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The Voice: How to choose the perfect character voice for 11+ writing

20.06.24



If you are helping your child with 11+ character descriptions in exam writing, you might have discussed' the voice'.

It's one of many features of a person that can show a character's personality or intentions.

A voice can signal danger or reassurance. I can signal deceit or trust.

A voice can add to the mood of a description.

In 11+ writing, we rely, to some degree, on cliché because getting our message across quickly is critical. For example, if our character wishes to conceal something or trick us, we might describe them as slick-tongued. It's a bit like a slick-tongued salesperson—apologies to all salespeople. I know that is a cliché.

So, what types of 'voice' are there?

Below are some brief character descriptions and a few ways to describe a voice.

✍️Home Challenge
Discuss with your child which 'voice' best suits each character.
As always, children surprise us by choosing the ones we least expect, but if they can give a good reason why, that's perfect!
👀Character 1
A giraffe who wants to trick the zoo keeper into setting him free.
👀Character 2
A character who is feeling upset.
👀Character 3
A character who has lived for over 1,000 years so far.


Choose your voice!
  • a slick voice
  • honey-tongued
  • snaky voice
  • a brittle voice
  • a dry voice
  • a snarly voice
  • a growly voice
  • forked-tongued
  • a toady voice
  • a rich voice
  • a voice as lonely as a crypt
  • a voice as haunting as a grave
  • a caterwauling voice
  • a feeble voice
  • a trembling voice
You can make your own up.
  • A ____ voice (add in an adjective).
  • … a voice as ….. as a …. (a simile).
Enjoy your discussions!
Anna