Creative Writing Course

Creative Writing

Course created by Tuition with Taylor

start >

Getting started

What to expect

Learn how to plan effectively before writing.

Improve your writing with tips from an experienced tutor.

Learn the best writing techniques.

Write for a variety of genres.

Get ready for the 11+ and secondary school writing.

Create organisational devices.

Complete 5 marked assignments and writing tasks.

Enjoy writing!

Work at your own pace with no deadlines or time frame.

Website

Course info

Content

Duration

A mixture of tasks, reading and assignments.

Self-paced

Learning sessions

Objectives

Ace creative writing at primary school and 11+ level with this course! Learn how to plan effectively, to write for the best outcome and to edit with purpose.

• Planning
• Writing
• Editing

Taylor

Tutor

resources

Course outcomes

Evaluation evidence

Evaluation criteria

By the end of this course, I will be able to:

• Plan my writing to allow me to effectively structure.
• Write for a variety of genres.
• Write with both quality and quantity in mind.
• Feel confident in my abilities and imagination.
• Use a variety of writing techniques.
• Edit and improve my work reflectively.

Planning your writing

The key to a great writing structure and fluency!

start >

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

Learn how to plan for fiction and non-fiction texts.

A non-fiction text is factual and true such as a report or biography.

A fiction text is made up from imagination such as a story.

Structure

For a fiction text, you need...

• A beginning – one paragraph where you draw the reader in and introduce aspects of the story such as characters and settings.
• A middle – this part contains action, problems and resolutions. Make sure you split your writing into paragraphs and you add plenty of descriptions. Take the characters on a journey but make sure they face a problem which is later resolved.
• An end – a final paragraph to finish the story and wrap up the plot.

Structure

For a non-fiction text, you need...

• An introduction – write one paragraph to introduce what you are writing about. Make sure this doesn’t go into too much detail and that you only give an overview.
• The main body – here you will structure your writing using paragraphs. Write one point in each paragraph and make sure you back it up with evidence or examples. Fill this part with details and description!
• A conclusion – write one paragraph to summarise everything you have written. You may wish to state your opinion here too if it is necessary.

Taylor's writing tip!

Always think about structure when planning. You could use ‘beginning’, ‘middle’ and ‘end’ as subheadings for your plan or have ‘paragraph 1’, paragraph 2’, etc.

Examples of fiction and non-fiction

Here are some examples of fiction and non-fiction texts you might be asked to write.

Questions to ask yourself whilst planning

When planning fiction texts:

• Where are you going to set your story? Is it in a forest, a castle, on an island or somewhere else?
• What details can you see in your setting? Are there animals? Is there any nature around?
• What is the atmosphere like? Is it happy and cheerful or dark and frightening?
• When is it happening?
• Who are your characters? What do they look like? How do they behave and act? What’s their personality like?
• What action will take place? Is there a problem? How will it be resolved?
• Will there be dialogue?

Questions to ask yourself whilst planning

When planning non-fiction texts:

• Why are you writing this text? What is the purpose?
• Will you write formally or informally?
• Will you use standard or non-standard English?
• What are your main points or arguments? Will you consider both sides of the argument or only one side?
• Who are you writing this for/to?
• Is it describing, informing, persuading or arguing?

Taylor's writing tip!

Use these questions in your plan and to help you think about structure. They should spark some imagination too!

Example plan

Have a read through this plan and take notes of what’s been included that you could include in your future plans.

Write a plan for a story titled ‘The Surprise’. Beginning:

• Introduce the characters: John (the main character), Roshan, Jamie and Finn (his friends).
• Set the scene: the surprise is a party at John’s house. It looks empty – no decorations.

Middle:

• Roshan, Jamie and Finn go to John’s house while he is out to set up for the party.
• Whilst putting up decorations, they realise they have forgot to buy a cake (feel panicked).
• Talk about emotions and feelings here (shock, panic, worry, etc.)
• They rush to the shops to find a cake so John doesn’t notice.
• Return home and finish decorating.

Ending:

• John returns home to find the surprise party.
• The final sentence is when they all shout ‘surprise’.

Taylor's writing tip!

When writing a plan, don’t worry about writing in full sentences. Only you need to be able to understand it so just jot down notes and thoughts.

Planning assignment

If the submission form doesn't appear on the screen, view here.

Great!

Understand the difference between fiction and non-fiction.

Ask yourself the important questions!

Planning section completed

Give examples of fiction and non-fiction texts.

Structure your writing for fiction texts.

Structure your writing for non-fiction texts.

Create your own writing plan.

Writing techniques

Before we get to the writing, let's think about the techniques you can use!

start >

Writing techniques: overview

Alliteration and onomatopoeia

Imagery (including similes, metaphors, personification and analogies)

Irony

Idioms, clichés and proverbs

Synonyms and antonyms

Techniques for persuasive writing

Alliteration and Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

Onomatopoeia

Alliteration is the repetition of a sound at the beginning of words. These words have to be nearby but don't need to be consecutive. It helps people to memorise a sentence and acts as an emphasis for words. Example: Fern photographed her family. It's important to remember that the sounds need to be repeated, not the letters.

A word is an onomatopoeia if it sounds like the noise it describes.Examples:

• bang
• crash
• drip
• crunch
• woosh

Imagery

Figurative language

Imagery is a type of figurative language as it gives the reader an image of something.

Examples of imagery

Simile: Describes something by comparing it to something else. It will often use the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, She ran as fast as a cheetah. Metaphor: Describes something by saying it is actually something else. For example, The boy was a ray of light. Analogy: This compares two things to help explain something. Think of it like a longer simile. For example, Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get! Personification: Describes something that's not human with a human trait. For example, The sun smiled during Sports Day.

Irony

Verbal irony

Situational irony

When a writer says something but means the opposite of what they've actually written. Verbal irony is similar to sarcasm! Example: Our luggage was lost at the airport which was just great. (The writer isn't actually happy that they've lost their luggage. They mean the opposite which is verbal irony.)

Where the opposite event happens to what a reader might expect or predict. Example: Sammy saved up to buy a new teddy only to be bought it for Christmas. (We would expect him to eventually buy it himself instead of receiving it for Christmas. This is situational irony.)

Idioms, Clichés and Proverbs

Idioms

Clichés

Idioms aren't meant literally but they are used so commonly that people often understand what they mean. They don't mean their literal meaning. Examples:

• Break a leg. (You don't actually want someone to break a bone, you want to wish them luck!)
• I'm feeling under the weather. (You're not talking about anything to do with the weather but instead about being ill.)

These are phrases that have been overused and therefore have lost their meaning. Example: Time flies!

Proverbs

Short phrases that give advice. Example: Actions speak louder than words!

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Synonyms are words that mean the same thing. Use synonyms in your writing to avoid repeating the same words and to think of more imaginative words. Examples:

• Good -> exceptional, favourable.
• Happy -> overjoyed, merry.

Antonyms are words that mean the opposite. Examples:

• Hot and cold.
• Good and bad.
• Long and short.
• Careful and careless.

Techniques for persuasive writing

Remember AFOREST!

• Alliteration - A sound repeating at the start of each nearby word. For example: Fern photographed her family.
• Facts - Something that is true and can be proven.
• Onomatopoeia - A word that sounds like the noise it makes. For example: bang or crash.
• Opinions - Your belief (the opposite of a fact).
• Repetition - Words/phrases that repeat.
• Rhetorical question - A question that makes you think but doesn't need an answer. For example: How many times do I have to tell you?
• Exaggeration - Saying something that is over-the-top.
• Emotive language - A phrase that stimulates an emotion. For example: It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today.
• Statistics - A numerical fact (often a percentage).
• (Rule of) three - Repeating three different words. For example: Dark, cold and dingy.

Writing techniques assignment

If the submission form doesn't appear on the screen, view here.

Great!

Alliteration and onomatopoeia

Idioms, clichés and proverbs

Writing techniques section completed

Synonyms and antonyms

Imagery

Techniques for persuasive writing

Irony

Writing different genres

The structure and techniques you need to succeed!

start >

Different genres

You'll learn to write:

• Balanced arguments and persuasive writing
• Scripts
• Newspaper articles
• Poetry
• Information leaflets
• Formal letters
• Biographies
• Narratives
• Descriptions

Balanced argument and Persuasive writing

Features

Sentence starters

• Title and an interesting introduction which outlines the issue briefly.
• For a balanced argument, you'll need an equal number of for and against paragraphs that are supported by evidence and examples.
• Persuasive writing also needs evidence and examples!
• Adverbials and conjunctions to link points and paragraphs.
• Adverbials to help outline an opposite point (e.g., however or although).
• A conclusion at the end to summarise the points.

• It is clear that…
• Clearly…
• Everyone knows that…
• Of course…
• The fact is…
• There is no doubt…
• Surely…

Script writing

Features

• A list of the cast, props and costumes.
• A narrator (if it’s relevant and you want to).
• The speakers’ names on the left.
• Dialogue.
• Scenes to structure the playscript (like you would use chapters in a book).
• Stage directions in brackets.
• Standard and non-standard English appropriately.
• Relevant punctuation.

Taylor's writing tip!

Remember not to use inverted commas (also known as speech marks) in a script.

Newspaper article writing

Features

Child Friendly News

• The name of a newspaper (you can make this up).
• A headline that uses a pun, rhyme or alliteration.
• A subtitle to explain what the report is about.
• The name of the person who wrote the report.
• An introductory paragraph that sets the scene and gives a brief overview of the article.
• Information in chronological order.
• Pictures with captions to explain what the picture shows.
• Third person and past tense writing.
• Quotes and reported speech.
• Formal language.
• Rhetorical questions.
• A conclusion to summarise the article.

Twinkl Newsroom

BBC Newsround

Teaching Kids News

Taylor's writing tip!

Make sure the title of your article is interesting and catches the reader's attention. If the title is boring, then they’re not going to want to read the rest of the article.

Poetry writing

Features

Types of poetry

• Rhythm (a predictable pattern).
• Line break (breaking sentences into multiple lines).
• Metaphor (saying that something is something else).
• Simile (saying that something is like something else).
• Imagery (allowing the reader to build a picture in their mind).
• Personification (giving human qualities to something that isn’t human).
• Alliteration (repeating the same sound at the start of multiple words).
• Repetition (repeating a word or phrase).
• Rhyme (final syllables that sound the same in words).
• Onomatopoeia (words that sound like the noise they describe).
• Powerful verbs and adjectives to add description.
• Moods and feelings.

• Acrostic
• Cinquain
• Free verse
• Haiku
• Limerick
• Narrative
• Nonsense
• Shape
• Sonnet

Information leaflet writing

Find events or places of interesting online and have a read of their leaflets to get some inspiration:

Features

• Name of the place or what the leaflet is advertising.
• Pictures.
• Quotes to describe and review the place from people who have visited or official ratings.
• An interesting title that draws the reader in.
• Subtitles to separate out sections.
• An introduction to give an overview of the place and persuade the reader to visit.
• A website or social media details so people can find more information.
• Specific information about the place (such as what there is to do, prices, opening times, where to find them, etc.)
• A formal tone with standard English.

Groombridge Place

Hever Castle

Penshurst Place

Kew Gardens

Formal letter writing

Features

Phrases to use

• The sender’s address (in the top right corner).
• The recipient’s address (beneath the sender’s address on the left).
• The date.
• A greeting such as ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Mrs (Surname)’.
• An introduction to explain why you are writing.
• Formal sentences that go into more detail.
• Information organised into paragraphs.
• A conclusion to summarise the letter and outline the next steps.
• A closing and your name at the end.

• I am writing to inform you…
• I hope that…
• I would be grateful if…
• I wish to express…
• I appreciate that…
• I look forward to hearing from you…
• I eagerly await…

Taylor's writing tip!

Use ‘yours faithfully’ if you don’t know the recipient or ‘yours faithfully’ if you do know the recipient.

Biography writing

What to include

Structure

• Information about the person’s personality.
• Specific facts and dates to explain life events
• Their feelings at different stages of life.
• Quotes from the person themselves.
• Third person and past tense writing.
• Adverbials and adjectives.
• Conjunction to link sentences.

• Start with an introduction to give a brief overview of the person’s life that’ll make the reader want to read on.
• Write in chronological order and use dates.
• Split it into sections with subheadings (such as ‘childhood’, ‘family’, ‘career’, etc.).
• Write a conclusion at the end to explain what they are doing now (if they’re still alive) or how they will be remembered.

Narrative writing

What to include

Structure

• An introduction that outlines who the characters are and where the story is set.
• Interesting and adventurous vocabulary.
• Adjectives, conjunctions, adverbs and preposition.
• Sectioned into paragraphs.
• Engaging sentence openers.

• Opening – introduce the characters and set the scene.
• Built-up – write about what the characters are doing and start the story.
• Dilemma – write about a problem or something that goes wrong.
• Resolution – write about how the problem is solved.
• Ending – bring everything together in an ending paragraph.

Taylor's writing tip!

Don’t end your story with phrases like ‘and it was all a dream’, ‘they lived happily ever after’ or ‘the end’ as they are overused. Think of something unique and imaginative.

Descriptive writing

What should I describe?

• Start with an introduction to give a brief overview of the setting.
• Think about the five senses (see, hear, taste, smell and see).
• Describe the atmosphere and mood.
• Use figurative language.
• Include similes, metaphors and personification.
• Use powerful adjectives and imaginative vocabulary.

Taylor's writing tip!

Avoiding starting your sentence with ‘the’ or ‘a’ as it becomes very repetitive and boring. Instead, use an adverbial or sentence opener.

Writing for genres assignment

If the submission form doesn't appear on the screen, view here.

Great!

Alliteration and onomatopoeia

Idioms, clichés and proverbs

Writing different genres section completed

Synonyms and antonyms

Imagery

Techniques for persuasive writing

Irony

Editing and improving

The final step in your writing journey!

start >

Editing and improving

Proofreading and final steps:

• Look for one type of mistake at a time.
• Create a proof reading checklist.
• Correct any mistakes neatly.
• Be aware of homophones.
• Use a dictionary or ask an adult when writing at home.

Improving writing assignment

If the submission form doesn't appear on the screen, view here.

Editing writing assignment

If the submission form doesn't appear on the screen, view here.

Great!

Alliteration and onomatopoeia

Idioms, clichés and proverbs

Editing and improving section completed

Synonyms and antonyms

Imagery

Techniques for persuasive writing

Irony

Self appraisal

I am able to plan my writing to allow me to effectively structure and consider the different elements.

Achieved

I know how to structure and write for a variety of genres (including understanding their features and techniques to use).

To improve

I feel that my writing presents both quality and quantity. I am proud of and confident with the writing I produce.

Drag your assessment of what has been learned to their position

I feel confident in my abilities and imagination. I can use techniques and words appropriately.

I know a variety of writing techniques (including how to use them and when to use them).

I can reflect on what I've written and then edit and improve it to make it even more amazing.

Congratulations and well done!

You've completed the Creative Writing Course.

Get a certificate

Leave a review

Want a certificate and extra resources?

Drop me an email with your name: tuitionwithtaylor@gmail.com

Leave a review

Reviews are always valuable so please share your experience by clicking here.