Excel Test Zone NAPLAN * -style Test Pack Alan Horsfield & Allyn Jones * This is not an officially endorsed publication of the NAPLAN program and is produced by Pascal Press independently of Australian governments. In 2011 the Writing Test will change to a persuasive text. ** These tests are free for private personal use only. FREE** Sample Writing Tests for persuasive texts Get the Results You Want!
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Excel Test Zone
NAPLAN*-style
Test Pack
Alan Horsfi eld &Allyn Jones
* This is not an offi cially endorsed publication of the NAPLAN program and is produced by Pascal Press independently of Australian governments.
In 2011 the Writing Test will change to a persuasive text.
** These tests are free for private personal use only.
Publisher: Vivienne JoannouEdited by Rosemary PeersCover, page design and typesetting by DiZign Pty LtdPrinted by Green Giant Press
Reproduction and communication for educational purposesThe Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows 10% of the pages of this work to be reproduced and/or communicated by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or the body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) under the Act.
For details of the CAL licence for educational institutions contact:Copyright Agency LimitedLevel 15, 233 Castlereagh StreetSydney NSW 2000Telephone: (02) 9394 7600Facsimile: (02) 9394 7601E-mail: [email protected]
Reproduction and communication for other purposesExcept as permitted under the Act (for example a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review) no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address above.
NAPLAN is a trademark of Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
Disclaimer Excel Test Zone is a brand of Pascal Press. The official body that produces the NAPLAN Tests, Curriculum Corporation, in no way endorses or is connected to this product in any way. All efforts have been made by the Publisher to make these questions match the actual NAPLAN Test questions, although NAPLAN Tests are subject to change without notice. Pascal Press makes no representations about whether doing these test questions will improve your results in the actual NAPLAN Tests.
All efforts have been made to gain permission for the copyright material reproduced in this book, but we have not been successful in contacting all the copyright holders. The publisher welcomes any information that will enable rectification of any reference or credit in subsequent editions.
34
YEAR 5 WRITING TEST: Tips for writing persuasive texts
Log in to www.exceltestzone.com.au Excel Test Zone Year 5 Test Guide
Persuasive texts (expositions or opinions) are used to ‘argue’ the case for or against a particular action, plan or point of view—to persuade others to see it your way. Persuasive texts need to be well organised and clear so that readers will understand and be convinced of your arguments.
When writing persuasive texts it is best to keep the following points in mind. They will help you get the best possible mark.
Before you start writing► Read the question carefully. You will probably be
asked to write your reaction to a particular question or statement, such as Dogs should be kept out of parks. Most of the topics that you will be asked to comment on are very general. This means you will probably be writing about something you know and can draw upon your experience. When writing your personal opinion you may include such phrases as I think, I believe and It is important. Remember to sound confident. Some common ways for the question to be worded are: Give your opinion on …; Do you agree or disagree?; What do you think is/are …?; What changes would you like to see …?; Is … a good idea or a bad idea?
► You will be expected to give your reasons. Sometimes the question may actually state Give your reasons. Remember: the stance taken in a persuasive text is not wrong, as long as the writer has evidence to support his or her opinion. How the opinion is supported is as important as the opinion itself.
► Give yourself a few minutes before you start writing to get your thoughts in order and jot down points.
The introduction► Right from the beginning it is important to let the
reader know what position you have taken or what you believe. You can do this via the title or in the first line or paragraph, which may include a brief preview of the main arguments and some background information.
The body► Follow the structure of persuasive texts. As
persuasive texts aim to convince readers, your reasons must be logical and easily understood. You must provide both arguments (points) and evidence to support the arguments.
► Correctly paragraph your writing. Use paragraphs with topic sentences to organise your information. Without paragraphs your arguments become confused and difficult to follow. Use one paragraph for each idea or argument. Arguments can be ordered according to your choice. They can be ‘numbered’, e.g. firstly, secondly, finally.
► Make sure your arguments (or points) are relevant. They must add to your case. ‘Waffle’ and unnecessary detail don’t improve a persuasive text. It is better to stick to the facts without getting sidetracked. Once you have made a point there is no need to repeat it.
► Use interesting, precise words. Include strong persuasive words such as must, believe, important or certainly. Avoid common words that carry little or no meaning, such as good. You can state your arguments using sentences beginning with words such as firstly, furthermore or finally.
► Vary the types and lengths of sentences and the words that begin each sentence. If your writing includes a personal opinion, try to avoid too many sentences starting with I.
► Use impersonal writing, although personal opinions can be part of the text.
The conclusion► The final paragraph must restate your position more
forcefully and wrap up your case. It can include a recommendation.
When you have finished writing give yourself a few moments to read through your persuasive text. Quickly check spelling and punctuation, and insert any words that have been accidentally left out. Direct speech is not a feature of persuasive texts. Indirect speech (reported speech) does not have quotation marks (“ ”).
Check the official NAPLAN website for important updates. You are told what type of writing will be tested. From 2008 to 2010 it was a narrative text and in 2011 it will be a persuasive text. Click on the ‘Domains’ tab on the official NAPLAN website (www.naplan.edu.au) for the latest updates on the Writing Test and to see what writing marking criteria NAPLAN markers use when assessing your writing. A sample Writing Task is also provided.
Log in to www.exceltestzone.com.auExcel Test Zone Year 5 Test Guide 33
YEAR 5 WRITING TEST 1: Persuasive text
Today you are going to write a persuasive text, often called an exposition.
The purpose of writing a persuasive text is to infl uence or change a reader’s thoughts or opinions on a particular topic or subject. Your aim is to convince a reader that your opinion is sensible and logical. Successful persuasive writing is always well planned. Persuasive texts may include advertisements, letters to newspapers, speeches and newspaper editorials, as well as arguments in debates.
Hats should not be compulsory at schools.What do you think about this idea? Do you support or reject this proposal?
Write to convince a reader of your opinions.
Before you start writingGive some thought to:• whether you strongly agree or strongly disagree with this plan• reasons or evidence for your arguments• a brief but defi nite conclusion—list some of your main points and
add a personal opinion• the structure of a persuasive text, which begins with a well-organised
introduction, followed by a body of arguments or points, and fi nally a conclusion that restates the writer’s position.
Don’t forget to:• plan your writing before you start—make a list of important points
you wish to make• write in correctly formed sentences and take care with paragraphing• choose your words carefully, and pay attention to your spelling
and punctuation• write neatly but don’t waste time• quickly check your persuasive text once you have fi nished—your
position must be clear to the reader.
Remember: the stance taken in a persuasive text is not wrong, as long as the writer has evidence to support his or her opinion. How the opinion is supported is as important as the opinion itself.
YEAR 5 WRITING TEST 1: Sample of a High to Very high level piece of writing
Log in to www.exceltestzone.com.auExcel Test Zone Year 5 Test Guide 57
Today you are going to write a persuasive text, often called an exposition.
The purpose of writing a persuasive text is to infl uence or change a reader’s thoughts or opinions on a particular topic or subject. Your aim is to convince a reader that your opinion is sensible and logical. Successful persuasive writing is always well planned. Persuasive texts may include advertisements, letters to newspapers, speeches and newspaper editorials, as well as arguments in debates.
Handwriting should no longer be taught in schools.What do you think about this idea? Do you support or reject this proposal?
Write to convince a reader of your opinions.
Before you start writingGive some thought to:• whether you strongly agree or strongly disagree
with this plan• reasons or evidence for your arguments• a brief but defi nite conclusion—list some of your
main points and add a personal opinion• the structure of a persuasive text, which begins
with a well-organised introduction, followed by a body of arguments or points, and fi nally a conclusion that restates the writer’s position.
Don’t forget to:• plan your writing before you start—make a list of
important points you wish to make• write in correctly formed sentences and take care
with paragraphing• choose your words carefully, and pay attention to
your spelling and punctuation• write neatly but don’t waste time• quickly check your persuasive text once you have
fi nished—your position must be clear to the reader.
Remember: the stance taken in a persuasive text is not wrong, as long as the writer has evidence to support his or her opinion. How the opinion is supported is as important as the opinion itself.
YEAR 5 WRITING TEST 2: Sample of a very good piece of writing
Log in to www.exceltestzone.com.au Excel Test Zone Year 5 Test Guide61
Today you are going to write a persuasive text, often called an exposition.
The purpose of writing a persuasive text is to infl uence or change a reader’s thoughts or opinions on a particular topic or subject. Your aim is to convince a reader that your opinion is sensible and logical. Successful persuasive writing is always well planned. Persuasive texts may include advertisements, letters to newspapers, speeches and newspaper editorials, as well as arguments in debates.
Fairy tales are not suitable stories for young children.What do you think about this opinion? Write to convince a reader of your opinions.
Before you start writingGive some thought to:• whether you strongly agree or strongly disagree
with this plan• reasons or evidence for your arguments• a brief but defi nite conclusion—list some of
your main points and add a personal opinion• the structure of a persuasive text, which begins
with a well-organised introduction, followed by a body of arguments or points, and fi nally a conclusion that restates the writer’s position.
Don’t forget to:• plan your writing before you start—make a
list of important points you wish to make• write in correctly formed sentences and
take care with paragraphing• choose your words carefully, and pay
attention to your spelling and punctuation• write neatly but don’t waste time• quickly check your persuasive text once
you have fi nished—your position must be clear to the reader.
Remember: the stance taken in a persuasive text is not wrong, as long as the writer has evidence to support his or her opinion. How the opinion is supported is as important as the opinion itself.