Persuasive Writing Guide Naplan

2013
Persuasive Writing Marking Guide
2013 National Assessment Program

Literacy and Numeracy
Persuasive Writing Marking Guide
Copyright
Marking rubric and annotations ACARA.
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Contact details
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
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www.acara.edu.au
The appropriate citation for this document is:
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
2013. NAPLAN 2013 Persuasive Writing Marking Guide,
ACARA, Sydney.
Contents
Assessing Writing in the National Assessment Program ................................... 5
The NAPLAN writing task
Definition
The Marking Criteria
Using the marking rubric
Criteria ................................................................................................................ 8
1. Audience
2. Text structure
3. Ideas
10
4. Persuasive devices
11
5. Vocabulary
12
6. Cohesion
13
7. Paragraphing
14
8. Sentence structure
15
9. Punctuation
16
10. Spelling
17
Annotated sample scripts .................................................................................. 18

PletRi DoLisal
18
some anmals coud die
20
Animals getting cewd
22
It cruel to keep animals
24
animals will feel sad
28
any other animal
30
They wont face danger
32
They try to break out
36
I agree and dont agree
38
Some toys and games are educational
40
My idea of a perfect zoo
42
All animals started off
46
Cages and Zoos
50
Under Certain Circumstances
54
Food, water and other nessasary supplies
58
The lions glorious hair
62
If humans can have a voice why cant animals
66
zoos can have useful purposes
70
things should be regulated
74
Contents
Annotated Discussion scripts ........................................................................... 78
One glorious morning
78
Bird Report
82
Note on Text Structure ...................................................................................... 84

Glossary ............................................................................................................. 86
86
2. Vocabulary
89
3. Cohesion
91
93
5. Punctuation
96
Spelling reference list ........................................................................................ 98

Sample script summary table .......................................................................... 104
Assessing Writing in the National Assessment Program

The NAPLAN writing task
The writing task for the 2013 writing assessment is a persuasive writing task. It is the same task for all students
in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
The writing task is provided to the students on a full-colour stimulus sheet. It contains the topic, task
instructions and colour images to support the students. The topic and task instructions are read aloud to the
students by the teacher. Students have 5 minutes to plan, 30 minutes to write and 5 minutes to edit.
The task instructions will be similar to:
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Perhaps you can think of ideas for both sides of this topic.
Write to convince a reader of your opinion.

Start with an introduction. An introduction lets a reader know what you are going to write about.
Write your opinion on this topic. Give reasons for your opinion. Explain your reasons for your
opinion.
Finish with a conclusion. A conclusion sums up your reasons so that a reader is convinced of your
opinion.
Remember to:
plan your writing
use paragraphs to organise your ideas
write in sentences
choose your words carefully to convince a reader of your opinion
pay attention to your spelling and punctuation
check and edit your writing so it is clear for a reader.
Definition
The following definition has shaped the development of the task and the persuasive writing marking criteria.
The purpose of persuasive writing is to persuade a reader to a point of view on an issue. Persuasive writing may
express an opinion, discuss, analyse and evaluate an issue. It may also entertain and inform.
The style of persuasive writing may be formal or informal but it requires the writer to adopt a sense of authority
on the subject matter and to develop the subject in an ordered, rational way. A writer of a persuasive text may
draw on their own personal knowledge and experience or may draw on detailed knowledge of a particular subject
or issue.
The main structural components of the persuasive text are the introduction, development of argument (body) and
conclusion.
Within the broad persuasive genre and within the context of the given topic, writers may make decisions
about themes and subjects they choose to write about and the details they use to develop their ideas. The task
does not specify a preference for particular content on the given topic.
The Marking Criteria

Students writing is assessed using an analytic criterion-referenced marking guide, consisting of a rubric
containing ten marking criteria and annotated sample scripts. The ten criteria are:
1
Audience
The writers capacity to orient, engage and persuade the reader
Text structure
The organisation of the structural components of a persuasive text

(introduction, body and conclusion) into an appropriate and effective text
structure
Ideas
The selection, relevance and elaboration of ideas for a persuasive argument
Persuasive devices
The use of a range of persuasive devices to enhance the writers position and
persuade the reader
Vocabulary
The range and precision of contextually appropriate language choices
Cohesion
The control of multiple threads and relationships across the text, achieved
through the use of referring words, ellipsis, text connectives, substitutions
and word associations
Paragraphing
The segmenting of text into paragraphs that assists the reader to follow the
line of argument
Sentence structure
The production of grammatically correct, structurally sound and meaningful

sentences
Punctuation
The use of correct and appropriate punctuation to aid the reading of the text
10
Spelling
The accuracy of spelling and the difficulty of the words used
The following table shows the range of score points for each criterion:
Audience
0-6
Text
Ideas Persuasive Vocabulary Cohesion Paragraphing Sentence Punctuation
structure
devices
structure
0-4
0-5
0-4
0-5
0-4
0-3
0-6
0-5
Spelling
0-6
Using the marking rubric

Each assessment criterion is displayed on a separate page. The top of each page shows the criterion number
and name. The skill focus defines the underlying skill being assessed.
Each score category has a category descriptor. A category descriptor is a broad statement describing the
particular skill level. This is the overall statement that should be used to make the judgement.
Additional information is included to help shape the judgement. However, this information is not an
exhaustive list. Rather, it is indicative of features that may be present in students writing.
Notes on the bottom of the page provide clarifying detail where necessary.
Sample scripts which exemplify the standard for the category scores are listed. The number in brackets is the
page reference of the script.
Sample scripts and their annotations exemplifying the category scores follow the marking rubric. The
annotations of the sample scripts describe how the marking criteria have been applied. Together, the criteria
and the sample scripts and their annotations are the means by which consistent marker judgements are made.
Both are equally important to the marking process.
Discussion scripts with annotations have been included to guide the marking of types of writing that may be
encountered.
The Note on Text Structure section gives information about the structural components of the persuasive text
type.
Finally, a glossary of terms associated with the marking guide and a spelling reference list are provided.
Criteria
1. Audience
Skill focus: The writers capacity to orient, engage and persuade the reader.
Category descriptor
0
text contains simple written

content
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
symbols or drawings which

have the intention of conveying
meaning
response to audience needs is
limited
Additional information
text is very short
Some anmals coud die (20)
OR
animals getting cewd (22)
a longer text (more than one

sentence) where meaning is
difficult to access
OR
copied stimulus material,
including prompt topic
shows basic awareness of

audience expectations through
attempting to orient the reader
provides some information to
support reader understanding
orients the reader
-- an internally consistent
persuasive text that attempts
to support the reader
by developing a shared
understanding of context
supports reader understanding
AND
begins to engage and persuade
reader through language choices
supports, engages and persuades
the reader through deliberate
language choices and persuasive
techniques
controls writer/reader
relationship
-- establishes strong, credible
voice
-- crafts writing to influence

reader by precise and
sustained language choices and
persuasive techniques
-- takes readers values and
expectations into account
text may be short but is easily read
it cruel to keep animals (24)
reader may need to fill gaps in

information
animals will feel sad (28)
contains sufficient information for

the reader to follow the text fairly
easily
They wont face danger (32)
any other animal (30)
they try to break out (36)

I agree and dont agree (38)
Some toys and games are
educational (40)
writers choices may

-- create an appropriate
relationship with reader (e.g.
polite, formal, social distance,
personal connection)
-- reveal values and attitudes
-- persuade through control of
tenor
-- appeal to reason, emotions and/
or cultural values
-- subvert expectations (challenge
readers values)
-- acknowledge wider audience
My idea of a perfect zoo (42)

All animals started off (46)
Cages and Zoos (50)
Under Certain Circumstances (54)
Food, water and other nessasary
supplies (58)
The lions glorious hair (62)
If humans can have a voice why
cant animals. (66)
zoos can have useful purposes (70)
things should be regulated (74)
2. Text structure
Skill focus: The organisation of the structural components of a persuasive text (introduction, body and conclusion) into
an appropriate and effective text structure.
Category descriptor
0
no evidence of any structural

components of a persuasive text
symbols or drawings
minimal evidence of persuasive

structure
text may be
-- structural components not

clearly identifiable
OR
-- one component only, e.g. an
introduction or body
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
inappropriate genre, e.g. narrative,

description, recount, procedure
-- a statement such as an opinion animals getting cewd (22)

and/or reason (may be followed
by recount or description)
-- a list of statements or beliefs
text contains two clearly

identifiable structural components
2
OR
all components are present but
weak
text contains an introduction, a
body and conclusion
structural components are

developed
detailed longer text with two

developed components and one
weaker component
body is developed with reasons

and supporting evidence
coherent, controlled and complete

argument
conclusion may reflect on issues

raised and/or recommend action
-- introduction with clear position

statement
AND
-- body with reasons and detailed
supporting evidence

educational (40)
often presents as a more

developed body with
underdeveloped introduction and
conclusion
OR
all components are well developed
introduction or conclusion are

clearly differentiated from the
body

supplies (58)

Cages and Zoos (50)
cant animals. (66)
AND
-- conclusion that reinforces the
writers position
3. Ideas
Skill focus: The selection, relevance and elaboration of ideas for a persuasive argument.
Category descriptor
0
no evidence or insufficient
evidence
symbols or drawings
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
Text contains one idea

OR
1
ideas appear unrelated to each

other
OR
ideas are unrelated to topic on
prompt
one idea with simple

elaboration
OR
2
ideas are few and related but

not elaborated
OR
many simple ideas that are
related but not elaborated
ideas are supported with some

elaboration
may also contain ineffective or

unrelated ideas
OR
may be assertions/opinions
many unelaborated ideas that

relate plausibly to argument
(four or more)

ideas may include
10
Cages and Zoos (50)
-- benefits to the whole group (more

than just personal)

(54)
-- reflection on the wider world/

universal issues

supplies (58)
ideas may be elaborated by, e.g.

ideas are generated, selected
and crafted to be highly
persuasive
one idea with more developed

elaboration

educational (40)
OR
ideas are elaborated and

contribute effectively to the
writers position
-- a range of issues both for and against

the stated position

cant animals (66)
-- a refutation of other positions or

opinions

(70)
-- explaining cause and effect
Skill focus: The use of a range of persuasive devices to enhance the writers position and persuade the reader.
Category descriptor
no evidence or insufficient evidence symbols or drawings

0
writes in wrong genre
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
copies topic only
uses a statement or statements of

personal opinion
opinion may appear confused

or contradictory
OR
uses only simple devices

(I think very, very)
uses one or two instances of

persuasive devices (may be same
type)
uses three or more instances of
persuasive devices that support the
writers position (at least two types)
I reckon ... should ... because

forms one instance of a
persuasive device
may have more devices
than required but these are
ineffective


educational (40)
uses some devices that persuade

3
use is effective but not sustained

(may also include some ineffective
use)
sustained and effective use of
persuasive devices
there are many devices that can

be used to persuade a reader
-- effective devices are
appropriate to the style of
argument and may appeal to
one or more of the readers
reason, values or emotions

Cages and Zoos (50)
supplies (58)
cant animals (66)
NOTES
About a page of writing is needed to consider sustained use.
11
5. Vocabulary
Skill focus: The range and precision of contextually appropriate language choices.
Category descriptor
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
symbols or drawings
very short script
few content words
mostly simple words
single nouns
may include two or

three precise words or
word groups
-- water, award, house, reason, news, people, world

simple noun groups
-- a very helpful man, a tin cage, television programs
single verbs
-- like, run, look, need, think, played
simple verb groups

-- did it the proper way, looked around the room
adjectives and adverbs

educational (40)
-- cold, always, really, very, friendly, rich

simple comparisons
-- as much as she can, the best teacher I ever had, one
of the fastest
four or more precise

words or word groups
single precise words

-- citizen, urge, budget, consider, solution, protect,
supportive, research
modal adjectives and adverbs
sustained and
-- ultimate, certain, extreme, possibly, definitely,
consistent use of
rarely
precise words and word
precise word groups
groups that enhance
the meaning (may be
-- duty of care, quick-minded person, a positive
some inappropriate
impact on society
or inaccurate word
modal groups
choices)
-- it would seem that, it is unlikely that
a range of precise and
technical
effective words and
word groups is used in
-- habitat, life expectancy, politician, global warming,
a fluent and articulate
financial crisis
manner
nominalisations
language choice is well
-- probability, likelihood, shortsightedness
matched to style of
argument
figurative language, e.g. alliteration, metaphor,

(42)
Cages and Zoos (50)
Under Certain
Circumstances (54)
Food, water and other
nessasary supplies (58)
If humans can have a voice
why cant animals (66)
zoos can have useful
purposes (70)
(74)
simile, personification
12
NOTES
Words are generally classified into two classes:
Content words (or lexical items) describe objects and concepts. This class of words consists of nouns, verbs,
adverbs, adjectives, noun groups, phrasal verbs and verb groups.
Grammatical word classes (or structural words) consist of prepositions, articles, conjunctions, pronouns and
interjections.
6. Cohesion
Skill focus: The control of multiple threads and relationships across the text, achieved through the use of referring
words, ellipsis, text connectives, substitutions and word associations.
Category descriptor
0
1
Sample scripts
symbols or drawings
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
links are missing or incorrect
short script
often confusing for the reader
some correct links between

sentences (do not penalise for
poor punctuation)
most referring words are accurate
2
OR
longer text with cohesion
controlled only in parts
reader may occasionally need to
re-read and provide their own links
to clarify meaning
controlled use of cohesive devices
supports reader understanding
meaning is clear on first reading
and text flows well in a sustained
piece of writing
May use
- simple word associations
motorbike rider/stunts, bandaid/
stick
- small selection of simple
connectives and conjunctions
and, if, so, when, because, not
only ... but also, then, but, or
May use

educational (40)
- word associations, e.g. synonyms All animals started off (46)

safe haven/habitat/sanctuary/
Cages and Zoos (50)
enclosure collocation black
market/mistreatment/unethical
- other connectives however,
although, therefore, additionally,
instead, even though, finally, in
saying this

supplies (58)
there may be occasional lapses in

referring words that track plural
nouns, e.g. animals it
a range of cohesive devices is

used correctly and deliberately
to enhance reading and support
underlying relationships
an extended, highly cohesive piece
of writing showing continuity of
ideas and tightly linked sections of
text
consistent use of cohesive devices,

e.g. referring words, ellipsis, text
connectives, substitutions and
word associations that enhance
meaning

cant animals (66)
NOTES
13
7. Paragraphing
Skill focus: The segmenting of text into paragraphs that assists the reader to follow the line of argument.
Category descriptor
no correct use of
paragraphing
Sample scripts
script may be a block of text
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
may be random breaks
may be a new line for every sentence

(where break is not used to separate
ideas)

writing is organised into

paragraphs that are mainly
focused on one idea or set of
like ideas to assist the reader
to digest chunks of text
contains at least one correct
paragraph break
all paragraphs are focused on
one idea or set of like ideas
-- at least one paragraph is

logically constructed and
contains a topic sentence
and supporting detail
ideas are separated (paragraphs may

contain some unrelated ideas)
paragraphs may be used to separate
the body from the introduction
and/or conclusion (two or three
paragraphs)

educational (40)
not all topic sentences are successful
body needs at least two paragraphs
may use an extended one-sentence

paragraph that contains an elaborated
idea
paragraphs are mostly correct

paragraphing supports
argument
3
paragraphs are ordered and

cumulatively build argument
across text
paragraphs are deliberately structured Cages and Zoos (50)

to pace and direct the readers
attention
supplies (58)
single sentence may be used as a final
comment for emphasis
cant animals (66)
NOTES
For the purposes of the task, intended paragraphs can be indicated by any of the following conventions:
indentation of a new line
space between blocks of text
student annotations, e.g. P for paragraph or NP for new paragraph, tram lines, square brackets, asterisk
available space on previous line left unused, followed by new line for paragraph beginning.
14
Skill focus: The production of grammatically correct, structurally sound and meaningful sentences.
Category descriptor
0
Sample scripts
no evidence of sentences
drawings, symbols, a list of words, text

fragments
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
some correct formation of

sentences
in general control is very limited
very short script (one sentence)
some meaning can be construed
most sentences contain the same basic

structures
may be overuse of the conversational and
or then
correct sentences are mostly

simple and/or compound
sentences
2
meaning is predominantly clear
a short script that consists only of correct

complex sentences (where there are no
simple sentences)
text may include complex sentences that
use one basic structure (two, if one is a
projected clause)

two or more correct sentences required

most simple and compound
sentences are correct
3
AND
some complex sentences are
correct
meaning is predominantly clear
most simple, compound and
complex sentences are correct
OR
all simple, compound and

complex sentences are correct
but do not demonstrate variety
simple sentences may show some extension
experiments with basic structures in

complex sentences
-- requires two or more types (three or

more, if one is a projected clause)
four or more correct sentences required
more routine use and greater control of
elaborating clauses and phrases in simple,
compound and complex sentences
allow for an occasional minor error
demonstrates variety
meaning is clear and sentences
enhance meaning
all sentences are correct (allow
for occasional slip, e.g. a
missing word)
writing contains controlled and

well-developed sentences that
express precise meaning and are
consistently effective

Cages and Zoos (50)
Under Certain
Circumstances (54)

usually requires a sustained piece of writing nessasary supplies (58)
why cant animals (66)
meaning is clear
sentences are correct (allow
for occasional error in more
sophisticated structures)

educational (40)
shows control over a range of different

structures (quantity, quality and variety)
VARIETY

purposes (70)
clause types and patterns

-- verbless, adjectival, adverbial, multiple,
non-finite
dependent clause position

(74)
length and rhythm

increased elaboration and extension
stylistically appropriate choices
NOTES
Some students do not accurately identify their sentence boundaries with punctuation. In these cases it will be necessary
to read the intended sentence. Run-on sentences should not be regarded as successful (overly repeated and, so etc).
Verb control and preposition errors should be considered as sentence errors.
Most is approximately 80%.
15
9. Punctuation
Skill focus: The use of correct and appropriate punctuation to aid reading of the text.
Category descriptor
SENTENCE PUNCTUATION
INCLUDES
Sample scripts
PletRi DoLiSal (18)
no evidence of correct sentence

punctuation
Some animals coud die (20)
capital letters to begin

correct use of capital letters to start
sentences
sentences OR full stops to end sentences (at
least one correct sentence marker)
full stops, question marks and
exclamation marks to end
punctuation is minimal and of little
sentences
assistance to the reader
some correct use of sentence level
OTHER PUNCTUATION
punctuation (at least two accurately
INCLUDES
punctuated sentences - beginning and end)
commas in lists
OR
commas to mark clauses and
one correctly punctuated sentence AND
phrases
some other punctuation correct where
apostrophes for contractions
it is required (refer to list in additional
apostrophes for possession
information)
provides some markers to assist reading

sentence level punctuation mostly correct
(minimum of 80% of five sentences
punctuated correctly) AND some other
correct punctuation (two or more different
examples of other punctuation)
3
capital letters and commas used

within quotation marks
OR
brackets and dashes
Cages and Zoos (50)
accurate sentence punctuation with correct

noun capitalisation and no stray capitals,
nothing else used (four or more sentences)
colons and semicolons
Under Certain
Circumstances (54)
points of ellipsis
NOUN CAPITALISATION
INCLUDES

first names and surnames

educational (40)
AND
titles: Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms
mostly correct use of other punctuation,

including noun capitalisation
place names: Paris, Italy

why cant animals. (66)
provides accurate markers to enable smooth

and efficient reading
all sentence punctuation correct (no stray

capitals)
4
quotation marks for text

extracts, highlighted words
and words used with ironic
emphasis (sneer quotes)
provides adequate markers to assist reading
writing contains accurate use of all

applicable punctuation
provides precise markers to pace and control
reading of the text
NOTES
16
institution names: Valley High

days of week, months of year
street names: Ord St
book and film titles
holidays: Easter, Ramadan
historic events: World War II

(74)
purposes (70)
In first draft writing, allowances can be made for the very occasional omission of sentence punctuation at Categories 4 and 5.
Mostly is approximately 80% but it is not intended that every use of punctuation is calculated rigorously.
Do not penalise for different heading styles. The following styles are all considered acceptable:
- only the first letter capitalised (It is cruel to keep animals in cages or zoos)
- the first letter of all major words capitalised (It Is Cruel to Keep Animals in Cages or Zoos)
- all words capitalised (It Is Cruel To Keep Animals In Cages Or Zoos)
- all letters capitalised (IT IS CRUEL TO KEEP ANIMALS IN CAGES OR ZOOS)
Splice commas used to join two sentences are INCORRECT, e.g. The dog ate my home work, it was hungry. Do not score this as
correct sentence punctuation or comma use.
10. Spelling
Skill focus: The accuracy of spelling and the difficulty of the words used.
Category descriptor
0
no conventional
spelling
few examples of
conventional spelling
Limited evidence (less
than 20 words written)
correct spelling of
-- most simple words
-- some common
words (at least two)
errors evident in
common words
correct spelling of
-- most simple words

-- most common
words (at least 20)
correct spelling of
-- simple words
-- most common
words
-- some difficult words
(at least two)
incorrect difficult words
do not outnumber
correct difficult words
correct spelling of
-- simple words
-- most common
words
SIMPLE WORDS
words with two letters (an, be, it, on, up, my)
single-syllable words with
- short vowel sounds (cat, men, fit, not, fun)
PletRi DoLiSal (18)

- consonant digraphs (shop, thin, much, chips)

- consonant blends (clap, drop, grab, bring, must, help, left)
- double final consonants (egg, will, less)
- high frequency
(all, day, feet, food, you, park, bird, her, good, for, how,
our)

high frequency short two-syllable words

- into, undo, going
COMMON WORDS
single-syllable words with
- t wo two-consonant blends and/or digraphs
(crack, speech, broom, drift)

- three-consonant blends (stretch, catch)
common long vowels (sail, again, away, mean, light, fly,

shiny, broke, only, close, hurt, use, chair)

educational (40)
multi-syllabic words with even stress patterns (litter,

plastic, between)
common homophones (too/two, there/their, write/right,
hear/here, brake/break)
common words with silent letters (know, wrong, comb)
single-syllable words ending in ould, ey, ough
suffixes that dont change the base word (jumped, sadly,
adults, happening)
most rule-driven words: drop e, double letter, change y to
i (having, spitting, heavier, easily)
DIFFICULT WORDS

(42)
Cages and Zoos (50)
-- at least 10 difficult
words
uneven stress patterns in multi-syllabic words (chocolate,

mineral)
Under Certain
Circumstances (54)
incorrect difficult words

do not outnumber
correct difficult words
uncommon vowel patterns (drought, hygiene)

difficult subject-specific content words (disease, habitat,

predator)
difficult homophones (practice/practise, board/bored)
suffixes where base word changes (prefer/preferred, relate/
relation)
Sample scripts

why cant animals. (66)
consonant alternation patterns (confident/confidence)

purposes (70)
correct spelling of all

words
many three- and four-syllable words (invisible, organise,

community)
AND
multi-syllabic words ending in tion, sion, ture, ible/able,

ent/ant, ful, el/al, elly/ally, gle (supervision, furniture,
powerful, sentinel, brutally, rectangle)

(74)
at least 10 difficult
words and some
CHALLENGING WORDS
challenging words
OR at least 15 difficult unusual consonant patterns (guarantee)
words if no challenging longer words with unstressed syllables (responsibility)
words
suffixes to words ending in e, c or l (physically, changeable,
plasticity)
allow for a very
occasional minor slip
foreign words (lieutenant, nonchalant)
(one or two)
17
Annotated sample scripts

PletRi DoLisal
18
PletRi DoLisal
Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Text has the intention of conveying meaning. Although some words appear
discernible (he, to, the, all, anuf, wota), text is predominantly strings of letters from
which meaning cannot be accessed.
2. Text structure
No evidence of structural components of a persuasive text.
3. Ideas
Insufficient evidence.
Insufficient evidence.
5. Vocabulary
Although some words appear discernible, there is a lack of context to verify

meaning.
6. Cohesion
Text is predominantly strings of letters that do not support meaning.
7. Paragraphing
No paragraphing.
No evidence of sentences.
9. Punctuation
Text is a random mix of capital and lower case letters. Full stops at the end of lines
override the use of one (possibly) correct at end.
10. Spelling
Some simple words may be distinguishable (he, to, the, all); however, because text is
predominantly letter strings, there is a lack of context to verify meaning.
19
20

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
A very short text with some simple content that does not orient the reader.
2. Text structure
Minimal evidence of persuasive structure. Text consists of a reason only.
3. Ideas
One idea which answers a question posed by the prompt.
Insufficient evidence. Conditional mood (if) and modal verb (coud) are present but not used
as persuasive devices as there is no opinion to be persuaded to.
5. Vocabulary
Very short script with few content words (anmals, die).
6. Cohesion
Reference to you is not clear. No other links evident.
7. Paragraphing
No paragraphs.
Very short script with correct formation of one dependent clause, part of which could stand
alone as a simple sentence (some anmals coud die).
9. Punctuation
One full stop correct. Correct contraction (dont) is not considered as control of sentence
punctuation is not demonstrated.
10. Spelling
Limited evidence. Less than 20 words are written. Even though there are four correct
common words (because, dont, some, die), this cannot be considered for Category 2.
21
animals getting cewd
22
animals getting cewd

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Text has simple written content. Some meaning can be accessed through
imputation of words. High Category 1.
2. Text structure
Minimal evidence of persuasive structure. Text gives an opinion (animals are vare
inpotet for aw oref).
3. Ideas
One idea with some elaboration.
Two instances of persuasive devices used: statement of authority (animals are vare
inpotet for aw oref) and appeal to reader (wi dt we respt theer homs).
5. Vocabulary
Mostly simple content words. Some precise use (inpotet oref, respt).
6. Cohesion
A short script. Although there are some links (it was sad, theer homs, aw oref, wi dt
we respt) across sentences, there is insufficient evidence for Category 2.
7. Paragraphing
No evidence of paragraphing.
Most simple sentences are correct. Enough evidence for Category 2.
9. Punctuation
Full stop and capital letter after sad are the only clear instances of correct sentence
punctuation.
10. Spelling
Text contains few examples of conventional spelling. There are some correct simple
words and one correct common word. Does not meet requirements for Category 2.
Errors include hoem/homs, sor, dedth, cagaro, borg, sot, ever, tim, vare, etc.
Simple words correct: I, was, going, and, me, my, mum, it, sad, get, are, for, we.
Common word correct: animals.
When I was going home

and me and my mum
saw a dead kangaroo
it was sad. Dog get
shot every time. Animals
are very important for
our earth. Animals get
killed for nothing.
Animals respect our homes.
Why dont we respect their homes
23
it cruel to keep animals
24
25
This page has been left blank intentionally.
26

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Shows a basic awareness of audience by providing information to support stated

position.
2. Text structure
States a position followed by list of reasons that support that position. Minimal
evidence of structural components.
3. Ideas
Text contains many related simple ideas.
Devices include opinion supported by reasons, modal verbs (miet, may be), appeal
to emotion (taken away from there family), address of reader (What happens when
), conditional mood (if could, if mite). Although there is a range of devices
used, they are not successful.
5. Vocabulary
Mostly simple words with some precise use (spiecel toy, samething that is prese).
6. Cohesion
Referencing mostly correct. Some cohesion through simple word associations

(family/mum and dad/different family/people might be mean, canfy/sleep/rest, heart/
scerd/in danger).
7. Paragraphing
No paragraphs.
Many run-on sentences and sentence errors such as missing words and verb errors.
There are some correct formations (e.g. they want there food).
9. Punctuation
No sentence punctuation is used. Capital letters are used randomly.

Correct spelling of most simple words and some common words. Although
there are more than 20 common words correct, there is not the 80% required for
Category 3.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: cruel, animals, cages, because, world, they, taken, away,
family, want, people, friendly, care, when, very, hungry, really, after, danger, light,
could, die, break, over, eyes.
Common words incorrect: same (some), there (they), miet, worred, fare (far), tips
(types), mayby, fied, samething (something), stack (stuck), happins, heart (hurt),
scerd, goose (goes), track (truck), medal (metal), peses, maen.
Difficult word incorrect: cantry.
27
28

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Gives some content to orient reader but gaps exist in information. (What is cruel?
Why wont the animals have freedom?)
2. Text structure
A few points of argument that could belong in an introduction, body or conclusion.
3. Ideas
A few ideas that are related.
Devices used are the same type: statements of personal opinion with reasons.
5. Vocabulary
Uses simple content words.
6. Cohesion
A short text with incorrect reference: referring pronoun you should be they. In
middle sentence, the second use of the animals would be better replaced with a
referring pronoun.
7. Paragraphing
No paragraphing.
Three complex sentences that use same basic construction (clause beginning with
because in the same position). First sentence also has projected clause (I think )
9. Punctuation
Only the first sentence is correctly punctuated.
10. Spelling
Correct spelling of most simple words and some common words. Errors evident in
common words.
Common words correct: cruel, because, animals, same.
Common words incorrect: thike, don, feemd, veyl, loweu, wot, eavre, booring.
29
any other animal
30
any other animal

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Shows basic awareness of audience expectations. Writer is attempting to orient

the reader to the difference between cages and zoos but reader has to fill gaps in
information to make sense of this difference.
2. Text structure
Minimal evidence of persuasive structure structural components are not clearly

identifiable. Text is a list of opinions with reasons.
3. Ideas
The few ideas are related but not elaborated.
Text contains personal opinions (It is really good), some of which have reasons
(I think ... because).
5. Vocabulary
Text consists of simple words.
6. Cohesion
Key phrases are repeated across text. Noun-pronoun referencing is correct within
sentences. There is also cohesion through word associations (animals, birds, tigers,
lions, elephants, kangaroos).
7. Paragraphing
First line of text is a heading, followed by a new line for each sentence, none of
which is elaborated and past a basic idea.
One simple, two compound and one complex sentence are correct. Two complex
incorrect in fourth section of text, statement switches to question form. Last
section consists of one incorrect sentence and a fragment.
9. Punctuation
Sentence punctuation is correct. Other correct use includes commas in list and
apostrophe for contraction. Incorrect use of apostrophes for plurals in zoos,
elephants and kangaroos and stray capital (Put) keep this from Category 4.
Most simple and most common words correct.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: cruel, animals, cages, really, any, other, tigers, lions, inside,
elephants, kangaroos, wild, think, they, wont, know, what, freedom, people, like.
Because is spelt correctly and incorrectly. Just enough common words correct for
Category 3.
31
32
33
34

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
There is enough information to orient the reader. Text contains a few points to
support two clearly stated but opposing opinions.
2. Text structure
Minimal evidence of persuasive structure. Text consists of two sections, both of

which are a list of ideas.
3. Ideas
Several unelaborated ideas that relate plausibly. Each section consists of four or
more unelaborated ideas.
Text contains a list of reasons that support two opposing positions.
5. Vocabulary
Mostly simple content words with two instances of precise use (face danger, explore
new places).
6. Cohesion
Referring words are accurate. A small range of connectives (because, if, and) and
word associations (e.g. danger/fight/killed, free/explore new places) are used. Tense
used in bullet points is not consistent (e.g. wont/wont/would/will) and does not
match stems.
7. Paragraphing
Text has line breaks but no correct paragraph breaks.
Both stems and their dot points form basic complex sentences of the same type.
Text does not show the complexity necessary for a Category 3. Verb error in fourth
dot point (cames).
Text contains at least two accurately punctuated sentences: capital to start stem and
full stop after bullet point. However, there is some inconsistency with this style.
Capitals to begin bullet points are used consistently and therefore not penalised.
Uses two colons, comma for phrasing and slash for he/her. Misses contraction in
wont.
9. Punctuation
Correct spelling of most simple words and most common words.

10. Spelling
Common words correct: agree, animals, should, cages, they, because, wont (letter
order is correct for wont), face, danger, fight, other, killed, another, would, saved,
strong, gate, water, every, time, why, disagree, free, allowed, anything, want, explore,
new, places, eating, what ever, also, owner, person, who, looked, after.
Common words incorrect: cames, what (want), vist.
35
36

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Argument is clear and supported with some evidence. The distinction between
cages and zoos is made clear through reasons presented.
2. Text structure
Minimal evidence of persuasive structure. Writer has not used structural

components to support the argument. Although text has a sense of ending, the last
sentence is not strong enough to be considered a conclusion.
3. Ideas
Several ideas are elaborated with some reasons.
Contains two statements of personal opinion (I think should not because;

animals should not ) and two conditional statements introduced with if.
5. Vocabulary
Mostly simple content words with some precise words or word groups (in the wild,
break out, habitat).
6. Cohesion
Although meaning is clear, text is too short to be considered a sustained piece of

writing.
7. Paragraphing
No paragraphs.
Sufficient evidence of correct complex sentences. Uses two types of dependent

clauses ( because , If ) in different positions. Also uses projected clauses.
9. Punctuation
Correctly punctuates sentences. One correct use of apostrophe for contraction is

insufficient use of other punctuation for Category 4.
Correct spelling of all simple words, most common words and some difficult
words.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: think, should, animals, cages, because, they, would, want,
wild, family, also, cruel, sometimes, try, break, hurt, them selves, small, move, around,
there, hunters, tiny, where, why.
Common words incorrect: there (their), to (too), their (theyre).
Difficult words correct: habitat, bored.
37
38

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Orients the reader by making position clear. There is an attempt to support the
reader by presenting sufficient information to provide a line of argument that takes
both sides.
2. Text structure
Text contains two clearly identifiable structural components: introduction and a

body. The last sentence is not strong enough to be considered a conclusion.
3. Ideas
Several ideas are elaborated with some reasons.
Several instances of at least two types of persuasive devices that support writers
position. Several statements of personal opinion (e.g. I agree because; I disagree
because I think ... should), conditional (If ... will), value statement (I know if ... I
wouldnt) and attempt at emphasis (So what Im trying to say ...). Not successful
enough for Category 3.
5. Vocabulary
Text consists mostly of simple words. Precise words are indangered, in the wild,
sheltered.
6. Cohesion
Some correct referencing. References to This in second paragraph and to they in

third paragraph are unclear.
7. Paragraphing
Writing is organised into introduction, a two-paragraph body, and conclusion.

However neither body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence and ideas are not
organised clearly enough for Category 2. An example of a strong Category 1 text.
Simple and compound sentences correct (one of each). Some complex sentences
correct. Experimentation with complexity is evident in second paragraph. Last
sentence of third paragraph (If I was ) could have used subjunctive tense (If I
were ) but writer is not penalised for this. Enough success for Category 3.
Controls sentence punctuation (seven sentences correct). Correct use of

apostrophes for contractions (Im, dont, wouldent). Incorrect use of apostrophe
in pandas. Stray capitals (Pandas, People, Also). Not enough correct use of other
punctuation for Category 4.
9. Punctuation
Correct spelling of most simple words and most common words. High Category 3.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: cruel, animal, cages, agree, also, dont, today, reasons,
because, some, like, pandas, they, wild, a nother, people, lion, disagree, think, should,
learn, catch, find, own, shelter, too, family, know, touched, what, trying.
Common words incorrect: there (their), wouldent.
Difficult words correct: statement.
Difficult words incorrect: indangered.
39
40

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
An internally consistent text that attempts to support reader understanding by

providing sufficient information for the text to be followed.
2. Text structure
The text contains two clearly identifiable structural components: a body and a
conclusion which makes reference to preceding opinion.
3. Ideas
Ideas are supported with some elaboration. Ideas include toys and games being
used for educational and physical activity purposes, their appeal to all ages and
their accessibility.
Devices include personal opinion supported by reasons (So I dont think ... , I
think ...), and address of reader (So if you think ... ,Everyone can play ...). Attempts
emphasis through lists. Attempts logical reasoning.
5. Vocabulary
Mostly simple words including names of popular games and sporting equipment.
One precise word (educational).
6. Cohesion
Referencing mostly correct. There is unnecessary repetition of toys and games

in first paragraph. Uses connectives (also, so) and simple word sets (toys/games/
boardgames/card games; excersize/skipping/basketball; everyone/people/older people/
family).
7. Paragraphing
Writing is organised into paragraphs that are focussed on like ideas.
Text includes five complex sentences, four of which are correct: I disagree that
; So I dont think too much money ; I think people like ; So if you think
Errors are: fragment (Because ...); incorrect placement of phrase in sentence Also
toys and games ; preposition (hundreds of more); and three unnecessary words in
compound sentence (People also like ). Sufficient evidence for Category 3.
All sentences are correctly demarcated with capital letters and end-markers
(though redundant use of exclamation marks in two sentences). Some correct use
of other punctuation commas in lists, apostrophe for contraction (dont) and
noun capitalization for brand name games.
9. Punctuation
Correct use of simple words, most common words and some difficult words.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: disagree, too, money, spent, games, because, some, also, like,
skipping, basketball, more, everyone, scrabble, snakes, ladders, hundreds, playing,
older, people, they, might, poker, dont, think, family, making, wasting, make, own,
enjoy.
Common words incorrect: your (youre).
Difficult words correct: educational, trampolines, Monopoly, boardgames.
Difficult words incorrect: excersize.
41
42
43
44

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Supports reader understanding with sufficient detail on subject matter. Begins to

engage and persuade by attempting to establish relationship with a wider audience
through language choices (only certain animals, most zoos mimick, reduce the risk of
being hunted).
2. Text structure
Text contains two clearly identifiable structural components: introduction and a

body. The last sentence is not strong enough to be considered a conclusion.
3. Ideas
Several ideas are elaborated with some evidence which is mainly assertion/opinion.
A solid Category 3.
Several instances of statements of personal opinion: I do not agree ... but I agree;
In my opinion ... should; My idea of ...; One of the main reasons that I disagree ...;
Overall I agree. Several uses of modality ( shouldnt be locked up.) Overall, devices
are not effective for Category 3.
5. Vocabulary
Some use of precise words and word groups: only certain animals, similar to the one,
mimick the animals natural habitat so well that, born into captivity, reduce the risk.
Not the sustained use needed for Category 4.
6. Cohesion
Meaning is clear on first reading. Referencing is correct (I agree with it, lions, tigers
and hippos they, is one one in Dubbo). Sufficient use of connectives (but then,
because, although, so, also, overall).
7. Paragraphing
Attempts topic sentences to start each paragraph with some success, e.g. second
paragraph. Second and fourth paragraphs have some brief supporting detail. An
example of a weak Category 2 text.
Most simple, compound and complex sentences are correct but there are not
enough sophisticated structures for Category 4. Errors include repetition of animals
in second paragraph, fragment in fourth paragraph and incorrect verb (keept).
Sentence punctuation is mostly correct. One error in fourth paragraph. There

are examples of other punctuation, which include commas in lists (correct and
incorrect), contractions (one correct and several incorrect), missing apostrophe for
possession and some stray capitals. Enough control for Category 3.
9. Punctuation
Correct spelling of simple words, most common words and at least 10 difficult
words.
Common words incorrect: mimick, their (theyre), keept.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: statement, opinion, certain, history, similar, dangerous,

natural, habitat, realise, captivity, reduce.
Challenging words incorrect: seperate.
45
46
47
48

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Begins to engage and persuade with reasoned argument. Detail provided reveals
values.
2. Text structure
Three clearly identifiable parts that work together in service of argument.

Introduction sets up points of argument that follow, body is developed and
conclusion gives a brief summary and restates position.
3. Ideas
Each idea has developed elaboration; however, most is assertion or opinion (dogs
love human attention, cats, birds and fish can take care of themselves). Not effective
for Category 4.
Devices are effective through appeal to readers logic, emotions and values (e.g. we
need them to supply us with food or die of starvation; Dogs love human attention
so it isnt cruel to keep them as pets or working animals.)
5. Vocabulary
Some precise usage (labour, captivity, supply, vegetarians, starvation, neglected,

exception, conservation) but this is not consistent enough for Category 4. Some
inaccurate use that includes incorrect word forms (uncruel, wilder).
6. Cohesion
Meaning is clear and text flows well in a sustained piece of writing. Referencing
is correct. Repetition (For animals such as) to start paragraphs assists the smooth
reading of this text. Text uses linking words and phrases (Some of those reasons,
depending on the reason, without them). Uses mostly simple word associations
(food/eggs/meat/vegetarian).
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are logically constructed and contain a topic sentence with relevant and
focused supporting detail. Strong Category 2.
Sentences are correct and demonstrate control of elaborating clauses and phrases.
Uses a small range of structures such as non-finite clauses (It isnt cruel to keep
them , to supply us ) and shifting of clause position in first and third paras
(Depending on the reason ...) but does not have the variety for Category 5.
Not enough sentence punctuation correct for Category 3, with splice commas
(second and fifth paragraphs), missing full stop (fourth paragraph) and missing
capital in the final paragraph (keeping). There are several correct uses of commas
for lists and apostrophes for contraction. Some correct and some missing commas
for phrasing but these are not considered until Category 3 sentence punctuation is
achieved.
9. Punctuation
No errors in simple or common words. At least 10 difficult words correct.

10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: different, captivity, several, labour, supply, vegetarians,

starvation, attention, neglected, exception, conservation, circumstances.
Difficult words incorrect: generrally, recquired.
49
Cages and Zoos
50
Cages and Zoos
51
Cages and Zoos
52
Cages and Zoos

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Creates an appropriate relationship with reader by using a respectful direct address

in opening paragraph. Begins to engage and persuade by presenting a detailed
argument supported by examples, some of which are somewhat implausible (This
symbolic act inspired the chinese government to take action).
2. Text structure
All components are well-developed. Conclusion restates and reinforces position.
3. Ideas
Ideas are elaborated and draw on big issues (role of governments and activist groups,
human nature) to build argument. Supports using examples and references (Dubbo
Zoo, 60 minutes) and by counter argument (Some may argue ).
Use of devices is mostly effective. Text appeals to reason and values. Devices include
drawing readers attention (You may have ), modifiers to temper intensity of
argument (some may argue, many years), conditional mood and emphatic statement
(if an animal is crammed into a cage it is wrong), and emotive language.
5. Vocabulary
Consistent use of precise words and word groups to enhance meaning with some
inaccurate use (e.g. well founder countries, state of the arch, animals well being as
safty).
6. Cohesion
Text contains word associations for lexical cohesion (habitats/safe haven/enclosure,

trapped/crammed), substitution (This abrogation...) and repetitive language
patterns for effect (e.g. is wrong at end of each paragraph, many animals in final
paragraph). However, some referencing across text is a little clumsy, e.g. end of first
paragraph what statement is referred to? Not strong enough for Category 4.
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are ordered, cumulatively build argument across text, and have topic and
summary sentences to pace and direct reader attention within paragraphs.
Writing shows experimentation with more sophisticated sentence structures and

language use. Shows control over most simple, compound and complex sentences
but experimentation leads to errors such as incorrect word usage (Many animals are
treated in well founder countries), verb errors (e.g. been put, Taked), and incorrect
subject (selfish acts of placing an animal). Not the control needed for Category 4.
Sentence punctuation is mostly correct (two errors) and there is some correct use
of commas for phrasing, quotation marks (60 minutes) and some correct noun
capitalisation (Dubbo, Bangladesh, RSPCA, Green Piece; incorrect on china, chinese).
Two possessive apostrophes are missing.
9. Punctuation
All simple and most common words correct. Although there are more than 15
difficult words correct, errors prevent Category 6. Names of countries are not
considered.
Common words incorrect: bread (bred), Piece, safty.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: noticed, issue, captured, statement, habitats, countries,

enclosure, forests, argue, government, attempt, fauna, decided, symbolic, inspired,
recently, featured, symbolises, destructive, force, supported, activist, integrity.
Difficult words incorrect: appauling, flaure.
Challenging words incorrect: desprite/despriately, sanctuarys, abrogratio/abrogration.
53
54
55
56

Criterion
Score
Annotations
Supports and engages reader by providing detailed information on a range of

situations in which animals are kept. Language choices create respect for reader
and persuade reader to writers position.
2. Text structure
Text contains three identifiable components, two of which are developed.

Introduction refines topic to situations of captivity where cruelty depends on
treatment, body elaborates with examples and less developed conclusion is a brief
summary and reflection on human behaviour.
3. Ideas
Ideas are elaborated, contribute effectively to writers position and reflect on widerworld issues.
Sustained and effective use of persuasive devices. A range of types is used: personal
opinion (I think x 2), appeal to reader x 3 (us), conditional mood, authoritative
statements, repetition (grasslands of Africa/ grasslands of Taronga; work for dinner/
work for visitors) and modality (I should see no point , animals can be kept).
Precise words (majority, captivity, culture, blackmarket, mistreatment, forced,

educate) and word groups (under certain circumstances, treated poorly, domesticated
pets, wildlife care and research centres) used consistently. Experimentation with
language structures (mostly nominalisations) leads to some inaccurate use: below
standard levels, live upon unethical conditions, plays a large part of captivity).
6. Cohesion
Uses word associations (blackmarket, mistreatment, unethical conditions), pronouns

(it, this, these, they), connectives (if, but, then, however) and ellipsis (The difference
... being ). Minor errors include redundant article (the certain spieces) and
incorrect pronoun (The allow us). Not highly cohesive enough for Category 4.
7. Paragraphing
Body is separated from introduction and ending.
Most simple, compound and complex sentences are correct. Error in an extended
simple sentence in first paragraph. Uses some non-finite clauses (forced to live,
Animals living in zoos, keeping animals is only cruel ...). Does not have the variety
for Category 5. Other errors have been considered in cohesion or vocabulary.
Most sentences are correct. One missing capital to begin. Correct use of other
punctuation includes apostrophe for contraction and commas for lists. Some
correct commas for phrasing. Uses many random capitals, incorrect apostrophe in
a plural (zoos), and misses noun capitalisation for africa and toronga.
1. Audience
5. Vocabulary
9. Punctuation
All simple and most common words correct. Although there are 15 difficult words
correct, errors prevent Category 6.
Common words incorrect: allthough, coarse (course).
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: statement, certain, circumstances, standard, majority,

captivity, culture, research, forced, unethical, conditions, cruelly, decide .
Difficult words incorrect: demesticated , mistreatement, spieces.
Challenging words correct: responsibility.
57
58
59
60

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Deliberate language choices and appeal to values create an appropriate relationship

with reader.
2. Text structure
A longer text with a weaker introduction, a strong body and a conclusion that
reinforces the argument.
3. Ideas
Writer addresses wider issues of education, chidrens development and health. The
use of logical reasoning provides sufficient elaboration for Category 4.
Uses some devices that persuade: modality (money should be spent on), statements
of personal opinion (I but I believe, I believe ... because), authoritative statements
(... but there are many that help the child ... , there are negatives.), repetition for
emphasis (there is too much money ... Hundreds of dollars ), generalised supporting
evidence (...and many people are agreeing ...), tricolon (learning , keeping ,
developing ), and appeal to values. Lack of continuity of development of some
ideas causes persuasive devices to lose effectiveness.
Consistent use of precise words (entertainment, occupied, active, negatives,

nessesities) and word groups (nessasary supplies, exercise rate, developing their
brains, education wise, limited amount).
6. Cohesion
Meaning is clear on first reading. Referencing within sentences mostly correct

(kids/the,child/its (it is), kids/them, supplies and necessities/ things, toys and games/
they) with some incorrect (Hundreds of dollars/it, and unreferenced pronoun it in
last sentence). Connectives correct (whether, Of course) and incorrect As (should be
while) at start of paragraph two. Error in determiner (Too much electronic games)
and unnecessary article (are a good entertainment).
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs have topic sentences followed by supporting detail. Paragraphs are

ordered and have no incorrect breaks.
Sentences show variety but there is not the correctness required for Category
5. Attempts at more sophisticated structures result in error: in paragraph four,
missing word (and [they] will) and verb error (games/forces); in last paragraph,
preposition error (needs on games).
9. Punctuation
All sentence punctuation is correct. Use of commas is controlled in lists and for
phrasing. One possessive apostrophe missing (childs) and one correct (childrens).
5. Vocabulary
Correct spelling of all simple and common words. At least 10 difficult words
correct.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: supplies, entertainment, enjoyment, occupied, certain,

whether, education, developing, computer, unhealthy, negatives, limited, electronic,
activities.
Difficult words incorrect: excersise, reguarly.
Challenging words incorrect: nessasary, nessesities.
61
62
63
64

Criterion
Score
Annotations
Opens strongly by using narrative to engage reader, illustrate point and set up
context. Not maintained to this same level across text.
2. Text structure
Coherent, controlled and complete argument with all parts well developed. Text
has strong introduction that uses narrative to set context. Writers position is stated
in paragraph two. Body elaborates the writers opinions and conclusion summarises
writers position and instructs reader.
3. Ideas
Ideas are elaborated and contribute to the writers position. Opening is highly
effective. Body and conclusion do not have the crafting for Category 5.
Effectively uses a range of devices including logical reasoning, narrative to appeal

to the reader, emphasis without modality (This is a lion in captivity), rhetorical
question (Is this cruel?), modifiers (actually have, many more ways) and paired
words (exciting and entertaing, happy and healthy).
5. Vocabulary
Begins strongly by using a range of precise words to create imagery. However, use is
not sustained.
6. Cohesion
Meaning is clear on first reading; however, text does not have the range of
cohesive devices for Category 4. Uses correct referencing, connectives and
word associations. Experimentation with structure leads to tense change in first
paragraph (moved ... spots)
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are logically constructed and ordered to cumulatively build argument.
Sentences are correct and demonstrate a variety of clause structures, phrases and
sentence lengths. Minor slip allowed as he meets the ground and an a excited
Controls sentence punctuation and correctly uses apostrophes for possession (lions,
todays) and contraction, and quote marks for specific use (the real world). Mostly
correct use of commas for phrasing (some overuse) and experiments with quotes to
introduce counter argument. Not the precise use required for Category 5.
1. Audience
9. Punctuation
All simple, most common words correct. Although there are more than 15 difficult
words correct, errors prevent Category 6.
Common words incorrect: peice.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: glorious, delicious, preparing/prepared, prey, excited,

applause, audience, captivity, millions, actually, habitat, quality, healthy,
experiencing, argue, promote, normally, natural, extremely.
Difficult words incorrect: air born, arrupts, entertaing.
Challenging words correct: environment.
65
66
67
68

Criterion
Score
Annotations
Controlled argument that uses persuasive devices deliberately and selectively,

including engaging opening that addresses the reader in emotive language (bars
surrounding you, destructive race of humans). Text appeals to readers emotions,
values and reason. Writing has strong voice.
All parts are well developed. Strong introduction states position clearly. Body
contains two points of argument that are elaborated and the conclusion reiterates
position and makes a general statement that succinctly summarises this position.
Text advocates for animal rights and freedom in the wild. These ideas are
elaborated and contribute effectively to writers position. Also develops position by
refutation and making recommendations (humans could help by).
Devices suit style of argument (predominantly emotive). They include appeal to

reader, emotive language choices, modality (we should not have the right), emphatic
statements (it will never be the same, certainly cruel), conditional mood (If animals
are kept ...) and rhetorical questions (If humans can have a voice , What skills are
they going to learn ...?), and emphasis (should).
5. Vocabulary
Consistent use of precise words and word groups with some inaccuracy (amount of
deaths, skills of fastness and attacking methods).
6. Cohesion
A range of cohesive devices enhances reading and supports underlying

relationships. These include clear referencing, connectives (if, if or when, even
though, rather than, in conclusion), substitution (it will never be the same) and word
associations (e.g. bars/enclosures/prisoners/locking them up; increases the chance of
survival/allows reproduction/preventing the amount of death).
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are structured and ordered to pace and direct readers attention and
cumulatively build argument across text.
A range of more sophisticated structures is used. Errors keep this from Category 5:
verb error in line 3 (being kept), missing verb in last sentence of 1st paragraph, and
agreement error in 2nd paragraph (all of their life).
9. Punctuation
Sentence level punctuation is correct. One missing question mark in first paragraph
(two used successfully over the text), mostly successful use of commas for phrasing
and in lists and an apostrophe for plural possession (animals). Strong Category 4.
1. Audience
2. Text structure
3. Ideas
All simple and most common words correct. Although there are more than 15
difficult words correct, errors prevent Category 6.
Common words incorrect: romed.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: surrounding, natural, habitat, statement, suggesting,

accurate, destructive, technology, prisoners, enclosures , develop, argue, increases,
survival, reproduction, continue, certainly, personalities, conveys, conclusion,
considered.
Difficult words incorrect: predetors, inclosure, firther more.
Challenging words correct: environment.
69
70
71
72

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Text is crafted, topic is focused and information is selected to argue position succinctly.
Uses a respectful style that appeals to readers reason, values and emotions.
2. Text structure
All parts are well developed. Topic is defined and position stated in introduction. Detailed
longer body develops position. Conclusion strongly reiterates position.
3. Ideas
Ideas are generated, selected and crafted to be highly persuasive. Argues against the
violation of animal welfare by contrasting space provided for and treatment of animals.
Subtly expresses recommendations and supports points of argument with examples.
4. Persuasive
devices
Within a reasoned argument, effectively uses a range of devices with sophistication, e.g.
statements of varying intensity are juxtaposed effectively to support position (e.g. zoos
can have useful purposes to keep animals locked in cages is a cruelty and injustice). Also
effectively uses modal verbs, conditional tense and deliberately understated emotive
language.
5. Vocabulary
A range of precise and effective words and word groups used in a fluent and articulate
manner. Language choices are well matched to style of argument.
Meaning is clear and text flows well in a sustained piece of writing. Examples of cohesive
elements include correct referencing, a range of connectives and word associations (areas/
cages/facilities/environment/captivity/sanctuaries).
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are ordered and cumulatively build to support argument. They contain topic
sentences, development of idea and summary statements. However, first body paragraph
contains two correct and complete undemarcated paragraphs. There is a missing break at
However,). This prevents Category 3. This is a very high Category 2 script.
8. Sentence
structure
Uses a range of stylistically appropriate constructions that show variety. Some errors:
missing subject and verb they are (p.2 line 5), and awkward phrasing in conclusion.
Sufficient evidence for Category 5.
9. Punctuation
Sentence punctuation correct. Commas are used in a range of ways: lists, parentheses and
phrasing to pace and control reading of text. One missing possessive apostrophe (animals
life expectancy) allowed at this level in extended first draft writing.
6. Cohesion
Correct spelling of simple, most common, many difficult and three challenging words.
Errors prevent Category 6. Allowance made for minor slip then (than).
Simple and common words incorrect: then (than), provent.
10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: purposes , research, survive, injustice, advantages, captivity,

endangered, protection, ensure, survival, established, health, medical, countries, terrible,
damage, conditions, argued, entertainment, mistreatment, expectancy, decreased,
disregarding, protection, natural, habitat, conclusion, achieved, violation, welfare.
Difficult words incorrect: soul (sole), shorterned.
Challenging words correct: sanctuaries, facilities, environment.
73
74
75
76

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Text establishes strong, credible voice. Values and attitudes are revealed. Writing is crafted
to influence reader through sustained use of persuasive techniques. Control of language
choices enables the reader to concentrate on the issues being presented.
2. Text structure
All components are well developed. The introduction foreshadows the argument that
follows. The body develops each point of argument. Conclusion succinctly reinforces the
argument that has been presented.
Ideas are carefully selected and crafted to be highly persuasive. Benefits and drawbacks
of toys and games to educational, social and recreational development are presented in a
well organised manner with a balance between personal and social perspective. Cause and
effect reasoning leads the reader through the text.
Effectively uses and maintains a range of persuasive devices appropriate to the style of
argument: authoritative statements (It is important), personal opinions and experiences
(I still believe humans...; This is ironic because I ...), modality (everything should be done
in moderation), paired conjunctions for emphasis (not only but also), repetition (cost
money, and that money is money gone).
Language choice is well matched to the reasoned style of argument: leisure and recreational
activities, more productive activities, expand your social network, incur, used in moderation,
frame of mind, develop bad habits, allocate time and money, ensure, regulated.
6. Cohesion
A range of devices is used correctly and deliberately. Consistently correct use of referring
words, text connectives, conjunctions, substitutions (such things, such activities) and
word associations. Deliberate pronoun redundancy (I, myself) supports underlying
relationships.
7. Paragraphing
Paragraphs are linked and are deliberately structured to progress and consolidate the
argument. The cumulative structure assists the reader to follow the line of argument.
8. Sentence
structure
Sentences are correct and consistently effective, e.g. paragraph four, first sentence.
Dependent clause position is varied and controlled. Stylistically appropriate for text type.
All sentence punctuation is correct. Mostly correct use of other. Commas are mostly
correct (incorrect after myself) and uses a comma instead of semicolon in last paragraph
(toys and games, however). Correct apostrophe for contraction (doesnt) but missing
apostrophe for possession (parents/guardians savings).
3. Ideas
4. Persuasive
devices
5. Vocabulary
9. Punctuation
Correct spelling of all words. Text meets requirements for Category 6.

10. Spelling
Difficult words correct: recreational, activities, reality, regulated, mentioned, participate,

guardians, purchase, ironic, culprit, productive, healthy, ability, incur, moderation, allocate,
develop, facet, conclusion, ensure.
Challenging words correct: leisure, adolescent, obsessed, physically, unnecessary.
77
Annotated Discussion scripts

78
79
80

Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Some information is provided to support the reader. Does not meet the audience
expectation of a persuasive text. Attempts to develop a scenario about the topic but text is
not internally consistent.
2. Text structure
No evidence of structural components of a persuasive text. Attempts to address the topic

and the task by using narrative form.
3. Ideas
Several ideas related to the topic with some elaboration.
4. Persuasive
devices
5. Vocabulary
Uses mostly simple words and word groups (one glorious morning, get dressed, brush my
teeth, crying). Some precise use (shed a tear, looked at me straingly).
6. Cohesion
Text has correct noun-pronoun referencing (cup it ... it ... it), simple lexical cohesion
(tear/tantrum/crying) and a small selection of connectives (one glorious morning, on the
way, then, so). Tense changes across text from present to past. Incorrect conjunction (
straingly that).
7. Paragraphing
Text has a title which is repeated in a statement of intent. No paragraphing in narrative.
Text consists of mostly correct simple and compound sentences. There are some complex
sentences: two have if dependent clauses and all others use projected clauses (Well who
knows? I said; I said to myself What do you think), but insufficient evidence for a category
3. Error in preposition use (spent in things).
Most sentences are punctuated correctly (more than 80%). There are missing full stops
after TANTRUM, we will get it, and dad said. Missing capital to start sentence then I said.
There are two or more different examples of other punctuation: noun capitalisation and
two correct apostrophes for contraction (didnt, Ive). Attempts direct speech and colon
to introduce list. There are two missing contractions (its time, were here,) and a missing
comma in list (I get dressed etc).
8. Sentence
structure
9. Punctuation
No evidence of persuasive devices.
Most simple and most common words correct. One difficult word correct and one
incorrect not enough for Category 4.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: too, money, spent, games, morning, woke, time, dressed, brush,
teeth, listen, some, music, were (were), shouted, walked, inside, brother, spider-man, wanted,
buy, said, use, tear, face, started, tantrum, didnt, done, something, wrong, knows, money,
should, things, toilet, paper, bought, self, using, saving.
Common words incorrect: stoped, straingly, conter.
Difficult words correct: glorious.
Difficult words incorrect: traveld.
Crying correct and incorrect.
81
Bird Report
82
Bird Report
Criterion
Score
Annotations
1. Audience
Some information is provided to support the reader. Does not meet the audience
expectation of a persuasive text.
2. Text structure
No evidence of structural components of a persuasive text. Text is a report.
3. Ideas
There are four ideas with some elaboration. Ideas are related to the topic on the prompt.
4. Persuasive
devices
5. Vocabulary
Uses mostly simple words. One precise word (mussels).
6. Cohesion
Cohesion is achieved through questions that introduce each aspect of the topic, simple
lexical cohesion (eat/seed, fur/warm/dry), noun-pronoun referencing (Birds/they) and the
use of some simple connectives (because, so, even, when).
7. Paragraphing
Ideas are separated. Each paragraph begins with a question which is briefly answered.
There is not the supporting detail required for Category 2.
8. Sentence
structure
Most simple and compound and some complex sentences are correct (Birds have fur so ;
they even have fur ). Just meets requirements for Category 3.
9. Punctuation
Not sufficient demonstration of correct sentence punctuation for Category 3 (less than
80%). Text shows experimentation with apostrophes, all of which are incorrect.
No evidence of persuasive devices.
Correct spelling of most simple words and some common words. Attempts difficult words.
10. Spelling
Common words correct: What, eat, like, kind, makes, because, even, they, why, fur, warm,
when, dry, fly.
Common words incorrect: their (there), esoly, ysing.
Incorrect difficult words: helthey, fury (furry), flumingo, musels.
Bird is correct and incorrect.
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Note on Text Structure

The structural components of the persuasive text are the introduction, the development of
argument (body) and the conclusion.
A text may comprise some or all components. The development of the components increases with
the sophistication of the text.
The Introduction
The purpose of the introduction is to introduce the reader to the main idea of the essay. It should
provide some context or identify issue(s) associated with the topic, and it should capture the
interest of the reader and tell why the topic is important.
An introduction contains a thesis statement which states the topic and the writers position on it
and describes the line of argument to be taken in the writing. It may use:
a formulaic structure to outline a list of arguments, or main ideas, to be developed in the body
(All animals started off)
a pertinent fact followed by some elaboration (Zoos can have useful purposes)
a short, relevant anecdote to illustrate the topic (The lions glorious hair)
generalisations about the topic (Cages and Zoos).
The introduction may also focus on an aspect of the topic by narrowing the perspective to be
taken. This may be achieved through definition, explanation or exemplification (Under certain
circumstances).
A less developed introduction contains a clearly identifiable statement of the writers position on
the given topic. The statement provides the reader with a clear idea of the writers position. There
is little or no elaboration of the position (I agree and dont agree; My idea of a perfect zoo).
Some texts (any other animal; they try to break out) do not have a clearly identifiable section
which fulfills the purpose of an introduction. These texts may begin with an opinion immediately
followed by a reason or reasons. These statements read as points of argument and could belong in
either an introduction, a body or a conclusion. They give the reader little or no idea of the
direction the argument will take and are not clearly identifiable as an introduction.
Development of argument (body)
The body is used to convince the reader to agree with the position taken. It develops the point or
points of argument that have been outlined or foreshadowed in the introduction.
A case for each point of argument is developed with supporting evidence that may include
explanation, examples, comparisons, contrasts, expert opinion or references, quotations, data
and/or anecdotes.
Some students will make the case for one side of the argument. Others will write in support of
both sides with varying degrees of sophistication. In doing this, some may list points in support of
both sides without coming to a position on the topic. Others may work their way towards a
conclusion, discussing the pros and cons of the topic to arrive at a position.
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Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to bring closure to the argument in a way that reinforces the
writers position on the topic.
A conclusion may:
use a formulaic structure to summarise the thesis statement and/or points of the essay by either
restating them exactly or by retelling them in different words (All animals started off; Cages
and zoos; Under certain circumstances; If humans can have a voice why cant animals)
provide a final perspective or reflection on the topic that reinforces the thesis or writers
position in a meaningful way. This may include:
a personal perspective or reflection
an anecdote or quote
a plan of action
a call to action (The lions glorious hair)
a recommendation
draw conclusions by synthesising the ideas presented in the points of argument, thus arriving
at a new perspective (not to be confused with introducing new material).
Some texts do not have a clearly identifiable section which fulfills the purpose of a conclusion.
These texts may finish with a brief ending statement that gives closure to the writing. The reader
has a sense that the writer has finished their writing (they try to break out; I agree and dont
agree, My idea of a perfect zoo).
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GLOSSARY
Section 1: Persuasive devices
Overview of Persuasive Rhetorical Discourse
Following the classical philosophers, persuasive rhetorical discourse is constituted by:
the selection of ideas (invention)
the arrangement of the ideas into arguments or proofs (disposition)
the choice of language (style)
Ethos, Logos and Pathos are the means by which persuasion to a point of view on an issue can
occur.
Ethos: persuading by appealing to the readers values
Logos: persuading by the means of logical reasoning
Pathos: persuading by appealing to the readers emotion
The following table lists some features of arguments that draw on Ethos, Logos and Pathos.
Ethos - appeal to values Logos - appeal to reason
Pathos - appeal to emotion
Value of relationships
Appeal to truth
Duty of care
Creation of a just society
Community responsibility
Emphatic statements
Emotive language
Direct appeal to the reader
Appeal to spurious authority
Disparagement of opposition
Dispassionate language
Objective author stance
Citing of a relevant authority
Objective view of opposition
Qualified measured statements
Persuasive Devices
Authoritative statement
Statements that are irrefutable in the context of the argument e.g. Dogs love human attention.
Conditional mood
The conditional mood is recognised by subordinate clauses beginning with words or phrases such
as if, unless, as long as, even if, even though, on the condition that.
Direct address of the reader
A direct address of the reader, recognised by the use of you/us/we, has the effect of drawing the
reader to identify with the writers position.
You may have noticed that over the last couple of years the issue of animals
We need them to supply us with food.
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Emphasis
Punctuation (e.g. underlining, bolding, exclamation mark, capitalisation, quotation marks)
Overstatement
Understatement
Repetition for effect
Single words
Words or phrases at the beginning or end of successive clauses or statements e.g. the
grasslands of Africa and the grasslands of Taronga zoo
Repetitions and parallel constructions in threes (e.g. tricolon, lists) to build to a culmination.
Anecdote (see Figurative language, below)
Emphatic statements
Emphatic statements are forcible statements that are used to give emphasis.
I should see no point in how it may be cruel.
It will never be the same.
Figurative language
Figurative language refers to the techniques of language which help construct images in the
readers mind and includes alliteration, imagery, similes and metaphors, personification, idioms
and word play (pun). Anecdote may also be used to illustrate or emphasise an issue (e.g. see the
script The lions glorious hair).
Humour, irony and sarcasm
Humour is shown where the amusing or comical is expressed.
Irony occurs when the literal meaning is the opposite of that intended. It may be expressed as an
understatement, be used in a playful manner or to ridicule.
Sarcasm is scornful or derisory comment. It may be employed through irony (to ridicule).
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated. It may be used to evoke
strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is rarely meant to be taken literally.
Imperative mood
The imperative mood is present in statements of high modality that are used to express direct
requests and commands, either positively or negatively, for the effect of excluding argument. It
addresses either the second person (you) or first person plural (we), e.g. Dont let it happen
again! or We must stop caging animals now!
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Modality
Modality covers expressions of how the world might be and should be and includes expressions
of necessity, permissibility and probability, and negations of these.
Modal verbs of permissibility and probability: would/wouldnt, should/shouldnt,
could/couldnt, may/may not, might/might not
Modal verbs with high modality (necessity): must, will, need to, have to
Modal adjectives: possible, probable, certain
Modal adverbs: possibly, probably, certainly
Modal nouns: possibility, probability, certainty
Personal opinion
I think it is cruel to put animals in cages.
In my opinion only certain animals should be locked up.
Reference statements
Reference statements are those where a source is cited. They may lend authority to an argument.
In the context of the NAPLAN writing test, allowances are be made for the test conditions where
students do not have access to research material.
Rhetorical questions
Rhetorical questions implicitly contain their own answer.
This is a lion in captivity. Is this cruel?
Value statements
I believe that if an animal is in a good habitat but treated unfairly it is wrong.
Animals can be kept in small cages for weeks and starved, forced to live upon unethical
conditions.
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Section 2: Vocabulary
Adjective
Adjectives are words that give additional information about the noun. They can be used before a
noun or after a verb.
Before a noun: Stubborn teenagers will not heed sensible advice.
After a verb: Teenagers can be stubborn.
Adverb
Adverbs give additional information about verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. They tell how,
when and where something happens, e.g. he walked slowly; Ill see you tomorrow; the dog ran
away, he arrived extremely late, the animal grew increasingly restless. The final two examples
show adverbial phrases.
Figurative language see Section 1: Persuasive Devices
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is said to be another. They do not use like or as,
e.g. The work done by volunteers is the glue that holds a community together. My fingers are ice.
Noun
Nouns are known as naming words. There are two main classifications of nouns: common nouns
and proper nouns. Common nouns name people, places or things and are said to be either
concrete (e.g. boy, city, sheep, chair, family, sunshine), collective (flock, army, crowd, band) or
abstract (hope, frustration, liberty). Proper nouns name specific people, places or things and
should always start with a capital letter, e.g. James, Canberra, Dubbo Zoo.
Preposition
Prepositions (from the Latin meaning placed before) express a time or space relationship between
two people or things. They are words such as below, for, down, above, to, near, under, since,
between, with, before, after, into, from, beside, without, out, during, past, over, until, through, off,
on, across, by, in, around, onto. Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun.
Prepositional phrases, e.g. in the wild; with tears in her eyes, can be used as a device to enhance
description.
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Pronoun
A pronoun stands in place of a noun or noun group. A pronoun refers to something that has been
named and has already been written about, e.g. The harbour is a popular place. It is mostly used
by fishermen. Pronouns work only if they are not ambiguous (that is, there is a clear line of
reference) and are not used too repetitively. Examples of common pronouns are:
I, you, she, it, we, they, mine, ours, yourself, himself
You cant keep all the apples yourself!
this, that, these, those
These are mine.
each, any, some, all, much, many
Some will be given to Peter.
who, which, what, whose, whom
Who is visiting tomorrow?
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech which compares one thing with another by using like or as, e.g.
Without the business that teenagers bring, the shopping centre would be like a wasteland. The
two things being compared must be different, e.g. the example The distant building looked like a
castle would not be a simile if the building was in fact a castle.
Verb
Verbs are the basis of any message communicated. They are the engine of the sentence or clause
and provide movement or action, or a sense of what is happening. Different types of verbs are
used, depending on the purpose of the text. The writing could feature:
action verbs (doing words): The animals are fed every day.
saying verbs: I have explained why animals should not be kept in cages; scientists report
better outcomes for the animals in open sanctuaries.
thinking verbs: I believe that , I agree with , I think my idea is , it is thought that .
relational verbs: We have the right. They will not be free.
Extended verb groups indicate many sentence features, such as tense and modality, e.g. They have
been working on it for a long time. (tense); Animals should not be kept in captivity. (modality).
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Section 3: Cohesion
Cohesion is about linking ideas or concepts and controlling threads and relationships over the
whole text. Cohesion in a text is achieved through use of various devices.
Connectives (signal words or discourse markers)
Connectives are used to link ideas to one another across paragraphs and sentences to show logical
relationships of time, cause and effect, comparison or addition. They can be placed at various
positions within a sentence.
The logical relationships can be grouped as follows:
Temporal (to indicate time or sequence ideas)
first, second, next, meanwhile, till, while, then, later, previously, finally, to conclude
Causal (to show cause and effect)
because, for, so, consequently, due to, hence, since, accordingly
Additive (to add information)
also, moreover, above all, equally, besides, furthermore, as well as, or, nor, additionally
Comparative
rather, elsewhere, instead, alternatively, on the other hand
Conditional/concessive (to make conditions or concessions)
yet, still, although, unless, however, otherwise, still, despite, nevertheless
Clarifying
in fact, for example, in support of this, to refute
Conjunctions are a form of connective and are used to join ideas within one sentence. They are
placed at the beginning of a clause. Some conjunctions are and, but, by, or, if, since, although,
though.
Ellipsis
Ellipsis is the omission of words that repeat what has gone before; these items are simply
understood.
The project will be innovative. To be involved will be exciting. In the second sentence, in the
project is ellipsed.
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Referring words
Referring words maintain continuity and avoid repetition.
- Noun-pronoun chains: You should not put animals in cages because they would want to be
in the wild with their family.
- Articles (e.g. a, an, the): My idea of a perfect zoo is the one in Dubbo
- Demonstratives (e.g. this, that, there, these): That bicycle was very expensive. John had
owned mice before but this mouse was different.
- Quantifying determiners (e.g. every, much, many, most, numbers): There is much interest
being shown. Many children went to the zoo. The rule applies to every person. I have one
car.
Substitution
Substitution refers to words that replace noun groups or verb groups: such, one:
There was a lot of swearing and abuse. Such language is simply not acceptable.
Word associations (or lexical cohesion)
Repetition: They have to work for dinner they have to work for visitors.
Synonyms: The weather had been hot. It was another boiling day.
Antonyms: Wild animals should not be kept in captivity. They need open spaces.
Word sets: class and sub-class, or whole and part clusters of words: Wild animals/lions,
tigers, hippos; food/eggs, meat.
Collocation: words which typically go together, making the text flow well.
cages/bars/locked; river/bank/water.
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Section 4: Sentence structure

4.1 SENTENCES
A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense. It is marked in writing by beginning
with a capital letter and ending with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark. There are
four functions for sentences:
Making statements: The girl shot a goal.
Asking questions: Did the girl shoot a goal?
Uttering commands: Shoot the goal!
Voicing exclamations: What a great goal!
4.2 SENTENCE AND CLAUSE TYPES

Simple sentence
A simple sentence is one that contains a single clause. Birds should be let free.
Compound sentence
In compound sentences there are two or more clauses which are coordinated, or linked, so that
each clause has equal status. Clauses in compound sentences are usually joined by the
conjunctions and, but, or, and so and then.
Birds should be released and allowed back in the wild.
Complex sentence
A complex sentence contains embedded and/or subordinate clauses. The feature of embedded
clauses is that the clause is part of the structure of another clause and therefore does not have a
coordinating relationship with the main clause.
Subordinating clause: When the birds are let free, they will be able to catch their own food.
Embedded clause: When the birds that have been locked up are let free, they will be able to catch
their own food.
Adjectival clause
An adjectival (or relative) is a clause that gives additional information about a noun or noun
group. It is embedded if the information it provides is located within the subject or object of
another clause. An adjectival clause generally (but not always) begins with a relative pronoun
such as who, which or that.
Subject: The play equipment that children love is not necessarily the safest equipment in the
playground.
Object: Children love playing with equipment which allows them to use their imagination.
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Adverbial clause
An adverbial clause is a subordinate or dependent clause that provides optional information about
time, place, condition, concession, reason, purpose or result.
Time: After studying so hard during the week, all students want to do on the weekend is relax.
Concession: Children may still get hurt, even if the climbing equipment is removed.
Condition: If the cage is too small, the animals cannot move around.
Reason: The ban should be lifted because it discriminates against teenagers.
Noun clause
A noun clause is a clause that acts as the subject or object of another clause.
Subject: What he had been ordered to do weighed heavily on his mind.
Object: Some studies show that crimes committed by teenagers are rising.
Subject with adjectival clause: Conserving endangered animal species that are threatened by
habitat destruction should be the priority of all zoos.
4.3 BASIC STRUCTURES
The examples below exemplify basic sentence structures referred to in the Sentence Structure
criterion of this marking guide. Independent clauses are underlined.
Basic simple sentence
Animals are important.
Basic complex sentence with projected clause
I think (that) you should not put animals in cages.
Basic complex sentence with dependent clause following main clause
It is cruel because the animals dont have freedom.
Basic compound/complex sentence
It is good to keep birds in cages but other animals can go into the zoo.
Basic complex sentence with projected clause and dependent clause following main clause
I think (that) it is cruel because the animals dont have freedom.
I agree that people are unkind when they do not treat animals well.
Basic complex sentence with dependent clause starting with if preceding main clause
If the cage is too small, the animal cannot move around.
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4.4 MORE SOPHISTICATED STRUCTURES

The examples below exemplify more sophisticated sentence structures referred to in the Sentence
Structure criterion of this marking guide. Independent clauses are underlined.
Extended simple sentence
Like all living things, animals have personalities too.
Complex sentence containing projected clause and dependent clause following main clause
I agree that animals should be kept in cages because they wont need to fight other animals.
Compound/complex sentence with adverbial phrase preceding first clause and embedded
clause within the second clause
One glorious morning I woke up and it was time to go to the shops.
Complex sentences containing dependent clauses starting with when and because
preceding main clause
When animals are kept in captivity, their life expectancy is reduced.
Because animals need open spaces, they should not be locked in cages.
Extended complex sentence with dependent clauses following main clause
For working animals such as dogs or horses, it generally isnt cruel to keep them in captivity
depending on the work they are required to do.
Extended complex sentence
You may have noticed that, over the last couple of years, the issue of animals wellbeing has been
debated time and time again.
Extended complex with two dependent clauses one preceding and one following the main
clause
Being aware of the need to feed the animals properly, the zookeeper worked hard to provide a
nourishing diet that ensured their health.
Extended complex sentence with extended (compound) dependent clause following the main
clause
Zoo keepers may argue that being kept in a cage increases the chance of survival and allows
reproduction to continue.
Extended complex sentence containing multiple dependent clauses
Although I agree that releasing animals into the wild may be beneficial to some animals, I do
believe that most zoos, as least those that are operated by trained and caring people, succeed in
providing animals with good care.
95
Section 5. Punctuation
Punctuation is used to aid the smooth reading of a text.
Brackets
Round brackets, or parentheses, enclose information or comment within an otherwise complete
sentence. Brackets are used for adding information, giving explanations, clarification, providing
examples, and afterthoughts, comments and asides.
Colons
Colons are normally used to signal the following:
a list: The children do the same things every day: climb, jump, play on the swings and build build
sandcastles.
an explanation: One consequence is inevitable: people will get hurt.
a subtitle: School Safety: Can Cameras Combat Crime?
Commas
Commas are used within sentences to separate information into readable units and guide the
reader as to the relationship between phrases and clauses. Commas act as markers to help the
reader voice the meaning of long sentences, e.g. when a sentence begins with a phrase or a
subordinate clause, the comma indicates where the main clause begins.
Commas are also used to separate items in a list.
Hyphen
The hyphen is a small dash that is used to:
- link two words to form a single word: one-way street; like-minded friend; button-like
nose.
- clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity: Man-eating tiger seen at zoo; Her grandmother
owned a walking-stick.
- avoid letter collision: shell-like; re-establish, co-worker.
Points of ellipsis
Points of ellipsis ( ) are used to indicate the omission of text, suspense or a time lapse.
Quotation marks
Quotation marks (or inverted commas) identify words that are spoken by a character (direct
speech) or written words that belong to people other than the writer. There is an increasing trend
for single quotation marks ( ) to be used in place of double quotation marks although this is a
matter of style.
Semicolons
Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses containing different though related
pieces of information: the use of a semicolon strengthens the link between ideas, e.g. the
installation of closed circuit television cameras will make teachers and students more self
conscious; schools will no longer be a comfortable place. This could be written as two separate
sentences. The use of a comma in this example would make the sentence incorrect.
96
Semicolons are also used to separate complex items in a list, e.g. In the event of a fire, all
students must: leave the building immediately; not attempt to take any materials with them;
assemble in the main quadrangle with their roll class.
Using semicolons with conjunctive adverbs
A semicolon should be used to join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with
a conjunctive adverb that relates to (ties in with) the idea of the first clause or it is of equal
emphasis. The conjunctive adverb and the clause that follows must stand alone, i.e. it can be
written as one sentence.
A full stop is used where more emphasis is required for the second clause. In the following
examples, both versions are correct.
We would like to go Morocco for the holidays; accordingly, we will have to apply for visas.
We would like to go Morocco for the holidays. Accordingly, we will have to apply for visas.
They wanted to go to the concert; however, it was impossible to get a ticket.
They wanted to go to the concert. However, it was impossible to get a ticket.
Some conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, furthermore, moreover, nevertheless similarly,
however, therefore, otherwise, instead namely, still, finally, consequently, indeed, certainly.
97
Spelling reference list
98
Simple
a
add
am
an
and
are
as
at
bad
back
ball
bark
bee
bell
best
big
book
box
boy
bring
but
by
can
car
clap
cost
cup
Common
able
about
above
action
active
added
afford
afraid
after
again
ages
agree
allowed/aloud
almost
alone
also
although
backyard
bare/bear
based
basic
basketball
because
become
before
behave
behind
believe
belong
below
besides
between
carry
care
case
catch
cause
centre
chance
change
chase
cheap
child
choose
city
clean
climb
close
collect
colour
comment
Difficult
always
amount
amuse
angry
another
any
appear
apply
arent
around
ask
aspect
assist
avoid
award
aware
away
bigger
bike
birthday
blend
block
body
boost
bottom
bought/
brought
brain
brand
break
bullied
buy
abandon
ability
abnormal
abolish
absolutely
accept
access
achieve
acknowledge
activity
actually
addiction
addition
advantage
advice
affect
agreeable
bargain
barrier
behaviour
benefit
bias
board/bored
bonus
borrow
boundary
brutally
build
burden
business
allocate
annoy
answer
appalling
area
argue
artistic
assess
attachment
attempt
attention
auction
available
average
awareness
awesome
common
compare
conflict
consist
console
contain
control
could
couple
course
crack
crime
crowd
cry
cycle
capable
capacity
category
celebration
certain
charity
cheque
choice
circuit
cognitive
comfortable
committed
community
comparison
competition
complaining
complete
computer
concentration
concern
conclusion
condition
confidence
connotation
consider
consumer
continue
contraption
controller
convince
coordinator
country
create
crisis
culprit
culture
curious
customary
Challenging
accelerating
accumulate
acquaint
acquire
acquisition
adolescent
adrenaline
advantageous
aisle
ambiguous
annihilate
appreciate
appropriate
artificial
associate
awkwardly
basically
belligerence
beneficial
benefited
benevolent
biodegradable
blas
brevity
brilliance
brusque
camouflage
changeable
colloquial
colossal
column
complementary
conscience
conscious
consequence
consequently
controversial
controversy
correspond
courageous
cylinder

Simple
deep
did
dog
doll
dot
drag
drip
drop
drum
dull
end
feel
fell
fill
fit
food
for
from
fun
Common
debate
define
degree
delight
depend
destroy
detail
didnt/dont
direct
disagree
display
does/doesnt
dollar
donate
done
door
each
earlier
earnings
earth
easiest
easily
edge
educate
effort
eight
either
enable
enjoy
enough
escape
even
fair
false
family
fear
feeling
few
field
fighting
final
first/firstly
floor
fly/flies
downside
draw
dream
due
during
ever
everybody
everywhere
evil
evoke
exactly
examine
example
exist
expect
expert
explain
explode
expose
extent
eyes
follow
forget
formal
found
four
frankly
free/freedom
friend
fruit
full
funny
fur
Difficult
damage
dangerous
debatable
debt
decide
decision
decorate
decrease
defence
demolish
demonstrate
depression
deprive
description
deserve
detrimental
economy
educational
effect
electronic
element
emerge
emphasis
energy
engage
engine
enjoyable
enormous
ensure
entertain
entirely
episode
facet
factory
famous
fashion
favourite
feature
figure
finally
focus
force
foreign
forest
Challenging
develop
device
different
difficult
digest
disadvantage
disagreement
disappear
disappoint
discomfort
discover
discuss
distance
donation
doubt
debris
deficient
definite
dependency
desperate
disadvantageously
discipline
dramatically
especially
essential
esteem
evidence
except
excess
exciting
exercise
expanse
experience
explanation
exploit
explosion
exposure
extremely
effervescent
efficient
embarrassed
endeavour
environment
ethically
euphoric
exaggerate
exhilarating
explanatory
formation
fracture
fragile
frenzied
frighten
fuel
furniture
further
fury/furry
futile
future
facilities
fascinating
fluorescent
fulfil/fulfilled
99

G
Simple
get
go
going
good
got
hand
harm
has
hat
have
he
help
her
here
him
hot
how
hunt
I
if
in
into
is
it
just
keep
kid
land
lay
leg
lets
long
look
lot
100
Common
game
gain
garden
getting
gizmo
globe
goes
habit
handful
happen
happiness
happy/
happiest
hardly
harsh
haste
head
heavier
high
holidays
hope/hoping
ice
idea
ignore
imply
important
impress
improve
include
income
inside
insight
instead
invent
invest
invite
jacket
joke
joyful
key
keeping
kitten
large
lastly
latest
laugh
lead
learn
least
leave
length
Challenging
goodness
great
greed
ground
group
grownup
growth
house
however
huge
humans
hundred
gadget
general
generation
genius
gesture
gigantic
global
haphazard
hazardous
health
hesitance
hesitate
hilarious
history
honest
hopefully
hopscotch
horrify
humorous
hurriedly
government
graphics
grumble
guess
guide
gauge
generalisation
grandeur
guarantee
guillotine
hygiene
haemoglobin
hallucinate
humanitarian
involve
islands
illegal
imagination
immediate
implicate
importance
improvement
increase
incredible
incur
indecision
individual
industrial
inexpensive
injury
insolent
inspire
instance
instinct
insurance
intention
interest
interrupt
introduction
invisible
ironic
irrational
issue
inconsequential
inconsolable
incorporate
indecipherable
interrogate
intrigue
invulnerable
iridescent
irrelevant
irresponsible
journey
judgement
judicial
juxtapose
judge
juice
justly
knee
know
information
jeopardy
jewel
jewellery
kilometres
knowledge
lesson/lessen
likely
limit
little
live/living
local
lonely
lose/loose
love
labour
language
laser
library
lightning
limited
litany
literacy
logical
kaleidoscope
kayaking
lunar
luxury
leisure
liquefy
litigious
longevity
luminescent

Simple
M may
me
meet
men
much
my
no
norm
not
now
nut
of
old
one
our
out
park
pay
pet
play
put
Common
mainly
major
make
many
master
match
mean
medium
member
mental
merit
metal
middle
might
nearest
never
new/newest
nice
noise/noisy
normal
nothing
obtain
offer
often
older
once
only
ooze
other
ought
pair
panic
parents
passed
paw/poor/
pour
payment
peace/piece
peers
people
perfect
person
phone
place
plastic
point
pose
power
prefer
mimic
minor
mistake
mobile
model
modern
money
moral
more
mother
movie
music
myself
numb
ourself
outcome
outside
over
own
present
prevent
price
problem
profit
program
progress
proof
protect
prove
provide
public
pull
Difficult
machine
magazine
maintain
majority
manage
manufacture
massive
maturity
maximum
measure
memory
mentality
mention
millions
natural
naughty
negative
negligent
neighbour
neither
nervous
obedient
obesity
oblige
observe
obvious
occupy
occur
opinion
opportunity
participate
particular
penalise
penalty
personal
persuade
picture
platform
pleasure
plethora
popular
positive
possible
poverty
powerful
pray/prey
precious
presence
Challenging
mineral
minimum
minority
minute
mixture
moderation
monopoly
morally
motivation
muscle
mutual
mystery
myth
magnificent
manageable
manoeuvre
mathematician
mediaeval
miniature
mischievous
misconstrue
neutral
nevertheless
normally
notice
nowadays
numerous
nutrition
opposition
optimist
option
ordinary
organise
original
ourselves
outweigh
overstatement
previously
principal
principle
priority
probable
process
procure
produce
properly
prosperity
prototype
proven
punctual
punishment
purchase
pure/purely
purpose
pursuit
naivety
narcissist
necessary
nonchalant
noticeable
notoriety
nuisance
obnoxious
obscure
obsesses
obsessive
occasionally
occurrence
opaque
opinionated
outrageous
parallel
peculiar
pessimistic
physically
possess
prevalence
privileged
psychiatrist
psychology
101

Q
102
Simple
ran
rest
rid
room
run
sad
saw
say
seem
she
shed
shut
sick
sit
six
so
spot
such
Common
question
quickly
quiet/quite
rare
racist
really
reason
recover
refuse
regarding
relax
release
relieve
remote
repair
report
reserve
results
safety
said
same
saving
school
scrape
second
secret
selfish
sense
seven
sexist
shaping
share
sharp
shiny
shock
shopper
should
show
side
sign
simply
single
return
reward
right
robot
rough
rubbish
rude
running
sixth
size
skill
some
someone
sound
speak
speech
spent
spoilt
sprawl
stable
staple
state
stopped
strange
stress
strong
study
style
subject
super
sure/surely
Difficult
quaint
quality
quantity
rational
realise
reality
receive
recent
recognise
recommend
recreation
reduce
reference
reflexes
regulate
relationship
relaxation
relevant
satisfy
sceptical
scheme
science
scissors
seize
serious
service
several
shoulder
signal
similar
simplicity
situation
skateboard
social
solely
solution
special
spectacular
standard
statement
station
strategy
quench
query
questionable
reluctant
remember
remnant
repayment
replenish
represent
reproduce
require
research
resource
responsible
revenge
revenue
ridiculous
structure
subside
success
suitable
summary
summoned
supervision
supply
support
suppose
surprise
surround
survive
sweat
system
Challenging
queue
quiescent
racquet
rancour
realistically
reminiscent
remuneration
responsibility
resurrect
resuscitate
rhythm
ricochet
rigorous
sabotage
sanctuary
scintillate
separate
significance
silhouette
sovereign
stationary
stationery
stereotypically
strategically
subtlety
subtly
sufficient

Simple
tall
tells
ten
that
the
then
thing
this
to
top
undo
up
vat
vet
W was
we
went
will
wing
wish
with
X
Y
Z
xbox
xray
yell
yes
you
zoo
Common
taken
tantrum
teacher
teenager
their/there
they/theyre
think
thirdly
though
thought
thousand
three
through
throw
tired
ugly
unable
underneath
understand
unfairly
unfit
until
upset
valid
vanish
very
video
view
wait
wallet
want
warn
waste
water
wear/where
were
what
when
whenever
which
while
who
yardstick
your
yourself
zapped
title
together
tomorrow
too/two
topic
touch
towards
travel
treat
trick
tries
trouble
truth
twice
type
use
useful
useless
visit
whole
whose
why
window
winner
without
word
world
worse
worth
would
writing
wrong
Difficult
taught
technical
technique
technological
television
temperature
tension
terrible
territory
themselves
theory
therefore
thorough
threatening
traditional
unbelievable
uncertain
uncomfortable
undecided
understatement
uneducated
unethical
unfortunately
valuable
value
various
vehicle
version
wary
wealth
wearisome
weary
weighed
weight
welfare
whereas
whether
whilst
wholly
witness
wonder
worthwhile
yacht
yearn
yield
younger
yourselves
Challenging
transfixed
travelled
treasure
trophy
typical
temperamental
temporary
therapeutic
tournament
traumatic
unique
unnatural
urban
urgency
usage
usual
ubiquitous
unconscious
undoubtedly
unethically
unfathomable
unintentionally
unnecessary
unparalleled
vulnerable
victory
violence
virtual
vision
wrapped
waive
wilful
wondrous
youth
zany
zenith
zodiac
zoology
zephyr
103
PletRi DoLiSal
Some anmals cou'd die
animals geting cewd
any other animal
They won't face danger
they try to break out
I agree and don't agree
Cages and Zoos
The lion's glorious hair
If humans can have a voice why can't animals.
Page Sample script
18
20
22
24
28
30
32
36
38
40
42
46
50
54
58
62
66
70
74
Bird Report
Discussion scipts
78
82
0-6
0
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
Audience
0
0
0-4
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
4
3
3
4
4
4
4
Text
Structure
3
3
0-5
0
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Ideas
0
0
0-4
0
0
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
3
4
4
4
4
Pers.
Devices
2
2
0-5
0
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
3
4
5
5
Vocab.
2
2
0-4
0
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
Cohesion
0
1
0-3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
2
3
1
3
3
3
2
3
Para.
2
3
0-6
0
1
2
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
3
4
4
5
4
5
6
Sentence
Structure
3
2
0-5
0
1
1
0
1
3
2
3
3
4
3
2
3
3
5
4
4
5
4
Punct.
3
2
0-6
0
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
3
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
Spelling
17
17
48
0
8
12
14
14
18
19
23
24
26
30
32
36
36
39
40
43
45
47
Total
Sample script summary table
2
2

Persuasive Writing Guide Naplan

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2013

Persuasive Writing Marking Guide

2013 National Assessment Program

The Marking Criteria

Using the marking rubric

Annotated sample scripts .................................................................................. 18

some anmals coud die

Animals getting cewd

It cruel to keep animals

animals will feel sad

any other animal

They wont face danger

They try to break out

I agree and dont agree

Some toys and games are educational

My idea of a perfect zoo

All animals started off

Cages and Zoos

Under Certain Circumstances

Food, water and other nessasary supplies

The lions glorious hair

If humans can have a voice why cant animals

zoos can have useful purposes

things should be regulated

Note on Text Structure ...................................................................................... 84

Spelling reference list ........................................................................................ 98

Assessing Writing in the National Assessment Program

The Marking Criteria

The writers capacity to orient, engage and persuade the reader

The organisation of the structural components of a persuasive text

The selection, relevance and elaboration of ideas for a persuasive argument

The range and precision of contextually appropriate language choices

The production of grammatically correct, structurally sound and meaningful

The accuracy of spelling and the difficulty of the words used

Using the marking rubric

text contains simple written

symbols or drawings which

text is very short

Some anmals coud die (20)

animals getting cewd (22)

a longer text (more than one

shows basic awareness of

-- crafts writing to influence

text may be short but is easily read

it cruel to keep animals (24)

reader may need to fill gaps in

animals will feel sad (28)

contains sufficient information for

They wont face danger (32)

any other animal (30)

they try to break out (36)

writers choices may

My idea of a perfect zoo (42)

no evidence of any structural

minimal evidence of persuasive

-- structural components not

inappropriate genre, e.g. narrative,

-- a statement such as an opinion animals getting cewd (22)

text contains two clearly