Regular practice is key to mastering essay writing for the 11 Plus exams. If you can get your child to commit to writing one piece per week (especially in the lead-up to the exams, from year 5), they will be on the right track.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Geek School Shop for more writing prompts that are made especially for the 11 Plus exam preparation, whether it’s the Stage 2 grammar tests or independent school entrance exams.

Below are 20 sample prompts covering narrative, descriptive, and argumentative styles to get that all-essential practice in.

Have you ever noticed how some stories feel like they have hidden treasures buried beneath the surface? A red rose might represent love, a storm might represent chaos, and a locked door might symbolise a secret. This is called symbolism—when something in a story represents a deeper meaning beyond its obvious appearance.

Symbolism is like adding secret ingredients to your story that readers can discover and interpret. It makes your writing richer, more thoughtful, and more memorable. In this post, we’ll explore what symbolism is, how to use it effectively, and how it can make your stories shine.

Every writer has a voice. It’s the special way you tell a story, the words you choose, and the way your sentences flow. Have you ever read something and thought, “Wow, I know exactly who wrote this!”? That’s because the author’s voice was clear and strong.

Finding your unique writing style can feel tricky at first, but it’s also one of the most exciting parts of becoming a writer. In this post, we’ll explore different writing styles, share tips on discovering your voice, and help you feel confident in the way you write.

Have you ever read a story where you just couldn’t stop turning the pages? Where every word made your heart race, and you couldn’t wait to find out what happened next? That’s the power of tension and suspense. These tools are what keep readers glued to your story, eager to see what happens next.

But how do you create that feeling? How do you make readers sit on the edge of their seats? In this post, we’ll explore the secrets of building tension and suspense and share tips to help you keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Have you ever read a story that made you feel nervous, excited, or even peaceful just from the way it was described? That’s the power of atmosphere. Atmosphere is the feeling or mood you create in your story through your words, descriptions, and tone.

Whether it’s a spooky haunted house, a bright summer’s day, or a tense chase scene, the right atmosphere can pull your readers into your world and keep them hooked. In this post, we’ll explore how to build atmosphere in your writing and share tips to help you set the perfect mood for every scene.

The 11 Plus exam is a significant milestone for children aiming to secure a place in selective grammar or independent schools. Among its various components, the essay writing task often feels like the most challenging. However, with the right preparation, structure, and mindset, your child can excel and approach this task with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of writing a winning 11 Plus essay—from understanding the task and planning effectively to crafting a polished final piece. Whether you’re a parent supporting your child or a student preparing for the big day, this article will equip you with actionable insights and strategies for success.

The creative writing section of the 11 Plus exam can feel like a daunting task—for both children and parents. You want your child to make a strong impression on the examiner, but where do you start?

The opening lines of their creative writing piece are critical. They set the tone, showcase their ability, and grab the examiner’s attention. Unfortunately, many children struggle with how to begin, often resorting to generic phrases like, “This story is about…”

Supporting Families Across the UK and Globally

Preparing for the creative writing component of the 11 Plus exams can be overwhelming for parents and children alike. Whether it’s a grammar school Stage 2 exam or an independent school entrance assessment, creative writing requires a unique blend of creativity, structure, and technical skills.

At Geek School Tutoring, our Creative Writing Crash Course is designed to help children master these skills in a flexible, results-driven format. With engaging video tutorials, writing resources, and our bespoke marking and feedback system, this course offers a complete solution for families looking for something beyond traditional tuition.

What Is the Creative Writing Crash Course?

The Creative Writing Crash Course is a six-week programme that equips students with the skills they need to excel in the 11 Plus creative writing section. Here’s how it works:

1. Video Tutorials: Your child learns through engaging, step-by-step lessons that break down creative writing tasks. From planning stories to crafting vivid descriptions, each tutorial focuses on the specific skills examiners look for.
2. Bespoke Marking and Feedback System:
   • After completing a writing task, your child submits their work for marking.
   • Our tutors provide detailed feedback, delivered via video, showing exactly what they did well and how they can improve.
   • Each piece of work is graded as if by an examiner, giving your child a clear understanding of their progress.
   • The feedback can be revisited anytime, making it a valuable resource they can refer back to as they practise.
3. Writing Resources: The course includes practical exercises and prompts designed to build confidence and inspire creativity.

Why Choose the Creative Writing Crash Course?

Unlike traditional tuition, this course is built around the specific needs of 11 Plus students:

1. Flexible and Convenient
No travel. No rigid schedules. Your child can learn and improve at their own pace, fitting the course around your family’s commitments.

2. Tailored Feedback That Makes a Difference
Our unique marking system ensures every child gets personalised feedback that’s actionable and clear. It’s like having an examiner guiding them through their practice sessions.

3. Proven Success
For over a decade, we’ve helped students secure places at top grammar and independent schools, including St Olave’s, Newstead Wood, Dulwich College, and City of London School (Boys and Girls).

4. Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient
With just 20–30 minutes of practice a week, this course delivers measurable progress without the expense or time commitment of traditional tuition.

What Parents Say About the Crash Course

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The marking feedback system was a game-changer. My daughter could see exactly what to improve, and being able to review the feedback anytime really helped her confidence. She got into our top-choice grammar school!”
– Mrs. Patel, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We loved the flexibility of the course. My son could work at his own pace, and the feedback was incredibly detailed. He’s now at Dulwich College and thriving!”
– Mr. James, Parent

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

• Parents who want a flexible, self-paced alternative to traditional tuition.
• Children preparing for grammar school Stage 2 exams or independent school entrance tests.
• Students who need targeted support with creative writing, grammar, and vocabulary.

Take the First Step Toward 11 Plus Success

Give your child the tools they need to stand out in their 11 Plus exams. With video tutorials, expert feedback, and practical resources, the Creative Writing Crash Course is designed to help your child succeed – and enjoy the process along the way.

👉 Sign Up for the Crash Course

With Geek School Tutoring, creative writing doesn’t have to be a hurdle – it can be your child’s strongest asset.