11 Plus Creative Writing: Exam Preparation Guide: Examples, Topics and Tips

What is the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam?

In the 11 Plus Creative Writing exam you will be given one or a few prompts – an imaginary scenario & around 30-50 mins to write about it. 

The 11 Plus Creative Writing exam is all about writing with creativity & flair – while also maintaining correct grammar, structure, character development  & language use. It may sound like a huge task but our 11+ creative writing checklist can help make the process much smoother.  As a tutor, it might feel tricky to “teach” a skill that seems so abstract, but this assessment is used to evaluate a student’s ability to write imaginatively & effectively. It typically involves crafting stories, descriptions, or other pieces of creative writing based on prompts or themes. 

The 11 Plus Creative Writing component is also a great opportunity for your child’s target school to gain insight into their personality & creativity,  offering a glimpse of your child’s imagination & unique voice through their writing. 

Important Considerations:

Check School Requirements: It is worth noting the main 11 Plus exam boards, such as GL Assessment & the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), don’t include creative writing tasks in their standard tests. If a school does have a creative writing component, it’s usually set by the school itself. Please check with your target schools for this information.

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What Are Examiners Looking For?

Key Elements of the Creative Writing Exam:

• Imaginative Writing: Students are often given a prompt or a theme to inspire their writing. This could be a scenario, a picture, or a set of words that they need to turn into a plot. 
• Structure & Organisation: The exam evaluates how well students organise their paragraphs, develop their plot & maintain a coherent narrative throughout their piece. The writing should have a clear beginning, middle & end, with smooth transitions between paragraphs & ideas. 
• Language & Style: Creativity is important, but so is the use of rich & varied language. Students are assessed on their accuracy & consistency with grammar – varied sentences & interesting punctuation, vocabulary, sentence structure & overall writing style. Remember to include literary devices!  Ensure to match the style of writing that is being assessed. Ensure fiction stories that captivate & engage the reader with interesting scenarios, characters, or settings. Think about adding some conversation to your story. What kind of effect could it have? Maybe it adds a touch of humour, or maybe it creates tension  & keeps the reader on edge. Use dialogue to bring your characters  & their emotions to life! 
• Character & Setting Development: This helps the reader create a vibrant picture in their mind

11 Plus Creative Writing Resources: A Goldmine for Success

Unlock your full potential in 11 Plus creative writing with this all-in-one guide! Dive into a treasure trove of resources—must-read books, interactive online courses, sample papers, &more. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your writing skills, spark new creative ideas, or boost your exam performance, these tools will set you on the path to success.

11 Plus Creative Writing Examples & 11 Plus Creative Writing Samples

Here are some exam-style fiction creative writing prompts along with a short introduction to get you started. 

The Enchanted Diary

Imagine stumbling upon an old, dusty diary hidden in your attic. But there’s a twist—anything you write in it springs to life! Pen a story about the thrilling adventure this new power brings and the obstacles you face.

“Ella’s heart raced as she brushed aside the cobwebs, revealing the leather-bound diary. The golden patterns on its cover seemed to pulse under the faint light, as if alive with secrets. Unable to resist, she opened it to the first blank page. With a grin, she wrote: “A dragon lands in my backyard.”

The following morning, a thunderous roar shook the neighbourhood. Ella darted to her window—and there it was. A dragon, with shimmering emerald scales and eyes brimming with ancient wisdom, perched on her garden fence. That day, she soared through the skies on its back, exploring realms hidden beyond the clouds. But with every magical encounter came a new challenge—one that tested her courage & wisdom. As dusk fell, the dragon bid her a tearful farewell, reminding Ella that even the most wondrous adventures must eventually come to an end. Closing the diary, she realised that with great magic came even greater responsibility.”

The Whispering Wall

A new wall appears in your town, rumoured to whisper secrets to those who listen closely. Describe your experience with the wall and the life-altering secret it shares with you.

“The unveiling of the Whispering Wall stirred both wonder and doubt across town. Wrapped in ivy and aged beyond its years, the wall seemed more like a relic than something new. Intrigued by the mysterious tales, Ellie found herself standing before it one moonlit night, pressing her ear to the cold stone.

At first, only silence. But then, like a soft breeze, a whisper emerged. It spoke of a treasure hidden beneath the town, a secret buried for centuries. Fueled by curiosity, Ellie embarked on a quest, following cryptic clues whispered by the wall. With her friends by her side, they unearthed an ancient chamber & a chest of coins, along with letters from the town’s founders. In that moment, Ellie realised the wall had given her more than a treasure; it had revealed the forgotten heart of her town’s history.”

The Mysterious Lighthouse

You and a friend decide to explore an abandoned lighthouse on a remote island. Write about the eerie discoveries you make & the thrilling adventure that follows.

“Mia and Liam had always been captivated by the abandoned lighthouse towering over the windswept island. On a crisp autumn day, curiosity got the better of them, and they ventured inside. Dusty maps lined the walls, and faded photographs of shipwrecks whispered of untold stories.

At the top, they stumbled upon an old, weathered journal detailing strange lights at sea and mysterious disappearances. One cryptic entry mentioned a hidden room accessible only by pulling a disguised lever on the bookshelf. With bated breath, they searched—and found the lever. A trap door creaked open, leading them into a hidden chamber filled with maritime relics and a glowing compass. The compass pointed to an uncharted area of the island, sparking a treasure hunt that led them to a long-lost shipwreck. Inside, they found an ancient map and a message in a bottle; a thrilling connection to the island’s forgotten past.”

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11+ Creative Writing Topics 

It is important to remember you will not only be asked to write fiction stories – some exams also test non-fiction writing skills, below are a few prompts inspired by past papers to help you practise both styles. 

Letter Writing

1. Draft a letter to your future self ten years from now
2. Draft a letter from a character in a fantasy world to their best friend, explaining their latest adventure.
3. Draft a letter from an explorer in the 19th century to a family member, detailing their discoveries & experiences.

Diary Entry

1. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a young inventor who has just created their first successful invention. 
2. Imagine you are living through a historic event (e.g., the first moon landing) & write a diary entry about your feelings & observations.
3. Write a diary entry from the viewpoint of someone who has discovered a hidden talent or special ability.

Historical

1. Write a short story set during the reign of a famous historical figure ( Cleopatra, Napoleon) & describe a significant event from their era.
2. Describe a day in the life of a child living in ancient Greece, focusing on their daily activities. 
3. Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a key moment in history & write an article covering the event.

Factual

1. Write an informative piece about an endangered animal, including details about its habitat, diet & efforts to protect it.
2. Create a report on a famous scientific discovery (e.g., the theory of relativity)  & explain its impact on the world.
3. Compose an article about the importance of recycling & how it helps the environment.

Argument

1. Write an argument for or against the use of technology in the classroom, presenting both sides of the debate.
2. Argue for the importance of preserving historical landmarks & explain why they should be protected.
3. Compose a persuasive essay on whether students should have longer break time or more classroom time.

11 Plus Creative Writing Titles & Questions

“The Forgotten Island”

“The Secret of the Ancient Tree”

“A Day with the Time Traveler”

“The Mysterious Lantern in the Attic”

“The Adventure of the Enchanted Map”

“The Whispering Shadows”

“The Magic Key to Another World”

“The Last Dragon’s Quest”

“The Hidden Village in the Clouds”

“The Legend of the Midnight Fountain”

“The Unexpected Gift from the Stars”

“The Haunted Music Box”

“The Diary of a Future Explorer”

“The Lost City Beneath the Ocean”

“The Portal in the Old Library”

“The Day Animals Started Talking”

“The Mysterious Invention”

“The Magical Library Book”

“The Enchanted Garden”

“The Great Adventure of the Tiny Hero”

These titles are designed to spark creativity & encourage students to explore a variety of imaginative scenarios  & storytelling techniques.

11 Plus Creative Writing Past Papers 

As the creative writing section of the 11+ exam is not a formal part of the assessments written by the respective exam boards, you may find less content in terms of creative writing past papers. However, you can use the examples above as prompts to practise your 11 plus creative writing skills. When you have finished your writing (make sure you give yourself a time limit of about 20 minutes), you can check your writing with this checklist below. This includes the most important elements that schools will be looking for.

• Connectives – The atmosphere was different here and, for a moment, she thought she was floating.
• Openers – With a grumble, the door slowly spun on its axis.
• Punctuation – “She’s…missing!”
• Vocabulary – There was a sign etched into the wood above the door.
• Five senses – They’d barely walked a few steps when they were plunged into darkness.
• Figurative language – Her face was ghostly pale.

11 Plus Creative Writing Marking Scheme

Nailing the marking scheme is a game-changer for 11 Plus success! Examiners are on the lookout for a mix of creativity, well-structured narratives, rich vocabulary, & technical precision. Understanding what elevates a response—like clever plot twists & advanced language—gives students the power to truly impress. By knowing the key criteria, students can strategically focus on areas that will make their writing standout.

The 11 Plus Creative Writing Marking Scheme is typically split into different levels, each assessing how well your child performs in areas like content, organisation & SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, & Grammar). At the top mark bands, writing shines with imaginative vocabulary, sophisticated structure, &a flawless use of literary devices. Conversely, at the lower levels, you’ll see frequent SPaG errors, weak structure, & minimal effort. This system helps pinpoint where students excel & where they need improvement, making it a powerful tool for growth!

11 Plus Creative Writing Books

Diving into the right books is key to unlocking a young writer’s potential. These resources don’t just improve vocabulary , they push kids to think creatively & explore fresh storytelling techniques. With the right book, a student’s descriptive language becomes vibrant, helping them flourish in the creative writing section.

Suggested Books:

“11+ Creative Writing Workbook” – Perfect for honing creativity through targeted exercises & real examples.

“11+ English Practice Book” – Includes both creative &non-fiction writing practice.

Bond Books:

“Bond 11+ English Assessment Papers” – A solid choice for building both comprehension & writing under exam conditions.

“Bond No Nonsense English” – A structured guide to improving overall writing ability with engaging exercises.

11 Plus Creative Writing Course

Need a tailored approach to writing? Enrol in specialised 11 plus courses that offer personal feedback, custom writing prompts, and a supportive learning environment. These programs not only sharpen storytelling but also boost a student’s ability to craft engaging essays—a key skill for acing the 11 Plus online.

5 Tips to Ace the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam

Familiarise Yourself with Exam Formats

Every school’s exam format can be a little different, so it’s important to know what to expect. Look up past papers or ask your child’s target school about their specific creative writing tasks. Some might ask for short stories, while others may want descriptive writing or even a persuasive piece. Understanding the format in advance will help your child feel more confident & prepared when the big day comes!

Practise Regularly

As with most things, practice makes perfect! Encourage your child to write regularly — whether it’s short stories, character descriptions, or even diary entries. The more they write, the easier it will become to express their ideas clearly & creatively. Plus, practising with different prompts will help them think on their feet during the actual exam.

Develop Your Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary can make a huge difference in creative writing. Help your child build their word bank by reading widely  & encouraging them to jot down interesting words they come across. Not only will this make their writing more vivid, but it’ll also show examiners that they can use language effectively to convey mood, setting & character emotions.

Pay Attention to Structure

A good story needs a solid structure. Remind your child to plan out their writing before they start, even if it’s just a rough outline. This will ensure their story has a clear beginning, middle & end, with well-developed characters & a smooth narrative flow. Taking the time to map out their ideas will also help them stay on track & avoid getting lost in the details.

Proofread Meticulously

It’s easy to overlook small errors when you’re focused on the bigger picture, but proofreading is key! Encourage your child to always set aside a few minutes at the end to read through their work carefully. Checking for spelling, punctuation & grammar mistakes can make a big difference in the final quality of their piece. A well-polished story shows attention to detail, which examiners will definitely appreciate.

By following these tips, your child can approach the 11 Plus Creative Writing exam with confidence & creativity, ready to showcase their skills!

Read voraciously 

Arguably the most important tip! Developing a love for reading can help your child excel by developing strong writing skills, critical thinking & a vivid imagination. Immersing your child in a wide variety of genres; fiction, non-fiction, poetry,  and more; will expand their vocabulary, introduce them to diverse writing styles & expose them to new ideas & perspectives.

This love for reading helps children intuitively grasp how stories are structured, understand character development, and recognise the nuances of tone and style. Moreover, reading non-fiction can improve their ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, a key skill in essay writing and comprehension tasks. The more your child reads, the more they’ll draw from an extensive mental library when crafting their own stories or answering non-fiction prompts. Ultimately, fostering a deep love for reading will give them the confidence and creativity to excel in all areas of the 11 Plus exam and beyond.

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