Tenses

Master verb tenses for accurate and effective 11+ writing.

3articles

When to Use Past and Present Tense in 11+ Creative Writing

Learn when to write in past tense and when present tense works better, how to stay consistent, and how to handle tense shifts such as flashbacks.

8 min readIntermediate

Mastering Past Tense Narrative for 11+ Story Writing

Explain why past tense is the default for 11+ stories and how to use it consistently. Cover the difference between simple past, past continuous, and past perfect with examples from children's fiction. Address the most common tense-slip errors and show how to catch them during proofreading. Include a practical exercise where students convert a present-tense passage to past tense. Write in a patient, supportive tone that normalises mistakes as part of learning.

9 min readIntermediate

When Present Tense Works Best in 11+ Creative Writing

Explore the advantages of present tense for creating immediacy and tension. Show examples where present tense outperforms past tense: action sequences, internal monologue, and diary-style writing. Warn students about the risks: present tense is harder to sustain and easier to slip out of. Provide a decision framework: three questions to ask before choosing present tense. Include side-by-side comparisons of the same scene in both tenses.

9 min readIntermediate

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