Have you ever wondered about the use and procedure of the NAPLAN language convention tests? Our discussion today revolves around the basics of these tests. The language convention tests are a detailed assessment of spelling, grammar and punctuations. They are in-line with the Australian Curriculum of English. These tests check your ability to use the English language correctly.
What are the language convention tests?
They are part of the regular NAPLAN tests conducted every year. The NAPLAN tests check students for basic knowledge that they acquire at school. The tests are of numeracy and literacy skills. They include reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. Language conventions consist of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
The types of questions
Like most tests conducted by the Department of Education, language convention tests are also based on multiple-choice questions. Specific one-word answer questions are also included. The use of these questions helps the examiner get a fair view of how well you have understood the English language at school.
National minimum standards
The authorities that handle the test have set out two minimum standards for language conventions. They are the minimum standard for spelling and the minimum standard for grammar and punctuations. There are two different standards because this makes it easier to judge the student's ability to handle the language.
The difficulty in these standards increases with the year in which you take the test. Spelling in Year 3 only includes one-syllable words. In Year 5 and onwards two and multi-syllable words are given. Similarly, for grammar and punctuations In Year 3 only simple sentences are presented. As you move on to Year 5, 7 and 9, the tests also become tough. In later years, more grammatical elements like pronouns, and adjectives are made a part of the examination.
Language convention test preparation
NAPLAN past papers and practice tests are readily available online. More details of the National minimum standards are also listed on the website of the National Assessment Program. The goal of this information is to give you a clear understanding of the test and the type of questions in it. NAPLAN practice tests online have questions that you can use to practice entirely for the tests. Once you take the test in Year 3, you get an idea of exam structure.
However, the tests for each grade are different. Moreover, the questions also change every year. As a result, there are no chances that a problem might be repeated. It means that you have to understand the concept behind how grammar and punctuations are used. It is also important to know where to use correct pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Besides, the spellings of words in the English language have to be memorised as well.
Conclusion
The language convention tests are essential in checking a student’s command over the English language. The tests are simple if you focus on what is being taught at school. Large amounts of practice material are available online. These NAPLAN practice tests can help you score high band on the actual exam.
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