7 Plus Creative Writing
Success in the 7 Plus creative writing exam depends on strong storytelling skills, clear structure, and confident handwriting.

Understanding the 7 Plus Creative Writing Task
The creative writing section of the 7 Plus exam is designed to assess a child’s ability to express ideas clearly and imaginatively. Schools use this section to evaluate vocabulary, sentence structure, handwriting, and overall storytelling ability.
Typically, children are given a story starter, picture prompt, or thematic question and asked to develop a short piece of writing within a set time. Common tasks include:
- Continuing a Story – Given an opening line, children must extend it into a structured narrative.
- Descriptive Writing – Writing about a scene, setting, or character in vivid detail.
- Writing from a Picture – Creating a story or description based on an image.
A well-structured story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, along with expressive language, is essential for success.
Key Elements of a Strong 7 Plus Story
7 Plus Creative Writing Story Structure and Planning
A well-planned story is easier to write under exam conditions. Encourage children to plan a beginning, middle, and end before starting. The beginning should introduce the characters and setting, the middle should contain the main action or problem, and the end should bring a satisfying resolution.
Developing a Story Bank
One of the most effective strategies for 7 Plus creative writing preparation is creating a story bank. Many schools set familiar themes such as:
- A lost pet
- A magical discovery
- An exciting journey
- A surprise visitor
Handwriting and Spelling in the 7 Plus Creative Writing Exam
Practising these common themes in advance helps children feel confident and prepared for any prompt.
Fully Cursive Writing
Most schools expect children to write in fully cursive handwriting by Year 2. Neat, joined-up writing is important, and letters must be well-formed and evenly spaced. Practice handwriting regularly to ensure that speed and legibility improve before the exam.
Getting All Their Ideas Down
Many children struggle to balance speed and quality in timed writing tasks. Encourage them to write down all their ideas first without worrying too much about spelling or punctuation. The key is to get the story writtenbefore refining it later.
Spelling and Phonics
Correct spelling is important, but schools understand that children are still learning. If a child is unsure of a spelling, they should use phonetic spelling rather than hesitate. Examiners are looking for confident, independent writing rather than perfection.
How Mentor Education Can Help with 7 Plus Creative Writing
Preparing for the 7 Plus creative writing exam takes expert guidance and structured practice. At Mentor Education, we offer a comprehensive support system, including:
- One-to-One Tutoring – Our expert teachers help children develop story structure, vocabulary, and fluency.
- Mock Exams – Timed practice under exam conditions to improve confidence and performance.
- Holiday Courses – Intensive creative writing workshops with targeted exercises and feedback.
- Handwriting Support – Sessions to help children master fully cursive writing with speed and clarity.
Next Steps
Success in 7 Plus creative writing requires practice, planning, and confidence. With structured preparation, children can master story writing, improve their handwriting, and enter the exam feeling ready. Contact Mentor Education today to learn more about our 7 Plus tutoring, mock exams, and holiday courses. Let’s help your child achieve their full potential in the 7 Plus exam.
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Find out how Mentor can help you support you and your child as you approach the 7+. Get in touch today.
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