So, you're staring at a blank page, trying to cook up the perfect story for your English Language Paper 1 Question 5. We get it, coming up with a great idea and remembering all those high-level techniques? It can feel like a lot.
But fear not! We've put together your ultimate guide to turning creative writing stress into creative writing success. 🌟
📚 Step 1: Get to Know the Question
Before you even pick up your pen, make sure you understand how the exam board wants you to answer the creative writing question. Luckily for you, we’ve already got everything covered in our online lessons:
AQA students: Head over to our
Edexcel students: Head over to our
These step-by-step guides break down everything you need to know: planning, structure, what the examiners are looking for as well as plenty of examples!
📝 What About Other Exam Boards?
Even if you’re not sitting AQA or Edexcel, don’t worry, the core skills and techniques in our resources are still relevant so no matter your exam board, you’ll walk into the exam with creative confidence!
💡 Step 2: Upgrade Your Vocabulary
Don’t waste time trying to think of “wow” words in the moment. Instead, pre-load your brain with high-level phrases and techniques using our exclusive:
Whether it’s personification, metaphor, or sensory detail, this cheat sheet is packed with clever language devices you can learn ahead of time and drop into any story or description.
🔁 Step 3: Learn to Adapt Any Story
Worried the prompt will catch you off guard? 😨
No need! We’ve created a lesson that shows you how to adapt ANY story or descriptive piece to suit ANY prompt. Once you’ve got a couple of strong pieces up your sleeve, this strategy means you can walk into that exam with confidence.
🎥 Watch here:
✨ Top Tips for Revision
✅ Practice little and often: 10-minute story starters or image descriptions can boost your confidence fast.
✅ Read other people’s writing: it’s a great way to pick up new ideas and vocabulary.
✅ Record yourself reading your writing aloud: this helps spot clunky sentences or repetition.
You’ve got this! 💪📚 With the right prep and a few clever tricks, you can turn Question 5 into your time to shine. Happy writing! ✒️