Learn everything you need to know about the creative writing section of the 11 Plus exam.
The 11 Plus, commonly referred to as the 11+ exam or the Eleven Plus, is a selective entry test used in certain regions of the UK to determine which secondary school students will attend.
Typically, students take the exam during their final year of primary education at around the age of 11.
The aim of the exam is to identify the most academically gifted students and place them in schools that best meet their educational requirements and potential.
Students who attain the required scores are granted a place in a grammar school.
The 11 Plus exam assesses students in the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
However, depending on the grammar school, the 11 Plus exam may also have a brief creative writing task.
There is a lot of conflicting information about this part of the exam and, naturally, some confusion.
In this article, we will discuss what 11 Plus Creative Writing entails, what to expect, and how to best prepare for it.
What is Creative Writing in the 11 Plus?
The creative writing task in the 11 Plus exam often involves either crafting an original short story or continuing a narrative based on a given text.
Completing the 11 Plus creative writing task poses a unique challenge as it must be done within a short time frame.
Students are typically given less than an hour to draft, write, and review their work, although the specific time allotted may vary depending on the school’s exam format.
Successfully tackling the creative writing task in the 11 Plus exam calls for a combination of imaginative thinking, concise writing, and efficient time management.
It allows candidates to showcase their storytelling abilities and literary prowess, adding a touch of artistry to the overall assessment.
It is important to note that the main 11 Plus exam boards (GL Assessment, CEM, and ISEB) do not typically include Creative Writing tasks in their standardised tests.
Instead, if a grammar school entrance exam includes a creative writing component, it’s likely been set by the school itself.
The creative writing task is commonly used in cases where schools face difficulty differentiating between two candidates who achieved similar scores in the main exam papers.
What Students Can Expect in the Creative Writing Part of the 11 Plus
During the Creative Writing segment of the 11 Plus, a common format involves presenting an imaginary scenario to students, providing them with a limited timeframe of 30 to 45 minutes to craft their narrative.
To offer insight into potential prompts, here are several examples of creative writing topics that may be presented in the exam:
- Write a letter
Write a letter to your headmaster/headmistress to try to convince him/her to allow your class to go on a school trip to the British Museum. Discuss the reasons you think your class should be allowed to go and write convincingly! - Animals
What kind of animals are dangerous, and why? What can be done to help these animals while keeping humans safe from them? - Becoming someone else
Write about a person you would like to be for a day. What would you do while you were that person? - The day everything changed
Write a story about a day when everything changed. - Finish the story
It was getting dark as I waited for the bus, and suddenly a voice shouted, ‘Watch out!’
How Tuition Tree Can Help
Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can be an intimidating experience for both students and their families.
Nevertheless, success requires unwavering dedication, hard work, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
At Tuition Tree, we specialise in providing tutoring services specifically designed to prepare children for the GL 11 Plus exam.
With an impressive 84% success rate in helping students secure admission to grammar schools, we are committed to promoting their academic progress.
Our approach involves offering personalised study sessions that cater to both individual and group settings, ensuring that every child receives the focused attention needed to unlock their full potential.
To learn more about our services or for any inquiries, please contact us at 0121 270 2889 or fill out our call-back form.
Alternatively, you can reach us through email at info@tuitiontree.co.uk. Our team is always eager to assist and address any concerns you may have.
Keep reading: Effective Study Plans for 11 Plus Success
