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.

I worked with a bright, hardworking boy a few years ago – his SPaG was spotless. Every full stop, capital letter and comma was in place. But he kept getting average marks. Why? His stories read more like reports than narratives. No emotion. No atmosphere. No voice. Once we focused on adding descriptive techniques, figurative language and a simple story structure, the transformation was incredible. His marks jumped into the top band – and he started to enjoy writing.

Let’s break down what else matters.

What Else Do Examiners Look For?

1. Structure

A clear beginning, middle and end is essential. If a story feels rushed, meanders without direction, or ends abruptly, marks will drop – no matter how neat the SPaG.

Try this: Teach your child to plan using five quick points: setting, character, problem, climax, and resolution.

2. Style and Voice

Children who can write with a strong voice – one that sounds natural and expressive – stand out. It makes the story feel alive.

Try this: Get your child to say their story out loud first. If it sounds engaging, they’re on the right track.

3. Description and Figurative Language

Descriptive writing shows the marker that your child can paint pictures with words. It’s about using similes, metaphors, and sensory detail.

Try this: Challenge your child to describe a place without naming it directly. Can they help you feel the setting?

4. Creativity and Imagination

Your child doesn’t need wild plots – just a unique take or a memorable twist. A little surprise can make a big difference.

Try this: Ask them to take a well-known story and flip it – what if the villain was misunderstood?

Where SPaG Still Counts

Of course, spelling, punctuation and grammar are important. If they’re missing full stops or struggling with sentence structure, it’s harder to follow their writing. But it’s just one part of the puzzle.

Think of SPaG like the scaffolding. It holds everything together – but it’s not the finished building.

What Examiners Are Really Looking For

The top marks go to stories that demonstrate:

• Technical control (SPaG)
• Structure and progression
• Voice and flair
• Effective vocabulary and figurative language
• A story that sticks with the reader

So if your child’s writing ticks all those boxes, they’re far more likely to achieve a high score – not just because their punctuation is correct.

Your Next Step

If your child is relying on SPaG alone, they could be missing out on valuable marks – even if they’re trying their best.

Inside the Creative Writing Crash Course, I walk children through everything that matters for 11 Plus success: story structure, engaging openings, powerful description, similes, personification – and yes, solid SPaG too. It’s all taught in a way that builds confidence, step by step.

Start the Crash Course today and give your child the skills that truly matter in the writing paper.