Illustrative samples only. All essays on this page are authored examples written to NAPLAN-style standards — they are not real student submissions. They are intended to show what high-band writing looks like against each marking criterion.
NAPLAN Writing Sample Essays
See exactly what high-band NAPLAN writing looks like. Each essay is scored and annotated against all 10 marking criteria by an experienced marker.
How to use these samples
- Read the essay at your child's year level and genre.
- Read the marker annotations (indented blue notes) to see what a marker notices in each paragraph.
- Review the per-criterion score grid to understand why the essay received each score.
- Compare with the marking criteria guide to understand how each criterion works.
Browse Sample Essays
Illustrative Year 3 NAPLAN narrative essay scored against all 10 criteria. Demonstrates clear structure and controlled language at Year 3 level.
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Illustrative Year 5 NAPLAN persuasive essay scored against all 10 criteria. Argues that mobile phones should be banned during school hours.
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Illustrative Year 5 NAPLAN narrative essay scored against all 10 criteria. Features a mystery discovery, a distinct protagonist, and a complete narrative arc.
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Illustrative Year 7 NAPLAN narrative essay scored against all 10 criteria. A controlled narrative with developed characterisation and a sustained atmosphere.
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Illustrative Year 9 NAPLAN persuasive essay scored against all 10 criteria. Argues for a minimum age of 16 for social media access in Australia.
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Illustrative Year 9 NAPLAN narrative essay scored against all 10 criteria. Complex narrative with a thematically resonant conclusion.
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Understand the marking criteria
Not sure what a criterion means? Our marking criteria guide explains all 10 criteria in plain English with a parent tip for each one.
Read the Marking Criteria GuidePractise by Year Level
These sample essays are most useful alongside regular timed practice. Choose your year level to start a practice session.
Related Writing Guides
Put These Examples Into Practice
Practise writing your own essay and get instant AI feedback against the same 10 NAPLAN criteria shown in these samples.