How the NAPLAN Reading Test Works
The NAPLAN reading test assesses a student's ability to understand, interpret and analyse written texts. Students read a series of passages and answer questions that range from simple recall to higher-order inferential thinking.
The test is completed online (except for some Year 3 accommodations) and includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, highlighting and short-answer question types.
Text Types in the Reading Test
- Literary texts: narratives, poetry, playscripts
- Informative texts: articles, reports, explanations
- Persuasive texts: opinion pieces, advertisements, speeches
- Multi-modal texts: texts combining words, images and diagrams
Comprehension Strategies by Skill Level
Literal Comprehension (Years 3–5)
Finding information directly stated in the text. Look for key words from the question in the passage. These questions often use the same language as the text.
Inferential Comprehension (Years 5–7)
Reading between the lines — working out meaning that is implied but not directly stated. Ask yourself: "What clues has the author given me?"
Critical Analysis (Years 7–9)
Evaluating the author's purpose, perspective and use of language. Compare and contrast multiple texts. Identify bias and persuasive techniques.
General Reading Test Tips
- Read the questions first — they tell you what to look for in the passage
- Skim the passage to get the main idea, then read carefully for detail
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers in multiple-choice questions
- Use process of elimination — if two answers are similar, one is often a distractor
- Don't spend too long on one question — move on and come back if time allows
- Check your answers if you finish early
Recommended Reading Habits
The best preparation for the reading test is regular reading at home. Encourage your child to read a variety of materials: books, news articles, magazines, biographies and information texts. Discussing what they've read builds comprehension skills naturally.
Related Guides
- NAPLAN Writing Guide — narrative vs persuasive
- NAPLAN Overview — the full program explained
- 10 Preparation Tips for Parents