Figurative language can completely transform a child’s writing – but only when it’s used well. I’ve marked thousands of 11 Plus stories over the years, and one of the biggest things that separates a middle-band script from a top-band one is the writer’s ability to bring their description to life with similes, metaphors and personification.

I once worked with a boy in Year 5 who had memorised a long list of ‘fancy’ similes. He’d sprinkle them through every story – even if they didn’t make sense. One of his sentences described a peaceful garden as “as loud as a thunderstorm.” When I asked why, he said, “Because I thought the simile would get me more marks.”

If you’re wondering whether an online creative writing course can actually make a difference in your child’s 11 Plus preparation – you’re not alone. I’ve had so many mums ask me, “Can an online course really help my child write better?” The answer? Absolutely – if it’s done right.

I’ve seen children who once froze at the sight of a blank page go on to write fluent, vivid stories – all thanks to the structure, confidence, and consistency that an online course provides.

Helping your child improve their descriptive writing for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. In fact, it can be one of the most creative and enjoyable parts of your child’s preparation – especially when you have the right prompts to spark their imagination.

I’ve worked with hundreds of children preparing for grammar and independent school writing tasks, and the one thing that consistently boosts their confidence? Practising descriptive writing in a low-pressure, consistent way. A little and often really does go a long way.

Have you ever read your child’s story and thought, “This is good, but I can’t really picture where it’s happening”? You’re not alone. One of the most overlooked parts of 11 Plus writing is setting – but it’s also one of the most powerful tools to improve a child’s score.

I once worked with a lovely Year 5 boy who had a great imagination. But all his stories started the same way: “One day, I went to the park” or “It was a sunny morning.”

When it comes to 11 Plus creative writing, planning often gets forgotten – especially when time is tight. But here’s the truth: children who take just a few minutes to plan their stories always produce stronger, more structured writing.

I remember working with a Year 5 boy who used to dive straight into his stories. His ideas were good, but the endings often fizzled out, and the plots went off track. Once we introduced a simple planning method, everything changed. His writing became more focused – and his confidence soared.

One of the most powerful ways to transform your child’s creative writing is to help them master the skill of “show, don’t tell.” It’s also one of the most misunderstood techniques – especially when children are preparing for the 11 Plus.

I once worked with a Year 5 girl who always wrote things like “She was sad,” or “He was angry.” The meaning was clear, but the writing lacked any emotional depth. After a few simple lessons on how to show what those emotions looked like – in the body, the face, the actions – her writing became so much more powerful. She didn’t need fancy vocabulary. She just needed to show what the character was feeling, not state it plainly.

Let me show you how to teach your child the same.

I want to say this right from the start: you’re not alone. So many mums tell me their child hates writing. It’s the part of the 11 Plus they dread the most. And it’s understandable – writing is one of the hardest skills to develop, and when a child doesn’t feel confident, they naturally avoid it.

I remember a year 5 boy I worked with who told me, flat out, “I hate writing. I’d rather do three maths papers than one story.” But after a few weeks of short, fun exercises and confidence-boosting feedback, that same boy came to our session and said, “Can I show you the story I wrote at home – just for fun?”

One of the biggest myths I hear from mums preparing their children for the 11 Plus is this: “As long as their SPaG is good, they’ll be fine in the writing paper.”

I understand why so many believe this. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are absolutely important – they form the backbone of good writing. But if you want your child to shine in the 11 Plus creative writing task, SPaG alone isn’t enough. There’s so much more that examiners are looking for.