20 Practice Essay Topics for the 11 Plus

11 Plus Essay, 11 Plus Writing

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.

Narrative Essay Topics

# **The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Why Every Story Needs It**  

Have you ever read a story where everything went perfectly, everyone got along, and nothing really *happened*? Probably not, because stories without **conflict** are… well, *boring*! Conflict is what keeps readers turning the pages. It creates *problems* for your characters to solve, *obstacles* to overcome, and *challenges* that push them to grow.  

In this post, we’ll explore why conflict is so important in storytelling, the different types of conflict you can use, and how to make sure your story keeps readers on the edge of their seats.  

## **1. What is Conflict in a Story?**  

Conflict is the *struggle* between opposing forces in your story. It’s what stops your character from reaching their goal and creates tension, drama, and excitement. Without conflict, there’s no story—just a series of events with no purpose.  

At its heart, conflict asks the question: **“What’s stopping the character from getting what they want?”**  

For example:  
- If your character wants to escape a haunted house, the conflict might be the locked doors and eerie shadows.  
- If your character wants to win a race, the conflict might be their fear of failure or a faster opponent.  

Conflict drives your story forward and makes readers *care* about what happens next.  

## **2. Why is Conflict Important in Storytelling?**  

Conflict does so much more than just make a story exciting. It serves several key purposes:  

- **It Creates Tension:** Readers want to see if your character will succeed or fail.  
- **It Builds Emotional Connection:** We root for characters who face tough challenges.  
- **It Reveals Character:** How characters react to conflict shows us who they really are.  
- **It Moves the Plot Forward:** Every obstacle pushes the story in a new direction.  

Without conflict, your story would feel flat, and readers wouldn’t have a reason to keep turning the pages.  

## **3. Types of Conflict in Stories**  

Not all conflicts are the same. Let’s look at the main types of conflict you can use in your stories.  

### **Person vs Person**  
This is when your character faces conflict with another character—like a rival, an enemy, or even a friend.  
**Example:** *Two treasure hunters race against each other to find a lost artefact.*  

### **Person vs Self**  
This happens when a character struggles with their own thoughts, emotions, or fears.  
**Example:** *A student battles self-doubt before a big competition.*  

### **Person vs Nature**  
Here, your character faces challenges from the natural world—like storms, wild animals, or harsh landscapes.  
**Example:** *A sailor tries to survive a violent storm at sea.*  

### **Person vs Society**  
This type of conflict happens when a character goes against societal rules, traditions, or expectations.  
**Example:** *A girl challenges an unfair law in her city.*  

### **Person vs Supernatural**  
Your character might face ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly powers.  
**Example:** *A boy must outsmart a ghost haunting his family home.*  

### **Person vs Technology**  
This involves conflict with machines, robots, or advanced technology.  
**Example:** *A group of scientists try to stop a rogue AI from taking over their lab.*  

Some stories might have *more than one* type of conflict, and that’s perfectly fine! The more layered the conflict, the richer your story will feel.  

## **4. Make the Stakes Clear**  

Conflict feels more intense when the *stakes* are high. Stakes are the *consequences* of success or failure. Ask yourself:  
- What happens if the character *fails*?  
- What happens if they *succeed*?  

For example:  
- If the character doesn’t stop the villain, the city will be destroyed.  
- If the character doesn’t speak up, they’ll lose their best friend forever.  

When the stakes are clear, readers understand why the conflict *matters*.  

## **5. Give Your Character a Goal**  

Conflict is only meaningful if your character has something they’re fighting for. A goal gives your character purpose and drives the story forward.  

Examples of goals might include:  
- Finding a missing family member  
- Winning a sports tournament  
- Overcoming a deep fear  

The conflict arises when something—or someone—stands in the way of that goal.  

## **6. Make the Conflict Personal**  

Conflict feels strongest when it’s *personal* to the character. It shouldn’t just be a random obstacle—it should *matter* to them on an emotional level.  

For example:  
- A doctor trying to save a stranger’s life is powerful.  
- But a doctor trying to save *their sibling’s life* feels even more intense.  

Ask yourself: Why does this conflict *matter* to your character? What will they lose if they fail?  

## **7. Build Conflict Gradually**  

Not every story starts with a huge battle or life-or-death moment. Sometimes, the conflict starts small and grows bigger as the story progresses.  

For example:  
- In a mystery story, the conflict might start with a single missing item.  
- In an adventure story, the conflict might start with a small clue that leads to something bigger.  

Gradually increasing the tension keeps readers hooked and invested.  

## **8. Create Obstacles and Challenges**  

Conflict isn’t just one big event—it’s a series of smaller challenges your character must face. Every obstacle should test your character in some way.  

For example:  
- In a treasure hunt, the character might face traps, rival hunters, and tricky puzzles.  
- In an emotional story, the character might face moments of doubt, fear, and heartbreak.  

Each obstacle should push the character closer to—or farther from—their goal.  

## **9. Let the Conflict Change Your Character**  

Conflict isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about *how* your character changes because of it. Great stories often show characters learning, growing, or discovering something about themselves.  

For example:  
- A shy character might learn to stand up for themselves.  
- A fearful character might learn to face their greatest fear.  

The best conflicts leave your characters—and your readers—changed by the end.  

## **10. Practise Writing Conflict**  

Conflict is one of the most important tools in storytelling, but it takes practice to use it effectively. Try these exercises:  
- Write a scene where two characters argue about something important.  
- Create a character who is afraid of something and write how they face their fear.  
- Write a story where the main conflict is between a character and nature.  

The more you practise, the more natural it will feel to add conflict to your stories.  

## **Bring Your Stories to Life with Conflict**  

Conflict is the beating heart of every great story. It’s what makes readers care, creates excitement, and keeps everyone wondering *what happens next*.  

Next time you write, ask yourself:  
- What does my character want?  
- What’s stopping them from getting it?  
- Why does it matter?  

11 Plus essay 11 Plus writing 11 Plus essay topic questions
  1. Write about a time you felt really proud of yourself.
  2. Describe an adventure you had in a mysterious forest.
  3. Write a story about finding a hidden treasure.
  4. Describe a day when everything went wrong.
  5. Write about a time you helped someone in need.
  6. Imagine you could talk to animals. Write about your day.
  7. Write a story about discovering a secret door in your home.

Descriptive Essay Topics

# **The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Why Every Story Needs It**  

Have you ever read a story where everything went perfectly, everyone got along, and nothing really *happened*? Probably not, because stories without **conflict** are… well, *boring*! Conflict is what keeps readers turning the pages. It creates *problems* for your characters to solve, *obstacles* to overcome, and *challenges* that push them to grow.  

In this post, we’ll explore why conflict is so important in storytelling, the different types of conflict you can use, and how to make sure your story keeps readers on the edge of their seats.  

## **1. What is Conflict in a Story?**  

Conflict is the *struggle* between opposing forces in your story. It’s what stops your character from reaching their goal and creates tension, drama, and excitement. Without conflict, there’s no story—just a series of events with no purpose.  

At its heart, conflict asks the question: **“What’s stopping the character from getting what they want?”**  

For example:  
- If your character wants to escape a haunted house, the conflict might be the locked doors and eerie shadows.  
- If your character wants to win a race, the conflict might be their fear of failure or a faster opponent.  

Conflict drives your story forward and makes readers *care* about what happens next.  

## **2. Why is Conflict Important in Storytelling?**  

Conflict does so much more than just make a story exciting. It serves several key purposes:  

- **It Creates Tension:** Readers want to see if your character will succeed or fail.  
- **It Builds Emotional Connection:** We root for characters who face tough challenges.  
- **It Reveals Character:** How characters react to conflict shows us who they really are.  
- **It Moves the Plot Forward:** Every obstacle pushes the story in a new direction.  

Without conflict, your story would feel flat, and readers wouldn’t have a reason to keep turning the pages.  

## **3. Types of Conflict in Stories**  

Not all conflicts are the same. Let’s look at the main types of conflict you can use in your stories.  

### **Person vs Person**  
This is when your character faces conflict with another character—like a rival, an enemy, or even a friend.  
**Example:** *Two treasure hunters race against each other to find a lost artefact.*  

### **Person vs Self**  
This happens when a character struggles with their own thoughts, emotions, or fears.  
**Example:** *A student battles self-doubt before a big competition.*  

### **Person vs Nature**  
Here, your character faces challenges from the natural world—like storms, wild animals, or harsh landscapes.  
**Example:** *A sailor tries to survive a violent storm at sea.*  

### **Person vs Society**  
This type of conflict happens when a character goes against societal rules, traditions, or expectations.  
**Example:** *A girl challenges an unfair law in her city.*  

### **Person vs Supernatural**  
Your character might face ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly powers.  
**Example:** *A boy must outsmart a ghost haunting his family home.*  

### **Person vs Technology**  
This involves conflict with machines, robots, or advanced technology.  
**Example:** *A group of scientists try to stop a rogue AI from taking over their lab.*  

Some stories might have *more than one* type of conflict, and that’s perfectly fine! The more layered the conflict, the richer your story will feel.  

## **4. Make the Stakes Clear**  

Conflict feels more intense when the *stakes* are high. Stakes are the *consequences* of success or failure. Ask yourself:  
- What happens if the character *fails*?  
- What happens if they *succeed*?  

For example:  
- If the character doesn’t stop the villain, the city will be destroyed.  
- If the character doesn’t speak up, they’ll lose their best friend forever.  

When the stakes are clear, readers understand why the conflict *matters*.  

## **5. Give Your Character a Goal**  

Conflict is only meaningful if your character has something they’re fighting for. A goal gives your character purpose and drives the story forward.  

Examples of goals might include:  
- Finding a missing family member  
- Winning a sports tournament  
- Overcoming a deep fear  

The conflict arises when something—or someone—stands in the way of that goal.  

## **6. Make the Conflict Personal**  

Conflict feels strongest when it’s *personal* to the character. It shouldn’t just be a random obstacle—it should *matter* to them on an emotional level.  

For example:  
- A doctor trying to save a stranger’s life is powerful.  
- But a doctor trying to save *their sibling’s life* feels even more intense.  

Ask yourself: Why does this conflict *matter* to your character? What will they lose if they fail?  

## **7. Build Conflict Gradually**  

Not every story starts with a huge battle or life-or-death moment. Sometimes, the conflict starts small and grows bigger as the story progresses.  

For example:  
- In a mystery story, the conflict might start with a single missing item.  
- In an adventure story, the conflict might start with a small clue that leads to something bigger.  

Gradually increasing the tension keeps readers hooked and invested.  

## **8. Create Obstacles and Challenges**  

Conflict isn’t just one big event—it’s a series of smaller challenges your character must face. Every obstacle should test your character in some way.  

For example:  
- In a treasure hunt, the character might face traps, rival hunters, and tricky puzzles.  
- In an emotional story, the character might face moments of doubt, fear, and heartbreak.  

Each obstacle should push the character closer to—or farther from—their goal.  

## **9. Let the Conflict Change Your Character**  

Conflict isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about *how* your character changes because of it. Great stories often show characters learning, growing, or discovering something about themselves.  

For example:  
- A shy character might learn to stand up for themselves.  
- A fearful character might learn to face their greatest fear.  

The best conflicts leave your characters—and your readers—changed by the end.  

## **10. Practise Writing Conflict**  

Conflict is one of the most important tools in storytelling, but it takes practice to use it effectively. Try these exercises:  
- Write a scene where two characters argue about something important.  
- Create a character who is afraid of something and write how they face their fear.  
- Write a story where the main conflict is between a character and nature.  

The more you practise, the more natural it will feel to add conflict to your stories.  

## **Bring Your Stories to Life with Conflict**  

Conflict is the beating heart of every great story. It’s what makes readers care, creates excitement, and keeps everyone wondering *what happens next*.  

Next time you write, ask yourself:  
- What does my character want?  
- What’s stopping them from getting it?  
- Why does it matter?  

11 Plus essay 11 Plus writing 11 Plus essay topic questions
  1. Describe your favourite place and why it’s special to you.
  2. Write a vivid description of a bustling market scene.
  3. Describe your perfect day from start to finish.
  4. Write about the view from the top of a mountain.
  5. Describe a stormy night in great detail.
  6. Write about the smell, sounds, and colours of spring.

Argumentative Essay Topics

# **The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Why Every Story Needs It**  

Have you ever read a story where everything went perfectly, everyone got along, and nothing really *happened*? Probably not, because stories without **conflict** are… well, *boring*! Conflict is what keeps readers turning the pages. It creates *problems* for your characters to solve, *obstacles* to overcome, and *challenges* that push them to grow.  

In this post, we’ll explore why conflict is so important in storytelling, the different types of conflict you can use, and how to make sure your story keeps readers on the edge of their seats.  

## **1. What is Conflict in a Story?**  

Conflict is the *struggle* between opposing forces in your story. It’s what stops your character from reaching their goal and creates tension, drama, and excitement. Without conflict, there’s no story—just a series of events with no purpose.  

At its heart, conflict asks the question: **“What’s stopping the character from getting what they want?”**  

For example:  
- If your character wants to escape a haunted house, the conflict might be the locked doors and eerie shadows.  
- If your character wants to win a race, the conflict might be their fear of failure or a faster opponent.  

Conflict drives your story forward and makes readers *care* about what happens next.  

## **2. Why is Conflict Important in Storytelling?**  

Conflict does so much more than just make a story exciting. It serves several key purposes:  

- **It Creates Tension:** Readers want to see if your character will succeed or fail.  
- **It Builds Emotional Connection:** We root for characters who face tough challenges.  
- **It Reveals Character:** How characters react to conflict shows us who they really are.  
- **It Moves the Plot Forward:** Every obstacle pushes the story in a new direction.  

Without conflict, your story would feel flat, and readers wouldn’t have a reason to keep turning the pages.  

## **3. Types of Conflict in Stories**  

Not all conflicts are the same. Let’s look at the main types of conflict you can use in your stories.  

### **Person vs Person**  
This is when your character faces conflict with another character—like a rival, an enemy, or even a friend.  
**Example:** *Two treasure hunters race against each other to find a lost artefact.*  

### **Person vs Self**  
This happens when a character struggles with their own thoughts, emotions, or fears.  
**Example:** *A student battles self-doubt before a big competition.*  

### **Person vs Nature**  
Here, your character faces challenges from the natural world—like storms, wild animals, or harsh landscapes.  
**Example:** *A sailor tries to survive a violent storm at sea.*  

### **Person vs Society**  
This type of conflict happens when a character goes against societal rules, traditions, or expectations.  
**Example:** *A girl challenges an unfair law in her city.*  

### **Person vs Supernatural**  
Your character might face ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly powers.  
**Example:** *A boy must outsmart a ghost haunting his family home.*  

### **Person vs Technology**  
This involves conflict with machines, robots, or advanced technology.  
**Example:** *A group of scientists try to stop a rogue AI from taking over their lab.*  

Some stories might have *more than one* type of conflict, and that’s perfectly fine! The more layered the conflict, the richer your story will feel.  

## **4. Make the Stakes Clear**  

Conflict feels more intense when the *stakes* are high. Stakes are the *consequences* of success or failure. Ask yourself:  
- What happens if the character *fails*?  
- What happens if they *succeed*?  

For example:  
- If the character doesn’t stop the villain, the city will be destroyed.  
- If the character doesn’t speak up, they’ll lose their best friend forever.  

When the stakes are clear, readers understand why the conflict *matters*.  

## **5. Give Your Character a Goal**  

Conflict is only meaningful if your character has something they’re fighting for. A goal gives your character purpose and drives the story forward.  

Examples of goals might include:  
- Finding a missing family member  
- Winning a sports tournament  
- Overcoming a deep fear  

The conflict arises when something—or someone—stands in the way of that goal.  

## **6. Make the Conflict Personal**  

Conflict feels strongest when it’s *personal* to the character. It shouldn’t just be a random obstacle—it should *matter* to them on an emotional level.  

For example:  
- A doctor trying to save a stranger’s life is powerful.  
- But a doctor trying to save *their sibling’s life* feels even more intense.  

Ask yourself: Why does this conflict *matter* to your character? What will they lose if they fail?  

## **7. Build Conflict Gradually**  

Not every story starts with a huge battle or life-or-death moment. Sometimes, the conflict starts small and grows bigger as the story progresses.  

For example:  
- In a mystery story, the conflict might start with a single missing item.  
- In an adventure story, the conflict might start with a small clue that leads to something bigger.  

Gradually increasing the tension keeps readers hooked and invested.  

## **8. Create Obstacles and Challenges**  

Conflict isn’t just one big event—it’s a series of smaller challenges your character must face. Every obstacle should test your character in some way.  

For example:  
- In a treasure hunt, the character might face traps, rival hunters, and tricky puzzles.  
- In an emotional story, the character might face moments of doubt, fear, and heartbreak.  

Each obstacle should push the character closer to—or farther from—their goal.  

## **9. Let the Conflict Change Your Character**  

Conflict isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about *how* your character changes because of it. Great stories often show characters learning, growing, or discovering something about themselves.  

For example:  
- A shy character might learn to stand up for themselves.  
- A fearful character might learn to face their greatest fear.  

The best conflicts leave your characters—and your readers—changed by the end.  

## **10. Practise Writing Conflict**  

Conflict is one of the most important tools in storytelling, but it takes practice to use it effectively. Try these exercises:  
- Write a scene where two characters argue about something important.  
- Create a character who is afraid of something and write how they face their fear.  
- Write a story where the main conflict is between a character and nature.  

The more you practise, the more natural it will feel to add conflict to your stories.  

## **Bring Your Stories to Life with Conflict**  

Conflict is the beating heart of every great story. It’s what makes readers care, creates excitement, and keeps everyone wondering *what happens next*.  

Next time you write, ask yourself:  
- What does my character want?  
- What’s stopping them from getting it?  
- Why does it matter?  

11 Plus essay 11 Plus writing 11 Plus essay topic questions
  1. Do you think school uniforms are necessary? Why or why not?
  2. Should children be allowed to use mobile phones in school?
  3. Is it better to have lots of friends or just one close friend?
  4. Should homework be banned? Why or why not?
  5. Is it better to read books or watch films? Explain your opinion.
  6. Should children have to do chores at home?
  7. Is it important to learn a second language? Why or why not?

These prompts cover a variety of styles and encourage students to think creatively, express their ideas clearly, and structure their essays effectively. Practising these regularly will help build confidence and prepare students for success in the 11 Plus exam.

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