Advice and Resources
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The Most Common 11+ Creative Writing Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
Every year, I read dozens – sometimes hundreds – of creative writing tasks written by children preparing for the 11 Plus. Some pieces sparkle with imagination and control. Others have potential but are held back by the same recurring issues. One of the most eye-opening exercises I do with parents during consultations is showing them
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11 Plus Writing Examples and Feedback: What Great Writing Actually Looks Like
One of the quickest ways to improve your child’s writing? Show them the difference between average and excellent. I’ve seen the lightbulb go on so many times – that moment where a child reads a powerful paragraph and says, “I could do that!” Let me walk you through a real example I use in my
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11 Plus Preparation for Year 4: How to Get a Head Start Without the Stress
When parents come to me asking when to start preparing for the 11 Plus, I always tell them the same thing: earlier is easier. Not earlier in the sense of drilling exam papers – but in creating the right habits and mindset. Year 4 is the sweet spot. It gives children time to grow into
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What Do Examiners Look for in the 11 Plus Creative Writing Task?
Over the years, I’ve had countless parents come to me feeling lost. Their child writes stories – sometimes even enjoys writing – but when it comes to the 11 Plus, they’re not producing good pieces of writing. I remember one mum telling me, “He’s imaginative – but we’re just not getting the ideas on paper
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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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