Making good use of sample tests for NAPLAN preparation
How is the NAPLAN test delivered?
The NAPLAN test can be delivered online or in a paper-based format. It is designed to evaluate students’ reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The online test is adaptive – meaning that as students progress they’ll be given questions better suited to their individual abilities. A child who may be struggling during the assessment will be given questions that better reflect their achievement. This builds their confidence by allowing them to show what they know – not just what they don’t know. Similarly, high achieving students will be given more challenging questions so they can show the extent of their literacy and numeracy skills.
Where can I find sample papers for NAPLAN?
To enable students to become familiar with both online and paper NAPLAN tests and the types of questions that are used, ACARA provides a range of sample test materials. These can be found on the ACARA website. Since 2016, ACARA has not published the actual test papers but a number of organisations produce practice tests that mimic the format of NAPLAN.
To access online sample tests and experience the actual test environment, students can visit the Public Demonstration Site.
The public demonstration tests show samples of the types of questions students will answer and the functionalities that are available in NAPLAN tests.
The NAP site has sample prompts for the writing section, which requires students to write either a persuasive or narrative response. Also of interest, may be the marking guide and annotated responses if parents are interested in the level of writing skill expected for each test year level.
When NAPLAN sample papers aren’t enough
To prepare for NAPLAN, students should become familiar with the types of questions and the testing format. This is often an element of NAPLAN that trips students up.
However, a solid bank of study material, designed by teachers, can help students improve their literacy and numeracy skills and confidence when working under time pressure. Education Perfect offers much in the way of NAPLAN prep material and practice tests. Here are a few of the main benefits of using the platform:
- It’s individualised: Like the NAPLAN online test, EP adapts to each student’s level of literacy and numeracy ability, providing them with targeted learning resources and feedback
- It’s fun: With gamified elements, students will want to keep trying to beat their scores.
- It’s accessible: Students can log on to Education Perfect from any device with an internet connection, and teachers or parents can easily set content, monitor progress and provide feedback.
Getting some practice with online sample material
Education Perfect is an excellent resource for finding NAPLAN content. It provides a wide variety of test questions and formats for students to practise with. These are not sample tests, but are created instead to be very similar, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the way the literacy and numeracy questions are set out.
Encourage your child to practise regularly with sample tests to build their confidence and improve their test-taking skills. Parents may also wish to set up exam conditions at home in a quiet space to give the full NAPLAN experience for their children. This may help them to become accustomed with the atmosphere on testing day.
