The creative writing section of the 11 Plus exam can be one of the most challenging for children. But with a few key strategies, your child can improve their writing skills and significantly boost their chances of success. Below are some tried-and-tested techniques to help your child shine in their creative writing tasks.

Show, Don’t Tell

One of the golden rules of creative writing is: Show, don’t tell. Instead of simply telling the reader what’s happening, help them see it through vivid descriptions and sensory details.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “Ben was scared,” try, “Ben’s hands trembled, and his breath came in short, sharp gasps.”

Encourage your child to paint pictures with their words.

Plan Before Writing

Jumping straight into writing might seem tempting, but a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. Encourage your child to:

• Outline their story structure (beginning, middle, end).
• Identify the key characters and their roles.
• Decide on the central conflict or theme of the story.

A simple five-minute plan can prevent them from getting stuck halfway through.