NAPLAN Persuasive Writing: Structure, Techniques and Tips

A persuasive NAPLAN prompt asks students to argue a position. The best pieces are clearly structured, take a firm stance, and back it with reasons — all written under time pressure.

A reliable structure

• Introduction — state your position clearly.
• 2–3 body paragraphs — one reason each, with an example or detail.
• Conclusion — restate your view and finish with impact.

Persuasive techniques to use

• Strong reasons backed by examples — the core of the mark.
• Rhetorical questions and emotive language, used sparingly.
• Connectives ("firstly", "however", "therefore") to guide the reader.
• A confident tone — commit to one side rather than sitting on the fence.

The planning habit

Spend the first couple of minutes jotting a position and three reasons. A quick plan is the difference between a focused argument and a rambling one. For the other genre, read our narrative writing guide.