5 NAPLAN Writing Prompts for Year 6 — Practice at Home Before the Exam

Year 6 is the most important NAPLAN preparation window for students heading into Year 7. The test in Year 7 is the first one that matters for high school placement decisions in many states — and the gap between the Year 5 test and Year 7 is only two years.

The prompts below are NAPLAN-calibrated for Year 6 students: realistic in difficulty, aligned to both persuasive and narrative genres, and accompanied by guidance on what separates a Band 6 from a Band 7 response.

What Band 6 looks like on this prompt

A clear position stated in the first paragraph. Two or three distinct reasons, each developed with an example or explanation. Use of at least one rhetorical question or inclusive language technique. A conclusion that goes beyond restating the position.

What Band 7 looks like on this prompt

A position that acknowledges the counterargument and dismisses it (e.g., "While some argue homework builds discipline, the research suggests otherwise..."). Ideas developed with specific detail — not just "it causes stress" but what kind of stress, for whom, with what consequence. A conclusion that issues a clear call to action or reframes the question.

What Band 6 looks like on this prompt

A story with a clear orientation, a complication (something unexpected happens in or around the house), and a resolution. The given opening is used effectively and the narrative maintains a consistent tone.

What Band 7 looks like on this prompt

The atmosphere established by the prompt (darkness, mystery, a long absence) is sustained throughout. The complication is unexpected — not the obvious "ghost in the house" but something more specific to the characters' situation. The resolution addresses the central mystery and earns its ending.

Band 6/7 note

This prompt has an audience built in (the principal) — Band 7 responses use this deliberately. The tone is respectful-but-firm, as if actually addressing the principal. Arguments are specific to a school context, not just generic claims about phone use.

Band 6/7 note

The prompt invites an interesting choice: what is the thing? Band 7 responses make an unexpected choice (not a treasure map, not a secret letter) — something that feels specific to the character and the world they've created. The complication arises from what the character does with what they've found, not just the finding itself.

Band 6/7 note

This topic allows for nuance — both sides have reasonable arguments. Band 7 responses don't just argue one side; they acknowledge the strongest counterargument and refute it specifically. "While some claim there is not enough time in the school day, this argument assumes language learning must come at the expense of other subjects — a false choice."

How to Review Your Practice Essays

1. Check Text Structure first: does it have a clear beginning, middle and end?
2. Find your three weakest sentences and rewrite each one.
3. Count how many different connective words you used (however, consequently, furthermore, nonetheless). Fewer than three is Band 5.
4. Read only your first and last paragraphs. Do they feel connected — like they're part of the same piece?
5. Circle any vague words (good, bad, nice, things, many). Replace each one with something more precise.