NAPLAN Writing Narrative and Persuasive — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the NAPLAN writing test, students are given one prompt and must write in either a narrative or persuasive style. Which feature belongs in a PERSUASIVE text?
- A description of an imaginary world
- A surprising plot twist
- A clear opinion supported by reasons (Correct answer)
- Made-up characters and dialogue
Correct answer: A clear opinion supported by reasons
Persuasive writing presents an opinion backed by reasons and evidence. Narratives, by contrast, use characters, plot and setting.
Question 2: Which sentence is the strongest OPENING for a persuasive piece arguing that schools should have longer lunch breaks?
- Lunch happens in the middle of the day.
- Longer lunch breaks would make students healthier, happier and more focused. (Correct answer)
- I think lunch is okay I guess.
- Some people eat sandwiches at lunch.
Correct answer: Longer lunch breaks would make students healthier, happier and more focused.
A strong persuasive opening states a clear position and previews the reasons. NAPLAN markers reward an engaging, well-signposted introduction.
Question 3: A narrative should be organised with a clear structure. Which order is correct?
- Resolution, orientation, complication
- Orientation, complication, resolution (Correct answer)
- Complication, orientation, resolution
- Resolution, complication, orientation
Correct answer: Orientation, complication, resolution
Narratives move from orientation (setting and characters) to a complication (a problem) and then a resolution. NAPLAN assesses text structure.
Question 4: Which technique makes this sentence more descriptive? 'The dog ran.'
- It ran.
- The dog ran.
- Dog ran fast.
- The shaggy brown dog bolted across the dusty paddock. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The shaggy brown dog bolted across the dusty paddock.
Adding adjectives ('shaggy brown', 'dusty') and a stronger verb ('bolted') creates vivid description. NAPLAN rewards varied vocabulary and detail.
Question 5: In persuasive writing, which is the best example of using EVIDENCE?
- A 2023 study found students who exercise daily score higher in tests. (Correct answer)
- Everyone knows this is true.
- It is just better, trust me.
- I really really believe it.
Correct answer: A 2023 study found students who exercise daily score higher in tests.
Specific evidence such as research or statistics strengthens an argument far more than unsupported claims. Markers look for supported reasons.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses a paragraph break to improve a narrative?
- Starting a new paragraph after every word
- Starting a new paragraph when the time, place or speaker changes (Correct answer)
- Putting the whole story in one sentence
- Never using paragraphs at all
Correct answer: Starting a new paragraph when the time, place or speaker changes
New paragraphs signal a shift in time, place or speaker, helping the reader follow the story. Paragraphing is part of the NAPLAN writing criteria.
Question 7: Which phrase is a PERSUASIVE connective used to link arguments?
- Suddenly
- Furthermore (Correct answer)
- The end
- Once upon a time
Correct answer: Furthermore
'Furthermore' links and builds arguments in persuasive writing. 'Once upon a time' and 'suddenly' belong to narratives.
Question 8: A NAPLAN writing response is marked on cohesion. What does 'cohesion' mean?
- The handwriting is neat
- The text is very long
- Ideas are linked clearly so the writing flows (Correct answer)
- There are many big words
Correct answer: Ideas are linked clearly so the writing flows
Cohesion is how well ideas connect through linking words, pronouns and consistent tense so the text reads smoothly — one of the ten NAPLAN writing criteria.
NAPLAN Writing Narrative and Persuasive
In the NAPLAN writing test, students are given one prompt and must write in either a narrative or persuasive style.
Which feature belongs in a PERSUASIVE text?