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Use 11+ language in three ways: fireworks, stars and character emotions.

28.10.24

 

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

This ability to transfer skills pays dividends in 11+ exam writing, as it equips your child to use beautiful imagery across a wide range of themes, showcasing the versatility of the skills.

When your child returns to school after the half-term holiday, they might write about their experience of Bonfire Night. Here's how school learning next week can support 11+ exam writing.

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.

I hope the writing task is useful. 

Anna
(Group admin, qualified teacher 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 one sentence 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: