When it comes to creative writing in the 11+ exam, it is important that students show and not tell in their stories.
At Jacqui Robinson Education, we teach our students that this is the difference between a story that is read and a story that is felt.
What is "telling"?
"Telling" is when a writer simply states a fact, a feeling, or a character trait. It's direct, but it's often a bit flat.
For example: "James was very nervous."
The result: "The reader knows that James is nervous, but they aren't 'in the room' with him.
What is "showing"?
"Showing" uses sensory details and actions to help the reader deduce how the character feels.
For example: "James gripped the edge of the desk until his knuckles turned white. He swallowed hard, his throat feeling as dry as sandpaper"
The result: The reader concludes James is nervous without being told. This makes the reader an active participant in the story.
3 Tips to Master "Showing"
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Use the five sense rule: When describing a scene or character, ask your child: "What can you smell, taste, touch, hear and see?"
- Avoid using emotion words: When your child is writing about a character and describing how the character is feeling, they should avoid using the word for that emotion. For example, if they are writing about a person who is sad, they should avoid the words "sad, unhappy, crying and upset". Instead, they can describe the person's slumped shoulders or heavy sighs.
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Focus on small actions: Focusing on the smaller actions a person can make will help your child create a much more vivid picture of the scene. For example, instead of writing "He was tired", they could use "He struggled to keep his eyelids from fluttering shut."
Why this helps
When it comes to competitive exams like the 11+ or independent school entrance tests, examiners will be looking for uniqueness and evidence of maturity. "Showing" proves that a student has control over their language and is more likely to receive a much higher mark.
How we can help
At Jacqui Robinson Education, we know that moving from "telling" to "showing" is one of the hardest shifts for a young writer to make. It requires a level of confidence and a rich vocabulary that many children find daunting at first. Our specialised 11+ exam preparation course will help your child to bridge this gap.
Whether your child is preparing for the 11+ or independent school entrance exams, we are able to help. For more information or to enrol in to classes, book your assessment now.