Creative writing ... A Time to Shine.
Creative writing in the 11+ exam can feel unpredictable, but it’s actually one of the most teachable parts of the test. With the right techniques, students can consistently produce engaging, high-scoring pieces.
What Examiners Are Looking For
At its core, 11+ creative writing is about:
- Imagination and originality
- Strong vocabulary
- Use of literary devices (similes, metaphors, personification etc).
- Clear structure
- Accurate punctuation and grammar
A great story doesn’t need to be complicated but it does need to be well executed. I always tell my students that variety is the spice of life and this is especially true in creative writing.
I try to encourage my students to use a range of sentence types, literary devices and punctuation. Rather than sticking too rigidly to a checklist of things they feel they must include, I aim to give them the space and confidence to use what they feel is appropriate.
This approach leads to writing that is more original and less formulaic - something examiners ultimately appreciate.
However if you are just starting out you can absolutely use a checklist and then slowly wean your child off it.
Tips on Structure
Most high-scoring responses follow a simple structure:
- Engaging opening
- Build-up
- Problem or tension
- Resolution
- Thoughtful ending
Students who struggle often skip structure, which leads to rushed or unfinished stories.
However, in an exam of around 25 minutes (5 minutes for planning and 20 for writing), some of my students may not finish… and that’s fine. I always say, as long as you have written the problem or main event and have spent time demonstrating excellent writing skills (and their unique imagination) then finishing may just end up being rushed and pull the marks down.
The build-up and main event are where you can really show off excellent writing so make sure your child is spending time here.
👉 For practical techniques to improve storytelling, see: 10 Proven Tips to Improve 11+ Creative Writing Skills
Using Literary Devices
11+ examiners will expect your child to use a range of literary devices such as similes, metaphors and personification and for the more selective schools, hyperbole. However, you want to avoid this becoming a checklist of have I included x, y, z?
Using a checklist is a good place to start but as your child grows in confidence see whether you can remove the checklist and allow them to include techniques more organically. This will help the writing feel less formulaic and more natural.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcomplicating the plot and never getting to the main event (or just meandering through random descriptions)
- The main event or problem ends up being too small. (For example, your character losing their homework is not a very engaging problem… but if they lose their way on a mission to find lost treasure – much more engaging!)
- Forgetting punctuation – especially paragraphs.
- Using too many exclamations marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Telling the story through dialogue. This is a common mistake I see a lot: children forget to describe what the characters are doing, the setting etc. and tell the whole story mainly through character dialogue.
- If they are extending a passage already given, forgetting to follow the themes, tense and atmosphere of the given passage.
👉 If your child struggles with ideas, check:
Creative Writing Prompts for 11+ Practice
Final Thought
Consistency beats random bursts. Regular practice with feedback is the fastest way to improve.
Download FREE Creative Writing Prompts: www.study-planet.co.uk/resources
Get your FREE Creative Writing Guide.
Not sure how to mark your child’s work? Discover my writing accelerator tool at www.study-planet.co.uk
Happy writing!