csse creative writing tips

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.

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The Essex CSSE 11 Plus Exam: Continuous Writing Section

by Danielle | May 31, 2021 | 11+ Preparation , Blog

Last updated 31st May 2021 – we recommend you always check the relevant websites for the latest information as examinations change relatively frequently!

In this post, we discuss what to include in the Continuous Writing section of the Essex CSSE 11 Plus Exam.

This is the part of the CSSE examination where you will be given two tasks and asked to write a number of sentences on a subject or topic. Usually one question is based on creative techniques whilst the other is focused on writing for a specific purpose. You should spend 20 minutes on this section (10 minutes per question) and there are 15 marks in total (25% of the English paper). The purpose of this section of the examination is for children to show off their creative writing skills in a succinct and clear manner.

One question is usually a little more ‘realistic’ than the other. It might be more focused and need a structure to the answer. It can still include some creativity though! The other question is usually a little more creative. Look out for the key words describe or explain or instruct to work out which question is looking for which skills. Both questions will be marked on spelling, punctuation and grammar.

The CSSE marking criteria picks out the following areas:

• Ideas – clear and original writing, securely focused on the task, ideas explored in depth.
• Grammar – secure tenses used throughout.
• Structure – securely structured, clear sense of direction, connectives used appropriately, paragraphs used accurately, varied sentence structure.
• Vocabulary – ambitious vocabulary, accurate spelling for all basic vocabulary.
• Spelling and punctuation – varied punctuation, used creatively and accurately.

Example CSSE Questions

• Write about a storm (either that you have experienced or imagined). This could be a thunderstorm, a wind storm, a snow storm or another type of storm. You should aim to write at least six sentences.
• In six or seven sentences, write about a time, real or imaginary, when you were looking forward to a special day out, but in the end somebody fell ill and it did not happen.
• Explain what is your favourite time in the whole year. You should aim to write at least six sentences.
• In six or seven sentences, describe the person or animal that you think of as your best friend.
• Write a description of a woodland scene. Try to make it as imaginative as possible.
• Explain, in your own words, how you would clean your room. Give clear instructions and include as much detail as possible.
• Describe what gift or present you would most like to be given. You should aim to write at least six sentences.
• Describe what super-power you would best like to have and why. Aim to write six or seven sentences.
• Aim to write six or seven sentences. Explain what is your favourite part of a school day.
• Write six or seven sentences describing your classroom to a friend who has never seen it.
• 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, a horse. Make your writing as vivid as possible.
• In six or seven sentences, write down clear instructions how to make a piece of toast with jam. Make your writing as precise as possible
• You may be asked to write a story based on a picture. Again, this would be writing at least six or seven sentences.

What to include in the CSSE Continuous Writing Section

If you are asked to describe…

• Include the ‘show, don’t tell’ technique to describe emotions and settings.
• Use your senses to describe what is happening.
• Vary your sentence openers.
• Include figurative language.
• Vary your sentence lengths.
• Don’t forget some ambitious vocabulary.
• Try and include a variety of punctuation.

Remember to try and be original in your writing. All children are answering the same questions; you want yours to stand out from everyone else. It is only six or seven sentences so try to make every sentence count.

Example Answers

Here are two of our examples of possible answers:

1) Aim to write six or seven sentences. Explain what is your favourite part of a school day.

The best part of a school day starts when aromatic spices waft through the gap under the classroom door, shortly followed by a shrill-like bell which seems desperate to inform us of the news. Hurriedly, we pack away our books and race to get to the front of the line. My stomach roars like a lion as I enter the canteen, grabbing a tray and darting towards the shiny, metallic trays. The room is buzzing with chattering and the clanking of serving spoons. My eyes widen as my plate becomes piled up with crunchy colourful vegetables, steaming rice, succulent sausages and my favourite spicy aromatic sauce. I am ravenous!  As my teeth sink into that first bite, a wave of happiness flows through my body; it is lunchtime.

What skills can you spot in this piece of writing?

2) In six or seven sentences, write down clear instructions how to make a piece of toast with jam. Make your writing as precise as possible.

First, grab a slice of bread from your cupboard or fridge. Drop it inside your shiny toaster, ensuring that it is plugged in and switched on at the wall. Press the lever of the toaster down and stand back, whilst the golden light heats up your bread and turns it into crispy toast. Carefully check that your toast does not burn or turn charcoal-black! Once it has popped, place your warm toast on a plate and using a knife, smother your toast with a generous amount of your favourite jam. Finally, be sure to cover all the corners of your toast so that every mouthful is heavenly. Enjoy!

Can you see how I have kept the instructions precise, whilst still managing to use some descriptive words and phrases?

How can Bright Light Education help with 11+ Creative Writing?

Bright Light Education run highly popular online Creative Writing Courses for Years 4-6 children, including those preparing for 11+ examinations.

Creative Writing: Core Skills and Story Writing

11+ Interview Preparation Course

Years 4-6 Comprehension Course

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The Full Guide to CSSE Continuous Writing: How to Gain Top Marks (With Examples)

Posted on April, 2024

Introduction

The CSSE continuous writing section is a part of the  11 plus exam where many students struggle.

Creative writing can be a challenging area to master, so this blog will help you understand what’s required for success, and how to approach certain question types.

As the creative writing section accounts for 25% of the marks in the paper, students must be well-prepared for the challenge.

Watch Our CSSE Writing Walkthrough:

We will include examples of each question type in a free downloadable PDF . Usually, the two tasks are slightly different from each other in terms of what would be required, so the candidate should always consider the intended purpose of the piece of writing.

The Test Format

Each candidate will be presented with two questions. You should spend around 20 minutes on this section, and the number of available marks is 30 (each question worth 15).

• Ideas – clear and original writing
• Grammar – secure tenses, and correct punctuation
• Structure – a sense of direction, connectives used appropriately, paragraphs used accurately, varied sentence structure.
• Vocabulary – ambitious vocabulary, accurate spelling for all basic vocabulary
• Spelling and punctuation – varied punctuation, used creatively and accurately

The Question Types

By no means is this an exhaustive list, but here are some of the question types of which you will need to be aware:

Vivid Description of Place/Object/Character

With a vivid description of a place or character, it is helpful to start with a wider focus before narrowing in on key elements. It also can help if the thing you are describing has some unusual/unique features.

In terms of what you will be expected to achieve with a descriptive task, you should concentrate on making your description as vivid as possible, and ensure that you use many techniques and interesting vocabulary.

Don’t be afraid to include some small anecdotes that enhance your description. Rounding off with an enjoyable closing sentence can mark out your answer as cohesive, and more impressive than other entries.

If a student has trouble coming up with imagery and vocabulary, a great source of ideas is the Descriptosaurus .

Example Question:

Describe your favourite place in detail.

Example Answer

My garden is quaint –  a place of solitude and tranquillity. The grass surrounding me is lush, bouncy, and feels cool underfoot. Although it is often a quiet place, sometimes the call of small nesting birds fills the air, and during summer, pollinating insects fill the air with their characteristic drone. My father sometimes breaks this peace by ripping through the grass with his mower, but it’s all worth it afterwards, as the lawn is neat and tidy. Afterwards, the garden becomes the perfect place for my brother and I to play football – we often use the pots as goalposts, inciting the ire of our mother. The garden is a source of peace and calm for all the family, but it also a source of joy for all.

Set of Instructions

A set of instructions should be clear, concise and precise. Use fronted-time adverbials to ensure that your writing has a clear structure for the reader.

Examiners also prefer if students do not use numbers to indicate each step in the instructions (this is a bit silly).

Write a set of instructions on how to make a sandwich.

Example Answer:

To start, gather all your ingredients on the kitchen counter and place two slices of bread on a clean plate. First, take one slice of bread and spread your favourite condiments using a butter knife (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.). Next, add your desired fillings on top of the condiments. You can use sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, or any other filling you like. Carefully, place the second slice of bread on top of the fillings to create a sandwich. Gently press down on the sandwich to ensure all the ingredients stick together. Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich in half if you’d like. Finally, you can enjoy your sandwich!

Short Account of an Event

A short account of an event should inform the reader about the circumstances surrounding this event, and provide plenty of specific detail about what has happened. Creative writing techniques and effective vocabulary can be employed to enhance the emotive impact of the writing. It is a nice idea to include some personal reflection on what the event meant to you.

Describe a time when you helped someone.

My friend needed help with long division – a particularly torturous topic in maths. I looked at some of the sums he had attempted in his book and then tried a few of the ones he had myself and realised that he had divided the divisor by digits of the dividend. I showed him step-by-step how to do the problems, and then gave him one to attempt independently. Then, I carefully checked his answer, and he was correct. To ensure this successful attempt wasn’t a fluke, I gave him five further problems and checked them with a calculator. It was satisfying helping my friend understand something, and I also think that it helped me understand long division better.

If you want to improve your creative writing generally, check out The Ultimate Creative Writing Workout !

Opinion About Something

Expressing your opinion about something involves showing your particular views on a topic, but acknowledging other perspectives and viewpoints. Ensure you are balanced in your assessment, and express your ideas clearly.

Demonstrating personal insight into a topic is a nice touch that you can add to your writing. In a basic sense, you are writing a mini-essay .

Do you think students should have homework over the weekend?

I believe receiving homework over the weekend is usually a brilliant idea as it is crucial to review what you’ve done during the week. I usually spend around an hour on Saturday, and an hour on Sunday on my homework, and it doesn’t feel particularly taxing. Although some people may have packed weekends – one of my friends comes to mind in particular – most children have the time to complete a little of the homework. If a child has a lot of other things to do at the weekend, it’s possible that a parent can contact the teacher directly to let them know that it might be difficult to complete all of the work. Overall, it seems fair that students ought to have homework over the weekend unless there are extenuating circumstances which prevent its completion.

You might like to try our full-length CSSE practice paper sets !

A Wish About the Future

This question is challenging, just like the last question type because it requires a student to have a wider grasp of the world and have thought through ideas deeply.

It is almost impossible to have hopes and wishes for the future if you have not spent any time reflecting on it.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the world, I would want to end world hunger. It’s hard to believe that in a world with so much wealth and abundance, there are still millions of people who don’t have enough to eat. Hunger not only causes suffering but also holds people back from reaching their full potential. By ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, we could make the world a much better place for everyone. No one should have to go to bed hungry.

So, that’s how any student can deal with the CSSE creative writing and get top marks. Naturally, it takes a lot of practice to improve creative writing, so any student should attempt creative writing tasks regularly.

To practice these writing topics for yourself, download the free worksheets .

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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!

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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!

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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 ”.

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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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Mastering the 11+ Continuous Writing Exam

In the heart of the 11+ exam , there lies a segment designed to probe your child’s written communication skills: the continuous writing section. But what does this part of the test entail? Let’s unpack this.

The continuous writing section of the 11+ exam involves your child responding to a given prompt . These prompts could ask your child to write a story, a report, a letter, or a descriptive piece. Unlike the more formulaic tasks your child might encounter in other sections of the 11+ exam, the continuous writing section is a test of imagination and creativity, structure and clarity, as well as grammar and punctuation.

Your child will typically have around 20-30 minutes to complete this section. The time pressure means that not only do they need to generate ideas quickly, but they also have to plan their writing, execute it, and ideally, leave a few minutes at the end for proofreading.

The prompts given will usually allow your child a degree of freedom to develop their ideas in a way that plays to their strengths. For instance, if the task is to write a story, they could choose the setting, characters, and plot. However, they must ensure that their writing stays on topic and answers the prompt accurately.

A common misconception about the continuous writing section is that it’s solely a test of your child’s vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. While these are indeed important, the exam assessors are also looking for evidence of clear thinking, structured arguments, and the ability to create engaging and coherent content. As such, the continuous writing section is a holistic test of your child’s written communication skills.

Skills Assessed in the 11+ Continuous Writing Section

While the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam may seem like a test of writing prowess alone, it assesses a wide range of skills that reflect your child’s overall aptitude and readiness for the rigours of secondary school. Here are some of the key areas evaluated:

Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

These fundamental elements of written communication are crucial. Examiners will be looking for proper sentence structure, correct word usage, and accurate spelling, as well as the correct use of punctuation marks.

A robust vocabulary not only adds richness to your child’s writing but also enables them to express their thoughts and ideas more precisely. Examiners will note the range and appropriateness of the words used.

Structure and Organisation

The way a piece of writing is organised can greatly affect how well the reader understands it. Your child should be able to demonstrate the ability to structure their thoughts logically, maintain a consistent point of view, and use paragraphs effectively to separate different ideas or events.

Creativity and Imagination

The prompts given in the continuous writing section are often quite broad, allowing your child the freedom to demonstrate their creativity. They will be assessed on their ability to come up with original ideas and develop them into coherent piece of writing.

Coherence and Cohesion

A well-written piece of continuous writing should not just be a collection of disjointed ideas. Rather, the ideas should flow smoothly from one to the next, forming a cohesive whole. Transition words, linking phrases, and the logical progression of thoughts contribute to coherence.

Understanding of Genre Conventions

Whether your child is asked to write a story, a letter, a description, or a report, each of these has its own set of conventions. Examiners will look for evidence that your child understands these genre conventions and can use them appropriately.

Engaging the Reader

Good writing doesn’t just communicate information, it engages the reader. Examiners will consider whether your child can use elements such as suspense, emotive language, and vivid descriptions to capture the reader’s interest.

How to Prepare Your Child for the Continuous Writing Section

Parents Helping Their Child Prepare for 11+ Continuous Writing in a Fun Way

Preparing for the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam goes beyond simple practice – it involves nurturing your child’s language skills, creativity, and confidence in their ability to express themselves. Here are some strategies that can support your child’s preparation:

Encourage Wide Reading

Reading exposes your child to different styles of writing, enriches their vocabulary, and helps them understand how sentences and paragraphs are constructed to create coherent pieces. Encourage your child to read a variety of texts, including novels, newspapers, and magazines.

Regular Writing Practice

The old adage “practice makes perfect” holds true when it comes to writing. Make it a habit for your child to write regularly. This could involve writing a daily journal, crafting short stories, or even writing letters to family members.

Prompt Practice

Occasionally, give your child a prompt similar to those they might encounter in the exam. This will help them get accustomed to generating ideas and writing under timed conditions.

Feedback and Revision

After your child completes a piece of writing, review it together. Offer constructive feedback on areas such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary, as well as on the structure and coherence of the writing. Encourage your child to revise their work based on this feedback, as this is a valuable part of the learning process.

Grammar Lessons

Brush up on grammar rules and ensure your child understands them. There are many online resources and workbooks available that can help with this.

Vocabulary Building

Encourage your child to learn new words and their meanings. They can keep a vocabulary notebook where they jot down any new words they encounter while reading, along with their meanings and examples of usage.

Creativity Boosting Activities

Engage your child in activities that boost their creativity. This could include telling stories, drawing, or even daydreaming. The more your child exercises their imagination, the better they’ll become at generating ideas for their writing. Here are some ideas for creative activities .

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the 11+ Continuous Writing Section

While the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam allows your child to showcase their creativity and language skills, certain common mistakes can undermine their performance. Being aware of these pitfalls can help your child steer clear of them:

Misunderstanding the Prompt

One of the biggest mistakes students make is not fully understanding the prompt before they start writing. Always encourage your child to take a few moments to ensure they have correctly interpreted what’s being asked.

Lack of Planning

Jumping into writing without a clear plan can lead to a disorganised and disjointed piece. Your child should take a few minutes to outline their thoughts and structure their response.

Poor Time Management

Spending too much time on one part of the writing, such as the introduction, can leave your child with insufficient time to develop their ideas and conclude their piece. Practicing under timed conditions can help your child get a better sense of how to allocate their time effectively.

Neglecting to Proofread

In the rush to finish, students often neglect to proofread their work. However, this final check can catch spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as well as awkward sentences and inconsistencies.

Overuse of Complex Vocabulary

While a broad vocabulary is advantageous, overuse of complex or ‘fancy’ words can make a piece of writing confusing and difficult to read. Your child should focus on using the right words, not just the most impressive ones.

Inadequate Paragraphing

Proper use of paragraphs is essential for readability and coherence. Each new idea or event should generally start a new paragraph.

Overly Long Sentences

While complex sentences can demonstrate language proficiency, overly long or convoluted sentences can confuse the reader. Encourage your child to vary sentence lengths and structures for effect and clarity.

How Parents Can Support Preparation for 11+ Continuous Writing

While you may not be an English teacher, there are plenty of ways you can support and enhance your child’s learning journey:

Provide Constructive Feedback

When your child writes, read their work and provide constructive feedback. Remember to highlight the strengths in their writing, as well as areas for improvement. Be supportive and encourage them to see criticism as a stepping stone to better writing.

Create a Comfortable Learning Environment

Make sure your child has a quiet, comfortable space to write. A good working environment can greatly enhance their concentration and productivity.

Discuss Their Writing

Show interest in what your child writes. Discuss their ideas and the themes they explore. This can motivate your child and help them to think more deeply about their writing.

Be a Cheerleader

Preparing for the 11+ exam can be stressful. Celebrate your child’s efforts and improvements, and remind them that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Encouragement can boost your child’s confidence and resilience.

Examples 11+ Continuous Writing

Example 1 – Narrative: Prompt : “Write a story about a journey that leads to a surprising discovery.”

Once upon a time, in a small town named Oakwood, lived a curious boy named Charlie. One sunny morning, Charlie decided to explore the mysterious forest that bordered the town. Armed with his father’s old compass and a sandwich, he began his adventure. As he journeyed deeper into the forest, he discovered a hidden path leading to a cave. Nervously, he decided to explore it. Inside, he found an ancient treasure chest filled with gold and sparkling jewels. This discovery was beyond his wildest dreams and marked a journey he would never forget.

Example 2 – Descriptive: Prompt : “Describe a busy marketplace.”

The marketplace was a beehive of activity. Buyers and sellers haggled over prices, their voices merging into a symphony of commerce. Vibrant colours filled the air as stalls overflowed with ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and colourful fabrics. The tantalizing smell of spices mixed with the sweet scent of freshly baked bread. People moved in a rhythmic dance, dodging porters carrying heavy loads and children chasing after rolling hoops. Everywhere one looked, life was in full swing, making the marketplace a dazzling spectacle of human life and diversity.

These are simplified examples, and actual responses would typically be much longer, demonstrating the use of various language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and the use of descriptive language. They should also exhibit a strong narrative or descriptive structure.

Books That Can Help Your Child with 11+ Continuous Writing

The right resources can be instrumental in preparing your child for the 11+ exam’s continuous writing section. These can provide your child with writing prompts, teach them about different writing techniques, and offer ample opportunities for practice. Here are some recommended books:

“11+ English Practice Papers 1: For 11+, pre-test and independent school exams including CEM, GL and ISEB” by Victoria Burrill

“Descriptosaurus: Supporting Creative Writing for Ages 8–14” by Alison Wilcox

This book helps expand your child’s descriptive vocabulary. It’s arranged thematically, making it easy to find words related to various topics. Buy this book here .

“How to Write Your Best Story Ever!” by Christopher Edge

This book covers a range of writing techniques and genres, and provides tips for creating engaging characters and plots. Buy this book here .

“Write Your Own Storybook” by Louie Stowell

This interactive book is filled with tips for writing stories and provides spaces for your child to write and revise their own stories. Buy this book here .

“First Aid in English Reader A – What a Fright” by Angus Maciver

This book can help improve your child’s reading comprehension skills, which are essential for understanding the prompt in the continuous writing section. Buy this book here .

“Grammar and Punctuation Book 4: Year 4, Ages 8-9” by Schofield & Sims and Carol Matchett

This is a comprehensive resource for building solid grammar and punctuation skills. Buy this book here .

“Bond 11+: English: Focus on Writing” by Bond 11+

This book offers advice on how to approach different types of writing tasks and also includes practical writing exercises. Buy this book here .

As we reach the end of this guide, we hope you have a more comprehensive understanding of the 11+ continuous writing section. This test is not just about showcasing your child’s writing skills, but it also paves the way for their academic future and helps them gain an appreciation for the art of written communication.

The journey to master continuous writing can be challenging, but remember, it’s a skill that extends far beyond the 11+ exam. It can help your child to express their thoughts clearly, stimulate their creativity, and build their confidence, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Be patient, supportive, and remember to celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

Should you feel your child needs a little extra support, we highly recommend  Edumentors , an online tutoring platform. The tutors at Edumentors are students from top UK universities who have walked the same path as your child. They understand the strategies and techniques required to ace exams and can provide personalised guidance to boost your child’s performance and self-belief.

The tutors at Edumentors don’t just focus on achieving excellent grades; they aim to instil a love of learning, nurture curiosity and foster independent thinking. With Edumentors, your child will not only learn how to write compelling narratives and effective reports but also how to approach their academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

So, let’s approach the continuous writing section not as a hurdle but as a chance for your child to shine, to display their creativity and language skills. After all, every great writer was once a student, and every master was once a beginner. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so let’s step into this journey and conquer the 11+ exam together.

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11 Plus CSSE Papers, Questions, and Comprehensive Guide

• Introduction: What is the CSSE 11+ Test?

The CSSE 11+ Test is used by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and is a standardised exam designed to gauge prospective pupils’ abilities across Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning. 11+ CSSE papers are therefore a key part of the admissions process for the 10 academically selective schools in the CSSE.  If you live in Essex and are interested in sending your child to one of the CSSE grammar schools, it is important to gain as much knowledge as you can about the CSSE 11 Plus. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to prepare your child for this important test.

The CSSE 11+: An Overview

Csse 11+ registration, exam dates and results , the 11 plus csse exam format, 11 plus csse assessment syllabus, how can my child prepare for the 11+ csse assessment, tips to solve the 11+ csse assessment papers, how well do you know the 11+ csse exam [quiz], 11 plus csse papers, which schools use the csse style 11+ entrance test.

The CSSE 11 plus is used by ten leading schools (King Edward VI Grammar School, Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Southend High School for Girls, Southend High School for Boys, Westcliff High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys, St. Bernard’s High School for Girls, St. Thomas More High School and Shoeburyness High School).

The CSSE’s 11Plus has been described by some experts as one of the more traditional styles of 11Plus test, in that it involves a broad range of challenging questions which are intended to allow children to both show their numeracy and language skills whilst also allowing opportunities for them to be creative.  

Due to high competition for places, passing the 11+ CSSE does not guarantee an offer from one of the 10 CSSE schools- however, it is essential to pass the test to have a chance.

To prepare your child for the CSSE 11+ test, you should focus on developing their confidence, knowledge and abilities across Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning (or Applied Reasoning, as it is called in the CSSE test).

To register for the test, there are two important steps. 

Firstly, you must fill out an application on the CSSE’s website . Then, you must also apply using your local authority’s form. Generally, the cut-off each year for applications and CSSE 11 plus registration falls in mid-July- but you should check with your local authority for more exact dates.

The CSSE 11Plus exam dates fall in mid-September, and results are expected during October.

The CSSE exam is made up of two test papers- one on English and one on Maths. The format is age-standardised to ensure older pupils do not have an undue advantage.

The 11+ CSSE Maths paper tests pupils on skills across the KS2 National Curriculum (for more information on what these key areas cover, look below). 

Meanwhile, the 11+ CSSE English paper assesses pupils’ vocabulary , grammar , comprehension , creative writing , Verbal Reasoning and literacy questions. 

What Maths topics does the 11Plus CSSE Test Cover?

The CSSE 11Plus Maths paper is designed to assess pupils’ abilities across the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. Unlike some 11Plus Maths tests , the CSSE 11 Plus Maths paper is not generally regarded as an exam that pushes children to the outer limits of their learning; instead, it generally focuses on core abilities gained throughout their primary years.

As such, confidence across fractions, decimals and percentages and the ability to correctly interpret “word-heavy” maths problems and various graph types will all be extremely important. To understand the topics covered better, we recommended pupils to solve CSSE 11+ test papers for maths.

For a broad overview of what KS2 Maths skills are covered in the CSSE Maths paper, please review the list below:

• Numbers: Reading and writing numbers, Number lines, Order and compare, Place values, Prime numbers, Square numbers, Cube numbers, Operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Patterns and sequences, Fractions and decimals, Percentages, Word problems
• Algebra: BIDMAS, simple linear equations
• Ratio & Proportion: Speed, distance & time, Word problems
• Geometry: 2D shapes, Area and Perimeter of Shapes, Angles, Coordinates, Reflections and Translations
• Measurements: Unit conversions, Mass, Length, Area, Capacity/Volume, Money, Time
• Graphs & Statistics: Pictograms, Bar charts, Pie charts, Line charts, Mean, median, mode & range, Venn diagrams
• Train & Bus Timetables

CSSE 11+ Papers Maths Sample Questions

To gain mastery over CSSE Maths topics, practice CSSE 11+ Maths Papers today.

What English Syllabus does the 11+ CSSE Test Cover?

The CSSE’s 11 Plus English paper is often regarded as challenging for many children, often requiring children to grapple with fairly sophisticated language and concepts. 

For example, in recent years, papers have included some quite complex comprehension texts which require attention to detail, nuanced understanding and an ability to detect irony, humour and subtlety. Therefore, a well-developed reading ability (Key Stage 2, bordering on Key Stage 3) will be quite essential. 

For a broad overview of what KS2 English skills are covered in the CSSE 11Plus test, please review the list below:

• Comprehension: Identifying and gather information from the text, Understanding literary techniques, Inference, Understanding character, Summarising sections of a passage, Explaining the meaning of high-level Vocabulary
• Vocabulary : Synonyms and Antonyms, Latin and Greek Root Words, Gendered Words, Idioms
• Grammar: Tenses, Main and Subordinate Clauses, Pronouns, Prepositions, Determiners, Conjunctions, Verbs (Modal, Verb Agreement), Nouns, Adjectives, Plurals, Suffixes, Prefixes, Compound words, Active/passive voice
• Punctuation : Speech, Hyphens, Parentheses, Commas, Full Stops, Semi-Colons, Hyphens
• Verbal Reasoning (Applied Reasoning): Synonyms & Antonyms, Word puzzles, CLOZE tests, Jumbled sentences/stories

CSSE 11+ Papers English Sample Questions

To get a good command over 11+ CSSE English skills, solve CSSE 11+ English practice papers regularly.

One general tip for helping your child to prepare for the CSSE 11Plus assessment is to start preparing as soon as possible. A little-and-often approach to preparing for this important exam can work wonders; for instance, you can use manageable daily questions tasks to help your child become acclimated to a wide variety of 11+ questions across both papers.

CSSE 11+ Maths Preparation

To help your child prepare for the Maths paper specifically, we recommend a holistic approach to review core skills across KS2 Maths , including plenty of practice with breaking down “wordy” maths problems and helping your child to develop a robust understanding of (for example) percentages, decimals and fractions. 

We also strongly recommend making regular use of both past CSSE 11+ past papers and CSSE Maths practise papers to help your child consolidate confidence and skills across the relevant areas. 

If you are interested in taking a holistic approach to your child’s preparation, you could also make use of 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning practice papers . While these do not represent a formal component of the CSSE 11+ exam, many parents and tutors feel that they can benefit children’s 11+ preparation in a broader capacity.

CSSE 11 Plus English Preparation

When it comes to the CSSE 11+ English paper, we recommended that you support your child by having them read as much as possible, as often as possible. This will help them strengthen the skills necessary to grapple with texts that require relatively advanced comprehension. Reading appropriate texts daily will also give them plenty of opportunities to practice inference and to use context to work out the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary.  

In addition to various questions which will require a sound grasp of grammatical concepts and punctuation , the CSSE 11+ English paper can also include a somewhat unusual type of creative writing task that requires pupils to write descriptively on a given topic in only a few sentences. Towards this type of question, a wide vocabulary and practice at creative writing will be advantageous.

To practice all these areas, we recommend using CSSE 11+ English practice papers . You can also use Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers to help your child prepare further.

With the best will in the world, knowledge alone isn’t always enough to allow children to shine on the day of an 11+ test; sometimes having a set of sound exam techniques at their fingertips is just as important. With this in mind, below are some of our top hints for solving CSSE 11+ questions:

• Time management is key . Encourage your child to avoid spending too much or too little time on each question- no single question is worth the whole paper, so they should practice the art of giving each one their best shot before calmly moving on to the next question.
• Knowledge gaps are okay. In a test, resilience is important- if your child is easily thrown or anxious about not knowing things, this can easily result in a spiralling effect during an exam. Help your child to be at ease with the fact that (like everyone) they will have knowledge gaps and that this is not something to fear.
• Write down your working. In Maths questions, this habit is important, as it can give the marker a clear picture of a child’s knowledge and understanding. Sometimes, writing out correct working means partial marks will be awarded, even if the final answer is wrong.
• Be a detective- look for clues! Sometimes children assume that if they don’t 100% comprehend a question straight away, they cannot answer it. However, letting your child build a habit of looking for “clues” where necessary can help- for example if they find a word they don’t know, encourage them to look closely at the context to see if they can make an educated guess. 
• Prioritise questions based on difficulty. Help your child practice identifying challenging/complex questions and returning to them if necessary after they’ve tackled other easier ones. This can be a helpful strategy in both Maths and English papers, allowing children to pace their concentration productively. 

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1 . Question

1. CSSE 11+ Test is used by the grammar schools in Sutton Region.

2 . Question

2. CSSE 11+ Exam has Non-Verbal Reasoning questions.

3 . Question

3. The CSSE exam is made up of two test papers- English and Maths.

4 . Question

4. Passing the 11+ CSSEguarantee an offer from one of the 10 CSSE schools.

5 . Question

5. CSSE 11+ Exam dates fall in mid-September?

It can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to preparing for the CSSE 11 Plus; that’s why we recommend using CSSE 11+ practice papers that are specifically designed to mirror the formats and types of questions that your child will encounter in a real CSSE 11+ test. 

Using these can help you and your child gain a clearer sense of what types of questions they might encounter in the CSSE 11Plus test papers, as well as the areas which they find more challenging and need to work on.

• For CSSE 11 Plus Maths preparation, consider using a CSSE Maths 11+ bundle , which contains 8 full-length practice papers along with step-by-step solutions, making this a fantastic and indispensable resource in preparing for the CSSE 11Plus. 
• Elsewhere, our English CSSE 11 Plus Bundle contains 4 full-length practice test papers. Full solutions are available too, so you can help your child develop an excellent grasp of CSSE 11Plus English questions. 
• Are you keen to help your child develop an increased confidence in Verbal Reasoning -style questions? If so, consider using 11+ Verbal Reasoning practice papers.  
• Meanwhile, if you would like to give your child opportunities to practice Non-Verbal Reasoning , you might consider using our 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning practice pack . 
• King Edward VI Grammar School
• Colchester County High School for Girls
• Colchester Royal Grammar School
• Southend High School for Girls
• Southend High School for Boys
• Westcliff High School for Girls
• Westcliff High School for Boys
• St. Bernard’s High School for Girls
• St. Thomas More High School 
• Shoeburyness High School

Practising 11+ CSSE Maths and English papers would help pupils in getting comfortable with the variety of questions that could be asked in CSSE 11+ exams.

Our Maths CSSE 11 Plus  Bundle contains 8 full-length practice papers covering different types questions along with step-by-step solutions

Our English CSSE 11 Plus Pack contains 4 full-length practice test papers and with detailed answer explanations and hints provided for each question.

<p>Yes. Each paper of our 11 plus CSSE <a href="https://piacademy.co.uk/product/11-plus-maths-csse-style-bundle/">Maths </a>and <a href="https://piacademy.co.uk/product/11-plus-test-papers-csse-style-pack-1-english/">English </a>pack replicates actual CSSE papers with instructions and time mentioned. Under the timed condition, you can use it as a CSSE mock exam at home.</p>

Yes. We provide detailed answer explanations for each question on our website. After subscribing, you can log in to our website and mark these 11+ CSSE practice papers.

• Good for 11+. Provides better practice and boosts the confidence within the students who work these papers. Charlotte, 11+ Parent Great exam papers. These test papers are amazing, they are a lot more up-to date then some of the stuff I have bought for 11+ for my daughter. gerry , 11+ Parent
• These papers really helped my daughter to improve her skills and gave her so much confidence for attending 11 plus, Thanks PiAcademy 😍 Komala: , 11+ Parent I'm using Pi acadamy last 2 years. The past papers and the worksheets with answers excellent for practicing. My kids too like to do this papers.. answers and explaining methods are very good. Appreciated your services. Thank you Kelly , 11+ Parent
• Helpful resources for 11plus prep. My son has achieved in this exams using these resources.  Christina , 11+ Parent Good for 11+. Provides better practice and boosts the confidence within the students who work these papers. Charlotte, 11+ Parent
• Good for 11+. Provides better practice and boosts the confidence within the students who work these papers. Charlotte, 11+ Parent
• Great exam papers. These test papers are amazing, they are a lot more up-to date then some of the stuff I have bought for 11+ for my daughter. gerry , 11+ Parent
• These papers really helped my daughter to improve her skills and gave her so much confidence for attending 11 plus, Thanks PiAcademy 😍 Komala: , 11+ Parent
• I'm using Pi acadamy last 2 years. The past papers and the worksheets with answers excellent for practicing. My kids too like to do this papers.. answers and explaining methods are very good. Appreciated your services. Thank you Kelly , 11+ Parent
• Helpful resources for 11plus prep. My son has achieved in this exams using these resources.  Christina , 11+ Parent

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Here to help guide your child's creative writing journey

11 Plus Reading Boosts

Are you looking for ways to spark a genuine love for reading in your child? Whilst there is no official 11 Plus reading list, there are a range of books that are recommended for children to read.

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How To Pass The 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam

In this blog, we will explore practical tips and strategies to enhance your child's creative writing skills and ensure they shine in the 11 Plus English exam.

11 Plus Preparation Timetable

Preparing for 11 Plus exams can be a big deal for both parents and children. Some of the most common reasons why preparing a revision timetable can feel overwhelming for parents are:

How to Start Preparing For the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam

How do we fan the flames of curiosity in our young writers, particularly in the context of preparing for the daunting 11 Plus creative writing exam? Fear not, for I come bearing tips, tricks and a whole lot of inspiration.

Ace The 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam

If your child is preparing for a competitive 11 Plus Creative Writing exam, you might be wondering how you can support them in achieving those high marks. Well, fear not! I've got some handy tips and tricks that will help your budding writer shine brightly in their test.

The 11 Plus CSSE Creative Writing Exam

As a parent, the journey of preparing your child for the CSSE 11 Plus Creative Writing exam can be both exciting and daunting. This examination not only tests your child's creative abilities but also their critical thinking and writing skills. 

Improve Your Child’s Story Structure For The 11 Plus Exam

We all know that every child has a unique spark, a special something that makes their writing stand out. It could be their infectious sense of adventure, their ability to create vivid characters, or, in some cases, their sense of humour!

9 Creative Writing Tips To Help Your Child

I know how much you want your child to excel in every aspect of life and one of those crucial skills is writing. But here's the thing – it's not just about grammar and spelling; it's about fostering their creative confidence.

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11+ CSSE Exam: How to get top marks

• January 14, 2022

• What is the CSSE 11+ test - An Overview and Which Schools Use the CSSE Style 11+ Entrance Test
• When is the CSSE 11+ Registration, exam dates and results?

What is the CSSE 11 plus exam format and assessment syllabus?

How can my child prepare for the 11+csse assessment, tips to solve the 11+ csse assessment papers, how well do you know the 11+ csse exam, what is the pass mark for csse 11+, are mock exams for csse worth the price.

What is the CSSE 11+ exam- An overview and which schools use the test?

CSSE stands for the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, a group of leading grammar schools that got together in 1993 to organise a common 11 Plus entrance exam for potential pupils. Their thinking was that it made more sense for a group of schools to arrange a single 11 Plus Essex children could sit rather than have them take a different exam prepared by each individual school. 🏦

These schools are very academically oriented and place a high intellectual demand on their pupils. The 11+ CSSE exam (or Eleven Plus CSSE exam) is designed to identify the kids who will get the most out of such an environment.  

Your child must pass the test to be considered for a place at one of these academic institutions, but passing the test does not automatically guarantee your chosen school will offer them a place, just that it will consider their application.

Headteachers of CSSE schools are looking for pupils who are naturally curious and enjoy learning and solving problems. They expect them to be hardworking and determined in the face of difficult challenges. 11+ CSSE exam students should have already mastered the material they learned in primary school and be keen readers who read material above their age level. They should have good memory skills, vivid imaginations and an ability to learn quickly. 💪

When is the CSSE 11+ exam registration, exam dates and results?

Keep an eye on the CSSE website for an announcement about CSSE registration dates, but applications usually need to be submitted by early to mid-July. 

You can get the Supplementary Information Form to register from the CSSE website or any CSSE member school. You also need to complete a Common Application Form to register your request for a place at a CSSE school via the Essex Council website before October. 

If you intend your child to start at one of the CSSE schools in 2023, they must sit the 11+ CSSE exam on Saturday 17th September 2022.

The results will be sent out in October 2022 and the national offer day when schools will offer places should be in March 2022. 

The 11 plus CSSE exam involves two papers , one in mathematics and one in English.

The maths section takes an hour and the English part also lasts an hour but with an additional 10 minutes allowed for reading. 

Questions in both the mathematics and English papers are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the material taught in Key Stage 2 (KS2) of the National Curriculum.

In its approach to testing maths and English skills through a wide array of tough questions, the CSSE exam is a fairly traditional 11+ test although with a little opportunity for creative writing thrown into the mix.

To prepare for the CSSE 11 plus exam maths paper, your kid must be able to show a good understanding of the following topics:

• Algebra including BIDMAS/BODMAS and simple linear equations
• Area and perimeter of shapes
• Coordinates
• Cube numbers
• Decimals and fractions
• Distance, speed, and time
• Statistics and graphs including bar charts, line charts, mean, median, mode and range, pictograms, pie charts, and Venn diagrams
• Mathematical word problems
• Measurements: area, volume, length, mass, money, time, and unit conversions
• Number lines
• Operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Ordering and comparing
• Percentages
• Place values
• Prime numbers
• Ratio and proportion
• Reading and writing numbers
• Reflections and translations
• Square numbers

The CSSE 11 plus exam English paper includes both multiple-choice and questions where students write in their answers.

To do well in the English paper of the 11 Plus Essex children must show an excellent grasp of grammar , a wide vocabulary, a deep comprehension of texts, and advanced verbal reasoning skills.  

Showing deep comprehension means your child can, among other things, look for relevant information in a text, make inferences, identify and interpret literary techniques such as irony or sarcasm, and summarise an extract.

A child with a wide vocabulary should also know about idioms, synonyms and opposites, have a conscious or unconscious understanding of the Latin or Greek roots of English words and be able to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words confidently.

Your child should be able to correctly use and identify the following grammatical structures:

• Active/passive voice
• Compound words
• Conjunctions
• Determiners
• Main and Subordinate Clauses
• Prepositions

Punctuation is also important for the CSSE 11+. To get good marks, children should be confident and accurate in using:

• Apostrophes
• Brackets / Parentheses
• Quotation / Speech marks
• Semi-Colons

The English paper tests verbal reasoning skills as well. This section is basically a series of word puzzles like mixed up sentences or stories, sentence gap-fill questions (cloze tests) and exercises to test knowledge of synonyms and antonyms. 

A creative writing question gives kids a topic which they must explain in six or seven detailed sentences. This is an opportunity for your child to demonstrate their imagination and descriptive writing abilities. 📝

To give your child the best chance in their CSSE 11 Plus assessment, preparation should begin early including practice papers designed to replicate the format of the CSSE exam.

Whether you are looking for CSSE 11+ papers Maths sample questions or CSSE 11+ papers English sample questions, you can check out the CSSE website and download practice resources .

Keep in mind that your child has to be familiar with techniques to get through the exam in the most efficient way possible in addition to having the knowledge necessary to answer the questions. 

Your child should get used to understanding their pace through the exam paper that includes not wasting time on questions that they cannot answer and also not rushing through questions, which can lead to careless mistakes. 

If  a question has your child absolutely stumped, then it’s not a reason to panic, they need to move on to the next question and if there is time then come back to it at the end.

Your child should be used to showing their method in maths tests which can give them marks even if the final answer is incorrect.

Here are some key bullet points to remember about the 11+CSSE Exam:

• Used by the CSSE (a group of schools in Essex).
• The exam has two papers - English and Maths.
• Passing the 11+ CSSE does not guarantee a place at one of the CSSE schools.
• The exam is in mid-September.
• There is no specific pass mark, though for most schools the minimum mark to be considered for a place is 303, or around 80-85%.
• In 2022 4874 pupils took the CSSE. 54% scored above 300.
• Out of 163 Grammar Schools in the UK, just 6% use the CSSE 11+.

There is no one set pass mark for the CSSE 11+. The maths and English papers are each worth 50% of the total. But that’s where things start getting complicated. 

The scores are also ‘weighted’, this means kids are given different allowances depending on their ages. Results are also ‘weighted’ according to how high the scores are for every child who does the test in a certain year. This means that if the overall marks are high when your child does the CSSE exam, everyone’s score is likely to be reduced by the ‘weighting’. 

What’s more, as some schools may be more popular than others and the number of kids applying to a particular school may change from year to year, there is no standard pass mark that applies to all schools every year. Schools with more applications may raise the pass mark they want to accept and schools with fewer applications may lower it. 

However, CSSE has provided a rough guide to what some of the schools have accepted in the past:

• 55 - 60% for the Southend grammar schools’ priority area and other Southend schools
• 65% for out of area places at most of the Southend grammar schools
• 65 - 70% for Colchester County High School
• 70% for Colchester Royal Grammar School and King Edward VI Grammar School priority area
• 75% for King Edward VI Grammar School out of priority area

As the CSSE exam is based on KS2 material, the exam designers do not believe children should do a lot of practice tests to prepare for the 11+. They recommend that a few hours of practise should be enough for them to get a good idea of how to do the exam.

The CSSE also sells extra practice material to help prepare for the exam. The current price for two papers is £15.90 and there are 4 sets of papers available. At this price it’s not a bad idea to purchase a few sets of papers to give your child confidence with the question format and also to practise their time management skills under simulated exam conditions. The CSSE will sell 2022 entry examination papers as practice material from May 2022.

More generic 11+ style practice tests are available online and via bookshops but you should be aware that they will not match the exact format of the CSSE 11+. 

In general, the best way for your child to prepare is for them to read widely and actively and to make sure they have a good grasp of the material and concepts they were taught in English and maths throughout Key Stage 2. 

Our GoStudent tutors are ready and waiting to give your child mentoring and support to prepare for the 11+ CSSE exam , to help with KS2 topics or for any other educational needs they may have. Click here to try a free trial class today!

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11+ CSSE Creative Writing Pack

Service description.

This writing pack is targeted for students seeking 11+ entry in the CSSE. This pack takes the student through various different types of writing including descriptive, persuasive, and instruction based writing. These tests will have two writing topics where the children are expected to write concisely and clearly in no more than six or seven sentences..

This pack covers :

• Descriptive writing
• Persuasive writing
• Instruction based writing

What is included in this pack?

1. Comprehensive guidances (written notes)

One guidance for each descriptive and persuasive writing is provided to offer comprehensive help with planning, language, length, and avoiding common mistakes.

2. 9 different assignments (writing tasks)

Two writing tasks for a assignments on descriptive, persuasive, and instruction based writing.

3. Evaluation and Feedback Service for all nine assignments

Upon receipt of the payment, you will be emailed the entire writing pack in one go. You then decide the pace at which the completed assignments are returned to us. You can return all at once or separately, as and when they are completed. Within 48 working hours of receipt of each completed assignment, we will evaluate and return it to you with detailed feedback and grading.

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‘Creative writing can be as impactful as an academic paper’

Grassroots initiatives can promote visibility of marginalised groups, self-expression and community, writes Emily Downes. Here are her key tips from running a creative writing competition to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

Emily Downes

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Last year marked two decades since the repeal of Section 28, a UK law that prohibited what was described as “the promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. What this meant, in practice, was that generations of LGBTQ+ children grew up with no safe access to information about LGBTQ+ issues, no role models, no representation. They had no indication, in fact, that they could have a successful life that included employment, acceptance and community. 

Surely, as hubs of knowledge production, higher education institutions have a social and ethical responsibility to actively repair some of the damage wrought by this law. As LGBTQ+ staff in the sector continue to report  discrimination and erasure , are we providing enough opportunities for our students to see their own lived experiences roadmapped and reflected? 

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While institutional support and backing are essential in amplifying LGBTQ+ representation and visibility, staff on the ground can also make an impact through grassroots initiatives. And where better to push back against the fearmongering of Section 28 than from a place of love? For author, theorist and educator  bell hooks , all key social justice movements have promoted a love ethic: a practice that seeks to use knowledge, responsibility, care, trust, respect and commitment. How might that look in your professional context? 

In mine, I have had the privilege of coordinating a creative writing competition for LGBT+ History Month . Here’s some of what I learned.

Knowledge and responsibility

It’s natural to feel powerless against discrimination. However, take heart – there’s no one defining form of activism. You may not feel you have the capacity or physical ability to protest in the streets or the wherewithal for a strategic campaign. That doesn’t mean you have nothing to contribute to the cause of a more inclusive landscape in higher education. We each have our own offering of knowledge, skills and interests to share. These needn’t exclusively be academic pursuits.

What brings you joy? Perhaps it’s a gentle walk in nature or listening to a podcast or crocheting. I’m partial to all three…and I also enjoy using writing to make sense of my inner and outer worlds. A couple of years ago, I started facilitating LGBTQ+ creative writing for well-being sessions in my local community. Last year the chair of our university LGBTQ+ focus group asked if I would use this experience to make our campus more inclusive. We agreed that I would deliver a drop-in session exploring the importance of queer representation , and that I would coordinate a creative writing competition around the same theme. As a “late bloomer” bisexual who grew up with a dearth of positive representation, I felt a responsibility to be visible in our university community. I had first-hand experience of the possibilities that creative writing affords for healing and growth. I am also well aware of how stifling and impenetrable academic writing can feel for many. I saw the creative writing competition as an opportunity to put self-expression firmly back into the hands of a marginalised community. 

Care and trust

Over the past two academic years, I have gained important insights into developing the competition process with care and establishing trust with our participants. Working with students with protected characteristics means a vital aspect of care is gaining consent at multiple stages. For trans students , for example, being named in certain contexts could have immediate and severe material consequences. One student sought me out during graduation week last year to ensure they would be  dead-named – otherwise, they said, they wouldn’t be able to return home with their parents after the ceremony. 

This has fed into my experience with the competition. Just because someone has entered doesn’t mean they will feel willing or able to be named in a university update or read their piece at a public event. However much you think you’ve tied up loose ends, please double-check. It’s better to be mildly irritating with an abundance of care.

That said, please don’t let the need for caution be off-putting. Demonstrating this level of care is foundational to developing trust. Repeatedly checking in with participants about how they are represented also helps to build a sense of agency they may not always feel they have in wider society. Liaise with those in your initiative whenever a new context arises in which they may be named. 

Respect and commitment

University community members who participate in our writing competition are occupying a  brave space , and this demands our respect. We value our staff and students’ intersectional identities and recognise how vulnerable it can feel sharing those parts of yourself in your place of work or study. I have shared some of my own LGBTQ+ journey during the drop-in sessions. Another sign of respect has been the active and enthusiastic engagement from our executive director of communications and development, who has sat on the judging panel both years. Having buy-in from senior management is indescribably validating not just for our entrants but for the wider LGBTQ+ community at the university.

Commitment to such an initiative can take many forms, the most essential of which are reflection and learning. For example, our inaugural winner, Allison Rosewood, submitted a non-fiction piece about becoming the trans role model she had always sought herself. We platformed her work at the university Pride event – she was unable to speak in person, so we recorded her reading her work and played it during the Pride Literary Hour. We invited Allison to sit on the 2024 judging panel, and the award has been named the Allison Rosewood LGBTQ+ History Month award. Now, our winner will always be invited to read at Pride and to sit on the panel. Allowing the project to evolve has helped create space for students to have their experiences and identities validated, and to build an archive of visible role models. 

This year, our prompt invited entrants to imagine a world where Section 28 had never existed. Mac McClelland’s winning entry,  Brianna , is staggering. The piece eloquently draws a line from past to present, highlighting just how far-reaching and damaging legislation in this vein can be. Opening the door for this creative expression has resulted in something that, in my opinion, is as impactful as an academic paper. 

Knowledge, responsibility, care, trust, respect and commitment, then…what’s coming to mind for you? Perhaps you owe it to yourself and your community to explore your own initiative. One caveat to this: please also apply a love ethic to yourself. Does the thought of a project like this make you weary? You may be running low on reserves, especially as we so often expect members of marginalised communities to advocate and enact positive change themselves. Someone else can take up this mantle, and that’s fine, too. 

The legacy of Section 28 is a traumatised, under-represented LGBTQ+ community and a wider UK society that still often struggles to accept those living outside a heteronormative, cisnormative version of reality. But if you do have the energy and resources, projects like ours can be transformative for individuals and institutions. As bell hooks wrote: “When we are taught that safety always lies with sameness, then difference, of any kind, will appear as a threat…The choice to love is a choice to connect – to find ourselves in the other.” Let’s work to make our institutions a place of connection and relish all the richness of experience that entails. 

Emily Downes is senior student success tutor (academic writing) and LGBTQ+ Focus Group co-chair at Teesside University.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week,  sign up for the Campus newsletter .

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