NAPLAN writing prompts: 20 free narrative and persuasive topics

Quick answer: Below are 20 free NAPLAN-style writing prompts: 10 narrative and 10 persuasive, grouped for Years 3 and 5 and for Years 7 and 9. In the real test, students write one piece, either narrative or persuasive, and don't know which until the day. Practise both. Give 40 minutes for Year 3 and 42 minutes for Years 5, 7 and 9, including about five minutes of planning.

Every prompt on this page is free to use. When your child has written a response, use the self-marking checklist at the end, or have it [marked by a teacher](#get-it-marked).

How to use these prompts

1. Pick one prompt and alternate between narrative and persuasive each time.
2. Set a timer: 40 minutes for Year 3, 42 minutes for Years 5, 7 and 9.
3. Plan for five minutes before writing. Use the frames in our guide to narrative vs persuasive writing.
4. Write without stopping to check spelling. Leave the last three minutes to read back and fix errors.
5. Year 3 writes by hand (the real Year 3 test is on paper). Years 5, 7 and 9 type, as the real test is online.
6. Check it with the self-marking checklist below, then pick one thing to improve next time.

Narrative prompts

A narrative tells a story. Aim for one main character, one problem, and an ending where the problem is resolved or the character changes.

Years 3 and 5

1. The door that wasn't there yesterday. One morning there's a small door at the bottom of your bedroom wall. Write a story about what happens when you open it.
2. Lost and found. A character loses something very important to them. Write a story about how they try to get it back.
3. The day the animals could talk. For one day, every animal can talk, but only you can understand them. Write a story about that day.
4. The best mistake. Write a story about a mistake that turned out to be a good thing.
5. Footprints in the sand. Someone has left a trail of strange footprints along the beach. Write a story about where they lead.

Years 7 and 9

1. The message. A character receives a message they were never meant to read. Write a story about what they do next.
2. The last day. Write a story set on the last day of something: a school year, a job, a friendship, a town before it changes forever.
3. Behind the mask. A character has been pretending to be someone they're not. Write a story about the moment the truth comes out.
4. The choice. A character has to choose between two things they care about. Write a story about the decision and what it costs them.
5. Storm warning. A storm is coming, and a character has one hour to do something important. Write a story about that hour.

Persuasive prompts

A persuasive text argues one side. State your position clearly at the start, give reasons with examples, and finish by restating your view.

Years 3 and 5

1. Every school should have a class pet. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Children should be allowed to choose their own bedtime. Do you agree or disagree?
3. Homework should be banned in primary school. Do you agree or disagree?
4. It is better to live in the country than in the city. Do you agree or disagree?
5. Every student should learn to play a musical instrument. Do you agree or disagree?

Years 7 and 9

1. Mobile phones should be allowed in school during breaks. Write to convince a reader of your opinion.
2. The school week should be four days long. Write to convince a reader of your opinion.
3. Young people should do at least one year of community service after school. Write to convince a reader of your opinion.
4. Zoos do more good than harm. Write to convince a reader of your opinion.
5. Social media does more harm than good for teenagers. Write to convince a reader of your opinion.

Tip for persuasive prompts: students can argue either side. Choose the side you can give the strongest reasons and examples for, not the side you think the marker wants. See choosing a position in persuasive writing.

Self-marking checklist

Use this after each response. It's based on the areas NAPLAN markers assess. Tick each one honestly, then choose one to work on next time.

For every piece

• [ ] Did I plan before writing?
• [ ] Did I finish, with a proper ending or conclusion?
• [ ] Is it clear who the reader is, and is the tone right for them?
• [ ] Does each paragraph do one job, and does a new paragraph start when the idea or moment changes?
• [ ] Do my sentences vary in length and start in different ways?
• [ ] Have I used precise words instead of "good", "nice" or "very"?
• [ ] Are capital letters, full stops and commas correct?
• [ ] Have I checked spelling, especially of words I used more than once?

Narrative only

• [ ] Does my character feel real (a name, a detail, a feeling)?
• [ ] Is the setting clear early on?
• [ ] Is there a clear problem that builds?
• [ ] Is the problem resolved, or has the character changed by the end?
• [ ] If I used dialogue, does each line move the story on?

Persuasive only

• [ ] Is my position clear in the first paragraph?
• [ ] Do I keep the same position all the way through?
• [ ] Does each reason have a specific example?
• [ ] Have I answered the other side at least once?
• [ ] Does my conclusion restate my view with a strong final line?

A checklist tells you what to look for. What it can't tell you is whether the writing actually works for a reader: whether the ideas are developed or just listed, or whether the opening grabs attention. That needs a second reader.

Want to see strong examples?

Our guide to NAPLAN narrative vs persuasive writing includes a full Year 3 narrative and a full Year 5 persuasive response, with notes on why each one works. For marking at home, see how to mark your child's timed writing.

Get it marked by a teacher {#get-it-marked}

Every piece of writing on this site is marked by a human teacher, not an AI first pass. You get comments on the writing itself, rubric scores, and one or two clear things to work on next.

How it works:

1. Create a free parent account and add your child's profile. Accounts are free, and your child's writing and feedback are saved there.
2. Your child writes their response to any prompt while logged in.
3. Submit it for marking. Feedback appears in your child's dashboard, normally within five business days.

Pricing:

• Single writing marking: AUD $15 per piece
• 10-piece writing pack: AUD $120
• 20-piece writing pack: AUD $199

Create a free account to get started

Or start with a free NAPLAN practice test to see your child's reading, conventions and numeracy skills broken down.

Frequently asked questions

Are these real NAPLAN writing prompts?

No. They're original practice prompts written in the style of the NAPLAN writing test. Official past prompts aren't published for the current online test.

How long should my child spend on each prompt?

40 minutes for Year 3 and 42 minutes for Years 5, 7 and 9, matching the real test. Spend about five minutes planning.

Will NAPLAN be narrative or persuasive?

Students don't know until the test day, so practise both types.

Can my child use the same prompt twice?

Yes. Rewriting a response after feedback is one of the best ways to improve. Try changing one thing, such as the opening or the paragraphing, and compare.

How often should my child practise?

One timed piece a week in the lead-up to NAPLAN is plenty, alternating narrative and persuasive.

The prompts on this page are original practice material, not official NAPLAN tasks. Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with ACARA or NAPLAN.

Try the practice tests

Open NAPLAN practice and select your child’s year. Samples are available without signing in. Create an account and sign in for the full free mock. Paid bundles are available for Years 3 and 5. Practice scores are not official NAPLAN proficiency results.