Y06W18PA - A Practical Guide for Households

This week you wrote a guide helping households cut food waste. Now you'll read another student's guide and decide how strong it is. Each module sharpens how you spot clear, useful writing — and helps your own.

Part 1

The Assessor Scorecard for

Explanatory – Community guide

Markers look for guides that explain a practical topic so any household can follow and try the advice.

Ideas & Content

Practical suggestions readers can actually try. Steps that are specific, not vague advice. Ideas that suit a household without special equipment.

  • Practical suggestions that: readers can actually use.

Structure & Cohesion

Headings and lists that help readers find what they need. A clear sequence — what to do first, next, last. Linking words that show how steps connect.

  • Organised so information: is easy to find and follow.

Audience & Purpose

Writing that assumes no special background knowledge. No jargon — plain words a household can follow. A tone that makes the reader feel capable.

  • Accessible to readers: without background knowledge.

Language Choices

Simple, clear words a reader will not stumble on. Active verbs that tell the reader what to do. An encouraging tone, not bossy or discouraging.

  • Clear and encouraging: language.

Conventions

Headings, bullets, and varied sentences that aid scanning. No walls of text that hide the steps. Formatting that supports meaning, not just decoration.

  • Reader-friendly formatting that: supports understanding.

Part 2

Today’s Marking Targets

Task in one sentence

Write a practical guide for households showing clear, simple ways to cut their food waste at home.

Let’s Focus

Two strands matter most this week: Audience & Purpose and Structure & Cohesion. Your words must speak plainly to any household. Your information must be organised so a reader can scan it and use it.

Audience & Purpose

Strong writing speaks to readers as capable people. It uses plain words, skips jargon, and shows readers they can succeed. Preachy or expert-sounding writing pushes households away. Welcome them in and make the steps feel doable.

What markers scan for

  • Does the writer speak directly to readers?
  • Are the steps simple enough for someone with no background?
  • Does the tone welcome, or does it discourage?
  • Could a household without special tools follow this?

Score Bands

  • Basic

    Words are sometimes unclear; some background knowledge assumed; tone is not always welcoming.

  • Strong

    Words are clear and simple; no background assumed; tone is welcoming and encouraging.

  • Excellent

    Words are clear and inviting; the reader is kept in mind throughout; tone builds real confidence.

Structure & Cohesion

Strong writing organises information so a reader can scan it. Headings, lists, and numbered steps replace long paragraphs. The order is logical — what to do first, next, last. A reader should know at a glance what the guide is for.

What markers scan for

  • Can you skim the guide and grasp the main points?
  • Are steps clearly numbered or listed?
  • Does the writer move logically from one idea to the next?
  • Or is the information buried in paragraphs?

Score Bands

  • Basic

    Information sits inside paragraphs; few or unclear headings; readers must hunt for steps.

  • Strong

    Headings organise information clearly; lists and steps are easy to follow; ideas flow logically.

  • Excellent

    Structure invites scanning; headings are clear; information is layered; formatting supports meaning.

Now read · Student sample

Reducing Food Waste at Home: A Practical Guide

Year 6 sample · \~300 words

Student sample for assessment

Written by a Year 6 student in Altona, Victoria, Australia.

Everyday about one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted. This often starts at home. If you have noticed your family throws away food regularly, or if you just want to reduce waste, this guide will show you simple changes to make. Why Reduce Food Waste? Less food waste means less money spent on groceries that end up in the bin. It also means less food in landfills, which is better for the environment. But mostly, it means your family is using the food you buy. Planning: The Foundation The best way to reduce food waste is to plan before you shop. Here is how: 1. Check what you already have. Look in your fridge, freezer and pantry. Note what is nearing its end date. 2. Plan your meals for the week. Pick meals that use the vegetables and ingredients you already have. 3. Make a shopping list based on your meal plan. Buy only what you need. 4. Stick to your list. It is easy to be tempted in the shops, but extra purchases often become waste. Storage Matters You cannot use food you cannot see. Keep your fridge and pantry organised so food is visible. - Store vegetables in clear containers so you remember them - Keep the oldest food at the front - Label containers with the date you opened them - Use the freezer. Frozen vegetables, bread and leftover meals last much longer Using What You Have Creativity turns leftover ingredients into meals. - Roast extra vegetables for dinner, then blend them into soup the next day - Freeze bread before it goes stale - Save vegetable scraps in the freezer for making stock Conclusion Reducing food waste does not require special skills or equipment. It requires attention and small habit changes. Start with one strategy—planning, or organising your fridge—and build from there. Small changes add up.