you a stimulus and ask you to compose either a persuasive or narrative response

What does the writing task look like?

What does the writing task look like?

How should I approach the task?● You have 5 minutes to plan your ideas

● 30 minutes to write

● 5 minutes to edit. You may need to add in punctuation, check spelling and ensure your ideas make sense.

● The examination booklet has 3 pages

What are the markers looking for?● Naplan is marked against 10 criteria, which determines what band your response will

receive:

Criteria Mark Range

What the marker’s are looking for

Audience 0-6 The writer’s capacity to orient, engage and affect the reader

Text Structure 0-4 The organisation of narrative features including orientation, complication and resolution into an appropriate and effective text structure

Ideas 0-5 The creation, selection and crafting of ideas for a narrative

Character and setting

0-4 Character: the portrayal and development of characterSetting: the development of a sense of place, time and atmosphere

Vocabulary 0-5 The range and precision of language choices

Cohesion 0-4 The control of multiple threads and relationships over the whole text. Through the use of connectives and referring words 9e.g. Suddenly, meanwhile, finally.

Punctuation 0-5 The use of correct and appropriate punctuation to aid reading of the text

Paragraphs 0-2 The segmenting of text into paragraphs that assists the reader to negotiate the narrative.

Sentence Structure

0-5 The use of correct and appropriate punctuation to aid the reading of the text

Spelling 0-6 The accuracy of spelling and the difficulty of words used

Writing mechanics- Using the tools of a writer

Ability to write in text type

(persuasive/creative)

What does a band 8 response look like?

Engaging intro. Clearly establishes setting and character

Descriptive language builds anticipation

Develops character by describing emotions

Build imagery and engagement with reader

Audience - 4 / 6

Text structure- 3 /4

Ideas 4 /5

Character and setting 3 / 4

Cohesion 3 /4

Paragraph 1/ / 3

Sentence structure 4 / 6

Punctuation 2 / 6

Spelling 4/ 6

Things done well Things that needed improvement

● Engaging opening

● Build setting and atmosphere

● Showing character’s thoughts and feelings

● Showing not telling (descriptive language)

● Vocabulary e.g. musty, gross

● Structure- clear beginning, middle and emd

● Spelling

● Punctuation

● Paragraphing

● Sentence structure- vary depth and add in more complexity.

How should I prepare for the writing task?● Revise punctuation rules

● Write sustained responses regularly and edit your work

● Practice writing under timed conditions

● Read widely

Composing an effective creative composition1. Plan your ideas:

○ Plot○ Characters

○ Setting

COMPOSING AN EFFECTIVE COMPOSITION2. Develop a clear plot (orientation, complication, climax and resolution).

● No short rushed or cliched ending!

Composing an effective creative composition3. Plan your characters (personality, appearance) and setting (mood, adjectives)

Effective characterisation Ineffective characterisation

“He had neon punk hair cut

close to the scalp and a garish

tattoo that covered half his arm,

though his face was in precise

contradiction to those disguise

tenacious and tender- like a

kitten wanting milk”- ‘Wild’

Cheryl Strayed

Jenny was a fun girl

Composing an effective creative composition4. Use paragraphs (break up events in your narrative, create pace)

Composing an effective creative composition5. Use correct punctuation. Correct sentence punctuation is a MUST.

○ Dialogue also problematic○ Splice commas!

Composing an effective creative composition6. Use sophisticated vocabulary. Aim for precise words.

○ E.g. touched vs yanked○ Run vs exhilarating

● Show don’t tell

Composing an effective creative composition7. Use correct spelling. Aim to learn some challenging words.

Other useful words:

● Definitely● Exhilarating● Fascinating ● Privileged

Composing an effective creative composition

8. AIM TO WRITE TWO PAGES!!!

Naplan GoalsOn your note paper, set 3 things you would like to do in the next week to prepare for Naplan. You will need to have these ready to show your teacher by ____________________

1. ___________________2. ___________________3. ___________________

Resources

Pinterest.com- search ‘Writing prompts’

Google Naplan Spelling list

No Red INK www.noredink.comA website to improve grammar and punctuation, Free!