Endings are where many 11+ stories go wrong. Time runs out, the writer panics, and the story finishes with "and then I woke up and it was all a dream" or simply stops in the middle of the action.
A good ending doesn't need to be long. What matters is that the main problem is dealt with and the reader is left with a feeling: relief, surprise, sadness or a smile.
Why it matters in the 11+
The ending is the last thing the marker reads before deciding on a mark, so a satisfying one leaves a strong final impression. A story that clearly has a beginning, middle and end shows that the writer can plan and organise their ideas.
Planning the ending first (even in a few words) also stops children running out of time, because they know where the story is heading.
How to do it, step by step
Plan the ending before you start
In your plan, write one line about how the story will finish. Then everything you write can lead there.
Solve the main problem
Whatever went wrong in your story needs an answer. The lost dog is found, the storm passes, the secret comes out.
Let the character solve it
The ending is more satisfying when the main character fixes things through courage or cleverness, not when a grown-up or luck saves the day.
Show what has changed
How is the character different now? Braver? Wiser? Friends with someone new? One sentence can show this.
Finish with a strong last line
End on an image, a short line of speech or a thought, not a summary like "It was the best day ever."
Before and after examples
Each example starts with a plain sentence, then shows how the technique improves it.
Before
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.
Why it works: We see that the narrator has changed: what mattered before (the coat) doesn't matter now.
Before
So that's the story of how I went into the attic.
After
I closed the green trunk and turned the key. Ollie was right: some things are better left unopened. But I kept the key.
Why it works: Linking to the first line makes the story feel neatly shaped, and the last short sentence leaves a small smile.
Before
Then it turned out the ghost was not real.
After
As I switched off the torch, the attic was silent. Then, from the empty corner, someone politely cleared their throat.
Why it works: A twist works when it surprises but still fits the story. Keep it to one or two sentences.
Before
And they all lived happily ever after.
After
Grandad's chair is still by the window. Sometimes, when the light is just right, I sit in it and watch the street the way he did.
Why it works: A calm image can be very moving, especially for stories about memories or friendship.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Mistake: "It was all a dream."
Fix: It makes the reader feel the story didn't matter. Find a real way to solve the problem.
Mistake: Running out of time and stopping mid-action.
Fix: Plan your ending first, and leave five minutes for it. A short ending is better than none.
Mistake: A summary instead of an ending: "It was the best day of my life."
Fix: Show the feeling with a final image or action instead.
Mistake: A new problem appears in the last paragraph.
Fix: Endings should close the story, not start another one.
Try it
About 15 minutesHere is the problem from a story: "Zara has accidentally let the class hamster escape just before the head teacher's visit." Write two different endings.
- Write a happy ending where Zara solves the problem herself.
- Write a twist ending.
- Make sure each final sentence is an image, a line of speech or a thought, not a summary.
Finished? Read it aloud: if a sentence sounds flat, try it again. When you're ready to write a whole story, pick a title from the free story prompts.