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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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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 Long Should the 11 Plus Writing Task Be? (And What Matters More)
One of the most common questions I hear from mums is, “How long should my child’s 11 Plus writing be?” It’s a fair question – but also one that causes a lot of unnecessary stress. I remember one mum who came to me worried because her daughter was only writing half a page in timed
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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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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