How NAPLAN Writing Works (Year 5 Focus)
Everything you need to know about the Year 5 writing assessment, from the online format to the marking criteria.
The total test time is 42 minutes.
- 5 mins: Planning (Paper & Pencil, or digital tools on this site)
- 37 mins: Writing & Editing (Online)
Year 5 students typically complete the writing test online using a standard keyboard.
*Unlike Year 3 (who write on paper), Year 5 students must be comfortable typing their ideas directly into the testing platform.
The Two Text Types
On the day of the test, students are presented with one writing prompt. They must write either a Narrative or a Persuasive text depending on the prompt given. They do not get to choose the text type.
Narrative (Story)
The goal is to entertain the reader by telling a compelling story.
- Orientation: Set the scene and introduce characters.
- Complication: A problem that needs solving.
- Resolution: How the problem is resolved.
Persuasive (Argument)
The goal is to convince the reader of your opinion on a topic.
- Introduction: Clear statement of opinion.
- Body Paragraphs: 3 reasons supported by evidence.
- Conclusion: Restate opinion and call to action.
How It's Marked (10 Criteria)
Year 5 writing is assessed against 10 specific criteria. While the criteria are the same for all years, Year 5 students are expected to show more sophisticated control over language than Year 3s.
| Criterion | What Markers Look For (Year 5 Focus) |
|---|---|
| 1. Audience | Does the writer engage the reader? Is the tone appropriate? |
| 2. Text Structure | Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end appropriate to the genre? |
| 3. Ideas | Are the ideas creative, relevant, and elaborated (detailed)? |
| 4. Character & Setting / Persuasive Devices | Narrative: Are characters and places described vividly? Persuasive: Are persuasive devices used (e.g., emotive language, rhetorical questions)? |
| 5. Vocabulary | Are precise and effective words used? (e.g., "sprinted" instead of "ran fast"). |
| 6. Cohesion | Does the text flow well? Are linking words used? (e.g., "However," "Meanwhile," "Consequently"). |
| 7. Paragraphing | Is the text broken into logical paragraphs? |
| 8. Sentence Structure | Is there a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences? |
| 9. Punctuation | Is basic punctuation correct (.,?!) and are advanced marks attempted (e.g., speech marks, commas)? |
| 10. Spelling | Are common words spelled correctly and difficult words attempted? |
Start Practicing Today
Since Year 5 students type their test, getting comfortable with the keyboard is the biggest advantage you can give them.
Try a Practice Test