NAPLAN Reading: How to Improve Comprehension Scores

The NAPLAN reading test gives students a range of texts — narratives, factual pieces, persuasive writing — and asks questions that test different levels of comprehension.

The skills it tests

• Literal — finding information stated directly in the text.
• Inferential — working out what is implied but not stated.
• Evaluative — judging author purpose, tone and point of view.

How to build reading skill

• Read widely — variety of genres builds vocabulary and flexibility.
• Ask "how do you know?" after reading, to practise inference.
• Teach question-first reading — skim the questions, then read with purpose.
• Practise with the clock so pacing across multiple texts feels natural.

The single biggest lever is reading every day. Pair that with targeted NAPLAN reading practice and your child will improve steadily.