When it comes to preparing for the 11 Plus, one question that often comes up is: “Is the writing task the same in grammar and independent school exams?” It’s an important question – because while both types of schools test writing, how they do it and what they expect can vary quite a bit.
I remember working with a mum whose son was sitting for both grammar and independent school exams. She was overwhelmed trying to prepare him for everything. The truth is, you don’t need two completely separate prep plans – but you do need to know what makes each exam style different so your child can adapt with confidence.
So if you’re wondering how these two writing tasks compare, let me walk you through the key differences – and how you can help your child prepare for both with confidence.
What Grammar Schools Expect in the Writing Task
Grammar school writing tasks are usually short and time-limited – sometimes just 20 or 25 minutes. The focus is on getting straight to the point, showing strong technique quickly, and staying within a tight word count.
The prompts tend to be fairly straightforward. Common types include:
- Story writing (based on a prompt or picture)
- Descriptive writing (describe a scene or moment)
- Recount writing (retell a real or imagined experience)
What they’re looking for:
- Clear structure (beginning, middle, end)
- Strong vocabulary and sentence variation
- One or two language devices used effectively
- SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) accuracy
Speed and control matter more than length. It’s about showing off your writing skills in a focused, confident way.
What Independent Schools Are Looking For
Independent schools often set longer and more open-ended tasks. Your child might be given up to 40 minutes to write, and the prompts can be more creative or unusual. They can be any of the 14 different writing tasks, but the following are commonly used:
- Write a persuasive letter or speech
- Respond to a passage with a continuation or alternative ending
- Write from a particular character’s point of view
- Describe an emotional experience in vivid detail
They’re not just looking for basic ability – they want flair. They want to see your child think imaginatively and write with originality, voice and control.
The bar is higher. And because many applicants are tutored or prepped intensely, schools use the writing task to filter out those who can actually write – and not just regurgitate rehearsed phrases.
How to Prepare for Both (Without Overwhelm)
The key to preparing for both grammar and independent school writing tasks is to build a strong writing foundation first, and then tailor practice depending on your target schools.
Here’s how:
1. Start with the Essentials
Make sure your child can:
- Plan a story or description quickly
- Use similes, metaphors and personification naturally
- Vary their sentence structure
- Write with clarity and purpose
The Creative Writing Crash Course is ideal for this. It teaches all the core skills your child needs, through structured, child-friendly lessons that build confidence and ability.
2. Practise Different Task Types
Once the foundations are in place, begin mixing in:
- Persuasive writing (covered in the Transactional Writing Mini Course)
- Diary entries and letters (great for recount-style prompts – see the Recount Writing Mini Course)
- Descriptive tasks (visual prompts, emotional scenes – try the Descriptive Writing Mini Course)
If your child is sitting independent school exams, definitely make room for these.
3. Use Timed Practice (Wisely)
Grammar school papers often require quick thinking and fast writing. So, closer to exam time, introduce regular 20–25 minute timed tasks. Teach your child to plan in 2–3 minutes, write with pace, and leave 5 minutes to edit.
For independent schools, focus more on depth and control. Let your child stretch out their writing with longer tasks and more emphasis on language.
4. Get Feedback That Helps
No matter which type of school your child is aiming for, the fastest way to improve is through expert feedback. That’s why the Creative Writing Crash Course includes a personalised marking option – where your child can submit their writing and receive detailed video feedback from an experienced tutor.
This kind of support takes the guesswork out of writing prep.
Your Next Steps
The grammar school writing task is about efficiency and control. The independent school writing task is about flair and depth.
If your child can write clearly, structure their work, use creative techniques naturally and adapt to different styles, they’ll be ready for either.
Start with the Creative Writing Crash Course and build a writing foundation that prepares your child for any 11 Plus exam – and beyond.
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