11+ Writing-Tue

Summary for Lesson 1

In today’s lesson we began our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on character creation and how to focus on one key character in an exam. We started the lesson with some metaphor work to enable the students to practice and expand upon their use of figurative language. We then moved on to thinking about the structure of these lessons where every week we will be dissecting and studying a different piece of 11+ writing advice written by an 11+ examiner. Today we thought about how to use character archetypes, backstory, ideas regarding a character’s internal morality and thoughts on their character arc to create realistic, memorable and complex characters. We then considered how these characters could express themselves within the stories they inhabit, thinking about dialogue and the function it plays there. Everyone worked wonderfully today, I really loved hearing about the characters they had developed during the lesson and thought the class’s ability to adapt their characters in response to various questions and prompts was excellent. Amazing work everyone- keep up the great ideas and I’ll see you next week! 🙂

Video on dialogue that we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xx7bfcE9U0

A video on character from the same series that could be really helpful revision (watch if you have a spare 5 mins!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGRyP3p-YPI

Homework

Dear Beth,

Please find my writing attached. I’ve practised with the time limit and managed to get it all done. 🙂

I’ve done the first writing task since I did the other one in our lesson. I just wanted to know if the format of my writing (diary format) is acceptable for the 11+ exams.

Kind Regards,

Yunshu

P.S. Thank you for the lesson.

Dear Beth

Here is my work
Thank you so much

Best

Daniel

hi Beth

this is my work .

Thanks for the great lesson!

Hi Beth,

here is my homework.

Thank you for the great lesson,

Yutong

Hi Beth,

here is my homework. Hope it works this time.

Thank you for the great lesson,

Yutong

Hello! I put the attachment of my work somewhere, I hope you can see it, I also hope that I didn’t hand it in too late!

From Kiki

Summary for Lesson 2

In today’s lesson we continued our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on the examiner advice “base your story around one main plot event”. Working from this basis, we completed work on the definition and nature of plot, thinking about the seven archetypes and practicing using them in the context of an exam paper. We then moved on to thinking about how to use the unexpected to create originality from within these archetypes, crucial in building authentic, gripping and interesting plot lines, and which the class used beautifully to come up with some unique and original ideas for twists in their stories. Finally, the class used an exam paper to put these ideas into practice, thinking about how to walk the fine line between keeping the plot simple enough to work in a short-story context and also ensuring to pack as much interesting conflict and action in as possible. Everyone’s work today was wonderful- the class was super committed and energised which was fantastic to see and came up with some excellent ideas for how to structure a story in the context of an 11+ writing exam. Their writing was brilliant and they used metaphor and simile really well in our opening activity. Fantastic job everyone, keep it up and I’ll see you next week 🙂

Video on plot archetypes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGLXQM74oME&t=81s

Homework

Hi Beth ,

I put the attachment of my homework below.

Thanks

Rose

Hi Beth,

Thanks for the lesson. Please find my homework attached.

Hi Beth ,

I attached my homework bellow

thanks,

Grace

Thank you for the lesson! See you soon !

Kiki

Thank you for the lesson! See you soon !!

Kiki

Dear Beth

Sorry that we upload the work late.

Best Regards

Daniel

hi Beth

this is my homework

Summary for Lesson 3

In today’s lesson we continued our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on the examiner advice “use sophisticated structure”. Working from this basis, we covered a lot of ground thinking about how structure is both small scale (sentence structure, paragraph structure, punctuation, grammar etc.) and large scale (plot structure, perspective, openings and endings etc.). We analysed an extract from Pepys’ diary for structural features, studied juxtaposition  and spoke about why structuring a short story is particularly important. We considered the idea of story-writing being an exercise in architecture and spoke briefly about complex punctuation and how to use it to interesting effect (i.e. using dashes in a character’s speech to suggest anxiety “I- I- um- I guess not…” or using long sentences with lots of commas to increase the pace of the action). The class wrote some amazing examples of structure in use- using features such as temporal shifts, openings, endings, juxtaposition, dialogue and contrast, and came up with some great ideas for how to harness structure in order to write in original and exciting ways. Wonderful work and focus in what was a content-packed lesson everyone- great job and keep up the fantastic work 🙂

Juxtaposition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KXVPS3FYkQ

There is punctuation revision sheets on the PowerPoint to help you too!

Homework

Hi Beth,

Please find my homework attached below. Thanks!

Hi Beth ,

Here is my homework ,

Thanks ,

Rose

Hi Beth ,

Here is my homework ,

Thank you ,

Rose

Dear Beth,

This is my homework for Lesson 3.

Dear Beth,

This is my homework for Lesson 3.

Please correct my mistakes.

Thank you,

Vicky

hi Beth

this my homework and thanks for the great lesson.

Dear Beth

This is my work for Lesson 3,

thank you

Best Regards

Daniel

Hi Beth

this is my homework

Thanks for the lesson and the correcting of last weeks mistakes

Thank you

Grace

Summary for Lesson 4

In today’s lesson we focused on figurative language, following the examiner’s advice about using it carefully and thinking about how to expand our knowledge of more high level techniques. We started by completing work on metaphor, discussing how to allude to certain connotations and link two otherwise unrelated topics with figurative language (i.e., insects and the eyes). We then moved on to thinking about the purpose of figurative language and the students completed group work on three high-level advanced techniques: allusion, allegory and motif. Finally we touched on extended metaphor and theme, thinking about how it could help each student’s writing in different ways. Beautiful, engaged and lively work today guys, I was especially impressed by how well you all worked together and how focused and engaged you were. Really well done for today- it was a joy to hear all your ideas! 🙂

Khan Academy video we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzKj-bLvrYQ

Homework

Dear Beth,

Thanks for the spectacular lesson! It was so intriguing to find out about different, more advanced literary techniques. 👏😊

Please find my homework attached below. I was 10 minutes over time, I just wanted to bring the story to a smoother finish/ending point. 🖋

Thanks!

Hi Beth,

This is my homework. The lesson was really helpful. Many thanks.

Hi Beth

this is my homework and thanks for the amazing lesson.

Dear Beth,

Thank you for the detailed lesson!

You will find my homework below.

Thanks,

Rose

Dear Beth,

Thank you for the detailed lesson!

You will find my homework below.

Thanks,

Rose,

Dear Beth,

Thank you for the really interesting lesson!

Sorry I uploaded this rather late.

Thanks,

Grace

Summary for Lesson 5

In today’s class we focused on thinking creatively, looking at methods and tactics that the students can use to help them ‘think outside the box’. We began with our work on metaphor before moving on to the criteria attached to this week’s paper that advised the students of what the examiner was expecting from their work. We then began planning a story as suggested by the exam prompt. The students then had to take their story and morph it, using several advanced narrative devices (unreliable narrator, breaking the 4th wall, perspective of an innocent) to make their writing a little more unusual. They then had to think about writing constraints such as writing in future tense, 2nd person or backwards to help push their imagination even futher. Everyone worked gorgeously today and came up with some really fantastically creative responses- I loved their energy and excitement throughout the class. Well done guys, keep up the great work and have fun trying out something a little different with your homework this week! 🙂

Here is that TED talk on creative thinking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEusrD8g-dM

Writing Constraints Ideas: https://medium.com/writers-on-writing/constraints-in-creativity-are-they-a-good-thing-30720b182222

Homework

Hi Beth, I’m not sure what the homework task is and how to write it.

Thank you,

Lily

Hi Beth,

Please find my homework attached. I used the second person, as I didn’t have any ideas for any other parameters to use. Thanks for the brilliant lesson🙌👏 and I wish we could have a longer session. Creative writing is one of my favorite school subjects and I enjoy reading and writing. 🖋📜📖📚📙

Kind regards,

Yunshu

Dear Beth,

The lesson was wonderful as always

Thanks

Rose

Hi Beth

thanks for the AMAZING lesson

heres my homework

Hi Beth! Thanks for the weekly (and like always) wonderful lesson! Have a good day!

i hope my homework does upload! ( dont judge the title) 🙂

Hi Beth<

Please find my homework attached below.

Dear Beth,

Thank you for the TRUELY AMAZING lesson!

My homework is attached bellow.

Grace

Summary for Lesson 6

In today’s lesson we looked at the notion of writing with ‘economy of language’, in other words, spending your words wisely and thinking about how to pack a lot of meaning into only a few words or sentences. We began with our weekly work on metaphor which the class are making leaps and bounds of progress with (well done guys!) and then moved on to discussing the importance of economy of language and what the term means in practice. We analysed a passage from Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire, considering the ways in which light imagery, colour imagery and symbolism were used to give the class strong and powerful impressions of the character Blanche. We then considered Hemingway’s famous six word story (for sale: baby shoes. never worn) which the class wrote their own fantastically potent and poignant versions of. Outstanding work everyone, I really really enjoyed hearing all your writing and ideas today. See you in a couple of weeks! 🙂

Video on concision you can watch before doing the homework: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-rql1WFQ6k

Homework

Dear Beth,

Please find my homework attached below. Thank you very much for the amazingly-economical language lesson.

Kind Regards,

Yunshu

P.S. I finished my work in time and tried to use as much description as possible like Williams did for Blanche.

Hi Beth

Thanks for the AMAZING lesson.

This is my homework

Hi Beth,

Thank you very much for the lesson. I found it really helpful.

Please find my homework attached below.

Lily

Hi Beth,
Thank you for the lesson! I tried to use colour and other things to explain the character’s personality and traits.
My homework is attached bellow.

Grace

Summary for Lesson 7

In today’s lesson we completed our only lesson of the course on persuasive writing, reflective of the fact that it occasionally comes up in 11+ exams. We focused on the examiner tip ‘have an opinion’, speaking about why it is important to position yourself as an authoritative voice when writing persuasively and not to sit on the fence. We went on to speak about tone and the importance of matching your tone to your content, why awareness of audience is crucial and how to structure a piece of persuasive writing for the 11+. Finally we drew up a ‘road map’ to follow in exams, outlining the process of approaching a question such as the ones on this week’s exam paper. Fabulous work from the class today- they were full of great ideas and energy throughout. I loved hearing your thoughts on argument and how to think on the spot in exams- great job everyone! 🙂

Changing minds video to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58jHhNzUHm4

P.S. Remember you can do the art one if you would like!

Homework

Dear Beth,

Please find my homework attached below. I watched the recording for the lesson and thanks very much.

Kind Regards,

Yunshu

Hi Beth this is my homework.

Hi Beth,

Thank you for the great lesson.

Find my homework attached below,

Kind Regards,

Lily

Hi Beth,
Thank You so much for the lesson, I found it really useful.
Find my homework attached below.
Grace

Summary for Lesson 8

In today’s lesson we completed our eighth session on 11+ writing, focusing on the prompt ‘take inspiration’ to help us think about how to inspire different forms and styles of writing. We began by discussing the authors that the class take inspiration from, thinking about what it was about each writer that inspired them and what they would borrow from their writing to use in their own. We then discussed how important choosing the right language can be and considered why more flashy words are not always better, and that it is important to focus on the connotations of language first and foremost. Finally, we looked at an extract from Sherlock Holmes, analysing the writer’s style and thinking about how to use that analysis to continue the story, as in an 11+ exam. Everyone worked fantastically today and were full of energetic ideas and interesting contributions. For the homework, the class can choose between continuing the stories of either paper attached below. Well done for your hard work today class, see you soon and have fun with the homework task! 🙂

Video on the power of simplicity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLJicmE8fK0Eib5y-bh4RVFvg492OIwpg8&v=Dz8E8UOBFJQ&feature=emb_logo

Call of the Wild Paper. The question is “Continue this story. What do you think happens next? Remember to consider the writing style and how to match it.”: https://www.highgateschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/English-11-Sample-Paper-A.pdf

The other paper you can choose is attached below

Homework

Dear Beth,

Please find my work attached below, thank you for the informative and amazing lesson 🎇🎆✨👏! It’s a shame that the courses are coming to an end, I really enjoy these lessons.

Bye for now,

Yunshu

hi Beth

this is my homework

Hi Beth,

Thanks for the great lesson, I’ve carried on with the Metamorphosis paper.

Kind Regards,

Lily

Thanks so much for the lesson! I’m sorry i handed it in a bit late, i hope it’s ok and im sad that this course is coming to an end!

-Kiki

Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for the lesson!
I am so sorry I handed it in late.
Find my homework attached bellow,
Grace

Summary for Lesson 9

In our penultimate lesson we completed an 11+ writing workshop, using this hour to unpick any final questions, queries or concerns that the students have about the exam. We completed our metaphor work and then the students had half an hour to ask questions about 11+ writing, the exam and the eight pieces of examiner’s advice we have studied over this course. We revised some key components of the past eight weeks and then completed work on self-evaluating each student’s progress, which the class then had to put to the test in writing a quick-fire 11+ writing question, thinking specifically about how to action the improvements they had said they wanted to make to their writing. Finally, we looked at a checklist of what examiners are looking for in 11+ writing, closely comparing the writing they just did with the mark scheme provided and helping them to consider the ways in which they could focus their writing through tools such as genre, advanced vocab and planning & editing. Fantastic work everyone- well done! You were all super engaged today and came up with some fab ideas and brilliant pieces of writing throughout. Great job and see you next week 🙂

Homework

Hi Beth,

Here’s my homework attached, thanks for the amazing lesson.

Kind Regards,

Yunshu

Hi Beth

This is my homework

Amazing lesson! 🙂

Hi Beth,

Thank you for the lesson.

Please see my homework attached below.

Hi Beth,

Thank you for the lesson. It was amazing!

My home work is attached bellow,

Grace

Summary for Lesson 10

In today’s lesson we completed our mock writing exam, using the first few minutes of the lesson to quickly go over some key points to remember and for the class to ask any questions they had. The class then spent thirty-five minutes completing their writing, using an additional five minutes to plan. They all worked excellently today, everyone was really hardworking and engaged throughout. Well done class, it’s been a joy to teach you over the autumn term! Remember to be original and unique in your answers and keep being as creative as you always are and I am sure you will all achieve amazing marks in any writing exams or tests you take. Wonderful work & I hope to work with you all again in future lessons 🙂

Homework

Every morning, dark marks were there on the kitchen. What were they? How had they got there? I decided to investigate this shadowy occurrence. I could not let my mum ever see them, all hell will break loose! How long would I need to keep this up?

So, like every good detective would do, I grabbed my trusty notebook, my ancient magnifying glass and a ruler and a pack of mouth-watering delectable sweets and crisps (detectives need food too!)

First, I measured the millions of oblong-shaped marks which were covering the crystal- clear, marble kitchen desktop! Rapidly, I jotted the measurement- 2.5cm. How could anything have feet as minuscule as an ant? My mind whirled with possibilities- was I imagining things? Shaking my head, I pinched myself, I gradually opened my eyes… THEY WERE STILL THERE.

Cautiously, I reached out and then… when I gazed down at my finger, they were coated with the silks of the night, sniffing my nose felt tingly and

ACHOOOOOO

A vast expanse of pitch-black left my blinded, were was I? Shifting forwards

“Ouch, my head, dang it” I cursed under my breath.

Sighing with irritation and annoyance I wondered, why did I blow the dastardly dust, I’m the worst detective ever. When can I not mess things up with my clumsy hands? Now that the commotion the air died out I could see the kitchen clearly, specks of black were draping the glass sink, the pans in a fine lush layer of dust.

What would my mum do when she sees this chaos in her beloved kitchen?

Thud

Thud

Thud

Thud

Oh no.

I could spot the flash of pink on her robe, my reality was slowing down, I was panicking. She opened her mouth and the string of words erupting from her mouth whipped and lashed at me..

Mock exam

sorry if it’s a little small I write it on paper

Hi Beth,

Here’s my mock attached. Thanks for the amazing course and hopefully I’ll be able to attend the next course. The plan is on the same document as my writing.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ✨🎇🎆🎁🎄🍻

Kind Regards,

Yunshu

Second page

Opps I sent the second page twice sorry

Dear Beth,

I hope you have a great Christmas, and I hope to see you soon!

Love, Kiki

Beth’s mock

Thank you so much for this coarse it has been so helpful.

Merry Xmas and a happy new year!

kind regards,

Lily

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AyGa2sBldaCmUleV5-6QEWzdc_BH2usFHKz5FihNNbU/edit

Dear Beth

Thank you for the fabulous course. The link is above.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Best Regards

Daniel

Beth’s Mock

Thank you so much!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Grace

Sorry I don’t know why it’s on editing mode.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AyGa2sBldaCmUleV5-6QEWzdc_BH2usFHKz5FihNNbU/edit#heading=h.izgnmi1qg4zs

It’s not working so it’s probably on editing.

Beth Mock Test

Dear Beth,

I have my mock test written underneath. Sorry I couldn’t finish it.

Thank you for the class!

Best wishes,

Vicky

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AyGa2sBldaCmUleV5-6QEWzdc_BH2usFHKz5FihNNbU/edit

I think this is view only for anyone else.

If it doesn’t work please just use the ones previously posted.

I think it should work now.

Dear Beth,

This was the Homework for lesson 9 , Merry Christmas!

Yours sincerely,

Rose