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Creative Writing Checklist

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

7 October 2022

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A handy sheet for students preparing for any creative writing task, encouraging careful and deliberate crafting of language and structural features.

Useful for both GCSE and KS3 writing tasks.

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GCSE Creative Writing Examples: How to Improve Your Writing Skills

Creative writing can be one of the most exciting parts of your GCSE English Language exam. But many students feel unsure where to start or how to structure their ideas. With so much freedom to write creatively, standing out and impressing the examiner can feel tricky.

The good news is, with the right approach, GCSE creative writing can let your personality shine through your words. Whether you’re crafting a short story, a vivid scene, or a personal piece, there are clear steps to turn your ideas into a masterpiece.

In this blog, we’ll cover essential skills for creative writing, from planning your story and creating memorable characters to using ambitious vocabulary and mastering descriptive techniques. We’ll also share practical examples and tips to help you improve, and hopefully enjoy the process!

Table of Contents

How to Write a GCSE Creative Writing: Structure and Examples

The first and most important tip for crafting a memorable piece of GCSE creative writing is using a clear and effective structure. Whether you’re writing a short story, descriptive passage or even a speech , sticking to a logical framework will help organise your ideas and guide the reader through your writing. Then, powerful adjectives , linguistic techniques and varied sentence structure are the icing on the cake.

So, what does this look like in practice?

Here’s a sample structure you can use in any GCSE creative writing task.

1. Introduction

This is where you’ll hook the reader and set the tone for your piece. Start with a compelling opening sentence that draws the reader in and hints at what’s to come. It’s your chance to introduce a character, setting, or situation in a way that grabs attention without giving everything away.

Example : “The storm clouds gathered overhead, swallowing the sky in darkness. I stood at the cliff edge, the wind biting at my skin.”

2. Build-Up

In this section, develop your ideas further. If it’s a story, it’s where you introduce conflict or tension that propels the narrative forward. If it’s descriptive, layer in more sensory details and emotional depth to keep the reader engaged.

Example : “With each gust of wind, I felt myself shrinking back, yet something in the distance seemed to beckon me forward. It was an eerie, almost hypnotic pull I couldn’t ignore.”

This is the turning point, where the tension reaches its peak. Whether you’re writing about a thrilling chase or a poignant moment, this is where you bring your ideas together in a way that creates the most impact.

Example : “As I took another step forward, the world seemed to stop. Time stretched, the storm howled louder, and then, in the blink of an eye, the figure in the distance was gone.”

4. Resolution

Wrap up your piece with a satisfying conclusion. Don’t leave your reader hanging unless it’s an open-ended or ambiguous ending. The resolution should feel like the natural ending to events.

Example : “I stood there, heart pounding. The cliff was now silent, save for the soft rustle of the wind. And just like that, it was over. The mystery, the storm, all of it. Gone.”

How long should a 40 mark creative writing be?

The length of your creative writing depends on how much you can write in the time! Most GCSE exam boards allocate 50 minutes for your creative writing task. So time yourself. How much can you write in this time without feeling too rushed? This will be different for everyone. But as a general rule, aim for 500-600 words. For most people’s handwriting, that’s about two sides of A4.

Creative writing usually comes at the end of English Language Paper 1. You’ll have already answered several comprehension questions on an unseen piece of fiction. So you’ll probably be a bit tired by this point. But don’t worry. Everyone’s in the same boat.

Examiners value quality over quantity. So focus on being clear, impactful and creative in the time given. This isn’t the time to over-explain everything or stretch out the story unnecessarily. For top marks, focus on creating a strong narrative arc and vivid descriptions that are concise yet rich in detail.

Here are the main GCSE exam boards and their creative writing requirements.

AQA GCSE English Language: Creative Writing Requirements

• Paper 1 : Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
• Section B : Descriptive or narrative writing. Choose from either an image or a written prompt.
• Marks : 40 marks
• Time : Roughly 50 minutes

OCR GCSE English Language: Creative Writing Requirements

• Paper 2 : Exploring Effects and Impact
• Section B : Produce one piece of original creative writing. Choose from two written prompts.
• Time : Roughly 60 minutes

Edexcel GCSE English Language: Creative Writing Requirements

• Paper 1 : Fiction and Imaginative Writing
• Section B : A choice of two writing tasks, linked by a theme to the previous reading extract. One of the tasks will provide two images as inspiration.

Eduqas GCSE English Language: Creative Writing Requirements

• Paper 1 : 20th Century Literature Reading and Creative Prose Writing
• Section B : Prose Writing. One creative writing task from a choice of four titles.

Cambridge IGCSE English Language: Creative Writing Requirements

• Paper 2 : Directed Writing and Composition
• Section B : Composition. Candidates answer one question from two descriptive and two narrative prompts.

For more on the difference between GCSEs and IGCEs, head to our in-depth article .

What are five examples of descriptive writing?

Descriptive writing paints vivid pictures for the reader, letting them feel what you’re describing. Using sensory details (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste) creates a scene that feels real and engaging. Essentially, don’t just tell your reader what’s happening. Show them through your descriptions!

So, what are some examples? Here are five examples of descriptive writing that bring scenes, characters and atmospheres to life. Why not practise continuing each sentence in a similar style?

1. Setting the scene

“The city streets buzzed with life, the hum of traffic blending with the chatter of pedestrians. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakeries and for the first time in a long time, I felt excited.”

2. Character description

“Her hair, dark as a raven’s wing, cascaded down her back in loose waves. It framed a face that seemed too serene for the storm brewing in her eyes.”

3. Mood setting

“The room was stifling, a heavy silence pressing down on everything, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath, waiting for something to break the tension.”

4. Action description

“With a swift motion, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. His hands trembled as he already knew what it would say.”

5. Sound description

“The crunch of gravel underfoot was the only sound that filled the eerie silence, each step echoing in the vast emptiness of the abandoned hall.”

Does creative writing have a format?

Creative writing doesn’t have a rigid “format” like a formal essay. But there are still expectations about how it should be structured. Depending on the exam prompt, you might be asked to write a narrative, a description or something more experimental. You might also face a picture or a written cue. 

Whatever the prompt, focus on clear, engaging language and organisation. You want your reader to feel like they’re on a journey with you.

Here’s how to approach the two main types of creative writing:

Narrative writing

Narrative writing is all about storytelling. A strong narrative piece should have:

• A clear structure: Use the classic story arc. An engaging introduction to hook the reader, a build-up that develops tension or curiosity, a climax where the most dramatic or significant moment happens, and a resolution to tie things together.
• Relatable characters: Even in a short story, characters should feel real. Use dialogue, actions, and inner thoughts to give them depth.
• Pacing: Keep the action moving, but leave space for reflective moments, vivid description or tension-building pauses to create balance and impact.

Descriptive writing

Descriptive writing is less about plot and more about painting a picture with words. To excel in this style:

• Set the scene: Focus on creating a vivid image of a place, person, or event. Use sensory details. What can the reader see, hear, smell or feel?
• Flow and focus: Although descriptive writing can have a looser structure, it should still have a sense of progression. Start broad, zoom in on key details, and end with a striking image or idea.
• Emotion and atmosphere: Descriptive writing should evoke a mood (whether eerie, joyful, sad… or anything else!) and immerse the reader in your world.

Can you write a poem for GCSE creative writing?

Writing a poem for GCSE creative writing isn’t usually a great idea. Examiners expect a piece of prose fiction (i.e., sentences, paragraphs and dialogue). While there’s nothing stopping you writing a poem for GCSE creative writing, it’s unlikely to secure top marks. 

For instance, the AQA mark scheme states students must “communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.” An improvised poem probably won’t be the most effective medium for a descriptive or narrative passage!

However, if you’re confident you can blend a poem into your narrative without it feeling forced. Go for it.

Poetry can be a powerful tool as part of creative writing. It allows for condensed emotion, vivid imagery and rhythm, all of which can impress examiners.

How to Get a 9 in GCSE Creative Writing: Tips and Mark Schemes

Securing top marks in GCSE creative writing needs more than just good ideas. It’s about showing mastery of language, structure and style. So you’ll need to understand the mark scheme and assessment objectives, read widely and practice, practice, practice. 

Here’s what you need to focus on.

1. Understanding the mark scheme

No matter which GCSE exam board you’re with, there are a few things in common they like to see. So make sure you’ve read the mark scheme and understand the scoring system ! For GCSE creative writing, examiners look for a combination of creativity, technical skill and an understanding of the writing process.

Here’s a bit more detail.

What are examiners looking for in GCSE English creative writing?

• Engagement : Does the writing capture the reader’s attention from the start? Is the reader invested in what happens next?
• Character and setting development : How well are the characters and settings developed? Do they feel real and compelling?
• Content and organisation : Does the piece have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does the writing flow logically, with well-developed ideas?
• Technical accuracy : Grammar, punctuation and spelling (or SPaG for short) should be flawless. Small mistakes can detract from your work’s overall quality.
• Vocabulary and sentence variety : Use a wide range of vocabulary and mix up your sentence structures to keep the reader engaged. Think about elements like fronted adverbials and subordinate clauses .
• Creativity and Imagination : Don’t be afraid to take risks with your ideas. Show off your originality and use figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification) to add layers to your writing. Examiners love this.

2. Plan before you write

Before launching in, give yourself a few minutes to brainstorm. Think about the characters, setting, or conflict. In no more than a sentence, summarise what you’ll include in each section. 

This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time. Even a simple outline can be the difference between a rushed, unclear piece and a well-thought-out story.

3. Show, don’t tell

The hallmark of excellent creative writing is the ability to “show” your readers what’s happening, rather than simply telling them. Use descriptive language, body language, and actions to convey emotions or situations, rather than simple adjectives or adverbs.

Instead of just writing, “He felt nervous”, you could say, “His lips quivered as he reached for the door, his fingers brushing the cold handle. His entire body was stiff with hesitation.” You get the idea.

4. Read as much as possible 

Reading widely is one of the best ways to improve your creative writing. Explore different genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama) and pay attention to how writers craft their stories. Notice how they create tension, develop characters and use imagery to bring a scene to life. This is the stuff you focus on in English Literature .

If there’s a passage you love, don’t just admire it. Analyse it. Ask yourself:

• What makes it effective?
• How does the writer use language, structure and tone?
• Could you use similar techniques in your own writing?

Then, practice by mimicking the style. For example, if you’re captivated by a writer’s description of a storm, create your own description of a natural event. By studying and experimenting with different techniques, you’ll expand your toolkit and develop your unique voice.

Is creative writing difficult?

Creative writing can seem difficult at first, especially if you’re unsure where to start or how to flesh out your ideas. But like any skill, the more you practise, the easier it becomes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, genres and techniques. Every writer has their own process, and what works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to find your voice and write something that feels true to you.

In the context of the GCSE exam, remember you aren’t expected to write a perfect piece. The goal is demonstrating your creativity, clarity of thought and language skills. So focus on making your piece as polished as possible within the time, rather than stressing over perfection.

That said, GCSE English Language is considered a “core” subject. So achieving a pass grade (that’s a 4 or higher) is important for your post-16 choices . Remember, if you’re struggling this time around, GCSE retakes are always an option.

Why do students struggle with creative writing?

So if it’s not that difficult, why do so many GCSE students struggle with creative writing? 

Well, the reasons vary. A lack of confidence, under-preparation, coming-up with ideas and time pressures are all common issues. But the key to overcoming these struggles is identifying what’s holding you back and tackling them with practical solutions. 

Let’s break down common issues and how to resolve them.

1. Lack of confidence

Writing creatively can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about getting it “wrong.” This fear often leads to hesitation, making it hard to get started.

• Start small: Write short descriptive paragraphs or micro-stories to get comfortable with expressing ideas.
• Practice regularly: The more you write, the more natural it becomes. Try daily prompts to build a habit.
• Get feedback: Share your work with a teacher, friend or parent for constructive feedback. Focus on their positives as well as areas for improvement.

2. Time pressure

Exam conditions cause stress. As a result, many students struggle to complete their story or description within the time limit.

• Practice timed exercises: Set a timer and write within exam constraints. Start with shorter time frames and gradually build up.
• Simplify your structure: If you’re running out of time, focus on a strong beginning and middle. A brief but impactful ending is better than rushing through a resolution.
• Prioritise clarity: Avoid overly complex plots. Stick to one or two key events or ideas and execute them well.

3. Lack of preparation

Feeling lost or running out of ideas often stems from not being familiar with creative writing techniques or not having a plan.

• Plan before you write: Spend 5 minutes outlining your story or description. This will give you direction and save time later.
• Study examples: As part of your revision , read high-scoring creative writing examples to see how others use language and structure their work.
• Build a toolkit: Practise using literary techniques (e.g., metaphors, personification) and have a few “go-to” ideas or settings that you’re confident with.

4. Running out of ideas

Some students feel stuck when faced with a blank page, unsure where to begin or how to continue.

• Use the prompt creatively: If the exam includes a picture or written cue, briefly consider different interpretations before settling on one.
• Write what you know: Draw inspiration from personal experiences, emotions or familiar settings to make your writing more authentic.
• Keep an idea bank: Maintain a list of interesting characters, settings and plot ideas you can draw from in the exam.

With practice, preparation and patience, creative writing will become less intimidating. And yes, even enjoyable! Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. GCSE creative writing is about showing off your creativity and originality while keeping your writing clear and engaging.

If your child needs help mastering GCSE English , our tailored tuition focuses on their specific exam board and learning needs, ensuring every session is effective and targeted. With experienced tutors and high-quality resources, we’re dedicated to helping students build confidence, improve skills and excel. Get in touch today to find out more.

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