The creative writing section of the 11 Plus exam can be one of the most challenging for children. But with a few key strategies, your child can improve their writing skills and significantly boost their chances of success. Below are some tried-and-tested techniques to help your child shine in their creative writing tasks.

Show, Don’t Tell

One of the golden rules of creative writing is: Show, don’t tell. Instead of simply telling the reader what’s happening, help them see it through vivid descriptions and sensory details.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “Ben was scared,” try, “Ben’s hands trembled, and his breath came in short, sharp gasps.”

Encourage your child to paint pictures with their words.

Plan Before Writing

Jumping straight into writing might seem tempting, but a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. Encourage your child to:

• Outline their story structure (beginning, middle, end).
• Identify the key characters and their roles.
• Decide on the central conflict or theme of the story.

A simple five-minute plan can prevent them from getting stuck halfway through.

Use Dialogue Effectively

Dialogue isn’t just about characters speaking—it’s a powerful tool to reveal personality, move the story forward, and create engagement.

• Keep dialogue natural and relevant to the plot.
• Use speech tags (he whispered, she shouted) to add emotion.
• Avoid overusing adverbs in dialogue tags (he said angrily can often be shown through the words spoken instead).

Add Sensory Details

The best stories immerse the reader in the scene. Encourage your child to incorporate the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to bring their story to life.

• Instead of, “The cake was delicious,” try, “The warm chocolate melted on her tongue, leaving a rich, sweet aftertaste.”

Small details make a big difference.

Vary Sentence Structure

Too many short sentences can make writing feel choppy, while overly long sentences can make it hard to follow. Encourage variety:

• Mix short and long sentences for rhythm.
• Use rhetorical questions for impact.
• Start sentences differently to avoid repetition.

Strong Openings and Endings

The opening sets the tone, and the ending leaves a lasting impression. Encourage your child to:

• Start with an exciting moment, a question, or a bold statement.
• End with resolution or a thought-provoking conclusion.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Creative writing is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with regular practice. Encourage your child to write often—short stories, journal entries, or even fun creative prompts.

Success in the creative writing section of the 11 Plus exam isn’t just about talent—it’s about technique, preparation, and confidence. By mastering these strategies, your child will be equipped to tackle any writing prompt with skill and flair.

With the right guidance and practice, your child won’t just pass—they’ll  impress the markers and get that one step closer to getting an offer at their dream grammar or independent school.