Free · 10 technique guides
11+ creative writing techniques
Step-by-step guides to the writing skills that lift an 11+ story, each with before-and-after examples, the mistakes children often make and a short practice task to try straight away.
What's in each guide
Every page explains the technique in plain words, why it matters in the 11+, how to do it step by step, original before-and-after examples, common mistakes, a “Try it” task and answers to the questions parents ask.
One technique a week
Pick one page, read it together and do the "Try it" task. Small, regular practice beats cramming.
Use it in a story
Then write a short story from a prompt and aim to use that one technique well, not everything at once.
Read it aloud
Hearing writing read aloud is the quickest way to spot flat sentences, missing punctuation and repeated openers.
Rewrite one paragraph
Improving one paragraph with a technique teaches more than writing a brand-new story every time.
The techniques
Work through them in order, or start with the one your child finds hardest.
Technique 1
Show, don't tell
Turn flat statements like "she was scared" into actions, body language and details that let the reader feel it for themselves.
Read the guide : Show, don't tellBefore: Sam was scared of the dark cellar.
After: Sam stopped on the top step. He pressed the light switch three times, even though he knew the bulb had gone, and listened to his own breathing.
Technique 2
How to write a story opening
Six ways to start an 11+ story that grab the reader in the first line: action, dialogue, a question, a mystery, a setting or a strong statement.
Read the guide : How to write a story openingBefore: One day, I went to the park and I saw a dog run away.
After: The lead snapped out of my hand, and Biscuit was gone: a brown blur racing towards the lake.
Technique 3
How to write a story ending
Ways to finish an 11+ story so it feels complete: solve the problem, show what changed, circle back to the start or add a final twist.
Read the guide : How to write a story endingBefore: Then we found the dog and went home. It was a great day.
After: Biscuit shook lake water all over my new coat. For once, I didn't mind at all.
Technique 4
Similes, metaphors and personification
What similes, metaphors and personification are, how to write fresh ones instead of clichés, and how many to use in an 11+ story.
Read the guide : Similes, metaphors and personificationBefore: The sea was as blue as the sky.
After: The sea was like crumpled tin foil, flashing every time the sun came out.
Technique 5
Writing dialogue (and punctuating it)
How to punctuate speech correctly, start a new line for each speaker, choose said-words and use dialogue to show character and move the story on.
Read the guide : Writing dialogue (and punctuating it)Before: "Where are you going" said mum, "its nearly dark."
After: "Where are you going?" asked Mum. "It's nearly dark."
Technique 6
Building tension and suspense
How to make the reader nervous about what happens next: slow the pace, use short sentences, hide information, add sounds and set a ticking clock.
Read the guide : Building tension and suspenseBefore: I opened the door and there was a fox in the shed.
After: I reached for the handle. The metal was cold. Slowly, slowly, I pulled, and the hinges gave a long, thin squeal. Something in the darkness moved.
Technique 7
Describing a setting with the five senses
How to describe a place using sight, sound, smell, touch and taste, choose precise words and set the mood without writing a list.
Read the guide : Describing a setting with the five sensesBefore: The beach was nice. There was sand and the sea and it was sunny.
After: Warm sand squeaked under my feet. Gulls argued overhead, and the air tasted of salt and suncream.
Technique 8
Creating a believable character
How to bring a character to life in a few lines: a name, one telling detail, what they want, how they speak and act, and how they change.
Read the guide : Creating a believable characterBefore: Nana was old with grey hair and glasses. She was kind.
After: Nana kept her glasses on a chain and a toffee in every pocket, just in case someone needed cheering up.
Technique 9
Varying sentences: length and openers
How to mix short, long and medium sentences and start them in different ways (adverbs, -ing words, prepositions, conjunctions) to make writing flow.
Read the guide : Varying sentences: length and openersBefore: I walked to the river. I saw a boat. I got in it. I started to row.
After: Down at the river, a small blue boat bobbed against the bank. Without thinking, I climbed in. Gripping the oars, I began to row.
Technique 10
Paragraphs and story structure (the story mountain)
How to plan an 11+ story with the story mountain (opening, build-up, problem, resolution, ending) and when to start a new paragraph.
Read the guide : Paragraphs and story structure (the story mountain)Before: Plan: Going to the bridge. Something happens. The end.
After: Opening: Noor and her little brother at the rope bridge on a windy walk. Build-up: Brother runs ahead; a plank cracks. Problem: He's stuck halfway, bridge swaying, rain starting. Resolution: Noor talks him back step by step, hiding her own fear. Ending: Back at the car, he says she's the bravest person he knows; she's still shaking.
Put the techniques into practice
Free story prompts
Titles and picture prompts to write a whole story with.
Free writing competition
A new title every month, with feedback and prizes.
Get feedback on a story
Stories marked with clear notes on what went well and what to try next.
More free resources
- Printable worksheets: Practise each skill on paper.
- Word banks: Ambitious words to borrow.
- Example stories: Model stories with notes.
- All 11+ creative writing resources
Questions parents ask
What creative writing techniques are useful for the 11+?
The ones that make the biggest difference are show, don't tell; strong openings and endings; figurative language such as similes, metaphors and personification; well-punctuated dialogue; building tension; describing settings with the senses; believable characters; varied sentences; and a clear structure with paragraphs.
Do all 11+ exams include creative writing?
No. Some 11+ tests have a writing task and some don't, and the format varies between schools and areas. Check the information from the schools you're applying to. Even where there's no writing paper, these skills help with English in general and with independent school assessments.
How long is an 11+ creative writing task?
It varies. Many writing tasks allow somewhere around 30 to 50 minutes, including planning, but check the details for the schools you're applying to. Practising with a timer helps children plan, write and finish within the time.
What age are these guides for?
They're written for children aged 9 to 11 (Years 5 and 6) preparing for the 11+, and for parents helping them. They're also useful for Key Stage 2 writing in general.
How can I get feedback on my child's writing?
Enter the free monthly writing competition, or use the Academy11+ creative writing service, where stories are marked with feedback on what went well and what to work on next.