Advice & tips
The 11+ journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, children can make rapid progress in their writing. These tips are here to help your child approach each Task with confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose.
Using Your Time Effectively
Always think about writing efficiently. Simple, clear sentences are best under pressure; avoid overly complex descriptions.
Avoid long opening sentences or paragraphs.
Starting with dialogue or action is quicker than long setting descriptions.
Always plan the ending before writing.
If stuck on a word, leave a gap and move on – come back to it later. Maintaining flow is more important than perfection.
Practice under exam conditions the second time round: e.g. for a 30-minute test, try to manage your time like this:
-
First 5 minutes: Use this time to plan your response, focusing on structure and making sure you cover all the key parts of the Task.
-
Middle 15-20 minutes: Get your ideas down: write steadily and don’t worry about perfecting every sentence. You can use the last ten minutes to make corrections and changes.
-
Last 5-10 minutes: Review your work to make sure it flows smoothly and reads clearly. Check that your sentences are complete and that your punctuation and spelling are correct.​
Structure & development
Aim for 4–6 paragraphs and a total of 250–350 words.
In Short Story Tasks, devote similar attention to the opening and middle. The opening paragraph should contain action or an intriguing situation. The middle paragraphs are where you should show what the main problem is and help the reader get to know your character. If the narrative is already strong, the ending can be shorter without weakening the overall piece.
In Discursive or Persuasive Tasks, ensure the conclusion is well-developed. Allocate enough time to craft a clear, confident, and impactful final paragraph.
Keep your timeline concise—a story set over a few hours or a single day is usually more effective than one spanning long periods.
Follow one central character closely; only introduce additional characters when they genuinely serve the story.
Avoid flashbacks or complicated time shifts, as these can over-complicate writing under exam conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overambitious Plotting
-
Complex stories with multiple characters or time jumps often fail under time pressure. Simple stories done well always score higher.
Weak Opening
-
Avoid clichés: waking up, weather, or excessive background info.
-
Strong openings: start mid-action, use dialogue, or offer a small but original detail.
Inconsistent Person or Tense
-
Switching from first to third person, or past to present, confuses the reader.
-
Proofreading should focus on this first; consistent person and tense are essential.
Inconsistent Tone
-
Mixing humorous, serious, or overly descriptive sections weakens impact. Keep the tone steady throughout.
Unsatisfactory Endings
-
Abrupt or contrived endings (“and then I woke up”) disappoint examiners.
-
Plan a convincing ending, but if time runs out, it’s better to leave it simple than force a cliché.
Pretentious Vocabulary
-
Using impressive words incorrectly can backfire. Natural, clear language is valued over showing off.