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…”

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll share proven techniques and practical advice to help your child craft introductions that stand out, along with tips on how you can support them at home.

Why Does the Opening Matter So Much?

As a parent, you know how important first impressions can be. The same applies to creative writing. Examiners often decide on the quality of a piece within the first few sentences. A strong opening demonstrates creativity, confidence, and technical ability, all of which are essential for top marks.

By starting with a powerful hook, your child can:

• Immediately engage the examiner.
• Set the tone for a polished, professional piece.
• Create momentum that carries through the rest of their writing.

Common Mistakes Children Make When Starting Their Writing

Before diving into what works, let’s address some common pitfalls that hold children back:

1. Generic Openings
   • Phrases like “Once upon a time” or “This story is about…” are overused and fail to captivate the reader.
2. Too Much Detail Too Soon
   • Diving straight into long-winded descriptions can confuse or overwhelm the examiner.
3. Ignoring the Prompt
   • Not tying the opening to the given prompt can lose valuable marks and make the writing seem disconnected.

By helping your child avoid these mistakes, you’ll set them on the right path to crafting a compelling introduction.

5 Techniques to Help Your Child Write a Strong Opening

1. Start with a Dramatic Sentence
Encourage your child to begin with something unexpected or intriguing. This could be an action, a statement, or a surprising observation. For example:

• “The last thing I expected to see in my garden was a glowing treasure chest.”
• “Thunder roared as I sprinted through the pouring rain, clutching the mysterious letter.”

This technique works particularly well for stories or recounts, instantly drawing the reader into the action.

2. Use Dialogue for Immediate Engagement
Dialogue can bring an opening to life and make it feel dynamic. For example:

• “‘Hurry!’ shouted Alex, his voice trembling with fear.”
• “‘I need to tell you something important,’ whispered Maya, her eyes wide with urgency.”

Make sure the dialogue connects to the rest of the story and sets the tone for what’s to come.

3. Paint a Vivid Scene with Sensory Details
Help your child use descriptive language to create a setting that immerses the reader. For example:

• “The marketplace buzzed with the hum of voices, the clink of coins, and the tantalising aroma of freshly baked bread.”
• “A cool breeze swept through the meadow, carrying the faint scent of lavender and the distant sound of chirping birds.”

This approach is ideal for descriptive writing tasks and helps your child demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary and imagery.

4. Pose an Intriguing Question
A thought-provoking question can immediately capture attention. For example:

• “What would you do if you found a map leading to a hidden treasure?”
• “Have you ever wondered what it feels like to fly?”

Encourage your child to tie the question back to the prompt or story theme for a seamless flow.

5. Start with a Flashback or Memory
Reflecting on a past event or jumping into the middle of the action can intrigue the reader and create curiosity. For example:

• “Looking back, I should have known the day would end in disaster.”
• “The library’s ancient doors creaked open, and I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary.”

This technique works well for recounts and diary entries, adding depth and perspective.

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

As a parent, your guidance can make a huge difference in your child’s writing confidence. Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Encourage Regular Practice
   Provide prompts and ask your child to write multiple introductions for the same story. Practising different techniques will help them find their voice.
2. Give Constructive Feedback
   Point out what works well in their writing and suggest areas for improvement. If you’re unsure where to start, our Creative Writing Crash Course and mini courses offer professional insights tailored to your child’s work.
3. Create a Word Bank Together
   Build a list of powerful opening phrases and descriptive words they can use in their writing.
4. Use Resources Like the Creative Writing Crash Course
   Our course includes step-by-step tutorials and personalised feedback to help children master introductions and beyond.

FAQs About Helping Your Child Write Introductions

Q: How much time should my child spend on the introduction?
A: Encourage them to spend about 5 minutes planning and writing their introduction. It should be concise – two to four sentences – and set the tone for the rest of the piece.

Q: What if my child struggles to come up with ideas?
A: Use prompts to spark their imagination. Our Crash Course provides practical exercises and creative prompts to inspire their writing.

Q: Should they always start with the same technique?
A: No. Variety is key. Teach your child to adapt their approach based on the prompt and the type of writing task.

Conclusion: Help Your Child Make a Great First Impression

Crafting a strong opening is one of the most important skills your child can develop for the 11 Plus creative writing section. With the right techniques, regular practice, and personalised feedback, they’ll be well-equipped to impress examiners and achieve their full potential.

If you’re looking for expert support, our Creative Writing Crash Cohttps://geekschool.mysamcart.com/checkout/creative-writing-crash-course#samcart-slide-open-righturse is designed to guide your child every step of the way. From engaging tutorials to our unique feedback system, we provide everything they need to excel.

👉 Sign Up for the Crash Course

Together, we can help your child shine on exam day!