Creative writing is an important part of 11+ exams, both for grammar schools and private schools.
But for many children, creative writing can feel daunting. Some worry about coming up with ideas, while others struggle with structuring their work or correct spelling and grammar. The good news? With the right approach and plenty of practice, any child can improve their creative writing skills.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 11+ creative writing, from essential techniques and practice tips to 11+ creative writing prompts and example responses.
11 Plus success: how to do creative writing for the 11+
First things first. Let’s talk about what makes good 11+ creative writing.
One of the biggest misconceptions about 11+ creative writing is that longer stories automatically get better marks. That’s not true! Examiners are looking for well-structured, interesting writing that shows ambitious vocabulary, clear yet varied sentences, and strong spelling and grammar (SPaG). A short, polished piece will always score better than a long, unfocused one.
Before putting pen to paper, encourage your child to pause and think about what they want to write. A clear plan will help them stay on track and avoid rambling. They should consider:
- Who’s the main character?
- Where does the story take place?
- What problem or event will drive the story?
- How will it end?
Once they’ve done this, a good 11+ creative writing structure could be:
- Paragraph 1: Describe the setting in detail. What can the character see and feel? Really zoom-in on the details and create a vivid atmosphere.
- Paragraph 2: Introduce dialogue with a contrasting character. Describe them and their actions. This will secure points for varied structure as well as compelling character descriptions.
- Paragraph 3: A key event happens that changes the tone and mood of the story. For instance, a storm rolls in, or tension builds as the characters try to escape a situation.
- Paragraph 4: Resolve the central problem or event, and conclude by linking-back to something mentioned at the start so the story feels “complete”.
That said, don’t worry if your child struggles sticking to an “exact” structure like the one above. As long as they set the scene, include one main event and conclude the story, then they’re doing great. 11+ writing is all about creativity and imagination after all. So focus on:
- Quality over quantity: It’s better to write a shorter, well-crafted piece than a long, unfocused one.
- Strong openings: First impressions matter! A gripping opening draws the reader in instantly.
- Ambitious vocabulary: Using a variety of expressive words enhances writing quality.
- Grammar and spelling: Careless mistakes cost marks, so it’s worth double-checking work.
- Sentence variety: A mix of long and short, active and passive sentences (including features like subordinate clauses and fronted adverbials) makes writing engaging.
By focusing on these elements, your child will create compelling, well-structured stories that impress examiners and boost their 11+ score.
Exam preparation: how to practice creative writing for the 11+
Like any skill, creative writing improves with practice. But simply writing story after story isn’t the best approach. Instead, targeted exercises build essential skills. Think about tasks like marking model answers, playing games like the “5-minute story” and exposing your child to as much reading as possible.
Some great practice exercises for 11+ creative writing include:
- Use 11+ creative writing model answers: Reading high-quality examples helps children see what makes a strong response and pick up useful techniques. Start with just a paragraph. Could they mark the work themselves, or even carry on the story in their own way?
- Work through past papers: Practicing real exam questions (through past papers or mock tests) helps children get used to different types of prompts and time constraints. Just be careful not to overload them with too many practice exams.
- Repeat short bursts of writing: Short, daily writing exercises can improve fluency and confidence. So have fun with speed-writing a “5-minute story”. Who can write the most exciting description of their breakfast cereal box? What about the drive home from school?
- Read widely: Exposure to different writing styles helps children expand their vocabulary and learn how to structure their own work. It’s so important to read a variety of texts, including classic and modern fiction as well as non-fiction like newspapers, blogs and magazines.
- Fun writing exercises: Can you turn creative writing into a game? For instance:
- Describe an object without naming it: Everyone takes a turn. Bonus points for the most laughs. As well as family bonding, this develops strong descriptive skills.
- Rewrite scenes from different perspectives: Pick a scene from your child’s favourite books or movies. This encourages them to think about contrasting character viewpoints.
- Use five random words in a story: The more ambitious vocabulary the better! This builds creativity and problem-solving skills. Mix it up and have fun? Could another challenge involve a description without using connectives (for example)?
- Break stories apart: by this, we mean focusing on specific aspects of writing. For instance, one week, work on crafting engaging openings. Another, think about vocabulary or realistic dialogue. Then look at captivating conclusions. By breaking writing practice into smaller, focused exercises, children can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
What are some good creative writing topics?
Coming up with ideas can be one of the biggest challenges in 11+ creative writing. To help, here are 30 varied exam-style prompts to spark your child’s imagination.
These prompts include classic fiction story starters (for instance, “A Mysterious Door”) as well as prompts more closely rooted in everyday life (for instance, “Your First Day at a New School”). We’ve also included prompts that combine these two approaches (for instance, “A World Without Electricity”). Here, your child can either stick to the real-world or let their imagination run riot. It’s up to them!
Ten 11+ creative writing fiction prompts
- The Storm
- A Mysterious Door
- Lost in the Woods
- The Unexpected Visitor
- A Journey Through Time
- The Day Everything Changed
- The Secret Passage
- A Talking Animal
- A Magical Discovery
- A Mistake That Led to an Adventure
Ten 11+ creative writing “everyday” prompts
- A Time You Felt Surprised
- Your First Day at a New School
- The Best Day of Your Life
- A Person Who Inspires You
- An Argument You Had and What You Learned
- A Place That Feels Like Home
- A Time You Overcame a Fear
- The Importance of Kindness
- How Technology Affects Our Lives
- A Letter to Your Future Self
Ten 11+ creative writing mixed prompts
- Describe a Winter’s Night
- Write a Story About a Lost Object
- Imagine You Could Fly for a Day
- A World Without Electricity
- Describe the Most Beautiful Place You Have Ever Seen
- The Most Unusual Animal You’ve Ever Met
- If You Had a Superpower for One Day
- A Secret Hidden Under Your Garden
- The View from a Hot Air Balloon
- A Message in a Bottle
11 Plus creative writing examples: sample paragraph
If you’ve read the prompts above and felt stuck knowing where to start, don’t worry. Below are five example paragraphs based on the 11+ prompts we’ve just covered. These will give you (and your child) an idea of how to develop strong openings, atmospheric settings, compelling characters and intriguing conclusions.
1. The Storm (opening paragraph)
The sky darkened in an instant, the once golden afternoon swallowed by thick, swirling clouds. A low rumble of thunder growled in the distance, creeping closer with every heartbeat. Then, the first raindrop fell—a cold pinprick against my cheek. Within seconds, the heavens opened, unleashing a torrential downpour that turned the dusty road into a river of mud. The wind howled through the trees, bending their branches until they groaned in protest. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering as a flash of lightning split the sky, illuminating the looming silhouette of an abandoned house at the edge of the fields. A surge of fear twisted in my stomach. I needed shelter.
2. A Mysterious Door (middle section)
My fingers trembled as I traced the edges of the ancient door, its wood worn smooth by time. It shouldn’t have been there—hidden behind the heavy velvet curtains in the library—but now that I had found it, I couldn’t look away. A strange symbol had been carved into the centre, half-hidden beneath layers of dust. My pulse quickened. With one deep breath, I pressed my palm against it. At first, nothing happened. Then, with a low creak, the door began to shift, revealing a sliver of darkness beyond. A cold gust of air whispered through the gap, carrying the scent of something old, something forgotten. Every sensible thought screamed at me to turn back—but my feet had already crossed the threshold.
3. A Place That Feels Like Home (setting description)
The cottage sat nestled between rolling green hills, its ivy-clad walls bathed in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, carrying the familiar scent of burning wood and warm bread. A narrow stone path wound its way to the front door, flanked by clusters of wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. The moment I stepped onto the porch, the creak of the old wooden floorboards sent a rush of comfort through me. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of lavender and cinnamon, wrapping around me like a well-worn blanket. I belonged here. This was more than a house—it was a feeling, a memory, a place where the world outside could wait.
4. The Unexpected Visitor (character description)
She stood at the doorstep, drenched from head to toe, her coat clinging to her like a second skin. Her dark hair was matted against her forehead, dripping water onto the cracked stone step beneath her feet. But it was her eyes that held me captive—an intense, piercing green, flickering with something between fear and determination. She clutched a battered leather suitcase to her chest as if letting go would send her spiralling into nothingness. “Please,” she whispered, her voice hoarse and barely audible over the roaring wind. “I need your help.” There was something about the way she said it, something desperate, something final. I hesitated for only a moment before stepping aside.
5. A Journey Through Time (conclusion)
The world around me dissolved into a blur of swirling colours, a sensation like falling and floating all at once. My breath caught in my throat as the air thickened, pressing against my skin like an invisible tide. Then—silence. My feet touched solid ground. Slowly, I opened my eyes, my heart hammering in my chest. The towering skyscrapers had vanished. In their place stood cobbled streets, gas-lit lanterns flickering against the inky sky. The air smelled of soot and horse-drawn carriages clattered past, their drivers shouting in voices thick with an accent I barely recognised. I had done it. I had stepped out of my world and into another. But as the distant chime of a clock tower rang out, one thought took hold—how would I ever get back?
Helping your child succeed in 11+ creative writing
Creative writing for the 11+ doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and plenty of practice, children can develop the skills they need to excel. If you’re looking for expert support, Achieve Learning offers tailored 1-1 tuition, 11+ mock exams, academic consultancy and reading support. Get in touch today to help your child reach their full potential.
