Advice and Resources
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How to Help Your Child Build Imagination for the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from mums is: “My child just isn’t imaginative. They hate making things up.” But the truth is, all children are imaginative – they just need help unlocking it in the right way, especially when it comes to creative writing for the 11 Plus. I once worked with a…
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Figurative Language in 11+ Writing: How to Use Similes, Metaphors and Personification
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.…
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Cracking the Code: Are Online Creative Writing Courses the Key to 11 Plus Exam Success?
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…
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10 Descriptive Writing Prompts for 11 Plus Practice at Home
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…
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10 Easy Ways to Build Better Settings in 11 Plus Creative Writing
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…
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11 Plus Story Planning Template: A Simple Structure Your Child Can Use in Every Exam
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.…
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How to Teach ‘Show Don’t Tell’ for the 11 Plus
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…
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Should I Worry If My Child Hates Writing?
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…
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Why SPaG Alone Won’t Secure a Top Mark in the 11 Plus Creative Writing Task
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…
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How Often Should My Child Practice 11 Plus Writing?
One of the biggest worries mums have when preparing their children for the 11 Plus is how much writing practice is enough. Some mums tell me their child writes every day, while others struggle to get one piece a week done – and feel guilty about it. Let me reassure you right now: it’s not…
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