Writing: Planning, Structuring and Crafting a Response
What the writing task asks
NAPLAN writing tasks usually ask you to produce a short persuasive or narrative text in a set time. Markers reward a clear central idea, logical structure, varied and precise sentences, and accurate spelling and punctuation. Know the difference between the two text types: a narrative needs characters, a setting, a complication and a resolution; a persuasive piece needs a stated position, reasons with evidence, and a conclusion that restates the position.
Concepts to master
- Audience and purpose: decide who you are writing for and what you want them to think or feel.
- Structure: use paragraphs with one idea each. Narratives often work best with an orientation, a build-up, a climax and a resolution. Persuasive texts need an introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
- Sentence variety: mix short sentences for impact with longer, complex sentences using subordinate clauses.
- Cohesion: use connectives such as however, therefore and meanwhile to link ideas, and pronouns to avoid repetition.
- Word choice: prefer precise verbs (sprinted, not ran fast) and avoid clichés.
Traps to watch for
- Writing a story when the prompt asks you to argue a point, or the reverse.
- Starting every sentence the same way, or overusing and then.
- Ignoring the prompt's specific angle, such as a particular audience or scenario.
- Running out of time because you did not plan. Spend about five minutes planning before writing.
Rule of thumb
Plan in three lines: What is my main idea? What are my two or three key points or scenes? How will I finish? Then write, keeping to the plan. Leave two minutes to proofread for capitals, full stops and spelling.
Worked example
Prompt: Persuade your school to start a gardening club. Weak opening: I think gardening is good and we should have a club. Stronger opening: Our school has a bare, unused corner behind the sports shed. With one afternoon a week, that corner could become a vegetable garden that feeds our canteen and teaches us skills no textbook can. The second version states a position, paints a picture and hints at reasons.