11+ Creative Writing - The Mental Block

Most of the grammar schools tend to conduct 11+ exam based on Verbal, Non-verbal, Maths and English in Multiple Choice format. Why? It is quite simple - it is cost effective to check the answers and produce the results quickly. However, most of the private schools & super-selectives such as (St. Olave`s, Kent and Sutton schools) continue to test the children in descri ptive Maths (show workings) and Creative Writing.

Creative Writing undoubtedly is one area, which may send shivers down the spine of children preparing for the 11 plus exams. You might have heard some parents complaining - "Our son is excellent at Maths, VR and NVR. He does plenty of reading but when it comes to writing......he just doesn`t want to write".

Why is that? Writing is not exciting for them when compared to solving a puzzle or playing minecraft. Also, they are more geared towards quantitative (numbers and facts) rather than qualitative. Regardless of how much they want to avoid or hate Creative Writing, it will come back and haunt them in Year 6 and senior secondary. The sooner they learn and embrace, the better for them.

The million-dollar question is - can the mental block for Creative Writng be removed?

The answer is "Yes". It requires a very systematic game plan with tactical tools and frameworks.

I have designed a framework to help understanding the nitty-gritty of Creative Writing. I work with children to work on different writing styles, grammar and ambitious vocabulary. I do much more which can`t be explained here due to the commercial reasons.

Overall, it means that our students go in the 11 plus exam with all the necessary ammunition and have a better chance to crack the Creative writing.