Before You Write – Tips

1. Before you write, daydream.
2. Keep things simple — choose one main plot event.
3. Focus on one character.
4. Include a little dialogue (but not a whole play script!).
5. Short stories don’t need long introductions.
6. Show, don’t tell.
7. Use a range of senses.
8. Sometimes describe using a less obvious sense.
9. Use similes and metaphors carefully.

Writing Topics

1. What job would you like to do when you are older, and why?
   Include how your chosen job would suit your personality. Think about what aspects of the job you would enjoy and what aspects you might not enjoy so much.
2. It is the evening of your birthday.
   You have had a fantastic day. Write a diary entry about your day.
3. Guide for Parents:
   Children your age can sometimes find their parents a little annoying and embarrassing. Write a guide for parents about how they can avoid being annoying and embarrassing. Write in a light-hearted and humorous way.
4. Persuasive Letter – Getting a Dog:
   You desperately want a pet dog, but so far have been unable to persuade your parents to allow you to have one. Write a persuasive letter to try and get them to change their minds.
5. Should children be allowed to choose their own bedtime?
   Write about the advantages and disadvantages and then come to a conclusion.
6. Explaining the Seasons to an Alien:
   Imagine that you meet an alien who has no idea what spring, summer, autumn, and winter are like. Write a paragraph about each season, so the alien will understand the differences.
7. Newspaper Article – School Summer Fair:
   Write an article for your local paper about your upcoming school summer fair. The article should aim to encourage as many people as possible to attend.
8. If you could be someone else for a day…
   Who would you be and why? It could be someone famous or a family member. Explain why you would choose that person and what you might do.
9. Inventor for a Day:
   Imagine that you are an inventor for the day. What would you invent and why? Describe what your invention would look like and how it would be used.
10. Banish Something from Earth:
    Write about one thing you would banish from the earth if you could (e.g., spiders, sprouts). Make sure you write persuasively and use interesting vocabulary.
11. Incy Wincy Spider – Rewrite:
    Imagine that you are the spider. Describe climbing up the drainpipe and being washed down again by the rain. Show your feelings, reactions, and personality.
12. The Best Day of Your Life So Far:
    Write about it, making sure the reader understands why it was so special and how you felt.
13. Story Starter – The Rainstorm:
    “It started off as a few gentle drops of rain. I was not concerned at all. However, within a matter of minutes, the gentle drops turned into a torrential downpour. Now I was worried…”
    Continue the story using your imagination.
14. Alone on a Desert Island:
    Write an imaginative piece about spending a day alone on a desert island. Consider your feelings, sights, and sounds.
15. Persuasive Letter – School Trip to Chessington:
    Write a letter to your headteacher persuading them to allow your year group to go on a school trip to Chessington World of Adventures.
16. Describe Your Local Area:
    A family is thinking of moving to your area. Write an account describing the advantages and disadvantages to help them decide.
17. Your Perfect Day:
    Describe what your perfect day would be like. Include where you would go, what you would do, and who you would be with.
18. Persuasive Letter – School Trip to Chessington (duplicate):
    Same as topic 15.
19. Thank You Letter for an Unwanted Present:
    Write a polite and thoughtful thank you letter for a present you didn’t actually want.
20. Job Interview Questions:
    You are about to interview someone for a job. Write a list of questions you would like to ask the applicant.
21. Letter of Complaint – School Uniform:
    Write a letter to complain about the uniform at your school.
22. Write a Leaflet Advertising Your Home Town.
23. Thank You Letter for a Holiday You Didn’t Enjoy.
24. Letter of Complaint to a Vet:
    Write a letter of complaint after an unfortunate incident in the waiting room.
25. Instructions – How to Make Toast:
    Write a clear set of step-by-step instructions explaining how to make toast.
26. Describe the Room You Are In.
27. Describe a Person Who Is Important to You.
28. Describe Your Pet or an Animal You Know Well.
29. Story Starter – The Red Button:
    “The red button on the wall has a sign saying, ‘DO NOT TOUCH.’ My little sister leaned forward and hit it hard with her hand. What happened next?”
30. Story Starter – The Key in the Door:
    “It was getting late as I dug in my pocket for the key to the door. ‘Hurry up!’ she shouted from inside.”
31. Write a Story That Features an Unusual Method of Transport.cccccccccccc