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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 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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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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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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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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Grammar vs Independent School Writing Tasks: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to preparing for the 11 Plus, one question that often comes up is: “Is the writing task the same in grammar and independent school exams?” It’s an important question – because while both types of schools test writing, how they do it and what they expect can vary quite a bit. I
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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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Writing Dialogue That Feels Real and Natural
Dialogue is one of the most exciting parts of a story. It’s where your characters get to speak, reveal their personalities, and move the plot forward. But writing good dialogue isn’t just about putting words inside quotation marks—it’s about making conversations sound real, natural, and believable. Have you ever read dialogue in a book that