How to use firework imagery in other 11+ writing

For 11+ exam writing preparation, when we learn powerful imagery for one writing topic, we must think about how else we can use this.

 This ability to transfer skills pays dividends in 11+ exam writing because it's unlikely that you will get the task or topic you are most confident or passionate about.

This week, in school, your child may have been writing about Bonfire Night. So, here's how school learning this week can support 11+ writing practice …

For example, learning to describe fireworks can then be used to describe stars (for 11+ picture descriptions, 11+ story settings or references in 11+ diaries and informal letters). This star image can also create 'Show, Don't Tell' for a character's emotions.

Example:

 First - Sentence about fireworks

Blistering and bright, the rainbow of scattered moondust exploded in the sky.

 Second - Use some of these ideas to explain a character looking up into a starry sky.

As Sami looked up, she became mesmerised by the sequin-silver dots scattered like moondust and blistering the sky.

 Finally - Use some of the same vocabulary to create 'Show, Don't Tell' for a character's emotions (in a scary or exciting part of a story).

Sami felt as if her stomach was popping with an explosion of silver stars.

Below, I've created four challenges to try at home. It would be lovely if your child would share their ideas here on the post.

Enjoy the 'transferrable' sentence writing! 

Anna
(Group admin and 11+ creative writing tutor)

Task for home

Here are four firework sentences. Re-write them again twice - once to describe a starry sky and then to explain a character's emotions.

Sentence 1

Firework sentence:

Winking at me, the dazzling spirals of gold erupted with a deafening echo.

Star sentence:

Character 'Show, Don't Tell' sentence:

Sentence 2

Firework sentence:

Like bejewelled grains of sand, the rainbow sparks littered the sky.

Star sentence:

Character 'Show, Don't Tell' sentence:

Sentence 3

Firework sentence:

As if a giant hand had tossed diamonds into the inky-blue sky, splatters of polar-white flashes pulsed and twinkled brightly.

Star sentence:

Character 'Show, Don't Tell' sentence:

Sentence 4

Firework sentence:

Flashing like twitchy sparks, the glittering pinpricks fell like a sudden snowfall, silencing the open-mouthed crowds below.

Star sentence:

Character 'Show, Don't Tell' sentence: