Writing: Planning, Structure and Control
What the task asks for
NAPLAN writing tasks ask you to produce a sustained piece in a set form, usually a narrative or a persuasive text, within a time limit. Markers judge three broad things: how well you address the prompt, how clearly your text is organised, and how controlled your sentences, vocabulary and punctuation are.
Concepts to master
Know the shape of each form. A narrative needs a situation, a complication and a resolution, with a consistent point of view and dialogue that moves the story forward. A persuasive piece needs a clear position, reasons supported by evidence or examples, and a conclusion that restates the case. Understand paragraphing: one idea per paragraph, with topic sentences and linking words such as however, therefore and in contrast. Practise varying sentence length and opening with something other than the subject.
Traps
- Retelling a known story or film instead of answering the prompt.
- A persuasive piece that lists opinions without reasons.
- Dialogue with no punctuation or new speaker on a new line.
- Spending too long planning and leaving no time to proofread.
- Ignoring the audience and purpose stated in the prompt.
Worked example
Suppose the prompt asks you to argue that school sport should be compulsory. A weak opening is I think sport is good. A stronger one names the position and previews a reason: Making sport compulsory is not about producing champions; it is about giving every student a habit that protects their health for decades. The second sentence signals purpose, audience and argument in one move.
Rule of thumb
Spend about five minutes planning, most of the time drafting, and the last five minutes checking punctuation, spelling and paragraph breaks.