NAPLAN past papers Year 5 are free from ACARA for every year from 2008 to 2016, with answers. That’s nine full sets of Year 5 reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy tests. This guide explains what’s in each Year 5 paper, where to download them, and how to turn them into useful practice for today’s online NAPLAN.
All Year 5 papers are on ACARA’s site: 2012 to 2016 Year 5 papers and 2008 to 2011 Year 5 papers.
Year 5 writing past papers
Each year has one writing prompt. Years 3 and 5 often share a prompt, and some years used the same prompt for all year levels. In 2016, for example, Years 3 and 5 received a prompt called “Imagine”. Practise past prompts under test conditions: 40 minutes, typed if possible, because Year 5 now writes online.
To understand how responses are scored, read NAPLAN writing marking criteria explained, and for fresh prompts and a practice plan see NAPLAN writing Year 5.
Year 5 reading past papers
Each reading test comes with a separate colour reading magazine containing the texts, plus a question booklet. Texts include stories, information reports, poems, procedures and persuasive pieces. The current online Year 5 reading test runs for 50 minutes.
Tip: ask your child to read the questions for one text before reading it, so they know what to look for. Then talk about why each answer is right, using evidence from the text.
Year 5 numeracy past papers
Year 5 numeracy covers number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability, with a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Year 5 has no calculator section. The current online test is 50 minutes.
Want to practise on screen? We’ve turned a released Year 5 numeracy paper into a free online practice test with instant answers and explanations for all 40 questions.
Year 5 language conventions past papers
The language conventions papers test spelling, grammar and punctuation. On paper, spelling questions asked students to correct a misspelt word. In today’s online test, the spelling section uses audio dictation and proofreading, and students can’t go back to spelling once they move on to grammar and punctuation. The online test is 45 minutes.
A 6-week Year 5 practice plan
| Week | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2016 numeracy paper, untimed. Mark together. |
| 2 | 2016 writing prompt, 40 minutes, typed. |
| 3 | 2015 reading paper, untimed. Discuss answers using the text. |
| 4 | 2015 language conventions paper. Make a list of tricky spelling words. |
| 5 | 2014 numeracy paper, timed at 50 minutes. |
| 6 | A new writing prompt, then a short reread for punctuation and spelling. |
Year 5 past papers FAQs
Do Year 5 past papers come with answers?
Yes. ACARA publishes an answer booklet for every year from 2008 to 2016.
Is the Year 5 test still on paper?
No. Year 5 sits all four NAPLAN tests online, including writing. Only Year 3 writing is still on paper.
Which past paper should we start with?
Start with the most recent (2016) papers, as they’re closest to current content, then work backwards.
Related guides
- Free NAPLAN Past Papers by Year Level
- NAPLAN Practice Test Year 5
- NAPLAN Writing Year 5: Prompts, Tips and Practice
- NAPLAN Test Dates 2027
Past papers are published by ACARA. Links go to ACARA’s website.