When it comes to the 11+, one of the most important things to remember is that creative writing is not just about getting the words down on paper but about crafting a piece that tells a story, engages the reader and ultimately leaves a lasting impression.
With that in mind, here are our top tips on what should be included in creative writing for the 11+.
- A strong opening
The first few sentences of your piece are crucial in hooking the reader in and making them want to read on. Start with something unexpected, or use sensory language to evoke a particular mood or atmosphere. Avoid starting by listing details about your main character or describing their personality and/or their appearance – remember the rule ‘show, don’t tell’.
- Compelling characters
In order to write compelling characters, it is important to understand the basics of human psychology. What motivates people? What are their fears and desires? How do they react in different situations? By understanding these things, you can create characters that feel real to your readers. It is also important to give your character flaws. No one is perfect, and readers can relate more easily to characters who make mistakes and struggle to overcome them. Finally, remember that your characters should be active participants in the story. They should drive the plot forward instead of merely reacting to events that unfold around them.
- A concrete setting
When writing a story, creating a concrete and believable setting is important. This will help your readers feel like they are truly transported to another place. To do this, you’ll need to use sensory details to describe the scene’s sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. For example, if you’re writing about a character walking through a forest, you might describe the sun shining through the trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of pine in the air, etc. By including these specific details, you’ll give your reader a much richer and more vivid experience. Just make sure not to go overboard – a few well-chosen details will be more effective than pages of description. When used effectively, the setting can be a powerful tool for bringing your stories to life.
- A well-structured plot
Your story should have a clear beginning, middle and end, with a series of events that lead logically from one to the next. There should be a sense of tension and conflict throughout to keep the reader engaged and a satisfying resolution at the end. Remember to vary the pacing of your story – don’t let it drag on for too long or move too quickly from one event to the next.
- Rich language
When it comes to creative writing, strong and precise language is key. Rich language can help set a piece’s tone, create atmosphere, and bring characters and settings to life. Also, try varying your sentence structure. Repeating the same type of sentence over and over again can cause the writing to become monotonous.
Try mixing up your sentences, using both long and short ones, and including a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. This will keep the writing lively and interesting. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different words and phrases. Sometimes the perfect descriptor is a word that you wouldn’t typically use in everyday conversation. By expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be able to find just the right word to capture the essence of what you’re trying to convey.
- A distinctive style
Your writing should have its unique voice, which will come through in the choices you make about the words you use, the way you write your sentences and the point of view you write from. Be consistent throughout and allow your personality to shine through. Over time, as you continue to practise your creative writing, your own distinctive voice will become more pronounced, and you will get used to using it.
- A sense of closure
As any writer knows, the end of a piece of writing is just as important as the beginning. The ending should provide a sense of closure while still leaving the reader wanting more. One way to achieve this balance is to Tie up loose ends. This means addressing any plot points or character arcs that have not yet been resolved. However, it is also important to leave some elements open-ended so that the reader can use their imagination to fill in the gaps. In addition, the ending should reflect the overall tone of the piece. If the story is light-hearted and fun, the ending should be similarly upbeat. However, if the story is dark and suspenseful, the ending should be suitably dramatic.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your piece of creative writing for the 11 plus will be of a high standard and engaging for the reader from start to finish.
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