11+ Creative Writing: What Examiners Look For

Creative writing is a key component of many 11+ examinations, particularly for independent schools and some grammar schools. It assesses a child's ability to express ideas clearly, imaginatively, and coherently under timed conditions.

Examiners are not just looking for a good story; they are assessing a range of writing skills, from vocabulary and sentence structure to narrative flair and originality. Understanding what these examiners value can significantly help in preparation.

Creative writing 11+ at a glance

11+ creative writing tasks typically allow 20-30 minutes for planning and writing.
Prompts often include a picture, a short opening sentence, or a thematic suggestion.
Examiners look for a clear beginning, middle, and end, even in short stories.
A wide vocabulary used appropriately is more valuable than complex words used incorrectly.
Handwriting and presentation contribute to a positive first impression and readability.

Understanding the Prompt

Before writing, children must carefully read and understand the prompt. Misinterpreting the prompt is a common error that can lead to a low score, regardless of writing quality. Encourage children to identify keywords and themes.

Planning is crucial. Spending 3-5 minutes outlining a story's structure—characters, setting, plot points, and ending—helps ensure coherence and prevents the story from meandering. A simple spider diagram or bullet-point plan can be very effective.

Crafting Your Story

Examiners value stories that show imagination and originality. While a complex plot isn't always necessary, a unique perspective or an unexpected twist can make a story stand out. Encourage children to think beyond the obvious.

Show, don't tell: Instead of saying 'the boy was scared', describe his trembling hands and widening eyes.
Vivid Vocabulary: Use powerful verbs, precise nouns, and descriptive adjectives. Avoid clichés.
Sentence Variety: Mix short, impactful sentences with longer, more complex ones to create rhythm.
Figurative Language: Employ similes, metaphors, and personification to add depth and interest.

A strong opening should hook the reader, and a satisfying ending should provide closure. The middle section should develop the plot, characters, and setting.

Technical Accuracy and Presentation

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are foundational elements. Examiners expect a high degree of accuracy. Regular practice focusing on these areas is essential. Errors can detract significantly from an otherwise good story.

Good presentation, including neat handwriting and clear paragraphing, makes a positive impression. Paragraphs should be used to separate ideas, changes in speaker, or shifts in time/location. Encourage children to re-read their work to catch any mistakes and ensure it flows well.

Try Creative writing 11+ practice questions

Question 1

Which of these sentences best uses figurative language?

Answer: The sun shone like a golden coin.. Option B uses a simile ('like a golden coin') to create a more vivid and imaginative description, which examiners look for in creative writing.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of planning in a creative writing task?

Answer: To ensure the story has a clear structure and coherence.. Planning helps establish a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring the story is coherent and well-structured, which is crucial for a good score.

Question 3

An examiner reads 'The old house looked spooky.' Which of these is a stronger, 'showing' alternative?

Answer: Broken windows stared like vacant eyes from the decaying facade, and the front door groaned in the wind.. Option C uses descriptive details (broken windows, decaying facade, groaning door) to 'show' the spookiness rather than simply stating it, a technique valued by examiners.

Question 4

Why is varied sentence structure important in 11+ creative writing?

Answer: It creates a more engaging rhythm and sophisticated style.. Varying sentence length and structure prevents monotony, makes the writing more interesting to read, and demonstrates a stronger command of language.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should a typical 11+ creative writing piece be?

There is no fixed length, but children are typically expected to write around 1-2 pages of A4 in the allotted time (20-30 minutes). Quality is more important than quantity.

Is it better to write a simple story well or a complex story imperfectly?

It is generally better to write a simple, well-structured story with good vocabulary and accurate grammar and punctuation. Overly ambitious plots can become messy and unmanageable under timed conditions.

What if my child struggles with generating ideas for stories?

Encourage brainstorming using mind maps or 'five senses' exercises related to a prompt. Reading widely helps expose children to different plot ideas, characters, and settings. Practising with various types of prompts is also beneficial.

How much does handwriting matter in 11+ creative writing?

While content is paramount, neat and legible handwriting is important. It ensures the examiner can easily read and understand the child's work, preventing frustration and potential misinterpretation of words. Good presentation always makes a positive impression.