In the heart of the 11+ exam, there lies a segment designed to probe your child’s written communication skills: the continuous writing section. But what does this part of the test entail? Let’s unpack this.
The continuous writing section of the 11+ exam involves your child responding to a given prompt. These prompts could ask your child to write a story, a report, a letter, or a descriptive piece. Unlike the more formulaic tasks your child might encounter in other sections of the 11+ exam, the continuous writing section is a test of imagination and creativity, structure and clarity, as well as grammar and punctuation.
Your child will typically have around 20-30 minutes to complete this section. The time pressure means that not only do they need to generate ideas quickly, but they also have to plan their writing, execute it, and ideally, leave a few minutes at the end for proofreading.
The prompts given will usually allow your child a degree of freedom to develop their ideas in a way that plays to their strengths. For instance, if the task is to write a story, they could choose the setting, characters, and plot. However, they must ensure that their writing stays on topic and answers the prompt accurately.
A common misconception about the continuous writing section is that it’s solely a test of your child’s vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. While these are indeed important, the exam assessors are also looking for evidence of clear thinking, structured arguments, and the ability to create engaging and coherent content. As such, the continuous writing section is a holistic test of your child’s written communication skills.
Skills Assessed in the 11+ Continuous Writing Section
While the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam may seem like a test of writing prowess alone, it assesses a wide range of skills that reflect your child’s overall aptitude and readiness for the rigours of secondary school. Here are some of the key areas evaluated:
Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
These fundamental elements of written communication are crucial. Examiners will be looking for proper sentence structure, correct word usage, and accurate spelling, as well as the correct use of punctuation marks.
Vocabulary
A robust vocabulary not only adds richness to your child’s writing but also enables them to express their thoughts and ideas more precisely. Examiners will note the range and appropriateness of the words used.
Structure and Organisation
The way a piece of writing is organised can greatly affect how well the reader understands it. Your child should be able to demonstrate the ability to structure their thoughts logically, maintain a consistent point of view, and use paragraphs effectively to separate different ideas or events.
Creativity and Imagination
The prompts given in the continuous writing section are often quite broad, allowing your child the freedom to demonstrate their creativity. They will be assessed on their ability to come up with original ideas and develop them into coherent piece of writing.
Coherence and Cohesion
A well-written piece of continuous writing should not just be a collection of disjointed ideas. Rather, the ideas should flow smoothly from one to the next, forming a cohesive whole. Transition words, linking phrases, and the logical progression of thoughts contribute to coherence.
Understanding of Genre Conventions
Whether your child is asked to write a story, a letter, a description, or a report, each of these has its own set of conventions. Examiners will look for evidence that your child understands these genre conventions and can use them appropriately.
Engaging the Reader
Good writing doesn’t just communicate information, it engages the reader. Examiners will consider whether your child can use elements such as suspense, emotive language, and vivid descriptions to capture the reader’s interest.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Continuous Writing Section
Parents Helping Their Child Prepare for 11+ Continuous Writing in a Fun Way
Preparing for the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam goes beyond simple practice – it involves nurturing your child’s language skills, creativity, and confidence in their ability to express themselves. Here are some strategies that can support your child’s preparation:
Encourage Wide Reading
Reading exposes your child to different styles of writing, enriches their vocabulary, and helps them understand how sentences and paragraphs are constructed to create coherent pieces. Encourage your child to read a variety of texts, including novels, newspapers, and magazines.
Regular Writing Practice
The old adage “practice makes perfect” holds true when it comes to writing. Make it a habit for your child to write regularly. This could involve writing a daily journal, crafting short stories, or even writing letters to family members.
Prompt Practice
Occasionally, give your child a prompt similar to those they might encounter in the exam. This will help them get accustomed to generating ideas and writing under timed conditions.
Feedback and Revision
After your child completes a piece of writing, review it together. Offer constructive feedback on areas such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary, as well as on the structure and coherence of the writing. Encourage your child to revise their work based on this feedback, as this is a valuable part of the learning process.
Grammar Lessons
Brush up on grammar rules and ensure your child understands them. There are many online resources and workbooks available that can help with this.
Vocabulary Building
Encourage your child to learn new words and their meanings. They can keep a vocabulary notebook where they jot down any new words they encounter while reading, along with their meanings and examples of usage.
Creativity Boosting Activities
Engage your child in activities that boost their creativity. This could include telling stories, drawing, or even daydreaming. The more your child exercises their imagination, the better they’ll become at generating ideas for their writing. Here are some ideas for creative activities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the 11+ Continuous Writing Section
While the continuous writing section of the 11+ exam allows your child to showcase their creativity and language skills, certain common mistakes can undermine their performance. Being aware of these pitfalls can help your child steer clear of them:
Misunderstanding the Prompt
One of the biggest mistakes students make is not fully understanding the prompt before they start writing. Always encourage your child to take a few moments to ensure they have correctly interpreted what’s being asked.
Lack of Planning
Jumping into writing without a clear plan can lead to a disorganised and disjointed piece. Your child should take a few minutes to outline their thoughts and structure their response.
Poor Time Management
Spending too much time on one part of the writing, such as the introduction, can leave your child with insufficient time to develop their ideas and conclude their piece. Practicing under timed conditions can help your child get a better sense of how to allocate their time effectively.
Neglecting to Proofread
In the rush to finish, students often neglect to proofread their work. However, this final check can catch spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as well as awkward sentences and inconsistencies.
Overuse of Complex Vocabulary
While a broad vocabulary is advantageous, overuse of complex or ‘fancy’ words can make a piece of writing confusing and difficult to read. Your child should focus on using the right words, not just the most impressive ones.
Inadequate Paragraphing
Proper use of paragraphs is essential for readability and coherence. Each new idea or event should generally start a new paragraph.
Overly Long Sentences
While complex sentences can demonstrate language proficiency, overly long or convoluted sentences can confuse the reader. Encourage your child to vary sentence lengths and structures for effect and clarity.
How Parents Can Support Preparation for 11+ Continuous Writing
While you may not be an English teacher, there are plenty of ways you can support and enhance your child’s learning journey:
Provide Constructive Feedback
When your child writes, read their work and provide constructive feedback. Remember to highlight the strengths in their writing, as well as areas for improvement. Be supportive and encourage them to see criticism as a stepping stone to better writing.
Create a Comfortable Learning Environment
Make sure your child has a quiet, comfortable space to write. A good working environment can greatly enhance their concentration and productivity.
Discuss Their Writing
Show interest in what your child writes. Discuss their ideas and the themes they explore. This can motivate your child and help them to think more deeply about their writing.
Be a Cheerleader
Preparing for the 11+ exam can be stressful. Celebrate your child’s efforts and improvements, and remind them that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Encouragement can boost your child’s confidence and resilience.
Examples 11+ Continuous Writing
Example 1 – Narrative: Prompt: “Write a story about a journey that leads to a surprising discovery.”
Response:
Once upon a time, in a small town named Oakwood, lived a curious boy named Charlie. One sunny morning, Charlie decided to explore the mysterious forest that bordered the town. Armed with his father’s old compass and a sandwich, he began his adventure. As he journeyed deeper into the forest, he discovered a hidden path leading to a cave. Nervously, he decided to explore it. Inside, he found an ancient treasure chest filled with gold and sparkling jewels. This discovery was beyond his wildest dreams and marked a journey he would never forget.
Example 2 – Descriptive: Prompt: “Describe a busy marketplace.”
Response:
The marketplace was a beehive of activity. Buyers and sellers haggled over prices, their voices merging into a symphony of commerce. Vibrant colours filled the air as stalls overflowed with ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and colourful fabrics. The tantalizing smell of spices mixed with the sweet scent of freshly baked bread. People moved in a rhythmic dance, dodging porters carrying heavy loads and children chasing after rolling hoops. Everywhere one looked, life was in full swing, making the marketplace a dazzling spectacle of human life and diversity.
These are simplified examples, and actual responses would typically be much longer, demonstrating the use of various language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and the use of descriptive language. They should also exhibit a strong narrative or descriptive structure.
Books That Can Help Your Child with 11+ Continuous Writing
The right resources can be instrumental in preparing your child for the 11+ exam’s continuous writing section. These can provide your child with writing prompts, teach them about different writing techniques, and offer ample opportunities for practice. Here are some recommended books:
“11+ English Practice Papers 1: For 11+, pre-test and independent school exams including CEM, GL and ISEB” by Victoria Burrill
This book offers a variety of practice papers with detailed answers, providing your child with valuable practice opportunities and feedback. Buy this book here.
“Descriptosaurus: Supporting Creative Writing for Ages 8–14” by Alison Wilcox
This book helps expand your child’s descriptive vocabulary. It’s arranged thematically, making it easy to find words related to various topics. Buy this book here.
“How to Write Your Best Story Ever!” by Christopher Edge
This book covers a range of writing techniques and genres, and provides tips for creating engaging characters and plots. Buy this book here.
“Write Your Own Storybook” by Louie Stowell
This interactive book is filled with tips for writing stories and provides spaces for your child to write and revise their own stories. Buy this book here.
“First Aid in English Reader A – What a Fright” by Angus Maciver
This book can help improve your child’s reading comprehension skills, which are essential for understanding the prompt in the continuous writing section. Buy this book here.
“Grammar and Punctuation Book 4: Year 4, Ages 8-9” by Schofield & Sims and Carol Matchett
This is a comprehensive resource for building solid grammar and punctuation skills. Buy this book here.
“Bond 11+: English: Focus on Writing” by Bond 11+
This book offers advice on how to approach different types of writing tasks and also includes practical writing exercises. Buy this book here.
Conclusion
As we reach the end of this guide, we hope you have a more comprehensive understanding of the 11+ continuous writing section. This test is not just about showcasing your child’s writing skills, but it also paves the way for their academic future and helps them gain an appreciation for the art of written communication.
The journey to master continuous writing can be challenging, but remember, it’s a skill that extends far beyond the 11+ exam. It can help your child to express their thoughts clearly, stimulate their creativity, and build their confidence, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Be patient, supportive, and remember to celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
Should you feel your child needs a little extra support, we highly recommend Edumentors, an online tutoring platform. The tutors at Edumentors are students from top UK universities who have walked the same path as your child. They understand the strategies and techniques required to ace exams and can provide personalised guidance to boost your child’s performance and self-belief.
The tutors at Edumentors don’t just focus on achieving excellent grades; they aim to instil a love of learning, nurture curiosity and foster independent thinking. With Edumentors, your child will not only learn how to write compelling narratives and effective reports but also how to approach their academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
So, let’s approach the continuous writing section not as a hurdle but as a chance for your child to shine, to display their creativity and language skills. After all, every great writer was once a student, and every master was once a beginner. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so let’s step into this journey and conquer the 11+ exam together.
