While the specific criteria for the 11+ creative writing exams can vary depending on the test provider and school, there are some general aspects that are often assessed.
Some typical criteria:
- Content: Students are expected to create an engaging story or piece of writing based on a given prompt or topic. They should be able to develop a clear plot, setting, and characters, as well as convey a central theme or message.
- Organization: The writing should be well-structured, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Students should effectively use paragraphs to separate different ideas or scenes and maintain a logical flow throughout the piece.
- Vocabulary: Students should demonstrate a varied and rich vocabulary, using appropriate words to convey their ideas and emotions. This includes the use of adjectives, adverbs, and other descriptive language.
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling: Writing should be free of grammatical errors, and students should demonstrate proper usage of punctuation marks, such as commas, periods, and quotation marks. Correct spelling is also crucial.
- Creativity and originality: Examiners look for unique and imaginative ideas, as well as fresh perspectives on the given topic or prompt. Students should avoid cliches and strive to make their writing stand out.
- Style and tone: The writing should have a consistent style and tone, suitable for the target audience and the nature of the story. This may involve using figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, as well as varying sentence structure and length to create interest and rhythm.
To prepare for the 11+ creative writing exam, students should practice writing regularly, read a variety of texts to build their vocabulary and understanding of different writing styles, and seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve their skills.” data-image=”e2ekfz1urb9o”>
Some typical prompts that could be given for the 11+ creative writing task.
These prompts are designed to inspire creative thinking and provide a starting point for students to develop their stories:
- Write a story that begins with the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night, and the rain was pouring down like never before.”
- Imagine you discover a hidden door in your house that leads to a magical world. Describe the world and the adventures you have there.
- Write a story about a day when everything goes wrong for the main character, but in the end, they learn an important lesson.
- You find a mysterious object with a note attached that says, “Use this wisely.” Describe the object and how the character uses it to change their life or solve a problem.
- Write a story from the perspective of an animal that has a unique ability, such as the power to speak or become invisible.
- Imagine you could travel back in time to any historical event. Describe the event, and how your presence there changes the course of history.
- Write a story about a group of friends who find a treasure map and decide to go on a treasure hunt.
- You wake up one day and realize you have a superpower. Describe the superpower and how you use it to help others or solve a problem.
- Write a story about an unexpected visitor who arrives at the main character’s house with an important message or mission.
- Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe your daily life, how you survive, and your eventual rescue.
When working with a prompt, it’s important to take some time to think about the characters, setting, and plot before beginning to write. This planning will help create a more organized and engaging story.
Let’s take the first prompt
A story that begins with the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night, and the rain was pouring down like never before.”
Here is a plan – but bear in mind that in an exam pupils would only have time to jot some keywords down.
Title: The Lighthouse Mystery
Introduction:
- Set the scene with the opening sentence: “It was a dark and stormy night, and the rain was pouring down like never before.”
- Introduce the protagonist, Jack, a curious and adventurous teenager.
- Describe Jack’s coastal town, and its main feature, an old abandoned lighthouse.
Main Events:
- Jack’s fascination with the lighthouse:
- Describe how Jack has always been intrigued by the mysterious lighthouse.
- Mention local legends and rumours of strange occurrences around the lighthouse.
- Jack’s decision to explore the lighthouse:
- Explain how the stormy weather leads to a power outage in the town.
- Jack, feeling restless, decides to investigate the lighthouse, hoping to uncover its secrets.
- Jack’s journey to the lighthouse:
- Describe Jack’s struggle to reach the lighthouse in the storm, battling against the wind and rain.
- Along the way, Jack finds a mysterious old key half-buried in the sand.
- Inside the lighthouse:
- Jack uses the key to unlock the lighthouse door.
- Describe the interior of the lighthouse, filled with old maritime artifacts and a spiraling staircase leading to the top.
- The discovery:
- At the top of the lighthouse, Jack finds a hidden room with a giant, old-fashioned telescope.
- Jack peers through the telescope and discovers a sunken ship not far from the shore.
Conclusion:
- Jack’s revelation:
- Jack realises that the lighthouse keeper must have used the telescope to spot ships in distress and guide them to safety during storms.
- Jack shares his discovery with the town, and the local community decides to restore the lighthouse as a tribute to its history.
With this plan in place, you can now use it as a guide to writing a detailed and engaging story, making sure to expand on the characters, setting, and events as needed.
And now the story:
Title: The Lighthouse Mystery
It was a dark and stormy night, and the rain was pouring down like never before. The coastal town was being battered by fierce winds, and the waves crashed violently against the shore. Jack, a curious and adventurous teenager, stood at his bedroom window, captivated by the storm’s fury. His gaze was drawn to the town’s main feature, an old abandoned lighthouse standing tall at the edge of the cliff. For as long as he could remember, Jack had been intrigued by the mysterious lighthouse. He had heard countless local legends and rumours of strange occurrences surrounding it.
As the storm intensified, a sudden power outage plunged the town into darkness. Jack’s sense of adventure was awakened, and he decided to investigate the lighthouse, hoping to uncover its secrets. He grabbed his torch, put on his raincoat and wellington boots, and ventured out into the tempest.
The journey to the lighthouse was arduous. Jack battled against the wind and rain, struggling to maintain his footing on the slippery coastal path. As he neared the lighthouse, he stumbled upon a mysterious old key half-buried in the sand. Intrigued, he pocketed the key and continued his journey.
Finally reaching the lighthouse, Jack discovered that the key he had found was a perfect fit for the rusted lock on the door. The heavy door creaked open, revealing the lighthouse’s interior, filled with old maritime artefacts, cobwebs, and a spiralling staircase that led to the top.
With his torch in hand, Jack ascended the staircase, his heart pounding with excitement. At the top of the lighthouse, he found a hidden room with a giant, old-fashioned telescope pointing out towards the sea. Unable to resist, Jack peered through the telescope and gasped at what he saw: a sunken ship not far from the shore, hidden beneath the turbulent waves.
Jack’s eyes widened with realisation. The lighthouse keeper must have used the telescope to spot ships in distress during storms, guiding them to safety with the lighthouse’s powerful beam. He knew he had to share this discovery with the town.
The next day, after the storm had subsided, Jack recounted his adventure to the townspeople. They were amazed by his tale and grateful for the insight into the lighthouse’s history. The community decided to restore the lighthouse, turning it into a tribute to its past and a symbol of the town’s resilience in the face of nature’s wrath.
And so, the once-abandoned lighthouse found new life, standing tall and proud at the edge of the cliff, its beam shining brightly once more, guiding ships through the darkness and keeping the town’s seafaring history alive.
What Improvements Could Be Made?
As a parent, it’s beneficial to read stories like “The Lighthouse Mystery” with your child and discuss the strong points and areas that could be improved. This type of analysis encourages critical thinking and helps develop your child’s storytelling skills.
When reading the story together, consider the following aspects:
- Plot: Is the story engaging and well-structured? Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
- Characters: Are the characters relatable and interesting? Do they have distinct personalities and motivations?
- Setting: Is the setting vividly described and integral to the story?
- Language: Does the story use a rich and varied vocabulary, with descriptive language and appropriate grammar?
After discussing the story, encourage your child to write their own story within the time limit set by the exam board. This practice will not only help improve their creative writing skills but also build their confidence in writing under time constraints.
By engaging in this type of practice, your child will be better prepared for the challenges of secondary school, not only for the 11+ exams but also for their overall academic experience. Remember, improvement comes with practice and dedication, so continue to support and encourage your child’s writing journey.