NAPLAN · Writing
NAPLAN persuasive writing: structure, language and a marked example
How to build the argument, the words that do the persuading, and a full sample text broken down paragraph by paragraph.
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How to build the argument
The beginning
Say what you think, and make the reader want to keep reading.
- — State your position in the first sentence — do not build up to it
- — Give a preview of the reasons you are about to make
- — Open with something that earns attention: a question, a fact, a claim
- — Do not spend the opening explaining what the topic is
The middle
One argument per paragraph, strongest first.
- — Start each paragraph with the argument itself, then explain it
- — Order the reasons — firstly, secondly, furthermore, finally
- — Give a reason a whole paragraph rather than a sentence
- — Answer the obvious objection before the reader raises it
The end
Restate, sum up, and ask for something.
- — Say the position again in different words
- — Remind the reader of the strongest reasons
- — Finish with a call to action — what should happen now
- — Introduce nothing new; a fresh idea in the conclusion loses marks
A sample text, marked up
A complete persuasive piece, paragraph by paragraph, with what each part is doing and why it earns its marks.
“School Uniforms Should Be Mandatory”
Introduction — position and preview
School uniforms should be mandatory in all schools. I believe that uniforms create a better learning environment for everyone.
The position arrives in the first six words, then "I believe" marks it as an argued opinion rather than a fact. No time is wasted introducing the topic.
First argument
Firstly, uniforms promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, there is less focus on fashion and more focus on learning. Students must concentrate on their studies rather than worrying about what to wear.
"Firstly" orders the arguments. The first sentence states the reason, the next two explain it — that explanation is what earns the Ideas mark.
Second argument
Secondly, uniforms help create school identity. Students feel proud to represent their school. This sense of belonging is essential for building school spirit.
Same shape as the paragraph before, which is deliberate: a predictable structure frees the reader to follow the argument. "Essential" is doing more work than "important" would.
Conclusion — restate and call to action
In conclusion, school uniforms are beneficial for both students and schools. We should implement this policy to create a better educational environment. Schools must consider adopting uniforms for the benefit of all students.
The position returns in different words, then "should" and "must" ask for action. Nothing new is introduced — a new idea here would cost a Text structure mark.
The words that do the persuading
Modal verbs — for obligation and certainty
mustshouldought tohave toneed tocancouldmaymightwillwould
Opinion and emphasis
believefeelthinkopinionconsiderimagineessentialcrucialvitalimportantnecessaryobviouslyclearlycertainlydefinitelysurely
Action verbs — for the call to action
savefighttakeprotectdefendsupportcreatebuildchangeimprovehelpstop
Connectives — for ordering the argument
FirstlySecondlyThirdlyFinallyFurthermoreMoreoverAdditionallyAlsoHoweverNeverthelessOn the other handIn conclusionTo summarizeTherefore
Sentence starters
Useful when the blank page is the problem.
I believe that…In my opinion…It is clear that…Firstly…Secondly…Furthermore…Finally…In conclusion…We must…We should…It is essential to…We need to take action and…
The rest of this section
- The marking criteria — Every piece is scored against ten separate criteria out of 47. Here is what each one is looking for, and what moves a score up a band.
- Narrative writing — Orientation, complication, events, resolution, coda — what each part has to do, with a complete story showing all five.
- Practice prompts — Ten prompts, persuasive and narrative, each with the planning questions to answer before writing a word.
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