11+ creative writing guide with 50 example topics and prompts
by Hayley | Nov 17, 2022 | Exams , Writing | 0 comments
The 11+ exam is a school entrance exam taken in the academic year that a child in the UK turns eleven.
These exams are highly competitive, with multiple students battling for each school place awarded.
The 11 plus exam isn’t ‘one thing’, it varies in its structure and composition across the country. A creative writing task is included in nearly all of the 11 plus exams, and parents are often confused about what’s being tested.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the plot of your child’s writing task is important. It is not.
The real aim of the 11+ creative writing task is to showcase your child’s writing skills and techniques.
And that’s why preparation is so important.
This guide begins by answering all the FAQs that parents have about the 11+ creative writing task.
At the end of the article I give my best tips & strategies for preparing your child for the 11+ creative writing task , along with 50 fiction and non-fiction creative writing prompts from past papers you can use to help your child prepare. You’ll also want to check out my 11+ reading list , because great readers turn into great writers.
Do all 11+ exams include a writing task?
Not every 11+ exam includes a short story component, but many do. Usually 3 to 5 different prompts are given for the child to choose between and they are not always ‘creative’ (fiction) pieces. One or more non-fiction options might be given for children who prefer writing non-fiction to fiction.
Timings and marking vary from test to test. For example, the Kent 11+ Test gives students 10 minutes for planning followed by 30 minutes for writing. The Medway 11+ Test gives 60 minutes for writing with ‘space allowed’ on the answer booklet for planning.
Tasks vary too. In the Kent Test a handful of stimuli are given, whereas 11+ students in Essex are asked to produce two individually set paragraphs. The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CCSE) includes 2 creative writing paragraphs inside a 60-minute English exam.
Throughout the UK each 11+ exam has a different set of timings and papers based around the same themes. Before launching into any exam preparation it is essential to know the content and timing of your child’s particular writing task.
However varied and different these writing tasks might seem, there is one key element that binds them.
The mark scheme.
Although we can lean on previous examples to assess how likely a short story or a non-fiction tasks will be set, it would be naïve to rely completely on the content of past papers. Contemporary 11+ exams are designed to be ‘tutor-proof’ – meaning that the exam boards like to be unpredictable.
In my online writing club for kids , we teach a different task each week (following a spiral learning structure based on 10 set tasks). One task per week is perfected as the student moves through the programme of content, and one-to-one expert feedback ensures progression. This equips our writing club members to ‘write effectively for a range of purposes’ as stated in the English schools’ teacher assessment framework.
This approach ensures that students approaching a highly competitive entrance exam will be confident of the mark scheme (and able to meet its demands) for any task set.
Will my child have a choice of prompts to write from or do they have to respond to a single prompt, without a choice?
This varies. In the Kent Test there are usually 5 options given. The purpose is to gather a writing sample from each child in case of a headteacher appeal. A range of options should allow every child to showcase what they can do.
In Essex, two prescriptive paragraphs are set as part of an hour-long English paper that includes comprehension and vocabulary work. In Essex, there is no option to choose the subject matter.
The Medway Test just offers a single prompt for a whole hour of writing. Sometimes it is a creative piece. Recently it was a marketing leaflet.
The framework for teaching writing in English schools demands that in order to ‘exceed expectations’ or better, achieve ‘greater depth’, students need to be confident writing for a multitude of different purposes.
In what circumstances is a child’s creative writing task assessed?
In Essex (east of the UK) the two prescriptive writing tasks are found inside the English exam paper. They are integral to the exam and are assessed as part of this.
In Medway (east Kent in the South East) the writing task is marked and given a raw score. This is then adjusted for age and double counted. Thus, the paper is crucial to a pass.
In the west of the county of Kent there is a different system. The Kent Test has a writing task that is only marked in appeal cases. If a child dips below the passmark their school is allowed to put together a ‘headteacher’s appeal’. At this point – before the score is communicated to the parent (and probably under cover of darkness) the writing sample is pulled out of a drawer and assessed.
I’ve been running 11+ tutor clubs for years. Usually about 1% of my students passed at headteacher’s appeal.
Since starting the writing club, however, the number of students passing at appeal has gone up considerably. In recent years it’s been more like 5% of students passing on the strength of their writing sample.
What are the examiners looking for when they’re marking a student’s creative writing?
In England, the government has set out a framework for marking creative writing. There are specific ‘pupil can’ statements to assess whether a student is ‘working towards the expected standard,’ ‘working at the expected standard’ or ‘working at greater depth’.
Members of the headteacher panel assessing the writing task are given a considerable number of samples to assess at one time. These expert teachers have a clear understanding of the framework for marking, but will not be considering or discussing every detail of the writing sample as you might expect.
Schools are provided with a report after the samples have been assessed. This is very brief indeed. Often it will simply say ‘lack of precise vocabulary’ or ‘confused paragraphing.’
So there is no mark scheme as such. They won’t be totting up your child’s score to see if they have reached a given target. They are on the panel because of their experience, and they have a short time to make an instant judgement.
Does handwriting matter?
Handwriting is assessed in primary schools. Thus it is an element of the assessment framework the panel uses as a basis for their decision.
If the exam is very soon, then don’t worry if your child is not producing immaculate, cursive handwriting. The focus should simply be on making it well-formed and legible. Every element of the assessment framework does not need to be met and legible writing will allow the panel to read the content with ease.
Improve presentation quickly by offering a smooth rollerball pen instead of a pencil. Focus on fixing individual letters and praising your child for any hint of effort. The two samples below are from the same boy a few months apart. Small changes have transformed the look and feel:
Sample 1: First piece of work when joining the writing club
Sample 2: This is the same boy’s improved presentation and content
How long should the short story be.
First, it is not a short story as such—it is a writing sample. Your child needs to showcase their skills but there are no extra marks for finishing (or marks deducted for a half-finished piece).
For a half hour task, you should prepare your child to produce up to 4 paragraphs of beautifully crafted work. Correct spelling and proper English grammar is just the beginning. Each paragraph should have a different purpose to showcase the breadth and depth of their ability. A longer – 60 minute – task might have 5 paragraphs but rushing is to be discouraged. Considered and interesting paragraphs are so valuable, a shorter piece would be scored more highly than a rushed and dull longer piece.
I speak from experience. A while ago now I was a marker for Key Stage 2 English SATs Papers (taken in Year 6 at 11 years old). Hundreds of scripts were deposited on my doorstep each morning by DHL. There was so much work for me to get through that I came to dread long, rambling creative pieces. Some children can write pages and pages of repetitive nothingness. Ever since then, I have looked for crafted quality and am wary of children judging their own success by the number of lines competed.
Take a look at the piece of writing below. It’s an excellent example of a well-crafted piece.
Each paragraph is short, but the writer is skilful.
He used rich and precisely chosen vocabulary, he’s broken the text into natural paragraphs, and in the second paragraph he is beginning to vary his sentence openings. There is a sense of control to the sentences – the sentence structure varies with shorter and longer examples to manage tension. It is exciting to read, with a clear awareness of his audience. Punctuation is accurate and appropriate.
11+ creative writing example story
How important is it to revise for a creative writing task.
It is important.
Every student should go into their 11+ writing task with a clear paragraph plan secured. As each paragraph has a separate purpose – to showcase a specific skill – the plan should reflect this. Built into the plan is a means of flexing it, to alter the order of the paragraphs if the task demands it. There’s no point having a Beginning – Middle – End approach, as there’s nothing useful there to guide the student to the mark scheme.
Beyond this, my own students have created 3 – 5 stories that fit the same tight plan. However, the setting, mood and action are all completely different. This way a bank of rich vocabulary has already been explored and a technique or two of their own that fits the piece beautifully. These can be drawn upon on the day to boost confidence and give a greater sense of depth and consideration to their timed sample.
Preparation, rather than revision in its classic form, is the best approach. Over time, even weeks or months before the exam itself, contrasting stories are written, improved upon, typed up and then tweaked further as better ideas come to mind. Each of these meets the demands of the mark scheme (paragraphing, varied sentence openings, rich vocabulary choices, considered imagery, punctuation to enhance meaning, development of mood etc).
To ensure your child can write confidently at and above the level expected of them, drop them into my weekly weekly online writing club for the 11+ age group . The club marking will transform their writing, and quickly.
What is the relationship between the English paper and the creative writing task?
Writing is usually marked separately from any comprehension or grammar exercises in your child’s particular 11+ exam. Each exam board (by area/school) adapts the arrangement to suit their needs. Some have a separate writing test, others build it in as an element of their English paper (usually alongside a comprehension, punctuation and spelling exercise).
Although there is no creative writing task in the ISEB Common Pre-test, those who are not offered an immediate place at their chosen English public school are often invited back to complete a writing task at a later date. Our ISEB Common Pre-test students join the writing club in the months before the exam, first to tidy up the detail and second to extend the content.
What if my child has a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, ASD)?
Most exam boards pride themselves on their inclusivity. They will expect you to have a formal report from a qualified professional at the point of registration for the test. This needs to be in place and the recommendations will be considered by a panel. If your child needs extra arrangements on the day they may be offered (it isn’t always the case). More importantly, if they drop below a pass on one or more papers you will have a strong case for appeal.
Children with a specific learning difficulty often struggle with low confidence in their work and low self-esteem. The preparations set out above, and a kids writing club membership will allow them to go into the exam feeling positive and empowered. If they don’t achieve a pass at first, the writing sample will add weight to their appeal.
Tips and strategies for writing a high-scoring creative writing paper
- Read widely for pleasure. Read aloud to your child if they are reluctant.
- Create a strong paragraph plan where each paragraph has a distinct purpose.
- Using the list of example questions below, discuss how each could be written in the form of your paragraph plan.
- Write 3-5 stories with contrasting settings and action – each one must follow your paragraph plan. Try to include examples of literary devices and figurative language (metaphor, simile) but avoid clichés.
- Tidy up your presentation. Write with a good rollerball pen on A4 lined paper with a printed margin. Cross out with a single horizontal line and banish doodling or scribbles.
- Join the writing club for a 20-minute Zoom task per week with no finishing off or homework. An expert English teacher will mark the work personally on video every Friday and your child’s writing will be quickly transformed.
Pressed for time? Here’s a paragraph plan to follow.
At Griffin Teaching we have an online writing club for students preparing for the 11 plus creative writing task . We’ve seen first-hand what a difference just one or two months of weekly practice can make.
That said, we know that a lot of people reading this page are up against a hard deadline with an 11+ exam date fast approaching.
If that’s you (or your child), what you need is a paragraph plan.
Here’s one tried-and-true paragraph plan that we teach in our clubs. Use this as you work your way through some of the example prompts below.
11+ creative writing paragraph plan
Paragraph 1—description.
Imagine standing in the location and describe what is above the main character, what is below their feet, what is to their left and right, and what is in the distance. Try to integrate frontend adverbials into this paragraph (frontend adverbials are words or phrases used at the beginning of a sentence to describe what follows—e.g. When the fog lifted, he saw… )
Paragraph 2—Conversation
Create two characters who have different roles (e.g. site manager and student, dog walker and lost man) and write a short dialogue between them. Use what we call the “sandwich layout,” where the first person says something and you describe what they are doing while they are saying it. Add in further descriptions (perhaps of the person’s clothing or expression) before starting a new line where the second character gives a simple answer and you provide details about what the second character is doing as they speak.
Paragraph 3—Change the mood
Write three to four sentences that change the mood of the writing sample from light to gloomy or foreboding. You could write about a change in the weather or a change in the lighting of the scene. Another approach is to mention how a character reacts to the change in mood, for example by pulling their coat collar up to their ears.
Paragraph 4—Shock your reader
A classic approach is to have your character die unexpectedly in the final sentence. Or maybe the ceiling falls?
11+ creative writing questions from real papers—fictional prompts
- The day the storm came
- The day the weather changed
- The snowstorm
- The rainy day
- A sunny day out
- A foggy (or misty) day
- A day trip to remember
- The first day
- The day everything changed
- The mountain
- The hillside
- The old house
- The balloon
- The old man
- The accident
- The unfamiliar sound
- A weekend away
- Moving house
- A family celebration
- An event you remember from when you were young
- An animal attack
- The school playground at night
- The lift pinged and the door opened. I could not believe what was inside…
- “Run!” he shouted as he thundered across the sand…
- It was getting late as I dug in my pocket for the key to the door. “Hurry up!” she shouted from inside.
- I know our back garden very well, but I was surprised how different it looked at midnight…
- The red button on the wall has a sign on it saying, ‘DO NOT TOUCH.’ My little sister leant forward and hit it hard with her hand. What happened next?
- Digging down into the soft earth, the spade hit something metal…
- Write a story which features the stopping of time.
- Write a story which features an unusual method of transport.
- The cry in the woods
- Write a story which features an escape
11+ creative writing questions from real papers—non-fiction prompts
- Write a thank you letter for a present you didn’t want.
- You are about to interview someone for a job. Write a list of questions you would like to ask the applicant.
- Write a letter to complain about the uniform at your school.
- Write a leaflet to advertise your home town.
- Write a thank you letter for a holiday you didn’t enjoy.
- Write a letter of complaint to the vet after an unfortunate incident in the waiting room.
- Write a set of instructions explaining how to make toast.
- Describe the room you are in.
- Describe a person who is important to you.
- Describe your pet or an animal you know well.
Mastering Creative Writing 11 Plus: Essential Strategies & Examples
Struggling with preparing your child for the 11 Plus creative writing exam? Fear not. This definitive guide offers proven strategies, vital skills insight, and inspiring examples to ensure young writers are primed for success. No fluff, just actionable advice for mastering the creative writing 11 plus exam .
Key Takeaways
- The 11 Plus creative writing exam assesses a wide range of skills including story structure, vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to engage and evoke emotions in the reader, forming a significant part of the 11 Plus English exam.
- Skills crucial for success in the exam include a strong vocabulary and grammar, well-planned and structured writing, the use of sensory details and literary devices , as well as crafting memorable characters and incorporating various types of writing tasks.
- Preparation for the 11 Plus creative writing exam should involve understanding test requirements, regular practice, receiving feedback, employing time management strategies during the exam, and utilizing resources like books, worksheets, and personalized tuition.
Understanding the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam
The 11 Plus creative writing exam is designed to evaluate a student’s ability to produce engaging and well-structured written work.
It focuses on their narrative and language skills, assessing their:
- Punctuation
- Complex sentence structure
Examiners look for evidence of planning, creativity, and an extensive vocabulary as the backbone of a well-crafted story.
So, what does this mean for your child? It means that the creative writing exam is more than just a test of writing ability. It’s an assessment of how well they can craft a story, how vividly they can describe a scene or character, and how effectively they can engage a reader with their writing.
But don’t worry, in the coming sections, we’ll break down the skills your child needs to excel in the 11 Plus creative writing exam.
Importance of Creative Writing in 11 Plus
The creative writing task is indeed a substantial component of the 11 Plus English exam, accounting for 50% of the total marks. Its significance lies in its ability to assess students’ overall language skills, including their knack for evoking emotions through their writing.
The 11 Plus creative writing exam evaluates key writing skills such as:
- Character creation
- Use of descriptive language
Examiners look for effective planning, creativity, fluency, sound grammar, and a strong vocabulary – all attributes of great writers.
Common Types of 11 Plus Creative Writing Tasks
The 11 Plus creative writing exam, also known as the creative writing test, can be quite diverse in its requirements, and preparing for creative writing exams encompasses various types of writing tasks, notably descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository.
Narrative tasks require storytelling with a clear beginning, middle, and end, while descriptive tasks focus on painting a vivid picture of a scene or character.
Persuasive writing challenges the student to convince the reader of a particular point of view, and expository writing aims to explain or inform about a topic.
Students may also be asked to continue a provided storyline or craft a piece based on a visual prompt. Each of these types of tasks calls for different writing techniques and skills, which we’ll explore later in this post.
Developing Key Skills for 11 Plus Creative Writing
Now that we understand what the 11 Plus creative writing exam entails, let’s delve into the key child’s writing skills your child needs to develop to excel in this exam. Having an extensive and engaging vocabulary along with a well-planned structure in writing is critical for success.
Moreover, students should practice creative writing regularly by exploring a wide range of topics. This helps to improve their adaptability and proficiency in different writing scenarios. But, what does this regular practice look like? And what specific skills should your child focus on?
Let’s delve deeper.
Enhancing Vocabulary and Grammar
A key area to focus on is vocabulary and grammar. Utilizing a wide array of adjectives, nouns, and adverbs can help students avoid monotonous descriptions and create more engaging narratives. Incorporating even a few complex words can significantly showcase a student’s command of advanced vocabulary.
Developing strong grammar skills, particularly in comma usage and character dialogue formatting, is crucial for enhancing the quality of creative writing.
Regular practice with grammar and punctuation is essential for students to write fluently and competently during the 11 Plus creative writing tasks.
Building Strong Story Structures
Another key skill to master in story writing is building strong story structures. A creative writing piece should be structured with a classic story arc comprising a beginning, middle, and end.
The beginning of a story should introduce the main character, and their environment, and potentially set forth a goal to generate interest. An effective middle of the story should present goals for the characters and introduce problems or conflicts they need to navigate or solve.
Essentially, when planning a story, ensure there is a clear and engaging plot with a defined beginning, a well-developed middle, and a satisfying end.
Mastering Punctuation and Spelling
Punctuation and spelling may seem like basic components of writing, but mastering them is essential for clarity and accuracy in creative writing. Precise use of punctuation, including the correct use of quotation marks, commas, and full stops, is necessary for clarity in writing.
Students should familiarize themselves with the following:
- The correct use of capital letters
- Punctuation to end sentences
- Using commas correctly in long sentences
- Formatting character dialogue properly
- Ensuring complicated words are spelled correctly
These skills are critical to maintaining accuracy in creative writing.
Effective Creative Writing Techniques
In addition to mastering the basics of writing, students need to employ effective creative writing techniques.
These techniques should utilize sensory details to create vivid descriptions, allowing readers to:
- See the story environment
- Hear the sounds in the story
- Smell the scents in the story
- Feel the textures and sensations in the story
- Taste the flavors in the story
Successful creative writing captures a reader’s attention by showcasing the writer’s creativity, imagination, and fluent writing style. Mastering these creative writing techniques is a common factor among great writers, which is also essential for excelling in 11 Plus creative writing tasks. Let’s delve into these techniques.
Engaging the Reader with Sensory Details
Engaging the reader with sensory details is a powerful tool in creative writing. Effective sensory details should consist of specific, descriptive words that appeal to the senses beyond sight, allowing readers to visualize the story.
It’s important to include these details in a way that is relevant to the plot and characters and to balance them with other elements to avoid over-describing.
Sensory details not only bring scenes to life but also provide insight into characters’ personalities and internal conflicts, contributing to a more immersive and believable world.
To write imaginatively about sensory experiences, writers should draw on their real-life observations and memories, imagining themselves in their characters’ situations.
Crafting Memorable Characters
Crafting memorable characters is another effective technique. Fictional characters with a mix of motivations and goals, such as those seen in Harry Potter, are more engaging and drive the narrative effectively.
A detailed backstory for significant characters informs their decisions, enhances credibility, and adds depth, even if not fully disclosed to the reader. Secondary characters, like sidekicks or foils, are crucial as they highlight the main character’s traits and contribute to story dynamics.
The choice of narrative perspective, whether it is the first person or third person, shapes how a character is perceived and what information about them is revealed. Introducing conflict tests characters’ resolves reveals their weaknesses, and propels the narrative while adding character depth.
Incorporating Literary Devices
Incorporating literary devices like metaphors, similes, and alliteration can enhance a student’s writing style. However, they should be prioritized for story enhancement rather than just inclusion.
The purpose of using similes and metaphors in creative writing is to enhance clarity, ensuring that they contribute to the reader’s understanding rather than confusing. Transforming a descriptive simile into a concrete and relatable comparison can distinguish a student’s work.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam
Preparing for the 11 Plus creative writing exam involves:
- Understanding the test format
- Honing writing skills
- Regular practice on various creative writing topics
- Guidance from parents, teachers, or tuition, especially when formal school support is not sufficient.
Refresher courses before the exam can recap key concepts and exam techniques, and provide mock exams as homework to boost confidence on the exam day.
Preparation should include:
- Focusing on the resolution of storylines and the emotions of characters to ensure a compelling ending
- Attention to detail in grammar, punctuation, and use of tenses forms the backbone of a well-written creative piece
- Proofreading is paramount in creative writing to prevent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and tense usage
Regular Practice and Feedback
Regular practice and feedback are crucial for improving creative writing skills. Utilizing the technique of writing about daily activities or travels consistently can substantially improve the creative writing skills required for the 11 Plus exams.
Enrolling in creative writing courses or taking creative writing lessons can also be beneficial in honing these skills. In addition, following creative writing tips can further enhance one’s writing abilities.
Establishing a routine practice schedule that involves writing exercises and checking off criteria sought by examiners aids in pinpointing areas that need enhancement.
Parents can support their child’s 11 Plus exam preparation by helping their child prepare through:
- Encouraging reading
- Expanding vocabulary
- Using practice papers
- Providing targeted feedback to address weaknesses.
Mock tests serve as an indispensable tool for students to familiarize themselves with the 11 Plus exam structure and to take advantage of learning opportunities from their mistakes before facing the actual examination.
Utilizing Resources and Support
In addition to regular practice and feedback, utilizing resources like books, worksheets, and personalized tuition can enhance exam preparation for 11 Plus creative writing.
Books such as ‘11+ Essentials Creative Writing Examples’ and ‘Bond 11+: English Focus on Writing’ are specifically recommended for students preparing for the 11 Plus creative writing exam.
Apart from books, creative writing worksheets and personalized tuition can be beneficial in enhancing exam preparation . Personalized tuition offers individualized attention and can provide targeted feedback to help students improve their writing skills.
Time Management and Proofreading
Effective time management and proofreading are vital for presenting a polished and error-free final piece in the creative writing exam. Pupils typically have under an hour to draft, write, and review their work during the 11 Plus creative writing task, with the exam often lasting between 30-45 minutes.
Effective time management is critical and requires strategic planning to ensure that all parts of the writing process are completed within the limited time frame. Proofreading is a vital step in the creative writing process, allowing students to present a polished and error-free final piece.
During proofreading, students should focus on correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes, and ensuring proper use of capital letters and quotation marks.
Real-life Examples and Success Stories
Seeing success can be an excellent motivator. Let’s take a look at some real-life examples and success stories. One student’s journey began with average marks in creative writing but grew to consistently attain top marks in the 11 Plus creative writing section due to regular practice and feedback.
Another student’s passion for reading a variety of genres played a crucial role in their creative writing development, enabling them to write compelling and diverse content.
A strong correlation was noted between frequent writing practice and a student’s subsequent improvement in creative writing scores for the 11 Plus, showcasing how creative writing tested their abilities.
Targeted and personalized feedback given to a student contributed significantly to the enhancement of their creative writing skills. Successful creative writing submissions often featured dynamic openings that captivated readers’ attention and imaginative endings that left a lasting impression.
In conclusion, the 11 Plus creative writing exam is a comprehensive test of a student’s narrative and language skills. It assesses their ability to craft engaging and well-structured stories and to use a range of writing techniques effectively.
From enhancing vocabulary and grammar to building strong story structures and incorporating literary devices, there are many skills that students need to master to excel in the exam.
With regular practice, feedback, the right resources, and effective time management, students can develop these skills and excel in the 11 Plus creative writing exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the 11 Plus creative writing exam, students’ narrative and language skills are assessed, including crafting engaging and well-structured stories, and the use of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and writing techniques.
The exam includes various types of writing tasks, such as descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository writing, as well as continuing a provided storyline or crafting a piece based on a visual prompt. Prepare for a diverse range of writing challenges.
To enhance their vocabulary and grammar for the exam, students should engage in regular practice, read diverse texts, and incorporate a variety of adjectives, nouns, and adverbs in their writing. This will help them improve their language skills and perform better in the exam.
Students can use books, creative writing worksheets, personalized tuition, and seek regular practice and feedback from teachers or tutors to prepare for the exam. These resources can be highly beneficial in achieving success.
Effective time management is crucial for completing all writing tasks within the exam time frame while proofreading ensures a polished and error-free final piece by correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Ten 11+ & 13+ Creative Writing Tips For Excellent Exam Stories
When my students get the hang of these techniques, it makes an enormous difference to their creative writing – but it takes practice.
M y advice for 11 plus stories in this article applies just as well to 8 plus, 13 plus or GCSE … in fact, although I have written with 11 plus creative writing in mind, my suggestions should be relevant at any level.
I’ve been teaching these things to young people for many years, and I hope you also find them useful. Please write a comment if you do!
The creative writing materials offered by 11 Plus Lifeline teach students to use all the techniques explained on this page.
Every writing paper has full example answers, as well as detailed step-by-step discussions, marking guidelines and story-planning advice. Papers are structured to help students develop high-level skills – and just as importantly, to enjoy themselves!
Click on the infographic to view a zoomable version in a new tab:
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1 – before you write, daydream.
If you can see your story’s world in your head, you will be able to describe it powerfully.
If you can’t, your descriptions risk being superficial and your writing uninteresting.
After a little daydream, your next step is to turn it into a simple plan:
THE STORY PLANNING PROCESS
1) the main event.
The first thing to write in your plan is the main event in your story (see point 2 , below). Keep this simple for now.
2) Your Main Character
Next, jot down a few notes about your main character (see point 3 ). What is interesting about them? Try to imagine them sitting in the place next to you. See them clearly in your mind. Who are they, really?
3) Getting There
Now note down some ideas for how you will get to the main event. Make this simple too: don’t write more than a couple of lines.
4) … And Getting Out Of There!
Finally, write a few thoughts about what will happen after the event: why does it matter, and – above all else – how does it affect your characters?
The reason I suggest this order of planning is that when you only have a short time to write, there are two important things which will hold your story together: the main event (what it is about ) and your central character (who gives us a reason to care ).
Everything else should be very simple, allowing you to focus on describing beautifully.
In fact, you can probably guess what the next of my 11 plus tips is …
2 – Keep things simple! In an 11 plus exam story, choose one main plot event & bring it to life.
If there are too many things happening, your descriptive skills may get lost.
What’s more, once there are lots of dramatic events in a story, many students struggle to write about all of them properly.
Look at this example:
As they walked through the forest a tree fell and nearly crushed them. That was close , thought Claudia. Then they sat down to scrutinise the map.
It’s good to describe the small details of life – and especially with an interesting verb like “scrutinise”.
But if you forget to fully describe big events, such as a tree almost killing your characters, the effect is very peculiar. It implies that a near-death experience is no more interesting than reading a map!
Either give dramatic events their due importance, by describing them powerfully and giving a clear sense of your characters’ reactions, or steer clear of them altogether.
This is often a problem in exam stories with too much action, or with too many plot events in general.
It’s best to structure your story around one main event, which isn’t too extreme. Spend the rest of your time building up to it and showing its after-effects.
3 – Focus on one character
Just as it’s best to focus your writing around one main event, it makes sense to have one core character.
You probably won’t have time to make more than one person interesting and believable in a thirty minute writing exam. If you try, you’re at risk of coming unstuck.
(If you feel really confident, you might manage to develop two characters: a brother and sister, for example. But in the exam itself, ask yourself: Is it worth the risk? )
Make your main character really interesting, and only refer to others in passing.
4 – Put a little dialogue in … but don’t write a play script!
“Because writing dialogue is easier than thinking,” he said.
“That makes sense,” I said, “because otherwise I can’t explain why we’ve been chatting pointlessly for two full pages.”
Dialogue is excellent in an exam piece, and you should aim to include some in every story. However, there are risks, demonstrated by the example above!
Don’t let your story turn into a play script.
Use a little dialogue in 11+ creative writing, but focus on your descriptions of the setting, characters and events.
When you do write conversations, don’t stop describing. Avoid repeating “I said”, “she said”, “Mum answered”, and so on.
Instead, add little details which help the reader to imagine the scene as the characters talk.
Describe how people move around between saying things, the expressions on their faces, and so on:
“Because writing dialogue is easier than thinking,” he replied, a hint of a smile twitching like a worm at the edge of his mouth.
A quick note about paragraphing:
Examiners are likely to expect that a new speaker begins on a new line, if somebody else has already spoken in the paragraph.
This doesn’t happen in every book you’ll read, but it’s a convention – a normal way of doing things – which you are supposed to know about.
Look at this way of writing the example at the top, and think about where a sentence should begin a new line :
“Why are we still talking?” I said. “Because writing dialogue is easier than thinking,” he said. “That makes sense,” I said, “because otherwise I can’t explain why we’ve already been talking for two full pages.”
Now check the original again, to see whether you were right!
And now for the advertising break. Time to run away and make a cup of tea …
RSL Creative Writing is the children’s writing course from RSL Educational, written by Robert Lomax.
It’s perfect for Key Stages 2 and 3 and for 11+ exam preparation, at home or in the classroom. It’s also ideal for anybody aged 9 or above who enjoys writing and wants to do it better.
Click on the covers to learn more and view sample pages from the books:
RSL Creative Writing: Book 1
Rsl creative writing: book 2, rsl creative writing: book 3, the rsl creative writing collection (£40.47), 5 – short stories don’t need an introduction.
Robert was 33. He lived in a small flat with his cat and his wife. One day, he decided to go for a walk to the shops. The shops weren’t very far away: it took about ten minutes to get there. It was a cloudy day. It was the middle of February and it was a bit cold but not cold enough for a scarf. The road was in need of some repairs. He was wearing a blue jumper and black shoes and some fairly old jeans.
You don’t need to introduce your story as though it is a 300 page novel!
The reader doesn’t have to know everything about the main character, and especially not at the start. This way you waste a paragraph, when you might only have time for four or five in your whole story.
Anything that really matters about your characters can be mentioned along the way. In creative writing for 11 plus exams, everything else can be left out.
Get into the main business of your story from the very first line.
6 – Show, don’t tell … Whether you’re writing an 11 plus story, or whether you’re a famous novelist!
In real life, we can’t see what is in other people’s minds.
We have to work it out from what they do – and sometimes from what they say, although this can be very misleading!
For this reason, other people’s creative writing is often most interesting when we have to work out what characters are thinking and feeling.
This makes the characters seem like real people whose thoughts we can’t immediately know.
It also helps to get us – the readers – involved in the story by making us do some thinking for ourselves!
You might initially want to write this:
Simon looked up. He was angry.
But this is much more interesting to read:
As Simon looked up I could see his jaw muscles flexing.
Have a go at re-writing the following paragraph to make it more interesting . You can change things around as much as you like.
I admit: this is the sort of thing which you will sometimes read in a book. It isn’t necessarily always bad writing, in itself.
However, it is a missed opportunity to bring a character to life. In a time-limited 11-plus exam story, you need to take advantage of such moments.
The rule is:
Where possible, show me what a character is feeling … don’t tell me .
Have a look at my way of re-writing the paragraph above:
All Anna’s thoughts have gone.
Instead, there are some strong clues which steer you towards a particular idea about what she thinks and how she feels: but you still have to decide for yourself.
This forces you to imagine Anna clearly in your own mind.
How does my answer compare to your approach?
7 – Use a range of senses throughout your story
This is good writing. The trees may be “green” (which is a bit dull), but they are “swaying”, which is an effective detail and more than makes up for it.
The simile in the second sentence (“like wisps of cigar smoke”) is vivid and well planned.
The sandwich bag is “crumpled”, and “bag of bacon” is a nice moment of alliteration to emphasise this robust, commonplace item of food.
But imagine a story which continues in the same way, all the way through.
Everything is visual: a sight image.
For the reader, it is like being in a world without the ability to hear, smell, touch or taste.
Furthermore, the narrator seems to be looking around constantly, noticing everything. Is this normal behaviour?
It’s an unrealistic way of seeing the world, and after a while it becomes exhausting to read.
For a student, there are two simple but very useful lessons:
1) Always think about the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell).
2) Sometimes avoid the most obvious sense when describing a thing (see point 8 below).
These tips are easy to apply in your creative writing for 11+, but they make a huge difference.
What’s more, unlike a clumsy simile (see point 9 ), a sensory description rarely ends up harming your writing. It can be effective or ineffective, but that’s another matter!
Take the example above:
“The trees were green and swaying” could become: “The trunks were groaning, and overhead I heard the dull rustle of a thousand fresh leaves slapping against one another.”
There’s nothing startlingly original here, but because it is a slightly less obvious way of describing trees, it creates a much more powerful atmosphere.
If you want a metaphor as well, try turning “dull rustle” into “distant applause” , which makes the leaves seem like a mass of enthusiastic people.
Similarly, “I looked at the bag of bacon sandwiches crumpled on the seat next to me” takes on more life like this:
I smelt something like old sick; then I remembered the bag of bacon sandwiches crumpled on the seat next to me.
Notice how easily similes (“like old sick”) and metaphors happen, almost by themselves, when you focus on describing with a range of senses .
This is one of my most important 11 plus writing tips.
8 – Sometimes describe things using a less obvious sense
Using a range of senses, as I discussed in point 7 , is really, really important.
But how can you come up with surprising, powerful descriptions – descriptions to make the marker stop ticking your work for a second, raise their eyebrows and smile?
Imagine that you are just about to write the following sentence:
It was a cold morning.
But you stop yourself, think for a second, and write this:
I could hear the crackle of thawing ice on car windscreens.
This is much more interesting. Rather than using the sense of touch (a “cold” feeling), you are using a sound: “the crackle of thawing ice”.
There’s a good chance that the reader will think: “Yes! I never considered it before, but you really do hear a sound when ice thaws quickly.”
This version also tells you much more about the weather:
The reader can work out that the night has been exceptionally cold, but also that the temperature is now rising quickly.
The thought process to produce descriptions like this is much simpler than it seems:
1) Think of the sense which is most obvious to describe the thing you are writing about.
3) Think of the second most obvious sense.
4) Ban that too!
5) From the three remaining senses, pick the one which is most useful.
6) Ask yourself how the thing would sound, feel, smell or taste – whichever three of these you have left (you’ve almost certainly banned sight!).
7) Write about it.
9 – Use similes and metaphors carefully in your creative writing
Similes and metaphors are useful (and can be impressive), but they have to make things clearer for the reader, not create confusion.
“She won the sprint like a racing car” asks more questions than it answers.
Was she noisy? Was she travelling at 150 miles per hour?
On the other hand, “She ducked her head and slipped across the line as cleanly as a racing car” helps me to picture the event exactly as intended.
Here’s another simile for speed, which I’ve seen a great many times (you’d hardly believe how many) in 11-plus stories:
Donald wrote like a cheetah.
Does this mean that Donald wrote savagely and meaninglessly, like a wild animal with a pencil jammed between its claws ?
Or perhaps that he wrote largely about the themes of hunting and sleeping ?
My guess is that Donald wrote quickly , but I’m not sure … because if that’s all you meant, WHY DIDN’T YOU JUST SAY IT?
This sort of thing is not really the fault of a young writer, who after all is (hopefully!) doing their best.
It is the fault of those dastardly teachers who advise children to include, for example, “at least one metaphor and two similes” in each story.
The result of this, for most children, is a succession of poorly chosen descriptive tricks, which add nothing.
Indeed, we’ve seen how these things can end up making a story comical for all the wrong reasons!
The right approach to creative writing doesn’t start with the need to include a simile: it starts with the need to describe effectively .
To me, this means allowing the reader to imagine the situation fully, and helping them care what happens.
Let’s play around with the image of Donald writing “like a cheetah”.
What happens if we just get rid of the simile?
Donald wrote quickly.
OK, but it doesn’t tell us much: did he write quickly because he wanted to finish his story before Newsnight , or because he was really excited by his work?
Let’s say that it was the first reason: he wanted to get his work out of the way. Perhaps he was feeling annoyed, given that it might interrupt his favourite TV show.
When somebody is writing rapidly while annoyed, what might this look like?
I imagine Donald’s arm wiggling as the pen moves — especially the elbow. The movement is fast and constant because he is worried about getting the work finished, and because in his irritation he doesn’t much care about its quality.
So I ask myself: What moves to and fro constantly, performing a task in an unimaginative way?
And the first thing I think of is a machine in a factory:
Donald hunched over the page, his arm jerking to and fro with the quick, regular movements of a factory robot.
This sentence by itself would go some way to making your story the best in the exam room.
I hope I’ve persuaded you that with a well-organised thought process, a good simile isn’t too difficult to write!
Because children have been taught to work in this way, a story will often contain the required two similes, a metaphor, a personification, even an interesting alliteration …
… but everything in between is lifeless.
What students need is a different sort of checklist, to help them make the rest of their writing interesting .
I hope this article will give you some ideas!
10 – Stephanie was writing a beautiful story in the 11-plus exam hall. Or was she …?
Suspense is good if it’s appropriate to the story, but don’t jack-knife it in clumsily!
“It was a calm, sunny day. Or was it?” doesn’t really make me curious.
It makes me think that you’re trying to pester me into being excited, rather than persuading me to feel that way through your excellent writing.
If you write in a way that builds suspense by making me interested in the characters and events in the story – while keeping some important information hidden from me, just out of sight – this will speak for itself.
However, not every piece of creative writing needs it!
If you found these story writing tips useful or if you have a question, please leave a comment below! I’d love to have your feedback. (Tick the “Receive email updates” box to receive an email when I reply.)
For the most comprehensive range of resources to help with preparation for the 11+ exam, you might like to try 11 Plus Lifeline (with a money-back guarantee in the first month). Every practice paper has full example solutions, with a detailed discussion and explanation for every question – like being taught by an excellent private tutor. There’s lots of material to help develop creative, high-scoring exam stories!
According to Tutorful, it’s “ the gold standard for independent and grammar school 11-plus preparation ”.
Watch Your First Video Now
Watch your first free 11-plus video straight away. Videos 2 & 3 will reach you by email within a few days.
At the same time, you’ll receive 121 Pages of award-winning RSL practice material, with step-by-step solutions – for free!
I'll also send you some useful information about RSL Educational resources and more advice for exam preparation. You’ll be able to unsubscribe from my emails any time you like.
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89 Comments
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me here. I’ll do my best to help you out!
Hi, I’m preparing my son for 11+. His story ideas are good but he needs to add more details/depth. How can I encourage that? Thanks
That’s a very difficult question to answer, because there is so much that I could say! Many of my suggestions are in the article above. The sample at http://digioh.com/em/27284/164929/84za5s4g4u may offer more ideas. If this is useful, then 11 Plus Lifeline offers many further resources.
What’s the syllabus of creative writing for 11plus. I understand there is no definitive one, it varies with target school as well, but still I’d like to know the min types of writing children should be knowing end of year 6 e.g. story writing, descriptive writing, poetry writing, persuasive writing, diary, reconnect, fiction, non fiction writing, script writing, book/film review, blog writing etc. Really confused with the list of categories and subcategories under each. I just need a good structure with every details. Please help with a detailed table of contents.
Hi Jay. I’m afraid I don’t have such a list – because there isn’t one. Schools can set anything that they like! However, I think getting children used to responding to a range of formats is more important than covering everything. The most common formats are probably: 1) A story based on a title or topic 2) A continuation of a passage (usually the passage already used as a comprehension text) 3) A story based on a picture
You provide excellent tips that we can use to guide our children. Done in a very simple but effective way. Even more – as times are hard and money is tight your generosity shows you truly do wish to help children and not just make money out of them. Thank you
Thank you Alison. I’m glad you found the article useful. Robert
Thank you ever so much for your very useful tips. Would you have some advice (or a sample essay) on writing a descriptive essay based on a given image?
Hi Aparna, There is some relevant content in 11 Plus Lifeline. For more along these lines, keep an eye on the website in the autumn …
Hi Robert, I found the article above very helpful. My daughter is in year 5 and we have just started our 11 plus journey. She seems to be struggling air with creative writing. She has such great ideas and an amazing imaginative mind, however she struggles to express this on paper as compared to her peers also studying for the 11 plus. How can I help her become a better writer?
Speaking as she writes might help: perhaps she will write more fluently if she just thinks of it as a way to record her verbal ideas.
My RSL Creative Writing books might help her to develop her ideas.
What is a good range for the word count for a “continue the story” creative writing task at 10+? I see suggestions of 4-5 paragraphs, but paragraphs vary hugely in length. My son is only writing around 150 words, and I fear this is taking “quality not quantity” to the extreme!
It really depends! Sometimes you’ll be given an 8-10 line answer space, in which case that would be appropriate. On the other hand, if you have 30-40 minutes, you should be pitching for 1 to 1.5 pages. Robert
Thank you so much! Very informative
I’m glad to help!
how much your fees for creative writing, and how many lesson? please let me know [email protected]
Hello Hemang. I’m afraid I don’t work as a tutor these days. However, you might be interested in my creative writing books at https://www.rsleducational.co.uk/rsl-creative-writing . These will take your child through their skills step by step, much as I would if I was teaching them. Good luck! Robert
Hi Sir! Sir, you suggestions are greatly useful. Sir, can you assist me on how to incorporate Strong Verbs in my writings as I do not know many and I struggle on account of it ?
There’s no easy answer, but the best starting point is to look for specific ways of describing things. For instance, instead of “he talked”, you might say “he muttered”, for example. You’ll learn more verbs if you look out for them as you read things, and perhaps note interesting ones down in a book. Good luck!
Dear Robert Hope you are doing well , my son is in year 5 and he is going to set for 11 plus exam for very highly competitive grammar schools , he need help for is creative writing . I advice that you are the best , I’m seeking help from you ,please . Yours sincerely Saha Mcewan
Hello. Have a look at 11 Plus Lifeline , perhaps, and my RSL Creative Writing books. I do intend to release some new things for creative writing in the future: watch this space!
Hi Robert. These are great tips. My question is how to come with effective descriptions that vary. When I do descriptive writing, I describe with only the five senses and often run out of ideas. Also, how can we write in a way that will make a clear image in the readers mind. Thanks for the time
Hi Yatharth! My video at https://youtu.be/LKnvrad6jpw is all about this, so why not have a look at that? If that’s useful, look at https://www.rsleducational.co.uk/product/rsl-creative-writing-1
I completely agree with your article, and as a teacher who prepares children for GCSE and the 11 tests, I employ a lot of the ‘strategies’ you mention. What children need ultimately is time to read, digest and above all enjoy stories and poems and then to talk about what they’ve read and in some ( or maybe a lot of cases) relate the themes and ideas etc in what they have read to their own lives. This I feel, can give a greater sense of ‘reality’ to what they can eventually write; and then we as teachers (and parents) can model how to write ‘good’ creative stories (and include all the SPAG) which can go a long way to ensuring children actually begin to feel that they themselves can be imaginative and write great stories.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Molly. I very much agree with you.
What children need ultimately is time to read, digest and above all enjoy stories and poems and then to talk about what they’ve read and in some ( or maybe a lot of cases) relate the themes and ideas etc in what they have read to their own lives.
The only thing I’d add to this is that it works both ways: reading informs writing, but the very best way to develop critical reading skills is to become more sophisticated as a writer!
Hi Robert,l am a Creative Writing teacher for 8+ Do you think 6+ can be taught Creative Writing that will yield excellent result? I asked this question from my experience of teaching Creative Writing,I observe that more 6+ struggle with understanding and implementing Creative Writing stages than 8+ Also,I teach Creative Writing easily because I believe I have the skills to teach it but how can I come up with a special syllabus to teach my colleagues how to teach Creative Writing in the class that will be result oriented.
Hello Soremi.
I would not think too much about results, if by that you mean percentage scores, when children are 6 or so and developing their writing. I would focus on their enjoyment and on encouraging them to explore their imagination, creating interestingly described characters and environments. It’s a different situation in 11+ exams, where children must demonstrate certain skills and perform well in comparison with their peers.
However, it is very important to encourage the development of accurate and clear English from an early stage. Creative writing is a good opportunity to uncover and address problems.
I found this very useful and straightforward, and also very funny… The tips will take me flying in my writing!
Thanks Lily-Grace. The work you sent for me to look at this week was very impressive: you’re already flying!
Thanks Robert this description is very helpful
I’m very glad it’s useful. Thanks for commenting!
Hola me gustaria hacer unas infografias mas dinamicas
Thank you for the topic
It’s a pleasure. I hope the advice helps.
I thought that this was a brilliant summary. Thank you very much. Engaging and thoughtful. Very much appreciated.
I’m delighted to hear it. Thank you!
I found your creative writing tips very insightful, a real shame for us it was right at the end of our 11+/13+ preparation.
Thank you Sara. I hope they made some difference, even at a late stage.
Very useful tips! I like the way you have broken down the advice into bite-sized chunks! Thanks Robert
I’m glad you found them helpful! Thanks for commenting.
Great tips, thanks Robert. Do you have tips on non fictional writing as well? E.g. how a child can do a stellar job when asked to write a suggestion letter to the council. My child struggles with writing on everyday things that she deems uninteresting like describing everday things but is flying when writing on imaginary topics. Thanks in advance.
Hi Tolu. I have some resources for less creative subject matter in 11 Plus Lifeline .
I think the best way to add interest to potentially unexciting things, like letters, is with examples. “I think you should do more to reduce bullying, because it discourages children from studying” is not interesting. “Last week, a boy trudged towards me across the playground, clenching and unclenching his fists, with the dead-eyed look of meaningless aggression that I’ve come to know so well. This is happening too often in our school!” is much more impressive.
Thanks for these tips . Would you suggest any topics for DS to practice .
There are a great many writing topics with fully explained example answers in 11 Plus Lifeline . I might add a blog post with some suggested topics in the coming months. Robert
These SPECTACULAR tips helped me a lot when I was planning and writing a story. I think that these AMAZING tips will help me a lot when I am doing the exam. THANKS Robert!!!!
Thanks Raon! I hope you’ll share the link. Good luck in your exam. Robert
Thanks for the tips to improve the writing skill for the content writers and the students.
Thank you Nihal – I’m glad my advice is useful.
What can I Say?
My son is about to take the 11 + and part of the material is creative writing,
Can you recommend any good material please?
The key is reading and I don’t think he reads as much as he should do
Please advise
Hi Fazal. I would of course recommend my own creative writing material in 11 Plus Lifeline . There’s a free sample here .
Reading is certainly important, but it won’t do any magic without good writing practice alongside it.
If your son isn’t keen on reading, trying to push him to read more may not work. However, you can help to improve the quality of the reading he does do, by discussing it whenever possible in a way that encourages him to think about it in more depth. You can also introduce new vocabulary into your conversations, and so on.
Also, the reading list here may help him to find books that he does want to read!
Hi, my son 11, is really struggling with creative writing, the main problem being he can’t think of anything to write about. he’s a clever boy but more into science and computers. He thinks he can’t do it and I’m worried he’s going to freeze in the exam. how can i get him to access his imagination and not panic. Thanks
Practice is certainly the main thing. If he can start to “access his imagination” (a nice phrase) without exam pressure, he is more likely to be able to do so in the test.
When you say that he can’t think of anything to write about, you’re describing a problem that I can relate to. However, it should not be a big concern at 11+, for the simple reason that the best stories tend to be about very little! If he can construct a simple plot, focused on one event – even something very ordinary and apparently dull – then he has what he needs. From that point, all his effort should be focused on describing well, so that the story creates atmosphere and has a believable main character.
The real problem at 11+ is when children have too many creative ideas. They construct complex, overwhelming plots, about which it is impossible to write well – or even plausibly – in the time available.
Hi Robert Have you got any tips for the CSSE style quick 10 mins Continuous Writing tasks please. These have included instructions, descriptions and this year the exam paper included a picture to write about- what’s happening- story /description?
Many thanks for your help.
This is very difficult to answer in a brief comment. I do have some specially designed resources for these CSSE writing tasks in 11 Plus Lifeline , if that is of interest.
If writing creatively, keep the plot to an absolute minimum. Imagine that you are describing a ten second scene from a movie – not writing the plot for a whole film. Focus on effective use of the senses, in particular – very much as I outline in this article. Don’t waste any space introducing your writing.
If describing a picture, the same applies. Focus on details from it, and try to find a logical structure. For example, a character might move around the image, finding things; or you might imagine the scene changing over a period of time.
For instructions, try to visualise the activity as precisely as you can, then use words to convey your thoughts exactly. This will lead to good vocabulary. Rather than saying “Screw the lightbulb into the socket”, say something like this: “Steadying the socket with your spare hand, twist the bulb gently in a clockwise direction until you encounter resistance.” This doesn’t come from trying to be fancy: it comes from very clearly imagining the action before I write.
There is a great deal more to be said, but I hope these pointers are useful.
Great tips and advice here. I have 4 boys, all at different levels of education. This has helped me to help them. Thanks!
That makes me very happy. Good luck to your sons!
Anybody who found this useful might like to read more of my creative advice at https://www.rsleducational.co.uk/creative-writing-less-is-more .
This article is very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to say so!
I found this very helpful, thank you
Hello Good Afternoon and thank you very much for my help. I am a young child preparing the eleven plus. I don’t necessarily have any questions i just don’t have any questions. Good luck on your educative journey.
Good luck to you, Lukas! Well done for taking the initiative and researching your exams.
I am a 8 years old child and I am doing your 11+ RSL comprehension, do you have any tips that might help me improve my writing? Thank you for your help!
Hi Kate! I’d like to help, but I’m not sure how to. You’ve written this under an article about improving your writing, and you’re working on a book that also helps with this. I don’t know what tips to add here. If you could be more specific, perhaps I’ll be able to say something. Good luck with your work! Robert
Hi Robert! I really like your tips and they did improve my daughter’s writing! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad! Well done to her.
Hi Richard, Does cursive or printed handwriting affect the writing score a 11+ level? Thanks in advance.
No, it shouldn’t make any difference. All that matters is that the writing should be easy to read, and that the student can write reasonably quickly.
Hi there, I am doing 13+, My tutor says that I should not use metaphors or similes, but I think I should. Do you have any advice for me on descriptive writing? And can you explain what a metaphor is?
I think you are probably misinterpreting your tutor. A good simile or metaphor, in the right place, is a good thing, but I would guess that your tutor is concerned that you are over-using these things and that this is distracting you from simply writing well. An alternative is that you haven’t quite understood how to use them effectively. A misjudged simile can look odd: using no simile (or metaphor) is better than using a bad one!
For a good explanation of what a metaphor is, see https://www.grammarly.com/blog/metaphor/ .
Hi, I’m currently helping a student prepare for entrance exams, and I just wondered if you could help me with a question. He was struggling with the timed element of creative writing and wanted to know if he DID run out of time, what would a marker prefer? To just leave the piece unfinished, or to quickly make an ending for the story, even if it meant it was quite an abrupt ending that didn’t necessarily do the story justice?
I think it depends on the marker. I’d prefer an unfinished piece to one with something actively bad in it, like a bad ending. However, can they leave an unfinished ending that nonetheless has something final about it: for instance, zoom out and describe the trees swaying in the distance, or the waves, so that there’s a sense of the world rolling on, despite the events in the story? If this is done well, it might even appear that they intended to finish this way.
great work, keep it up.
Amazing website! The content is wonderful. Highly informative indeed.
That’s brilliant to hear. Thank you!
Do you have to pay to get your work marked?
Yes, that’s right. Most people do it via an 11 Plus Lifeline Platinum subscription .
My daughter is not good at creative writing and I am apprehensive as she writes her pre-tests on 11th November . How do I help her with the following formats?
1) A story based on a title or topic 2) A continuation of a passage (usually the passage already used as a comprehension text) 3) A story based on a picture
Hello! I cover all these things in my RSL Creative Writing books – see https://www.rsleducational.co.uk/rsl-creative-writing You will also find creative writing videos covering these things at https://go.easy11plus.org/VIDEOLIST Good luck! Robert
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11 Plus creative writing tips and examples
Preparing for your 11 Plus creative writing exam doesn’t have to be a worry. We help you here with 11 Plus creative writing tips and examples to prepare you for the exam. We're here to help you practice and improve your writing techniques and creative writing skills so you’re ready for your 11 Plus exams .
Creative writing can be really fun – you can explore something you really want to and write about something that means a lot to you. Although, we know it can be a little bit worrying for some students that don’t enjoy writing as much or don’t feel confident in their writing skills.
So, ahead of your 11 Plus exams we want to help you prepare with these 11 Plus creative writing tips and strategies.
What Is 11 Plus Creative Writing?
The 11 Plus creative writing exam assesses a child’s ability to compose structured and engaging pieces of written work. It’s designed to evaluate a student’s fluency, imaginative capabilities, grammar, punctuation and overall ability to write creatively.
What does the 11 Plus creative writing exam include?
The 11 Plus creative writing exam is usually 25-30 minutes and could involve the continuation of a storyline that you’ll be provided with. Alternatively you might be asked to write a short piece of your own in response to a visual stimulus – this could be describing a character or writing something from their perspective, like a diary entry.
Here are some the potential writing tasks you could be given for your 11 Plus creative writing exam:
Descriptive task – continuing on a short story that you’ll be provided with, or describing a place or situation that your character finds themselves in.
Persuasive task – you could be asked to write a letter or an article with the goal to persuade the reader to feel or act in a certain way after reading it by using emotive language.
Narrative task – this would usually involve writing your own short story.
Expository task – this could involve writing an article or set of instructions designed to inform the reader how to go about doing something properly.
What are the 11 Plus creative writing topics?
Prior to starting your creative writing piece, you’ll need to have a topic. It’s important that the topic remains at the centre of everything you’re writing, as it will shape the direction of the story and the characters
You can think of a topic as a theme for your story. This can be really simple, as a simple theme will really help write a story in your own way.
For your 11 plus creative writing exam, you’ll likely be presented with a topic that you then have to write about. Often these topics will have you writing about:
Being lost or scared, capturing the feeling of being alone and writing a story about overcoming it.
Doing something exciting or achieving something impressive, the best day of your life so far.
A holiday or an adventure
Travelling to the city or countryside and what you might experience there.
Writing a short story on each of the topics above can be a great way to familiarise yourself with creative writing.
What do examiners look for in creative writing?
Successfully passing your creative writing 11 Plus creative writing exam is a lot less daunting if you know what the examiners are looking for in your creative writing.
Unlike other exams, it can be difficult to prepare the exact answers. It’s not like a sum in maths, where there’s only one correct answer after your working out. That doesn’t mean there aren’t specific things that examiners are looking for. Let’s take a look at those:
A well planned piece of writing
Strong creativity and good imagination
A fluent writing style
Good and correct use of punctuation
Good use of English grammar
Complex sentences that are broken in an easy-to-read way with commas
Good spelling
Good and exciting vocabulary
Neat, easy-to-read handwriting
You can use those things as a checklist for your creative writing. When you write practice pieces, read them back and see if you can check off everything on the list of things that examiners are looking for. This will not only highlight areas needing improvement but will also act as a confidence-building tool.
11 Plus creative writing marking scheme
Your creative writing task will be worth 50% of your English 11 plus exam paper. So, you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared!
Part of preparing for the creative writing task is ensuring you know how the exam will be marked. Here’s what your examiner will look at when they mark your work:
The plot – you need to write a piece that’s got an engaging plot, but more importantly it needs to follow a strong beginning, middle and end structure. We’ll be getting more detail about that further on. Make sure you plan your story to ensure you have a well-structured and easy-to-follow plot.
Vocabulary – Make sure you’re using a wide range of adjectives, nouns and adverbs. Rather than describing everything the same way, come up with some other engaging ways to write something. Use a good amount of complex words that you normally wouldn’t use (and make sure you understand what they mean so you use them correctly).
Writing devices – no, your examiner isn’t looking at what pen you used to write the exam. Writing devices refer to things like metaphors, similes, tension building short sentences, alliteration and irony. Try sentences like “he was as fast as a runaway train,” for a simile example. See if you can write a few sentences that each use a different writing device to practice.
Grammar – now is a good time to start practising your grammar skills. Make sure you’re using commas correctly when you write long sentences, and that you format your character dialogue properly. There are a few common grammar mistakes that may catch you out, so keep practising.
Spelling – While avoiding spelling mistakes is good, to get great marks on your exams you’ll want to use complicated words and spell them correctly. It might be tempting to avoid complicated words if you’re not sure how to spell them but it’s actually not a bad idea to use one or two complicated words and spell them so they’re recognisable than to use no complicated words at all.
11 Plus creative writing tips and techniques
Every great writer has one thing in common – writing techniques! Everyone can develop their creative writing skills by practising these creative writing tasks.
Getting creative
If you want to write a story this should be your starting point! Have a good think about the topic for your story and the character you’ll be writing about. Take a minute to sit back, close your eyes and think about the world of your story. Can you see it?
If you can visualise the world of your story, then you’ve got a good idea to work with! Get creative about the story and think about directions that it can go, and the characters you can work with.
Planning and structure
Once you’ve got your theme in place you need to have a think about the direction of your story. Think about how your story starts, how you want it to end and then think about how you want your main character to get there.
Remember the classic story structure of beginning, middle and end:
Use the beginning of your story to introduce your character, where they are and maybe one of two of their friends. Maybe even try to set them a goal at this point, what’s something they really, really want?
Introduce the middle of your story with a problem or an obstacle for your main character to overcome. This is going to be the longest section of your story, so make sure you don’t spend too long with the opening! Think about how your character would overcome the problem you’ve introduced for them.
In the end your main character overcomes the problem that you introduced for them. Think about what they would feel, the relief they’d experience and how you can sum that up in a paragraph or two.
There are lots of different ways to write a story, but following the beginning, middle and end structure like this will really help you plan. Try to just write a few short sentences from the beginning, middle and end, then expand it out from there.
If you need more inspiration to improve your writing skills, why not see David Walliam’s top ten writing tips ?
Creative writing examples: using the senses
Remember – writing descriptively helps your ideas to really come across in what you’re writing. The person reading your creative writing piece can’t read your mind!
A great way to really set a scene in your creative writing is to use the senses:
Sight – what can your character see? Describe how the scene around them looks, and be sure to use some good adjectives.
Sound – can your character hear anything? Even if your character can’t hear anything, that can sometimes be a great way to set a scene. Or maybe your character can hear lots of noise? Either way, make sure the reader knows that.
Smell – what does the place your character’s in smell like? You can make a disgusting, murky bog seem even filthier by describing how smelly it is to the reader. We all react strongly to smells, good or bad, so make sure you’re describing them to your reader.
Touch – what can your character feel? Are they sitting on a really soft sofa? Is the cat they’re stroking extra fluffy? Describe everything your character feels!
Taste – is your character tasting anything? Of course, if your character’s eating you need to describe it. How sweet are the sweets they’re eating? How bitter is the medicine they had to take? You could even get creative and describe a smell so bad that your character can almost taste it!
Get creative when you write about senses. You don’t have to cover every sense in order, you can mix things up in a paragraph or two, and sometimes you only need to cover two or three senses in a particular scene. Make sure you’re always telling your audience what your character is experiencing so the reader can put themselves in your character’s shoes. Utilising this technique ensures the reader engages with your creative writing piece.
Fluent writing
Practice makes perfect when it comes to fluent writing. To practice fluent writing, set yourself a creative writing task as if you were taking your 11 Plus creative writing test.
Try keeping the stories short. Just a few paragraphs so you can do a few attempts. When you’re finished, read them back to yourself out loud. See if the sentences are easy to read out loud. If they’re not, it might be good to rewrite them in a way that makes them easier to say. Try doing this out loud too, rephrase the sentence so it means the same thing but is easier to say.
Reading out loud is not something you will be doing at the exam, so practicing your fluency at home is the key. Never be scared to do a few practice stories before your 11 Plus creative writing exam.
Proofreading Your Creative Writing
Finally, once you’ve finished writing and you’re happy with how fluent your piece sounds you’ve got to proofread it! That means checking your grammar, your punctuation and spelling.
Make sure you’ve only used capital letters where they need to be used – the start of sentences and the names of people and places.
Make sure you’ve used quotation marks correctly – start a new paragraph for when a character starts speaking, open with a quotation mark and then write what they said before closing with a quotation mark. Make sure you carry on writing after they’ve finished speaking with a new paragraph!
Have you checked the tenses? Make sure you’re not mixing up past, present and future tenses !
Have you used enough punctuation? Make sure all your sentences end with full stops, but also that questions end with a question mark. Space out long sentences with a well-placed comma and make sure if a character says something loudly or is surprised that you’re using exclamation marks.
Check your spelling! Are there any words you struggle with? Go back and check them to make sure they look right. If you’re really struggling to spell a word, maybe use a different one for your creative writing piece – lots of writers do this! If you do this a lot, then it might be worth doing some spelling practice.
How do I prepare for creative writing?
When it comes to 11 Plus creative writing exams it’s difficult to find something specific to revise – unlike exams in maths or English spelling, creative writing exams don’t have a right or wrong answer. So, don’t get overwhelmed by reading countless creative writing books.
The best way to prepare for a creative writing test is to practice all the key points we mentioned above. Set yourself some small creative writing tasks, practice your spelling and get some help fromyour teachers. You could also ask your parents or guardians about tuition to help you prepare for your creative writing .
We also have some creative writing book suggestions and worksheets that could help you prepare.
11 Plus creative writing examples books
If you’re looking for some books to help you prepare for your 11 Plus creative writing exam or want to find some creative writing examples, here are some of our favourites:
11+ Essentials Creative Writing Examples Book 1 (First Past the Post)
11+ Essentials Creative Writing Examples Book 2 (First Past the Post)
Bond 11+: English Focus on Writing: 9-11 years
RSL Creative Writing, Book 1: KS2, KS3, 11 Plus & 13 Plus – Workbook For Ages 9 Upwards
11+ Creative Writing
Remember to always ask a parent or guardian before buying anything online.
11 Plus creative writing tasks and worksheets
Here are some of our own worksheets that’ll help you prepare and improve your creative writing skills:
Creating characters
Creating dilemmas
Creating settings
My favourite author
Try an 11 plus creative writing tutor
If you’re worried about your 11 plus creative writing exam, that’s okay. There are numerous ways you can prepare without getting yourself overwhelmed. We’ve already covered how practice makes perfect when it comes to writing, so creative writing courses could be a great way for you to improve your confidence.
11 Plus tuition will also help with your creative writing. Explore Learning’s expert tutors can help you work on your story planning and structure, grammar, writing fluency and vocabulary.
Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed about your 11 Plus creative writing task, we’re here to help you do your best.
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11 Plus creative writing FAQs
How to prepare for 11 plus creative writing.
Prepare by understanding the 11 Plus creative writing requirements. Engage in regular practice on various topics like adventures, challenges and feelings. Focus on grammar, punctuation, fluency, spelling and vocabulary. Always proofread and consider getting feedback.
Is there creative writing in the 11 Plus exam?
The 11 Plus exam may include a creative writing component, often lasting 25-30 minutes, where a student demonstrates their narrative and language skills.
What are the different types of creative writing 11+?
The 11 Plus creative writing includes descriptive, persuasive and narrative tasks. Studentsmay be asked to craft or add to stories, describe scenarios, write persuasive letters or informative pieces.
How do I study for a creative writing exam?
Study by practising various creative writing tasks regularly. Focus on language proficiency, structure your narratives and proofread. For tailoredsupport, consider 11 Plus tuition .
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A Guide to 11 Plus Creative Writing Preparation
Updated: December 1, 2023 Author: Creative Hare
Introduction:
As children gear up for their challenging 11 Plus English exams, creative writing often stands as a significant hurdle. Mastering this section requires not just a solid grasp of ambitious vocabulary and literary techniques but also the ability to think outside the box and express ideas in a compelling manner. This takes confidence and experimentation. In this blog, we’ll delve into effective strategies to prepare for the 11+ creative writing exam and unlock the doors to imaginative excellence, happiness and success!
Understand the Exam Format:
- Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the exam format. There is no singular 11-plus exam format so it is best to check with the admissions team at your target schools what specific format they use.
- Understand the time constraints, the types of prompts, and the criteria by which your writing will be assessed. You generally don’t find mark schemes readily available on school websites. Although 11+ creative writing criteria is devised by the individual schools, aside from spelling and grammar, the skills and techniques commonly assessed include:
Where your child can win marks:
- Use of ambitious vocabulary
- Literary devices (personification, simile, metaphor, repetition, emotive language)
- Imaginative and descriptive writing
- Overall narrative flow and coherency
- Ensure your child practises reading creative writing questions carefully so their written piece addresses the exact question, rather than an interpretation. Click here for a creative writing mark scheme example which can be found on the Latymer School website.
Read Widely and Often:
- A well-read mind is a fertile ground for creativity. Encourage your child to explore a variety of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, poetry to prose.
- Exposure to diverse writing styles enhances vocabulary and fosters creative thinking.
- Use the Christmas holiday to visit your favourite book shop and encourage your child to browse freely - notice the types of books they are drawn to….light, frothy and funny books or perhaps fantasy books?
Build a Strong Vocabulary:
- 11 Plus creative writing flourishes on a rich tapestry of words.
- Make vocabulary building a daily habit.
- Introduce new words, explore their meanings, and encourage their use in everyday conversation.
- Children who take charge of their learning by recording words that they come across are empowered learners.
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."
Practice, Practice, Practice:
- Creative writing is a skill honed through practice. Set aside dedicated time for writing exercises regularly. Provide prompts that challenge your child’s imagination, encouraging them to create stories with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. Check out 6 Creative Writing Tips for Children for the best websites for free, fun writing prompts.
Develop a Writing Routine:
- Establishing a writing routine creates a sense of discipline and familiarity. Consistent practice helps build confidence and improves the ability to think creatively under pressure.
Explore Different Genres and Styles:
- The 11 Plus English exam might present prompts from various genres. Prepare your child by exposing them to different styles of writing—mystery, adventure, fantasy, and more. This versatility will prove invaluable during the exam. My new Bright to Brilliant 12-week Creative Writing programme equips children with the full-range of 11-Plus creative writing question types.
Encourage Thoughtful Planning:
- Before jumping into writing, teach your child the importance of thinking ahead. Whether that’s sitting quietly with their ideas or jotting down their ideas in a quick planning format, this will help ensure their writing stays on track!
Seek Constructive Feedback:
- Share your child’s writing with teachers, peers, or family members. Constructive feedback is an invaluable tool for improvement. Encourage your child to identify their strengths and areas to further improve to refine their creative writing skills. This is isn’t easy, it takes practice. However, empowering your child to self-evaluate their writing in a positive light is a key characteristic of awesome, confident writers.
Learn from Examples:
- Analyse various pieces of creative writing. Identify what makes them compelling—the use of descriptive language, character development, plot twists. But encourage your child to ask how they could improve the writing. Children love to offer improvements on what they could do better, so it’s a great way to engage them. Learning from other’s writing can inspire and guide your child’s own writing.
Time Management Skills:
- The 11 Plus exam is as much about managing time as it is about writing skills.
- Practice timed writing sessions to ensure your child can express their ideas effectively within the given constraints.
- Ensuring your child is confident in expressing their ideas in writing before introducing exam style timing will make the experience more comfortable and worthwhile for them.
"I can see my competitors sweating, and I am cool as a cucumber."
Adam Rippon
Preparation for the 11 Plus Creative Writing component is not just about mastering accurate spelling; it’s about cultivating a creative mindset. Through a combination of regular practice, diverse reading, and constructive feedback, students can sharpen their creative writing skills and approach the exam with confidence.
Remember, creativity is a skill that can be nurtured and developed with dedication and the right strategies. Best of luck to all the young writers embarking on this exciting journey!
Interested in exploring a creative writing class?
Let your child discover their creative voice, related articles.
11+ English Sample Papers
Here's a list of 11+ English papers, FREE for you to download.
How Matteo reaped the benefits of 11 Plus tuition
Matteo was in Year 4 and attending a small independent school in North London when we first started working together.
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11 Plus Creative Writing Success Comprehensive Guide
- Advice for the Creative Writing element of 11 plus exams
The 11 plus exams, upon which students’ entry into UK Grammar Schools and Private Schools depends, test children’s understanding of core subjects: English , Maths , Verbal Reasoning , and Non-Verbal Reasoning . This article will focus on the creative writing test, which forms section B of the age 11 English paper. Read on to find out about the following topics:
- the basics of what the 11+ creative writing test is;
- what may come up in the creative writing for 11 plus exams;
- how to revise for the 11 plus creative writing, including how PiAcademy can help;
- tips and tricks to help your child ace the exam in the moment;
- and guidance as to how you may tutor your child in creative writing yourself.
First things first… what exactly is the 11 plus creative writing test?
11+ creative writing topics – what could come up, how to revise for the wealth of possible 11+ creative writing topics…, introducing… in january 2020, our new 11 plus creative writing guide.
*** Please note: creative writing is not required in all iterations of the 11+ exams. Double-check whether your child will be tested on this subject! ***
Check this Out: Top 5 Creative Writing Tips to Score Full Marks
The best way to get to know and understand the format of an exam is always to look at examples of past papers – if you haven’t done this yet, do so! Check which exam is relevant to you and familiarise yourself and your child with how it looks and what it asks for. There are some differences between the 11 plus creative writing test for Private Schools and those for Grammar Schools. Review below a brief summary of each:
11+ English Creative Writings With Answers can be found here >>
Private Schools’ 11 plus Creative Writing Summary:
Most private schools do test the creative writing of their prospective students; part B of the English paper is dedicated to creative writing. Children will have 25-30 minutes to complete the section, choosing one of two questions choices to answer in this time. The questions are often based around the continuation of a provided storyline. Some schools, however, (e.g., Haberdasher Askes – a.k.a. ‘HABS’) also give the option of responding to a visual stimulus included in the question. Other schools could provide a random topic and have children write on this, such as describing a character or crafting a fictional diary entry around a given event.
Grammar Schools’ 11 plus Creative Writing Summary:
Unlike private schools, where most do test creative writing , many grammar schools will opt not to test children on this subject (again, be sure to check exactly which tests your child will face). Some schools do not test creative writing at all (e.g., Queen Elizabeth School – ‘QE Boys’ in Barnet), whereas others will only test this if the student passes the initial round of exams. The style of creative writing testing at grammar schools is very similar to that detailed about private schools (above). *** For a full list of schools, their information, and details of their testing habits check ‘Schools in the UK’ under the advice tab on our website! *** For both grammar school and independent school tests, we suggest a planning time of 3-5 minutes before starting to write an answer. Planning ensures that the student remembers to include everything that they should, and will lead to a better and surer structure to their writing.
In terms of 11+ essentials, creative writing examples are, of course, paramount. What should you expect from age 11 essay titles? What should you expect as topics for creative writing for 11 plus ? The easiest way to get your head around what your child needs to be prepared for is to consider the infinite unseen possibilities of questions within the following four categories:
- Descriptive tasks - A descriptive task may ask the student to describe a place or situation or continue a given storyline
- Persuasive tasks - A persuasive piece is more likely to take the form of a letter of complaint, or a student may be asked to script a convincing speech
- Narrative tasks - A narrative task would entail the composition of a short story
- Expository tasks - An expository task is more likely to require the writing of an explanatory article or set of instructions
As anything could come up in the test, it is helpful to think of ways to revise for each different type of question which may occur in the creative writing task.
With an unlimited number of possible topics to prepare for, flicking through a couple of creative writing books for 11 plus , or reading never-ending lists of 11 plus creative writing tips online, is sure to result in bewilderment… But the good news is – there is no reason to overwhelm yourself! We are here to help. As always, we must advocate one very important element of exam preparation… Practice , practice , practice! Key things to think about when practicing include writing skills such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Throughout practice papers and in every piece of writing, these should be accurate and varied. Sit down with your child and a list of creative writing topics for 11 plus and work through writing some practice answers - this is inarguably a strong start to their revision. However, no matter how many creative writing 11 plus topics you cover, these can only help a limited amount without the aid of an 11+ creative writing mark scheme ; getting to know the mark scheme is the best way to understand what boxes your child’s writing must tick in order to succeed. This all sounds like a lot of information for you to gather, doesn’t it? Well, this is where we come in! Currently, on the PiAcademy website, you can find 11 plus creative writing examples. That is, 11 plus essay titles for creative writing , along with an example plan and answer (remember the importance of planning!). As well as this, among the 11 plus tutoring courses , you can find an 11 plus creative writing course incorporated into the English courses . And just when you thought we couldn’t be any more helpful – to add to the above, we have exciting news…
PiAcademy’s new 11 plus creative writing resources will include 50 tasks to practice creative writing. Each of the four types of question mentioned earlier will be covered (15 descriptive writing tasks, 15 persuasive, 10 narrative, and 10 expository), and a mark scheme for parents’ use will be also included. The mark scheme will explain what constitutes a ‘poor response,’ as well as an example of ‘good response,’ and commentaries explaining why each is categorised so. An 11 plus creative writing PDF document will be downloadable, consisting of an invaluable checklist – this way you can ensure that your child includes everything they must! (Getting to know the checklist, and visualising it in the exam, is the perfect way for your child to successfully carry out their creative writing under time pressure.) This will essentially be an online 11 plus creative writing workbook, with tips and tricks to maximise its usefulness! Perfect for parents who are opting out of hiring an 11 plus creative writing tutor .
Good luck with your revision, and eventually, exams… Remember:
- Always follow our checklists!
- PLAN your answer first!
- Practice each of the four question types!
Practice makes perfect, and our resources allow for lots and lots of practice! Don’t forget to check in in the new year to make the most of our new and improved 11 plus Creative Writing Guide .
Wait! Don’t go yet! Whilst you’re here… Scroll to the bottom of the website to subscribe to our weekly newsletter – we will deliver weekly worksheets, videos, news, tips, and much more, straight to your inbox! (Sounds helpful, right?)
Practicing 11+ Creative Writing would improve pupil’s writing skills and would help in boosting exam performance
11+ Creative Writing subscription has 23 exercises from different categories like Descriptive, Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository. Each exercise is provided with hints, plan, model answer, checklist, and highlights to help students become better at writing.
In our 11 plus Creative Writing Subscription we cover all the basic tips and techniques to help your child get better at creative writing. We also offer 11 plus Creative Writing Mastery course for students who are further interested in learning more.
We recommend that your child should practice 2-3 creative writing exercises from different categories weekly.
Practicing topics like Vocabulary, Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar are beneficial in gaining mastery over creative writings.
11 plus English past papers are a good resource for practicing creative writing. Also, our 11 plus creative writing subscription has a variety of questions to practice from different categories with hints, plan, model answers, and checklist.
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- "Great resource for kids who are appearing for grammar exams. It helped my daughter and I would recommend these resources to my friends/family." Oliver , 11+ Parent "I have visited many websites for sample creative writings but the resource we found here is exceptional. I didn't find similar resources for the affordable price anywhere else. I sincerely recommend the pi academy website for the best resources at affordable prices." Anne , 11+ Parent
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- "Amazing creative writings, there are 23 creative writings which include all types of creative writings. Value for money. Thank you for recommending this to me." Tina Singh , 11+ Parent
- "Very Helpful resource, especially the hints and plan for each creative writings helped my son a lot. He loves it, thank you." Wazid , 11+ Parent
- "Great resource for kids who are appearing for grammar exams. It helped my daughter and I would recommend these resources to my friends/family." Oliver , 11+ Parent
- "I have visited many websites for sample creative writings but the resource we found here is exceptional. I didn't find similar resources for the affordable price anywhere else. I sincerely recommend the pi academy website for the best resources at affordable prices." Anne , 11+ Parent
- "Checklist for all the creative writings provided is the unique format. You are a genius. Thank you Pi academy." Mike , 11+ Parent
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11 Plus Creative Writing: Exam Preparation Guide
What is the creative writing element of the 11 Plus and what does it include?
Both 11 plus exam boards (GL and CEM) don’t have a creative writing element, however some schools may decide to add this element in to assist with the selection process. For instance, it may be used in cases where two students have very similar scores and so the creative writing piece will be the deciding factor.
Each school will have a different format for the writing element; some schools may ask for a creative piece of writing from scratch and others may ask students to complete a story from a passage they‘re provided with. Independent schools, on the other hand, usually require an essay or creative writing piece as part of the exam.
In private schools, this section is crucial and is always marked, however in grammar schools this section may not always be marked. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be overlooked as it could be a deciding factor of whether or not your child gets an offer at their target grammar school.
This element of the eleven plus will require students to manage their time well and be able to complete their story in just under an hour. Generally, students are given a scenario or prompt that they are free to interpret in their own way. Students will then be required to put their ideas together in a creative style.
Some examples of past prompts that have come up in grammar and private school 11 Plus exams include:
- Describe a situation which you have experienced which might also be called A Magical Moment, showing what your thoughts and feelings are
- The Prince of Darkness is a Gentleman
- The Broken Window
As you can see from these titles, there’s no specific category that they fall into and they are very unpredictable. The trick here is to ensure your child has lots of practice with these past paper questions, so they can better understand how they’re going to draft their ideas together coherently.
The structure of the writing piece should include:
- A beginning that sets the scene
- Characters who have a motivation behind their actions and drive the plot forward
- An ending that wraps up the original idea that was set out at the beginning
How to prepare for the creative writing part of the exam?
Practice is of course a crucial element of the revision process. It may also be useful to jot down ideas and descriptions of: emotions, actions, characters and the environment. Having these sets of descriptions ready will save lots of time in the actual exam. Even though the emotions and characters your child has practised writing don’t match the question in the exam, they will have a better idea of how to formulate the structure and plot in a timely manner by developing the descriptions they practised.
Themes to practice writing about:
- Nature : this could be rivers, rain, mountains, lightning
- Emotions : this is an essential part of the story as it helps to set the tone. Some emotions can be: joy, anger, sadness. It may be beneficial to visualise the ‘inside out’ movie and write out the emotions according to how each character behaves
- Activities you enjoy : this will help with writing the plot in the eleven plus exam since you can adapt and build on these descriptions based on the title question
- Animals : this may be your favourite animal or your pet
- Your surroundings : this could be houses, parks, churches, villages, roads. Understanding how to write about basic structures in a captivating way is a very important of this writing element
Techniques to practise using in your writing:
- Personification : This technique involves associating something that isn’t human with human qualities. For example: the trees danced in the wind . This technique allows the objects throughout the story to have meaning and gives energy to something that is usually expressionless.
- Metaphors : This is a figure of speech, where a word or phrase is defined as another object or action to which it is not literally applicable. A famous example is from one of Shakespeare’s plays, As You Like It, is: ‘all the world’s a stage. ’ This metaphor compares the world to a theatrical stage. While this is not literally true, the metaphor demonstrates that the world is like a show and the people are like actors. Metaphors allow the reader to think more deeply about a subject, and they can also add emotion and dramatic effect.
- Similes : This is like a metaphor, except similes use the connective words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to draw comparisons. For example: her eyes were like diamonds . The purpose of similes is to make comparisons to better illustrate your ideas, which makes the story more vivid and entertaining for the reader.
- Hyperbole : This is an exaggeration to emphasise a point to the reader. For instance: I have waited forever for this to happen . This makes the sentence more dramatic and grabs the reader’s attention, which makes the emotions more memorable.
- Alliteration : This is having two or more words with the same letters consecutively in a sentence. An example of this could be: the big bug bit the little bee . This will have a different effect depending on whether the letters sound soft or harsh, but generally alliteration adds a rhythmic sound to the sentence and accentuates your descriptions.
Some revision techniques
Although the topics for the creative writing section are unpredictable, they are usually very broad so your child can use their imagination to think of a plot or build on the descriptions they have already practised. They can start off by writing short stories on the themes mentioned above in this article, and attempt to implement the literary techniques throughout their writing.
It’s crucial to keep your reader hooked throughout your story, so having an interesting plot and characters will help, but it’s also important to focus on developing the techniques listed. Use past paper questions and practice writing short stories under timed conditions, then read over it and see how many techniques your child managed to implement.
If your child is struggling to come up with ideas, it may be useful to encourage them to pick up one of their favourite books and allow them to get inspiration from there. This will encourage their creative thinking skills to grow; the first few pages of a book are especially important as they sometimes outline the main characters and setting of the entire story.
Reading and analysing the first few pages can allow them to imagine how they’re going to start their own. Even better, try to encourage them to annotate the pages they read with how the characters are displayed, the emotions, actions and the techniques used. After this, they can try to use their structure and techniques in their own writing. Adding these techniques can improve their score tremendously in the eleven plus creative writing section.
General tips and informative articles on 11 Plus:
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11 plus (11+) creative writing topics, last updated: october 6, 2023, 6 key 11 plus (11+) creative writing topics.
The following are common topics 11+ applicants may be presented within their creative writing exam, how to tackle them, and examples of books about these topics to prepare with.
Stories about adventures or activities
You may be asked to write a story about an adventure or activity with a prompt similar to the following:
Write about…
- winning a race or award
- a hobby you enjoy
- going on an adventure
Books about an adventure or activity:
Some books that you may find helpful as inspiration for writing a story on this topic are:
- Treasure Island , Robert Stevenson, Examberry Children’s Classic Reading Workbook edition
- Breakfast Club Adventures , Marcus Rashford
- Running on the Roof of the World , Jess Butterworth
- Famous Five Adventure Series , Enid Blyton
- Tanglewreck , Jeanette Winterson
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , Lewis Carroll
- The Odyssey , Homer, Usborne Young Reading edition
- The Wonder team and the Forgotten Footballers , Leah Williamson
- Harry Potter series, J.K.Rowling
- The BFG , Roald Dahl
- Focus on the feeling of discovery – think about what new things your character is learning or experiencing through the adventure or activity.
Stories about animals
You may be asked to write a story about an animal/animals with a prompt similar to the following:
- your favourite animal
- a zoo/sea/jungle animal/creature
Books about animals:
- The Wind in the Willows , Kenneth Grahame, Examberry Children’s Classic Reading Workbook Edition
- The Tale of Despereaux , Kate DiCamillo
- Animal Farm , George Orwell
- Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh , Robert C.O.Brien
- The Butterfly Lion , Michael Morpurgo
- Charlotte’s Web , E.B.White
- Beautiful Joe’s Paradise , Margaret Marshall Saunders
- The Lost Whale , Hannah Gold
- The Last Firefox , Lee Newberry
- Black Beauty , Anna Sewell
- Use anthropomorphisation – give the animals human traits to make them more empathetic (more relatable) to the reader.
Stories about emotions
You may be asked to write a story about an emotion with a prompt similar to the following:
- a time when you felt afraid/happy/jealous/sad/angry
- how you overcame a fear/challenge
- joy/disgust/hope
Books about emotions:
- A Boy Called Hope , Lara Williamson
- A Pocketful of Stars , Aisha Bushby
- Wonder , R.J.Palacio
- Ella on the Outside , Cath Howe
- The Goldfish Boy , Lisa Thompson
- The Boy Who Lied , Kim Slater
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time , Mark Haddon
- Can You See Me? , Libby Scott
- The Book Thief , Marcus Zusak
- See You in the Cosmos , Jack Cheng
- Relate the emotions to the five senses – e.g. what colour does hope look like, what does sadness smell like?
Stories about an environment
You may be asked to write a story about an environment with a prompt similar to the following:
- the sea, the forest, a garden
- a house, a castle
- a bridge, a door, a greenhouse
Books about an environment:
- The Secret Garden , Frances Hodgson Burnett
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , C.S.Lewis
- Nim’s Island , Wendy Orr
- Isadora Moon Under the Sea , Harriet Muncaster
- The Magical Faraway Tree , Enid Blyton
- Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest , Liz Flanagan
- Our Castle by the Sea , Lucy Strange
- Tom’s Midnight Garden , Philippa Pearce
- Coraline , Neil Gaiman
- Howl’s Moving Castle , Dianna Wynne Jones
- Use personification to give the environment a sense of power – e.g. “ It was a heavy burden for the sea, carrying all those ships on her blue surface, but she did it proudly, for it was her responsibility to care for them.”
Stories about people
You may be asked to write a story about a person or a group of people with a prompt similar to the following:
- a role model
- a family member/friend
- an original character (e.g. wizard, doctor, teacher)
Books about people:
- A Christmas Carol , Charles Dickens, Examberry Children’s Classic Reading Workbook edition
- Anne of Green Gables , Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Heidi , Johanna Spyri
- Sherlock Holmes series, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan
- Agent Zaiba Investigates , Annabelle Sami
- Lightning Girl , Alesha Dixon
- Tales from beyond the rainbow , Peter Jordi Wood
- Little People, Big Dreams series, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
- Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
- Use adjectives – i.e. descriptive words, to describe characters’ appearance and emotions.
Stories about travel
You may be asked to write a story about travelling somewhere with a prompt similar to the following:
- travelling to another country
- travelling to another world
- travelling to the countryside, seaside or city
Books about travel:
- The Girl of Ink and Stars , Kiran Millwood Hargrave
- The Boy Who Biked the World series, Alastair Humphreys
- Around the world in Eighty Days , Jane Bingham
- Gulliver’s Travels , Jonathan Swift
- The London Eye Mystery , Siobhan Dowd
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth , Jules Verne, Usborne Young Reading edition
- The Wizard of Oz , L.Frank Baum
- No Ballet Shoes in Syria , Catherine Bruton
- The Children of Castle Rock , Natasha Farrant
- The Phantom Tollbooth , Norton Jester
- Use verbs and adverbs – use verbs to add a sense of movement in the story and adverbs to describe the experience of travelling.
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11 Creative Writing Techniques
Learn how to add pizzazz to any type of writing.
The articles below show you how to use creative writing tools in fiction or non-fiction. Each article features a series of examples so it becomes easier to apply the technique.
List of creative writing techniques
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Personification
Show don’t tell
Repetition in writing
Contrast in writing
The rule of three in writing
Parallelism
1. Metaphors
Learn how to use metaphors and get inspired by these examples …
Learn how to use metaphors >>
Metaphor examples >>
Get inspired by over 10 simile examples by various authors …
Simile examples >>
3. Analogies
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Analogy examples >>
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Get inspired by these imagery examples …
Imagery examples >>
5. Personification
Learn how to use personification to make your writing sparkle …
Personification examples >>
6. Show don’t tell
Get inspired by these examples of “show, don’t tell” …
Show don’t tell examples >>
7. Repetition in writing
Get inspired by these examples of word repetition …
Examples of repetition in writing >>
8. Contrast in writing
Discover how to use contrast in your writing …
Examples of contrast in writing >>
9. The rule of 3 in writing
Get inspired by these examples of the rule of 3 …
The rule of 3 in writing >>
10. Parallelism in writing
Get inspired by these examples of the parallelism …
Parallelism examples >>
11. Switch the point of view (POV)
Discover how to switch the point of view …
Point of view examples >>
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How To Improve Creative Writing (18 Effective Ways)
Table of Contents
How To Improve Creative Writing
How To Improve Creative Writing: Embarking on the journey to improve one’s creative writing is like setting sail into an uncharted sea of boundless imagination and linguistic exploration.
Creative writing, a realm where words transform into vivid narratives, characters come to life, and emotions are painted across the pages, is a skill that thrives on constant growth and evolution.
In this guide, we will traverse the landscape of creative writing, delving into its various forms, mastering the craft, and unlocking the secrets to becoming a more skilled and imaginative writer.
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith seeking refinement or a budding writer just beginning your literary voyage, the path to improvement is a rich tapestry waiting to be woven, where inspiration knows no bounds, and storytelling becomes an art form.
So, fasten your literary seatbelt, for the journey to enhance your creative writing prowess is about to commence.
To improve your creative writing skills, Here’s a step-by-step process on How To Improve Creative Writing:
Read Widely:
Read a diverse range of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and different genres. This exposure will help you understand various writing styles and techniques.
Write Regularly:
Practice writing consistently. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
Expand Your Vocabulary:
Work on building a rich vocabulary. Learn new words, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in your writing.
Study Grammar and Punctuation:
A strong grasp of grammar and punctuation is essential. Review the rules and practice to avoid common mistakes.
Create a Writing Routine:
Establish a routine that works for you. Whether it’s early in the morning, late at night, or during lunch breaks, find your optimal writing time.
Outline Your Ideas:
Plan your writing in advance. Create outlines, mind maps, or notes to organize your thoughts before you start writing.
Set Writing Goals:
Define clear goals for your writing projects. Whether it’s completing a short story , novel, or a series of articles, having goals keeps you motivated.
Seek Feedback:
Share your work with peers, writing groups, or mentors. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas for improvement.
Revise and Edit:
Writing is rewriting. After you’ve completed a draft, revise and edit your work for clarity, coherence, and style.
Experiment with Style and Genre:
Don’t be afraid to try different writing styles and genres. Experimentation can help you discover your unique voice.
Read Aloud:
Reading your work aloud can help you catch errors, awkward phrasing, and improve the rhythm of your writing.
Be Observant:
Pay attention to the world around you. Observing people, places, and events can provide inspiration and authenticity to your writing.
Overcome Writer’s Block:
When you’re stuck, try free writing, brainstorming, or taking a break to refresh your creativity.
Stay Inspired:
Surround yourself with inspiring sources, whether it’s art, nature, music, or conversations. Inspiration can fuel your creativity.
Edit and Proofread:
Once you’ve completed your writing, thoroughly edit and proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Publish and Share:
Share your work through blogs, social media, or submit it to publications. Public sharing can provide valuable feedback and exposure.
Learn from Feedback:
Take feedback seriously and use it as a tool for improvement. Analyze critiques to enhance your writing skills.
Keep Learning:
Writing is an ongoing journey. Continuously seek to learn and grow as a writer by attending workshops, reading about writing, and experimenting with new techniques.
Remember, improving your creative writing skills takes time and dedication. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn are key to becoming a better writer.
Understanding Creative Writing
Understanding creative writing is like embarking on a journey into the boundless realm of imagination, where words become brushstrokes, painting the canvas of your mind with vivid worlds, complex characters, and emotions that dance off the page.
It’s a realm where you’re the architect of reality, bending the rules of ordinary language to conjure extraordinary stories that tickle the senses and stir the soul.
It’s about wielding the power of narrative to shape destinies, provoke thought, and make hearts skip a beat.
In the realm of creative writing, you’re both the magician and the audience, crafting spells with sentences that transport you and your readers to places unknown, unraveling mysteries, and exploring the infinite possibilities of human expression.
Different forms of creative writing
Creative writing encompasses a kaleidoscope of diverse forms, each a unique facet of the literary universe.
There’s the enchanting world of fiction, where novelists weave intricate plots and multidimensional characters that become your companions on thrilling adventures.
Poetry, a mesmerizing tapestry of words, paints vivid imagery and emotion in the concise space of a few lines.
Non-fiction is a realm of truth and authenticity, where writers illuminate reality with memoirs, essays, and journalistic narratives. Screenwriting brings storytelling to life on the silver screen, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.
These forms are but a glimpse into the labyrinth of creative writing, where the only limit is the boundaries of one’s imagination.
Elements of creative writing
The elements of creative writing are the building blocks that breathe life into words, transforming them into vibrant stories.
At the heart of any creative work lies the intricate dance of plot, where conflicts and resolutions unfurl like a well-orchestrated symphony.
Characterization paints portraits of individuals, each with their own quirks and depths, making them unforgettable to the reader.
Setting, a crucial backdrop, provides the stage upon which these tales unfold, influencing moods and actions.
Themes thread through the narrative like a hidden river, adding depth and purpose, while style is the unique fingerprint of the author, infusing the work with their voice and perspective.
These elements, in concert, give creative writing its compelling complexity, inviting readers to embark on journeys that resonate with their hearts and minds.
Cultivating a Creative Mindset
Cultivating a creative mindset is akin to tending to the most wondrous of gardens—the garden of the imagination.
It’s about donning the gloves of curiosity and nurturing the seeds of inspiration, coaxing them to bloom into vibrant ideas that dance in the sun-dappled meadow of your thoughts.
In this garden, writer’s block withers under the warmth of persistence, and the weeds of self-doubt are plucked away with unwavering belief in your creative potential.
It’s a sanctuary where meditation and mindfulness are the water and sunlight, ensuring that the fruits of your imagination grow ripe and abundant.
In this verdant oasis, you are the creator and the caretaker, shaping the tapestry of your mind into a masterpiece of creativity that never ceases to blossom with new ideas.
Overcoming writer’s block
Overcoming writer’s block is like finding a hidden passage out of a labyrinth of your own thoughts. It’s the art of breaking free from the stranglehold of a blank page and transforming it into an open canvas.
Sometimes, the most formidable adversary is not the lack of ideas but the daunting prospect of beginning. To conquer this nemesis, one must navigate a myriad of techniques, from freewriting and brainstorming to changing the physical environment, in order to unearth the buried treasure of creativity within.
It’s a mental jigsaw puzzle where pieces of inspiration are scattered, and solving it involves patience, resilience, and sometimes simply allowing your mind to wander until it stumbles upon that elusive spark that will ignite your words.
Overcoming writer’s block isn’t just a battle won; it’s a gateway to the ever-expanding universe of storytelling, waiting to be explored with fervor and imagination.
Developing a writing routine
Developing a writing routine is akin to crafting a symphony out of the everyday humdrum. It’s the art of carving out sacred moments in the day, allowing the muse to speak amid the cacophony of life’s demands.
A writing routine is the scaffold that supports the architecture of creativity, providing the structure and discipline necessary for the magic of storytelling to flourish.
Whether it’s the first light of dawn or the stillness of midnight, these designated hours become the writer’s sanctuary, the place where the mind opens up like a treasure chest of ideas, and words flow like a river.
It’s in these moments of consistency that the craft evolves, enabling writers to hone their skills, unravel narratives, and beckon inspiration at will.
Ultimately, a writing routine is a personal ritual that weaves creativity into the fabric of daily existence, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, one word at a time.
Mastering the Craft
Mastering the craft of writing is like harnessing the mystical forces of language to conjure entire universes from the ink of your pen.
It’s a lifelong journey of delving into the labyrinth of words, where each sentence becomes a brushstroke, and every paragraph a brush dipped in the palette of emotions.
It’s an alchemical process, where you transmute raw ideas into literary gold, refining your art through an unending cycle of creation, revision, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Every metaphor, every plot twist , and every character’s whisper becomes a note in the grand symphony of storytelling, where the crescendo is the moment you realize you’re not just a writer; you’re a sorcerer, weaving spells with every keystroke, capturing the hearts and minds of readers with the magic of your narrative.
Vocabulary and Language
Vocabulary and language are the enchanting threads that weave the tapestry of storytelling. A writer’s arsenal of words is akin to a painter’s palette, each word a unique hue that, when skillfully blended, creates vivid imagery and evokes powerful emotions.
A rich and varied vocabulary is the cornerstone of effective communication, allowing writers to express the nuances of thought and sentiment with precision and eloquence.
Language, on the other hand, is the vessel that carries these words, shaping the tone and rhythm of a narrative.
The beauty of this interplay lies in the writer’s ability to select the perfect word, the ideal phrase, and the most evocative metaphor, thereby sculpting a literary masterpiece that resonates with readers, captivating their senses, and transporting them to worlds of imagination and wonder.
In the realm of creative writing, vocabulary and language are the keys to unlocking the full spectrum of human experience and imagination.
Writing Techniques
Writing techniques are the chisels and brushes of the wordsmith, essential tools that sculpt and paint the narrative.
They encompass a spectrum of strategies that shape the flow and impact of a piece of writing. “Show, don’t tell” is the art of letting readers experience a story through sensory details and actions, fostering a deeper connection.
Crafting authentic dialogue breathes life into characters, allowing them to converse and reveal their personalities naturally.
The choice of point of view, whether first person, third person, or omniscient, defines the lens through which the reader perceives the tale.
These techniques, like a craftsman’s skills, enable writers to craft stories with finesse, immersing readers in vivid landscapes, relatable characters, and intricate narratives, making the written word a portal to realms of imagination and emotion.
Reading as a Writer
Reading as a writer is akin to peering behind the scenes of a magnificent stage production to witness the magic of storytelling in its purest form.
It’s a journey where the reader transforms into a literary detective, dissecting the prose, unraveling the plot, and examining the intricate brushstrokes of the author’s craft.
With each turn of the page, a writer learns the secret language of pacing, character development, and dialogue that is whispered through the text.
It’s an immersive masterclass that teaches the orchestration of tension, the symphony of foreshadowing, and the art of unveiling mysteries.
In this dual role of reader and writer, one discovers that every book is not just an escape but an invitation to the backstage, where the invisible threads of narrative manipulation are spun, inspiring the storyteller within to reach new heights and craft unforgettable tales.
Analyzing literature
Analyzing literature is akin to embarking on an archeological expedition into the layers of human expression and experience.
It’s a fascinating journey where each page holds the whispers of the past and the echoes of the author’s soul.
As one delves into the intricacies of a literary work, it’s like decoding a cryptic message, revealing the hidden treasures of symbolism, theme, and narrative structure.
Every word, sentence, and character becomes a clue in a grand puzzle, inviting you to explore the profound depths of the human psyche and society.
In the process of literary analysis, readers not only unearth the intellectual and emotional nuances of a text but also gain a profound appreciation for the artistry of the written word, for it is in these revelations that the alchemy of storytelling is unveiled, proving that literature is not merely ink on paper, but a mirror reflecting the intricate mosaic of human existence.
Learning from other authors
Learning from other authors is akin to a masterclass in the art of storytelling. It’s an exquisite journey of exploration, where you walk in the footsteps of literary giants, witnessing their genius unfold across the pages of their works.
These authors, like mentors from afar, offer invaluable lessons in character development, plot structure, and the delicate dance of language.
With each book you read, you glean insights into the diverse ways authors craft their narratives, be it the lyrical prose of one or the gripping dialogue of another.
Their stories serve as templates, guiding you in understanding the subtleties of storytelling, nurturing your creative instincts, and sparking that inner fire of inspiration.
In the pages of their books, you find not just tales, but the wisdom of those who have paved the way, ready to illuminate your path as you embark on your own journey of writing.
Building a personal library
Building a personal library is like assembling a treasury of knowledge, imagination, and soul. Each book, lovingly arranged on the shelves, is a passport to different worlds, eras, and minds.
It’s a sanctuary where you can escape the mundane and embark on an endless odyssey of exploration, enlightenment, and enchantment. Your personal library becomes a reflection of your intellectual curiosity and passions, a curated collection of stories and wisdom that have resonated with you.
Beyond the tangible beauty of bound pages, it’s a space where you can seek refuge, inspiration, and solace.
In this haven, books aren’t just inanimate objects; they are the keepers of dreams, mentors, and the compass that guides you on your own creative journey, whispering their stories and secrets, ready to be discovered anew each time you open their pages.
Research and Fact-Checking
Research and fact-checking are the unsung heroes of the writer’s craft, the secret agents who ensure that the tapestry of fiction and the canvas of non-fiction remain unblemished by errors.
Like intrepid explorers, writers embark on quests for knowledge, sifting through archives, traversing the corridors of history, and plumbing the depths of the digital ocean.
Fact-checking is the lighthouse that guards against the treacherous cliffs of misinformation, ensuring that the narratives we weave are anchored in truth.
It’s not just a scholarly pursuit; it’s the alchemy that transforms a story from mere entertainment into a portal to the worlds, cultures, and ideas it seeks to represent.
In the realm of research, writers become detectives, unearthing secrets, unmasking mysteries, and painting the scenery with the vivid strokes of authenticity.
Without this duo, the magic of storytelling would lose its luster, and readers would be adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
Importance of accuracy in creative writing
The importance of accuracy in creative writing cannot be overstated, for it is the cornerstone upon which the credibility and resonance of a narrative are built.
While creativity allows us to conjure imaginary realms and characters, these creations must find their roots in a foundation of truth.
Factual accuracy in the details of a story, whether it’s historical, scientific, or cultural, lends authenticity to the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience by making the fictional world feel tangible and relatable.
Inaccuracies can disrupt the suspension of disbelief, pulling readers out of the story, and eroding the trust they place in the author.
Moreover, for works that explore complex themes or socio-cultural issues, accuracy is paramount in promoting understanding and empathy.
By upholding the value of accuracy, creative writing can reach its full potential, becoming a powerful vessel for both entertainment and enlightenment.
Finding Your Voice
Finding your voice in the vast wilderness of creative expression is like discovering a hidden gem within your own soul.
It’s not just about words; it’s the symphony of your thoughts, your emotions, and the unique cadence of your experiences coming to life on the page. Your voice is the compass that guides you through the labyrinth of creativity, allowing you to navigate the realms of storytelling with authenticity.
It’s a fingerprint that distinguishes your work from the rest, making your narratives resonate with a singular, unforgettable resonance.
Finding your voice is not just a revelation; it’s a journey of self-discovery, an ongoing exploration of who you are and how you want to connect with the world through the magic of words.
It’s the moment when you realize that your voice, unlike any other, is the key to unlocking the hearts and minds of your readers, inviting them to explore the world as you see it and share in the emotions that define your unique narrative.
Personal style and uniqueness
Personal style and uniqueness in writing are the vibrant colors that distinguish an artist’s canvas from all others.
Your writing style is the echo of your personality, your perspective, and the experiences that shape you. It’s the idiosyncratic rhythm of your sentences, the selection of words that resonate with your soul, and the peculiar nuances that define your narrative fingerprint.
Embracing your uniqueness is not a departure from the norm but a celebration of individuality, an affirmation that your voice is unlike any other.
In a world filled with words, it’s your personal style that makes your work stand out, inviting readers to explore the world through your eyes and experience the emotions that pulse through your stories.
Your style is your signature, and your uniqueness is the spark that ignites the literary world, reminding us that in the realm of creativity, diversity is the catalyst for innovation and the source of endless inspiration.
Authenticity in storytelling
Authenticity in storytelling is the golden thread that weaves a powerful connection between the writer and the reader.
It’s the unwavering commitment to truth, not in the factual sense, but in the emotional and human sense. Authentic storytelling dares to venture into the raw, unvarnished corners of the human experience, revealing vulnerability, joys, struggles, and complexities with unapologetic honesty.
It acknowledges the imperfections of characters, the messiness of life, and the ambiguity of morality.
Authenticity in storytelling is the bridge that allows readers to see themselves in the characters and situations, to empathize, to confront their own truths, and to resonate with the essence of the narrative.
It’s a reminder that, in the world of storytelling, the most profound impact is often not achieved through escapism but through a mirror reflecting the truth of our shared humanity, inviting us to explore, understand, and embrace the beautifully imperfect mosaic of human existence.
Overcoming Challenges
Overcoming challenges is akin to harnessing the fiery spirit of a phoenix, rising from the ashes of adversity with newfound strength and resilience.
It’s the grand adventure of our lives, where obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones towards personal growth and transformation.
Challenges are the litmus test of character, the forge where determination is tempered, and where the human spirit finds its true mettle.
In the face of these trials, we discover untapped reserves of courage, creativity, and perseverance that we never knew existed.
Like intrepid explorers charting uncharted territories, we boldly face the unknown, seeking not just victory but self-discovery, for it is in the crucible of challenges that our true potential is revealed, and we emerge as the heroes of our own stories.
Publishing and Sharing Your Work
Publishing and sharing your work is like setting a fleet of paper boats adrift on the vast sea of human connection.
It’s the culmination of the creative journey, where words born in the depths of your imagination finally take flight, finding their way into the hearts and minds of readers around the world.
It’s not just about self-expression; it’s the bridge that unites creators with an audience eager to embark on the emotional and intellectual voyages they’ve crafted.
Sharing your work is an act of courage and vulnerability, inviting both praise and criticism, but it’s also an affirmation that your voice is worthy of being heard.
It’s the act of extending a hand to others, saying, “Come, join me on this journey,” and allowing your stories to become a part of the tapestry of the human experience.
In the realm of publishing and sharing, you become a storyteller not just for yourself but for the world, weaving connections, igniting conversations, and leaving an indelible mark on the shared narrative of humanity.
Traditional vs. self-publishing
The choice between traditional and self-publishing is a crossroads that writers often face, each path offering its own set of opportunities and challenges.
Traditional publishing, akin to the majestic gates of a literary castle, can provide the author with the validation and resources of an established publishing house, offering professional editing, cover design, and broad distribution networks.
It opens doors to bookstores and literary awards, but it also demands patience and perseverance in the face of stringent gatekeepers. Self-publishing, on the other hand, is the democratization of literature, an open road that allows authors to take the reins of their creative destiny.
It offers control and speed of publication but requires authors to take on multiple roles, from editing to marketing.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual goals and preferences, as each path holds the promise of sharing stories with the world, whether under the watchful eye of a traditional publisher or the entrepreneurial spirit of self-publishing.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is the compass that keeps the writer’s journey ever-advancing. It’s the symphony of growth in a world that constantly whispers new stories and knowledge.
Imagine it as an uncharted library, where each book holds the key to unlock a new realm of understanding, and each workshop or course is an invitation to dance with different writing techniques.
It’s not just about honing existing skills; it’s about unfurling new horizons and uncovering hidden treasures in the treasure chest of literary prowess.
Continuing education is the echo of the writer’s heartbeat, a reminder that the world of words is boundless and ever-evolving, and that within its embrace, the writer can continue to explore, learn, and craft stories that leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about How To Improve Creative Writing
What is creative writing, and why is it important to improve this skill.
Creative writing is the art of crafting original and imaginative stories, poems, or prose. It’s important to improve this skill because it not only enhances your ability to express yourself but also unlocks the door to a world of creativity, enabling you to engage and captivate readers.
How can I overcome writer’s block and boost my creativity?
Overcoming writer’s block can be achieved through various techniques like free writing, mind mapping, or changing your writing environment. To boost creativity, consider practicing mindfulness, exploring new experiences, and cultivating a daily writing routine.
What are some effective strategies for improving my vocabulary and language skills?
Expanding your vocabulary can be done by reading widely, using a thesaurus, and playing word games. To enhance language skills, study grammar and syntax, experiment with different writing styles, and immerse yourself in literature.
What are some common writing techniques to improve the quality of my creative writing?
Common writing techniques include “show, don’t tell,” crafting compelling dialogue, and mastering point of view. These techniques help to make your storytelling more engaging and immersive.
How can I find my unique voice as a writer?
Finding your unique voice involves experimenting with different writing styles, embracing authenticity, and understanding that your individual perspective is your greatest asset. It’s about being true to yourself and your experiences.
What’s the importance of reading as a writer, and how can I analyze literature effectively?
Reading exposes you to different writing styles and genres, helping you learn and grow as a writer. Effective analysis of literature involves examining themes, characters, and symbolism, and considering the author’s use of language and narrative structure.
What are the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing, and how do I decide which is right for me?
Traditional publishing involves working with established publishing houses, while self-publishing allows you to independently release your work. The choice depends on your goals, the level of control you want, and your willingness to handle aspects like marketing and distribution.
How can I ensure the accuracy of my work, especially when writing about real-world facts and details?
To ensure accuracy, research extensively using reliable sources, fact-check rigorously, and consider seeking feedback from experts in the field you’re writing about.
What’s the role of continuing education in improving creative writing, and where can I find resources for it?
Continuing education helps you stay updated with the latest writing trends and hone your skills. You can find resources through writing workshops, online courses, writing groups, and literary events.
How do I deal with writer’s rejection and criticism constructively, and stay motivated in my writing journey?
Dealing with rejection and criticism involves developing resilience, learning from feedback, and keeping your passion for writing alive. Staying motivated can be achieved by setting goals, celebrating small wins, and surrounding yourself with a supportive writing community.
In the conclusion of How To Improve Creative Writing, the journey to improvement is an endless odyssey, an ever-evolving expedition into the limitless depths of imagination and language.
It’s a path that weaves through the intricacies of plot, character, and style, as well as the nuances of authenticity and self-expression. Whether you are a seasoned wordsmith or a budding writer, the pursuit of creative excellence is a lifelong commitment to self-discovery, growth, and storytelling.
As you navigate the labyrinth of writer’s block, craft your unique voice, and refine your skills, remember that creative writing is not merely a craft; it’s a journey of self-expression, a gateway to new worlds, and a conduit for shared experiences.
So, pen in hand and heart afire, continue to embark on this voyage, for it is through the continuous exploration of your own creative depths that you will not only improve your writing but leave an indelible mark on the world of literature.
Your story is waiting to be told, and the pen is your magic wand, the world your canvas.
Happy writing !
Related Posts:
- AI Story Writer ( A Complete Guide For Beginners- 2024)
- What Is Creative Writing? (A Complete Guide- 2024)
- What Does Freeform Mean In Fanfiction?
- How To Improve Descriptive Writing (12 Best Tips To Improve)
- How To Improve Grammar Skills (11 Best Tips To Improve)
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How to prepare for Creative Writing
This article provides advice for students about the creative writing task in the 11 plus / selective school entrance examinations.
- 1 How is creative writing tested?
- 2 What is the examiner looking for?
- 4.1 1. Planning
- 4.2 2. Using you creativity/imagination
- 4.3 3. Fluent writing style
- 4.4 4. Punctuation
- 4.5 5. Grammar
- 4.6 6. Spellings
- 4.7 7. Vocabulary
- 4.8 8. Structure
- 5 Checking your work
- 6 Can your handwriting be read?
- 7 Practise your ideas
How is creative writing tested?
Creative writing for the 11+ may require you to write either an original story or complete a continuous prose exercise in the same style of writing (when you are given the start of a story/piece of writing and you continue it). Both types of task will examine your ability to plan, create and then write in a structured manner.
You may be given just one title/opening paragraph to write from or you could be given a set of options from which you choose your preferred one. A few schools may present the creative writing task at the end of a comprehension exercise where you are asked to continue writing the comprehension text or creative a piece of work about the comprehension text/information.
Some entrance examinations, for selective schools, will assess the creative writing task only as part of a borderline check in the review process if you have fallen marginally short or only just passed the given pass mark for that entrance exam.
Unlike creative writing lessons in school, there will no time allowed to do all the usual planning, drafting and revising required to produce a final piece of writing; the 11+ creative writing task is completed in a very short time, in one sitting, with no time allowed for any drafts.
What is the examiner looking for?
Creative writing skills include the following components:
- Effective planning
- Creativity/imagination
- A ‘fluent’ and interesting writing style
- Correct use of punctuation including the use of some ‘advanced’ types
- Correct use of English grammar
- Correct spellings
- An extensive and interesting vocabulary
- A well-structured piece of writing
There will be a specified time given for the writing task. The length of this will vary between schools. Ensure that you know what this is and keep an eye on your progress in order to be able to finish in time and include a check of your work.
Skills to practise
1. planning.
Never just start writing. Planning will help you to organise your thoughts and this will give your writing structure. It really does not need to take long but is always 5 minutes well spent. This planning time may form part of the whole time given to write or it may be an extra 5 minutes provided at the start before the writing is timed. Use a planning technique that works well for you e.g. flow-chart, mind map, spider diagram, chart. If you do run out of writing time you can ask the examiner to refer to your plan to see how you would have continued/ended your work.
2. Using you creativity/imagination
Some people are naturally creative with words, story-lines etc. and find this skill easy. However, your imagination can be greatly improved by reading a variety of books.
See this suggested reading book list .
3. Fluent writing style
Your writing style is unique to you. It should demonstrate ‘joined-up thinking’ and an ability to write in an entertaining manner that creates such an interest for the reader that they want to continue reading.
4. Punctuation
You will be expected to use all the correct punctuation marks in a piece of creative writing. The correct use of punctuation is required to make your writing clear and avoid confusion. Apart from the standard simple forms of punctuation you will already be familiar with, it is best to also demonstrate your knowledge and correct use of some of the less commonly used punctuation marks e.g. ellipses(…), brackets( ), colons(:), semi-colons(;), hyphens(–) and apostrophes(‘).
English Grammar follows rules and you will be expected to use them correctly in your writing. Speaking and writing use different accepted forms of grammar. It is therefore important that you do not write as you may speak or as you communicate in a text message. Your writing should use the word groups i.e. nouns, verbs, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, connectives, prepositions and articles correctly and in the right order within your sentences. All sentences should be complete and make entire sense on their own, using the correct word endings as appropriate for the number of items and the correct form of the verb for the tense used. Use a variety of sentence structures, in addition to simple sentences, including compound and complex sentences to showcase your abilities.
6. Spellings
The use of correct spelling is essential in any form of writing. Some people are naturally good at spelling and others need to work at learning them. You will probably have been taught some spelling rules in English lessons, revise these and practise them however some awkward or irregular words just have to be learnt. Reading a lot will improve your spelling ability as will playing some word games e.g. Scrabble, Boggle and Hangman. Although a dictionary will not be allowed to be used in a test, make looking up spellings in a dictionary part of your 11+ preparation.
7. Vocabulary
An extensive and interesting vocabulary takes years to develop. Some tutors/parents like to use vocabulary lists LINK to extend a child’s vocabulary but the best method is to read numerous books and look out for new words that you can use in your writing. Keeping a word list of new words is useful and this can be added to when reading books, watching TV or out and about. When you are practising your writing skills use a thesaurus to improve and extend your vocabulary and make an effort to include lots of interesting adjectives and adverbs.
8. Structure
It is important to demonstrate that your writing has structure in the form of clearly demarcated paragraphs that organised by characters, topic and time. Ensure that you have a good opening paragraph, if this is not supplied, to draw the reader in and then a suitable closing paragraph to conclude your writing.
Checking your work
Always leave enough time at the end of your writing to check:
- Punctuation
- Consistent use of the same tense
- Good vocabulary
You have to become your own spelling and grammar checker. Read through carefully with a critical eye and carefully, neatly correct any errors or omissions.
Can your handwriting be read?
There is no point in writing a stunning piece of work if the examiner cannot read it. Although your handwriting is not usually included in the creative writing mark/grade it will certainly influence decisions made about your work. Additionally, punctuation errors may be assumed if it is difficult to differentiate your capital letters from the lower-case letters.
It is never too late to improve, try using a different pen and practise writing at speed.
Practise your ideas
It is a good idea to have a few ‘stock’ essays and/or ideas already practised and prepared that you are able to use, altering as required, for the examination task. Creative writing for 11+/selective school exams tends to follow some fairly predictable themes and styles that can be practised in advance.
Try Chuckra’s Writing Feedback Service for tailored guidance on how to improve.
What type of 11+ parent are you?
A Fussy Parent , a Tiger Mum , an Exocet Missile , a Give it a go Parent ...
Join The 11 Plus Group on Facebook to find out.
3 comments on “ How to prepare for Creative Writing ”
Thank you for this useful and informative post. Writing is an essential part of a college education. Having become accustomed to short essays and articles, you may be afraid of such responsible work – it is a long work based on facts. The time limit is another problem. You need help for student , consultations with your teacher to resolve issues.
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11 plus creative writing topics
By Bright Light Education | Jun 29, 2023, 9:07 AM
Wondering what topics your child could be asked to write about in their 11 plus creative writing exam? Here's a list of tasks that have been used in real-life entrance exam papers. This is a guest post from Bright Light Education .
Bright Light Education is an education company based in London but operating worldwide. They specialise in creative writing and preparing children for 11+ exams. Their book, Creative Writing Skills , has sold over 4,000 copies and has been a Number One Best Seller on Amazon. It is suitable for children aged 7–14.
The questions your child might be asked in an 11 plus creative writing assessment are endless, but here is a list which you could use to guide and inspire your child's practice. These tasks have all been used on real 11 plus papers, from schools including Latymer Upper , St Paul's Girls' , The Perse School , Emanuel School , Alleyn’s School , Merchant Taylors and the CSSE (Essex) exam .
Write a story
'Taught a lesson!’ Write a story about a bully who is taught a lesson.
Write a story entitled, ‘Alone’.
‘The Fire’ Write a story with this as your title. Concentrate on describing a fire and its effects, and the thoughts and feelings of the people involved, so that it is convincing for your reader.
Continue a story
Continue the story that begins with, 'Outside my front door, someone had left a large cardboard box.'
Continue the story that begins with, 'Pushing the door, his hand shook uncontrollably as he watched the ground open up to reveal a spiral staircase winding down to the unknown.'
Write a recount
Imagine you are a Martian landing on planet Earth. Write a diary entry (in English!) about your first day.
A Walk in the Dark. You have had to go out after dark to carry out an errand. Write a letter to a friend telling them: what you saw, what you heard, and how you felt about being out by yourself in the dark.
Write a description
Imagine it is very early in the morning and you are all alone in your school just before anyone else has arrived. Describe your observations and what you feel.
Describe a visit to a very cold place.
Imagine that your train stops in a tunnel in the dark for half an hour. Describe what you see and how you feel.
Describe someone you will never forget and explain why.
Write about an experience
Write about a time when you had to do something that scared you. Explain what happened and describe how you felt. You should make your writing as interesting and detailed as possible.
Write about a time that you or someone else became frustrated by something. Explain what happened and how you felt.
Write about an image
Write a story based on the following picture.
Describe the image.
Write a piece of non-fiction
Write a persuasive letter to your local MP about the litter in your area and what you want them to do about it.
Do you think children should have access to smartphones? Write a discursive magazine article in which you outline reasons for and against.
Explain what is your favourite time of the whole year. You should aim to write at least six sentences.
Write down, in six or seven sentences, instructions for a younger brother, sister or friend on how to clean their teeth.
Write six or seven sentences describing an animal. For example, a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, or a horse. Make your writing as vivid as possible.
In six or seven sentences, write down clear instructions on how to make a piece of toast with jam. Make your writing as precise as possible.
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- Creativity Techniques
26+ Creative Writing Tips for Young Writers
So you want to be a writer? And not just any writer, you want to be a creative writer. The road to being a legendary storyteller won’t be easy, but with our creative writing tips for kids, you’ll be on the right track! Creative writing isn’t just about writing stories. You could write poems, graphic novels, song lyrics and even movie scripts. But there is one thing you’ll need and that is good creative writing skills.
Here are over 26 tips to improve your creative writing skills :
Read a wide range of books
When it comes to creative writing, reading is essential. Reading allows you to explore the styles of other writers and gain inspiration to improve your own writing. But don’t just limit yourself to reading only popular books or your favourites. Read all sorts of books, everything from fairytales to scary stories. Take a look at comics, short stories, novels and poetry. Just fill your heads with the knowledge and wisdom of other writers and soon you’ll be just like them!
Write about real-life events
The hardest thing about creative writing is connecting emotionally with your audience. By focusing your writing on real-life events, you know that in some way or another your readers will be able to relate. And with creative writing you don’t need to use real names or details – There are certain things you can keep private while writing about the rare details. Using real-life events is also a good way to find inspiration for your stories.
Be imaginative
Be as crazy and wild as you like with your imagination. Create your world, your own monsters , or even your own language! The more imaginative your story, the more exciting it will be to read. Remember that there are no rules on what makes a good idea in creative writing. So don’t be afraid to make stuff up!
Find your writing style
Thes best writers have a particular style about them. When you think of Roald Dahl , you know his books are going to have a sense of humour. While with Dr Seuss , you’re prepared to read some funny new words . Alternatively, when you look at R.L.Stine, you know that he is all about the horror. Think about your own writing style. Do you want to be a horror writer? Maybe someone who always writes in the first person? Will always focus your books on your culture or a particular character?
Stick to a routine
Routine is extremely important to writers. If you just write some stuff here and there, it’s likely that you’ll soon give up on writing altogether! A strict routine means that every day at a certain time you will make time to write about something, anything. Even if you’re bored or can’t think of anything, you’ll still pick up that pencil and write. Soon enough you’ll get into the habit of writing good stuff daily and this is definitely important for anyone who wants to be a professional creative writer!
Know your audience
Writing isn’t just about thinking about your own interests, it’s also about thinking about the interests of your audience. If you want to excite fellow classmates, know what they like. Do they like football , monsters or a particular video game? With that knowledge, you can create the most popular book for your target audience. A book that they can’t stop reading and will recommend to others!
Daily Exercises
To keep your creative writing skills up to scratch it is important to keep practising every day. Even if you have no inspiration. At times when your mind is blank, you should try to use tools like writing prompts , video prompts or other ways of coming up with ideas . You could even take a look at these daily writing exercises as an example. We even created a whole list of over 100 creative writing exercises to try out when you need some inspiration or ideas.
Work together with others
Everyone needs a little help now and then. We recommend joining a writing club or finding other classmates who are also interested in writing to improve your own creative writing skills. Together you can share ideas, tips and even write a story together! A good storytelling game to play in a group is the “ finish the story” game .
Get feedback
Without feedback, you’ll never be able to improve your writing. Feedback, whether good or bad is important to all writers. Good feedback gives you the motivation to carry on. While bad feedback just gives you areas to improve and adapt your writing, so you can be the best! After every piece of writing always try to get feedback from it, whether it is from friends, family, teachers or an online writing community .
Enter writing competitions
The best way to improve your creative writing is by entering all sorts of writing competitions . Whether it’s a poetry competition or short story competition, competitions let you compete against other writers and even help you get useful feedback on your writing. Most competitions even have rules to structure your writing, these rules can help you prepare for the real world of writing and getting your work published. And not only that you might even win some cool prizes!
Keep a notebook
Every writer’s best friend is their notebook. Wherever you go make sure you have a notebook handy to jot down any ideas you get on the go. Inspiration can come from anywhere , so the next time you get an idea instead of forgetting about it, write it down. You never know, this idea could become a best-selling novel in the future.
Research your ideas
So, you got a couple of ideas for short stories. The next step is to research these ideas deeper.
Researching your ideas could involve reading books similar to your ideas or going online to learn more about a particular topic. For example, if you wanted to write a book on dragons, you would want to know everything about them in history to come up with a good, relatable storyline for your book.
Create Writing Goals
How do you know if your writing is improving over time? Simple – Just create writing goals for yourself. Examples of writing goals might include, to write 100 words every day or to write 600 words by the end of next week. Whatever your goals make sure you can measure them easily. That way you’ll know if you met them or not. You might want to take a look at these bullet journal layouts for writers to help you track the progress of your writing.
Follow your passions
Writing can be tedious and many people even give up after writing a few words. The only way you can keep that fire burning is by writing about your true passions. Whatever it is you enjoy doing or love, you could just write about those things. These are the types of things you’ll enjoy researching and already know so much about, making writing a whole lot more fun!
Don’t Settle for the first draft
You finally wrote your first story. But the writing process isn’t complete yet! Now it’s time to read your story and make the all-important edits. Editing your story is more than just fixing spelling or grammar mistakes. It’s also about criticising your own work and looking for areas of improvement. For example, is the conflict strong enough? Is your opening line exciting? How can you improve your ending?
Plan before writing
Never just jump into writing your story. Always plan first! Whether this means listing down the key scenes in your story or using a storyboard template to map out these scenes. You should have an outline of your story somewhere, which you can refer to when actually writing your story. This way you won’t make basic mistakes like not having a climax in your story which builds up to your main conflict or missing crucial characters out.
It’s strange the difference it makes to read your writing out aloud compared to reading it in your head. When reading aloud you tend to notice more mistakes in your sentences or discover paragraphs which make no sense at all. You might even want to read your story aloud to your family or a group of friends to get feedback on how your story sounds.
Pace your story
Pacing is important. You don’t want to just start and then quickly jump into the main conflict because this will take all the excitement away from your conflict. And at the same time, you don’t want to give the solution away too early and this will make your conflict too easy for your characters to solve. The key is to gradually build up to your conflict by describing your characters and the many events that lead up to the main conflict. Then you might want to make the conflict more difficult for your characters by including more than one issue in your story to solve.
Think about themes
Every story has a theme or moral. Some stories are about friendship, others are about the dangers of trusting strangers. And a story can even have more than one theme. The point of a theme is to give something valuable to your readers once they have finished reading your book. In other words, to give them a life lesson, they’ll never forget!
Use dialogue carefully
Dialogue is a tricky thing to get right. Your whole story should not be made up of dialogue unless you’re writing a script. Alternatively, it can be strange to include no dialogue at all in your story. The purpose of dialogue should be to move your story forward. It should also help your readers learn more about a particular character’s personality and their relationship with other characters in your book.
One thing to avoid with dialogue is… small talk! There’s no point in writing dialogue, such as “How’s the weather?”, if your story has nothing to do with the weather. This is because it doesn’t move your story along. For more information check out this guide on how to write dialogue in a story .
Write now, edit later
Writing is a magical process. Don’t lose that magic by focusing on editing your sentences while you’re still writing your story up. Not only could this make your story sound fragmented, but you might also forget some key ideas to include in your story or take away the imagination from your writing. When it comes to creative writing, just write and come back to editing your story later.
Ask yourself questions
Always question your writing. Once done, think about any holes in your story. Is there something the reader won’t understand or needs further describing? What if your character finds another solution to solving the conflict? How about adding a new character or removing a character from your story? There are so many questions to ask and keep asking them until you feel confident about your final piece.
Create a dedicated writing space
Some kids like writing on their beds, others at the kitchen table. While this is good for beginners, going pro with your writing might require having a dedicated writing space. Some of the basics you’ll need is a desk and comfy chair, along with writing materials like pens, pencils and notebooks. But to really create an inspiring place, you could also stick some beautiful pictures, some inspiring quotes from writers and anything else that will keep you motivated and prepared.
Beware of flowery words
Vocabulary is good. It’s always exciting when you learn a new word that you have never heard before. But don’t go around plotting in complicated words into your story, unless it’s necessary to show a character’s personality. Most long words are not natural sounding, meaning your audience will have a hard time relating to your story if it’s full of complicated words from the dictionary like Xenophobia or Xylograph .
Create believable characters
Nobody’s perfect. And why should your story characters be any different? To create believable characters, you’ll need to give them some common flaws as well as some really cool strengths. Your character’s flaws can be used as a setback to why they can’t achieve their goals, while their strengths are the things that will help win over adversity. Just think about your own strengths and weaknesses and use them as inspirations for your storybook characters. You can use the Imagine Forest character creator to plan out your story characters.
Show, don’t tell
You can say that someone is nice or you can show them how that person is nice. Take the following as an example, “Katie was a nice girl.” Now compare that sentence to this, “Katie spent her weekends at the retirement home, singing to the seniors and making them laugh.”. The difference between the two sentences is huge. The first one sounds boring and you don’t really know why Katie is nice. While in the second sentence, you get the sense that Katie is nice from her actions without even using the word nice in the sentence!
Make the conflict impossible
Imagine the following scenario, you are a championship boxer who has won many medals over the year and the conflict is…Well, you got a boxing match coming up. Now that doesn’t sound so exciting! In fact, most readers won’t even care about the boxer winning the match or not!
Now imagine this scenario: You’re a poor kid from New Jersey, you barely have enough money to pay the bills. You never did any professional boxing, but you want to enter a boxing competition, so you can win and use the money to pay your bills.
The second scenario has a bigger mountain to climb. In other words, a much harder challenge to face compared to the character in the first scenario. Giving your characters an almost impossible task or conflict is essential in good story-telling.
Write powerful scenes
Scenes help build a picture in your reader’s mind without even including any actual pictures in your story. Creating powerful scenes involves more than describing the appearance of a setting, it’s also about thinking about the smell, the sounds and what your characters are feeling while they are in a particular setting. By being descriptive with your scenes, your audience can imagine themselves being right there with characters through the hard times and good times!
There’s nothing worse than an ending which leaves the reader feeling underwhelmed. You read all the way through and then it just ends in the most typical, obvious way ever! Strong endings don’t always end on a happy ending. They can end with a sad ending or a cliff-hanger. In fact, most stories actually leave the reader with more questions in their head, as they wonder what happens next. This then gives you the opportunity to create even more books to continue the story and keep your readers hooked for life (or at least for a very long time)!
Over 25 creative writing tips later and you should now be ready to master the art of creative writing! The most important tip for all you creative writers out there is to be imaginative! Without a good imagination, you’ll struggle to wow your audience with your writing skills. Do you have any more creative writing tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.
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Creative Writing Tips for Beginners: 10 Top Tips
By Hannah Yang
Creative writing can be a very fulfilling hobby.
Writing can help you explore deep questions, use your imagination, and express your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.
If you want to learn creative writing, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn our top ten creative writing tips to help you get started.
How to Write Creatively
10 creative writing tips for beginners, how to get better at creative writing, where to find creative writing help.
Anyone can learn creative writing—all you need is a pen and paper, or your writing software of choice.
Once you’ve got your tools ready, it’s time to think of a story idea. You can draw inspiration from your own life, newspaper headlines, songs you like, or anything else around you.
If you don’t have any story ideas in mind, you can also try starting with a prompt. Here are a few creative writing prompts you can choose from:
- Write about someone with a dangerous secret
- Write a scene set at your favorite restaurant
- Write a story about someone who wakes up with no memories, except for a single name
- Write a story from the perspective of someone who isn’t human
- Complete the sentence: “It was a completely normal Saturday except for…”
Pick up your pen, choose your favorite prompt, and start writing!
If you’re new to creative writing, here are ten fiction writing tips that you can try.
Tip 1: Read Widely
It’s hard to become a great musician without having heard a lot of great music.
The same is true for writing. Reading a lot of books is a great way to get inspired and to learn more about the anatomy of a story.
It’s important to read in whatever genre you want so you can understand the conventions of that genre. If you’re writing a fantasy story, for example, you should familiarize yourself with popular fantasy novels and short stories so you know what readers expect.
On the other hand, it’s just as important to read a diverse variety of books. Exposing yourself to lots of genres and authors can help you learn about different writing styles and techniques.
Tip 2: Experiment With Different Formats and Points of View
Creative writing can involve countless different formats. You can write a story that looks like a diary entry, a song, or a Charles Dickens novel.
Maybe you want to write a story in the form of a series of instructions to the reader, like a cooking recipe or a how-to manual.
Or maybe you want to write a story in the form of a confession from one character to another, in a mix of first-person and second-person POV.
Try out different styles, even ones that don’t feel like your usual writing style. Doing this experimentation early on in your creative writing journey can help you find your own voice and figure out what works best for you.
Tip 3: Take Inspiration From Many Sources
No story is written in a vacuum. Every artist takes inspiration from other works of art, and you shouldn’t feel bad about writing a story that’s inspired by your favorite book or movie.
At the same time, though, it’s important not to write a story that actually plagiarizes an existing one. Directly copying the work of other creative writers is both unethical and illegal. Plus, it’s much less fun than writing your own stories.
A good rule of thumb if you’re looking for ideas is to take inspiration from many sources rather than a single one.
For example, maybe you like the sarcastic humor of one book, the sweet romance arc of another book, and the Gothic setting of your favorite TV show. When you merge those three things together, you’ll most likely create a story that feels unique and original, even though you took inspiration from existing stories.
Tip 4: Show, Don’t Tell
The phrase “Show, don’t tell” is a popular piece of writing advice that almost every writer has heard before.
Essentially, “show, don’t tell” means that you should immerse the reader in your story through sensory details and descriptive language instead of simply summarizing the story to them.
For example, you could tell someone, “My sister’s room is messy.” That sentence conveys the facts, but the person you’re talking to probably wouldn’t be able to picture your sister’s room in their head.
On the other hand, you could say, “My sister basically uses the floor of her room as a giant laundry hamper—it’s covered with so many sweaters and scarves that I don’t even remember what color her carpet is.” This sentence gives your listener a much more specific idea of what your sister’s room looks like.
Tip 5: Write With Intention
Many newer writers put down words on the page based on what comes to mind first.
For example, let’s say you’re trying to describe a character. A new writer might note down whatever details they visualize right away, like the color of the character’s hair or the type of clothes they’re wearing.
This is a great way to write when you’re just starting out, but if you want to improve your skills, it’s important to learn how to write with intention.
Try to get in the habit of asking yourself: What details does the reader need to know and why? For example, what aspects of this character’s hair color and outfit could tell the reader something deeper about the character’s personality and motivations?
It’s also important to figure out what you want to convey emotionally. What do you want your reader to feel? Excited? Creeped out? Hopeful?
For example, you might describe a sunset as “blood-red” if you want the reader to feel creeped out, or as “glowing and bright” if you want the reader to feel hopeful.
Tip 6: Learn How to Edit
No first draft is perfect, even if you’re a seasoned writer.
Learning how to edit your work is just as important as learning how to write on a blank page. That’s how you can create a creative work you feel proud of.
One helpful tip is to try reading your work out loud. That can often help you spot places where your prose doesn’t flow.
AI-powered grammar checkers like ProWritingAid can also help you identify weaknesses in your prose and learn how to strengthen them. You can catch your grammatical mistakes, avoid unnecessary repetition, choose more evocative words, and more with our powerful tool.
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At the end of the article I give my best tips & strategies for preparing your child for the 11+ creative writing task, along with 50 fiction and non-fiction creative writing prompts from past papers you can use to help your child prepare. You'll also want to check out my 11+ reading list, because great readers turn into great writers.
Creative writing is a key component of some 11 Plus exams, which are used to determine entry to some of the UK's most prestigious independent and grammar schools. A creative writing test is designed to evaluate students' writing skills, including their ability to structure a narrative, create vivid characters and settings, and use descriptive language effectively to convey their ideas.
The 11 Plus creative writing exam, also known as the creative writing test, can be quite diverse in its requirements, and preparing for creative writing exams encompasses various types of writing tasks, notably descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository. Narrative tasks require storytelling with a clear beginning, middle, and end, while ...
These tips are easy to apply in your creative writing for 11+, but they make a huge difference. What's more, unlike a clumsy simile (see point 9 ), a sensory description rarely ends up harming your writing.
The 11 Plus creative writing exam is usually 25-30 minutes and could involve the continuation of a storyline that you'll be provided with. Alternatively you might be asked to write a short piece of your own in response to a visual stimulus - this could be describing a character or writing something from their perspective, like a diary entry.
Your guide to 11 plus creative writing. Find out what examiners are looking for, how to help your child prepare, and join Atom's free creative writing course!
Learn how to unleash your child's inner creativity in this 11Plus creative writing preparation guide for parents. Ten essential tips.
What is 11 plus creative writing, what topics are to be practiced, and how to write effectively? This 11-plus creative writing guide covers everything.
11 Plus Creative Writing - Example Topics and Tasks Schools can of course ask anything so these example tasks shouldn't be used as stock answers.
Unlock your child's creativity with our guide to 11 Plus creative writing. Learn effective tips and techniques for success in this essential exam component.
A guide to the key topics that are typically covered in the 11+ creative writing exam, including writing prompts, tips and book recommendations.
Learn how to apply these techniques to any type of writing (including business writing), get inspired by examples, and have more fun when writing.
Outside the world of business writing and hard journalism lies an entire realm of creative writing. Whether you're brand-new to the craft, a nonfiction writer looking to experiment, or a casual creative writer wanting to turn into a published author, honing your creative writing skills is key to your success.
Creative writing is writing meant to evoke emotion in a reader by communicating a theme. In storytelling (including literature, movies, graphic novels, creative nonfiction, and many video games), the theme is the central meaning the work communicates. Take the movie (and the novel upon which it's based) Jaws, for instance.
How To Improve Creative Writing Read a diverse range of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and different genres.
How is creative writing tested? Creative writing for the 11+ may require you to write either an original story or complete a continuous prose exercise in the same style of writing (when you are given the start of a story/piece of writing and you continue it). Both types of task will examine your ability to plan, create and then write in a structured manner.
Their book, Creative Writing Skills, has sold over 4,000 copies and has been a Number One Best Seller on Amazon. It is suitable for children aged 7-14. The questions your child might be asked in an 11 plus creative writing assessment are endless, but here is a list which you could use to guide and inspire your child's practice.
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11 Plus areas asking for creative writing, essays or extended writing. Kent - set a 40 minute creative writing task for all pupils but it is only marked where they need to decide on the last few students to take. Kent Medway - As Kent, 40 minute creative writing task but only marked in a few cases. Essex (all schools apart from Chelmsford ...
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Microsoft Copilot is your everyday AI companion that helps you to be smarter, more productive, more creative, and more connected to the people and things around you. Whether you want to learn how to code, plan an Influencer level vacation, or just need a little help writing a hard email, your everyday AI companion is there to help you get the job done like a pro.