Year 5 Writing Checklist
This checklist covers the key areas Year 5 students should focus on in their writing. It is designed for both students self-reviewing their work and parents supporting writing practice at home. It maps to the types of criteria used in NAPLAN-style writing assessments.
1. Before writing
Do this before putting pen to paper (or typing the first word).
- I have read the prompt carefully and understand what type of writing is needed (persuasive or narrative).
- I know my main idea or position before I start.
- I have planned at least 3 key points or events I will include.
- I know how my writing will begin.
- I know how my writing will end.
2. During writing
Check these as you write each paragraph.
- Each paragraph has one main idea.
- I am using paragraphs — not one long block of text.
- I am explaining my ideas, not just listing them.
- I am varying my sentence length — not every sentence is the same.
- I am choosing specific words instead of vague ones (e.g. 'announced' not 'said').
3. After writing
Spend 2–3 minutes reviewing before submitting.
- I have re-read my response once from start to finish.
- My opening sentence is interesting — not just 'I think that…' or 'Today I will write about…'
- My conclusion ties back to my main idea.
- I have checked punctuation: capital letters, full stops, commas.
- I have improved at least one sentence after re-reading.
4. Persuasive writing checklist
Use this when the task is persuasive or opinion writing.
- I have stated my position clearly in the first paragraph.
- I have given at least two clear reasons.
- Each reason is explained — not just stated.
- I have used at least one example to support a reason.
- I have used persuasive language: 'It is clear that…', 'Without doubt…', 'Furthermore…'
- My conclusion restates my position in different words.
5. Narrative writing checklist
Use this when the task is a story or creative response.
- My story starts with something happening — not just a scene description.
- I have a clear character the reader can follow.
- There is a problem or conflict that drives the story.
- I have described settings using specific sensory details.
- I have shown emotions through actions or thoughts, not just stated them.
- My ending resolves the story — it does not just stop.
6. Editing checklist
Final check before submitting.
- I have a clear idea — my writing is not going in multiple directions.
- I have organised my writing into paragraphs.
- I have explained my examples — not just mentioned them.
- I have used precise vocabulary — not just 'good', 'big', 'nice', 'said'.
- I have checked punctuation — full stops, commas, apostrophes.
- I have improved one sentence before submitting.
7. Parent tip
When reviewing your child’s writing at home, try asking these questions instead of correcting directly:
- ·“What is the most important point in this paragraph?”
- ·“Can you find a sentence you'd like to make stronger?”
- ·“Is there a word you've used more than once? What could you use instead?”
- ·“Read your ending out loud — does it feel finished?”
Get personalised writing feedback
WriteWise Coach goes beyond a checklist — it reads your child’s actual writing and gives rubric-based feedback showing exactly what to improve next.