As a parent, you might feel the pressure of preparing your child for the creative writing section of the 11 Plus exams. It’s not just about helping them write – it’s about helping them think creatively, organise their ideas, and develop their storytelling skills.
But let’s be honest: coming up with fresh, engaging ideas for your child to practise with isn’t easy, especially when you’re juggling so much already. That’s where creative writing prompts come in.
In this guide, we’ll share ten inspiring writing prompts that you can use to get your child writing with confidence. Plus, we’ll explain how these exercises tie directly into the skills examiners look for – and how Geek School Tutoring can help your child master them.
Why Are Creative Writing Prompts Useful?
Creative writing prompts act as a springboard for ideas. They help your child avoid the dreaded blank page syndrome by giving them a starting point to build on.
But more importantly, they encourage critical thinking and imagination. When your child learns how to approach a variety of prompts, they’re better equipped to handle whatever task they’re given in the actual exam – whether it’s story writing, descriptive writing, or a diary entry.
10 Creative Writing Prompts to Get Started
Here are ten prompts designed to stretch your child’s imagination and develop the skills they’ll need for 11 Plus exams:
- The Mysterious Key
- Prompt: You find an old, rusty key hidden under a tree in the park. What does it open, and what happens when you use it?
- Why It Helps: Encourages descriptive writing and storytelling.
- The Best Day Ever
- Prompt: Write a diary entry about the best day of your life. What made it so special?
- Why It Helps: Practises reflective writing and using a personal tone.
- The Forest Encounter
- Prompt: You’re walking through a forest and meet a magical creature. What does it look like? What does it say?
- Why It Helps: Builds skills in description and dialogue.
- The Unexpected Visitor
- Prompt: One rainy evening, a stranger knocks on your door. Who are they, and why are they there?
- Why It Helps: Develops suspense and characterisation.
- The New Invention
- Prompt: Imagine you’ve invented something that changes the world. What is it, and how does it work?
- Why It Helps: Encourages originality and explanatory writing.
- The Stormy Night
- Prompt: Write a story about a stormy night where something surprising happens.
- Why It Helps: Practises sensory description and creating atmosphere.
- A Letter to the Future
- Prompt: Write a letter to yourself 10 years from now. What advice or messages would you include?
- Why It Helps: Encourages introspection and thoughtful writing.
- The Mysterious Package
- Prompt: A package arrives at your house with no name on it. What’s inside, and what happens next?
- Why It Helps: Builds skills in suspense and plot development.
- The Lost Treasure
- Prompt: You and your best friend discover a treasure map. Where does it lead, and what do you find?
- Why It Helps: Combines storytelling and adventure writing.
- The Magical Day
- Prompt: Imagine you wake up with the ability to fly. How do you spend your day?
- Why It Helps: Encourages creativity and detailed description.
How to Use These Prompts Effectively to Help Your Child Improve Their Writing
- Set a Timer: Encourage your child to write within a set time limit (e.g., 20–30 minutes) to mimic exam conditions.
- Focus on Structure: Remind them to plan their work before they begin, using an introduction, main body, and conclusion.
- Encourage Reflection: After writing, have your child read their work aloud and think about what they could improve.
Why Feedback On Your Child’s Writing Matters
While creative writing prompts are great for practice, feedback is what truly drives improvement. Without it, your child might continue to make the same mistakes—or miss opportunities to develop their strengths.
That’s where our <a href="https://courses.geekschool.co.uk/course-9a288e8c-53e7-4b78-a86e-8958c34d0d55" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Writing Crash Course</a> and £5 ‘10 Lines Marking‘ offer come in:
- Personalised Feedback: Our tutors provide detailed comments on your child’s work, highlighting areas for improvement and showing them how to build on their strengths.
- Graded and Video-Marked Work: Unlike traditional tuition, your child can keep our feedback and refer back to it whenever they need it. It’s like having an examiner guiding them every step of the way.
- Targeted Lessons: Our course teaches your child how to approach different types of creative writing tasks with exercises that directly tie into these prompts.
FAQs About Creative Writing for the 11 Plus
Q: How often should my child practise creative writing?
Consistency is key. Even practising once or twice a week can make a big difference, especially with focused feedback to guide their progress.
Q: What if my child struggles to finish their writing on time?
Time management is a common challenge, but it can be improved with practice. Encourage your child to spend 5 minutes planning, 20 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing their work.
Q: How do I know if my child’s writing is improving?
Look for signs like more varied vocabulary, stronger structure, and fewer grammar mistakes. Our marking services can also give you a clear picture of their progress.
Let’s Help Your Child Shine in the 11 Plus Exams
You don’t have to navigate the 11 Plus creative writing journey alone. With tools like these prompts, personalised feedback, and the structured support of our Creative Writing Crash Course, your child will be well on their way to success.
Together, we can help your child unlock their creative potential and walk into their exams with confidence.