NAPLAN Persuasive Writing Tips
Persuasive writing is one of the two text types assessed in NAPLAN writing. These practical tips will help your child plan clearly, argue confidently, and write a response that markers can follow from beginning to end.
1. What persuasive writing should do
A strong persuasive response has one job: to convince the reader that a particular position is correct. It does not just state an opinion — it explains why the opinion matters, supports it with reasons, and addresses the reader directly.
2. Simple persuasive structure
Use this five-part structure as a starting point. It is not the only way to write persuasively, but it gives students a clear plan to follow under time pressure.
- 1
Opinion / position
State your view clearly in the opening paragraph. Tell the reader what you believe and why it matters.
- 2
Reason 1
Your strongest argument. Explain it fully — one idea per paragraph.
- 3
Reason 2
A different angle. Use a real-world example to back it up.
- 4
Reason 3
Optional but impressive. A third argument shows range of thinking.
- 5
Conclusion
Restate your position in fresh words. End with a call to action or a strong final image.
3. How to improve arguments
Weak arguments make a claim without explaining it. Strong arguments use the Point → Reason → Example → Link (P-R-E-L) pattern.
Weak version:
“Exercise is important for children.”
Stronger version:
“Regular physical activity helps children concentrate in the classroom. When students move their bodies during the day, their brains receive more oxygen, which research shows improves focus and memory. Schools that added a second session of physical education reported higher performance in literacy and numeracy assessments.”
4. How to add examples
Examples make arguments believable. Students do not need to quote real statistics — they can use realistic scenarios, general knowledge, or hypothetical situations if they are written with confidence.
- ·Use phrases like: “For example…”, “Consider a student who…”, “Research has shown…”
- ·Make the example specific — a school, a child, a situation — not vague.
- ·Connect the example back to your argument with a linking sentence.
5. Useful persuasive words
To state your position
It is clear that… / Without doubt… / There is no question that… / It is essential that…
To add a reason
Furthermore… / In addition… / Not only this, but… / What is more…
To give an example
For example… / Consider… / This is evident when… / Take the case of…
To conclude
In conclusion… / Ultimately… / It is time that… / The evidence is clear…
6. Common mistakes
- ✕Writing only one reason and repeating it in different words.
- ✕Starting every sentence with “I think…” — vary your openers.
- ✕Forgetting the conclusion, or rushing it in one sentence.
- ✕Using very general language: “everyone knows…”, “it is obvious…” without explanation.
- ✕Spending too long on the introduction and running out of time.
7. Mini practice task
Write for 20 minutes on this prompt:
“Students should be allowed to choose their own topics for writing assessments. Do you agree or disagree?”
Before you write, spend 2 minutes planning:
- What is my position?
- What are my three best reasons?
- What example will I use for each reason?
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