Essay writing is a crucial part of the 11 Plus exam, but many students fall into common traps that can lower their scores. Below are some frequent mistakes along with practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not Reading the Prompt Carefully

• Mistake: Students often rush into writing without fully understanding the question.
• How to Avoid: Take a minute to carefully read and analyse the prompt. Identify whether it’s narrative, descriptive, or argumentative.

2. Poor Time Management

• Mistake: Spending too much time on one section and leaving no time for editing.
• How to Avoid: Allocate specific time for planning, writing, and reviewing (e.g., 5 minutes for planning, 20 minutes for writing, and 5 minutes for editing).

3. Lack of Structure

• Mistake: Jumping from one idea to another without clear organisation.
• How to Avoid: Use a simple structure: introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

4. Weak Introductions and Conclusions

• Mistake: Starting with a dull opening or ending abruptly.
• How to Avoid: Begin with an engaging opening line and conclude with a strong final thought or summary.

5. Overusing Simple Words

• Mistake: Relying heavily on basic words like ‘nice,’ ‘good,’ or ‘bad.’
• How to Avoid: Build a strong vocabulary and replace common words with more descriptive alternatives.

6. Ignoring Grammar and Spelling

• Mistake: Simple errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar can distract the examiner.
• How to Avoid: Always leave a few minutes to proofread and correct mistakes.

7. Writing Too Much or Too Little

• Mistake: Exceeding the word count or falling short of expectations.
• How to Avoid: Stick to the general guideline of 200–300 words and prioritise quality over quantity.

8. Forgetting to Plan

• Mistake: Jumping straight into writing without outlining key points.
• How to Avoid: Spend at least 5 minutes planning your essay before starting.

9. Lack of Creativity

• Mistake: Using predictable storylines or dull descriptions.
• How to Avoid: Add sensory details, emotions, and original ideas to make your essay stand out.

10. Repetition of Ideas

• Mistake: Repeating the same point in different words to fill space.
• How to Avoid: Each paragraph should introduce a fresh idea or perspective.

By addressing these common mistakes and practising regularly, students can develop stronger essay-writing skills and boost their confidence for the 11 Plus exa