Advice and Resources
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20 Practice Essay Topics for the 11 Plus
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…
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Using Symbolism to Add Depth to Your Stories
Have you ever noticed how some stories feel like they have hidden treasures buried beneath the surface? A red rose might represent love, a storm might represent chaos, and a locked door might symbolise a secret. This is called symbolism—when something in a story represents a deeper meaning beyond its obvious appearance. Symbolism is like…
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Exploring Different Writing Styles: Finding Your Unique Voice
Every writer has a voice. It’s the special way you tell a story, the words you choose, and the way your sentences flow. Have you ever read something and thought, “Wow, I know exactly who wrote this!”? That’s because the author’s voice was clear and strong. Finding your unique writing style can feel tricky at…
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How to Build Tension and Suspense in Your Writing
Have you ever read a story where you just couldn’t stop turning the pages? Where every word made your heart race, and you couldn’t wait to find out what happened next? That’s the power of tension and suspense. These tools are what keep readers glued to your story, eager to see what happens next. But…
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Creating Atmosphere: Using Words to Set the Mood
Have you ever read a story that made you feel nervous, excited, or even peaceful just from the way it was described? That’s the power of atmosphere. Atmosphere is the feeling or mood you create in your story through your words, descriptions, and tone. Whether it’s a spooky haunted house, a bright summer’s day, or…
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How to Plan and Write a Winning 11 Plus Essay
The 11 Plus exam is a significant milestone for children aiming to secure a place in selective grammar or independent schools. Among its various components, the essay writing task often feels like the most challenging. However, with the right preparation, structure, and mindset, your child can excel and approach this task with confidence. In this…
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How to Help Your Child Start an 11 Plus Creative Writing Piece That Hooks the Examiner
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…
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Creative Writing Crash Course for 11 Plus Success: Bespoke Marking and Feedback System
Supporting Families Across the UK and Globally Preparing for the creative writing component of the 11 Plus exams can be overwhelming for parents and children alike. Whether it’s a grammar school Stage 2 exam or an independent school entrance assessment, creative writing requires a unique blend of creativity, structure, and technical skill. At Geek School…
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The Importance of Backstory: How to Reveal It Naturally in 11 Plus Essays
When you’re writing an essay for the 11 Plus exam, especially if it’s a narrative or descriptive piece, your characters and settings need to feel real and believable. One of the best ways to achieve this is through a well-crafted backstory. But what is backstory, and how do you include it in your writing without…
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Expert 11 Plus Creative Writing Tuition in Bromley and Lewisham
We’ve been helping local Bromley and Lewisham pupils get a place at their dream grammar or independent school for more than a decade. If you’re a parent in Bromley or Lewisham, you know how competitive the 11 Plus exams can be. The creative writing component is one of the most challenging but critical parts of…
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