NAPLAN writing can feel overwhelming for many students, but improvement often comes from a handful of simple habits applied consistently. Most children don’t struggle with ideas — they struggle with structure, clarity, and knowing exactly what markers expect. With a few targeted strategies, your child can make noticeable progress in a short time. These five techniques form the core skills that lead to stronger writing and higher NAPLAN scores.
1. Use a Simple, Consistent Writing Plan
A structured plan removes guesswork and helps students stay focused. Many children freeze at the start of a writing task simply because they’re unsure how to begin. A simple plan—introduction, three clear points, and a conclusion—gives them a roadmap.
For persuasive writing, the plan might look like:
- Statement of opinion
- Reason 1 + explanation
- Reason 2 + example
- Reason 3 + impact
- Conclusion
Using the same structure every time helps students become faster, more confident, and more consistent.
2. Start Every Paragraph with a Strong Topic Sentence
A topic sentence is the “mini-headline” of a paragraph. It tells the reader (and marker) exactly what the paragraph will discuss.
For example:
“Another reason students should have less homework is that they need time to rest after school.”
This one sentence instantly improves clarity, creates cohesion, and signals higher-level structure — all major components of the NAPLAN marking rubric.
3. Upgrade Vocabulary Using Simple ‘Power Word’ Lists
Students don’t need complicated vocabulary, but they do need precise language. Replacing basic words such as “good,” “bad,” “lots,” or “thing” with more specific alternatives lifts the maturity of their writing.
Examples:
- “good” → “valuable,” “beneficial,” “effective”
- “bad” → “harmful,” “unnecessary,” “unhelpful”
- “lots of” → “many,” “a significant number of”
Markers reward students who use words that clearly express meaning. Even learning 10–15 new “power words” can noticeably improve writing quality.
4. Add Explanations and Examples to Build Depth
One of the biggest differences between average and high-scoring writing is explanation. Many students list ideas without explaining them.
For example, a weaker sentence:
“Sport is good for kids.”
A stronger sentence:
“Sport is beneficial for children because it helps improve fitness, builds teamwork skills, and boosts confidence.”
Adding an example elevates the argument further:
“For instance, students who play team sports often develop stronger cooperation skills that help them in class.”
Depth = higher marks.
5. Practice Writing Under Short Time Limits
NAPLAN writing is timed, and students need to feel comfortable planning and writing quickly. The simplest way to build this skill is through short, timed practice sessions at home.
Try this routine:
- 3 minutes to plan
- 10 minutes to write
- 2 minutes to read aloud and edit
This low-pressure practice builds speed, reduces anxiety, and prepares students for the structure of the real test.
Final Thoughts
Improvement in writing doesn’t require hours of study. What matters is consistency and clarity. By using a reliable structure, strengthening paragraphs, improving vocabulary, adding explanations, and practising under time pressure, students can significantly improve both confidence and performance. These simple habits help children feel prepared, capable, and ready to succeed in the NAPLAN writing test.
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