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Long form Comprehension & Creative writing help

5 replies

ComfortFoodCorner · 06/06/2023 19:30

Hi moms, We would be really grateful if you could give us some guidance on this. My daughter is preparing for 11+ examinations this year. Our first preference is Grammar school. We are also preparing for Independent school exams just in case she doesn't score enough for Grammar. She is doing ok with Maths. But the long-form comprehension she is struggling with. For the questions that require detailed explanation, she often responds with single line. She needs more practice with P.E.E technique, and explaining answer in her own words, forming right sentences. In Creative writing exercises, she finishes her writing in 30 mins, and says she can't think of anything more to say. The stories doesn't have an ending, which says she doesn't use the initial planning time effectively. Anyway, this is our situation now. I would be grateful for any materials, or idea/tips to help her improve in Long form comprehension and Creative writing. We bought a Creative Writing technique guide by Hugh Foley. But I don't find that book particularly helpful as it has lots of theory, but I would imagine a book with lots of creative writing samples that she can compare her work with, and learn what more could she have added to make the writing more polished. She is also reading a lot.

OP posts:
redferrari · 07/06/2023 09:30

Hi I found Robert Lomax's videos very useful

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL406ghYZq2uDRFyc-4B1BuOsN0qTiysaY.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL406ghYZq2uD0oGJMm4fiWG9gyIXA4BVK

He also does a easy 11+ subscription and sells his books. I didn't sign up for the subscription but I bought a few of those books.

We did have a English tutor for 2 terms before summer which helped. One of the things they recommended is to do mini writes of focussing only of certain aspects (character, setting or introduction or planning) discuss and gradually buildup instead of trying to write the full piece. This will help you understand where they are stuck and you can probably help better.

PreplexJ · 07/06/2023 10:17

For some complex comprehension questions, usually will expect more than one evidence and explanation per point. Some questions may expect multiple points. The length of the answer shouldn't be the determination factor but the number of valid and original P. E. Es.

For CW, in addition to pp suggestion on mini write up with discussion, it is important to note that in general the marking scheme will be weighted towards the use of different literacy device, advanced vocabulary. Your DD can pay more attention to the LD/AV while reading, and try to practice towards it. We found it enhance the quality and effectiveness of the writing (and length too) .

On the other hand, it is important to strike the balance, try not to have too many LD and AV to overshadow the story telling, clarity and coherence of the writing is essential.

Personally I prefer those skillful CWs with elaborate prose or plain and direct language to those with complexity or ornate Ness languages.
It is probably too risky to try for 11+ exam.

ComfortFoodCorner · 08/06/2023 11:33

@redferrari , looked through Robert Lomax's videos. Lots of good info there. Thank you for sharing this. The advice on Creative writing makes sense. I will try that, also tutoring for few weeks to see how my daughter picks up. @PreplexJ Thank you for your advice. My daughter is good in including LD, but she needs improvement in using AV, which she is training. She reads regularly, and also have couple of Vocabulary activity books she works on. Hopefully she uses them during her CW exercises.

Thanks again for your responses, gave me some fresh ideas.

OP posts:
2privateschoolDDs · 08/06/2023 11:45

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2privateschoolDDs · 08/06/2023 11:46

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