Story Planning Templates
The best writers plan before they write. Use these exam-ready planning templates to structure your creative writing for 11 Plus exams. Each template includes step-by-step guidance, planning questions, expert tips, and example sentences.
Planning Templates(5 templates)
Story Mountain
The classic 5-part narrative structure. Perfect for story writing prompts where you need a clear beginning, middle, and end.
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2
3
4
5
1
Opening
Set the scene. Where and when does your story take place? Introduce your main character.
“The market was already buzzing when I arrived, the air thick with the smell of spices and fresh bread.”
2
Build-up
Introduce the problem, tension, or change. Something shifts from the ordinary.
“Then I noticed the man in the grey coat, standing perfectly still in the crowd. He was watching me.”
3
Climax
The most exciting, dramatic, or emotional moment. This is the peak of your story.
“I ran. The cobblestones were slippery beneath my feet, each step a gamble. Behind me, footsteps — fast, determined, closing the gap.”
4
Resolution
How is the problem solved or the situation resolved? The tension begins to ease.
“"Wait!" he called. "You dropped this." He held out my phone, breathless, a confused smile on his face.”
5
Ending
Reflect on what happened. What has changed? What has the character learned?
“I walked back through the market, my phone safe in my pocket. The spices smelled the same. But somehow, everything felt different.”
4-Paragraph Plan (CSSE Style)
A focused structure for shorter writing tasks (15-20 minutes). Ideal for CSSE where you only write 2 compulsory paragraphs, but this plan gives you 4 strong ones if time allows.
1
Paragraph 1: Setting the Scene
Describe the setting with vivid sensory detail. Establish mood and atmosphere.
“The forest was still. Not the peaceful stillness of a summer afternoon, but the thick, watchful silence of a place that was holding its breath.”
2
Paragraph 2: Introducing Dialogue & Character
Bring in another character through dialogue. Show personality through speech and action.
“"Don't touch it," whispered Priya, her eyes wide. She gripped my arm — hard. "I mean it. Don't."”
3
Paragraph 3: The Key Moment (Mood Shift)
The most dramatic paragraph. Something changes — mood, situation, or understanding.
“I reached out. The surface was warm — impossibly warm. A hum vibrated through my fingertips, up my arm, and into my chest. Then everything went white.”
4
Paragraph 4: Dramatic Conclusion
End with impact. Reflect, twist, or leave the reader thinking.
“We never went back to the forest. But some nights, when the house is quiet and the wind shifts, I swear I can still feel that hum — faint, persistent, waiting.”
Descriptive Writing Frame
A structure specifically for descriptive writing tasks. Organises your description spatially (near to far, or senses one by one).
1
Overview / First Impression
What hits you first? The overall impression of the place, person, or scene.
“The market was an explosion of colour and noise, a living thing that breathed and shouted and spilled into every corner of the square.”
2
Close-up Details
Zoom in. Describe specific, small details that make the scene real.
“A jar of honey sat in the sunlight, its contents glowing amber and gold. A bee, still dusted with pollen, crawled lazily across the lid.”
3
Middle Distance & People
Widen your view. Include people, movement, and activity.
“A woman in a floral apron called out "Three for a pound!" with the easy confidence of someone who had been saying it every Saturday for decades.”
4
Far Distance & Atmosphere
Pull back to the wide view. Capture the overall atmosphere and mood.
“Beyond the market, the church spire rose above the rooftops, its clock face catching the afternoon sun. I stood still for a moment and breathed it all in.”
Diary / Letter Writing Frame
A structure for diary entries and letters. Focuses on voice, format, and personal reflection.
1
Opening & Format
Set up the correct format (date for diary, address for letter). Establish your voice and reason for writing.
“Monday 15th September. Dear Diary, I survived. Just about.”
2
What Happened
Describe the main events in order, but be selective — focus on the most important or interesting moments.
“The worst part was lunchtime. I sat at the end of a long table and ate my sandwich in about forty-five seconds flat, just to have something to do.”
3
How I Felt / Key Moment
Go deeper into one particular moment or feeling. This is where your best writing should be.
“Then Ravi sat down opposite me and said, "You look as lost as I did last term." It felt like breathing again.”
4
Reflection & Looking Forward
End with a reflection. What have you learned? What will tomorrow bring?
“Tomorrow I have PE. I don't know where the changing rooms are. But Ravi said he'd meet me at the gates, and that, for now, is enough.”
Persuasive Writing Frame
A structure for persuasive articles, speeches, and letters. Organises your argument logically.
1
Hook & Statement of Opinion
Open with a powerful hook (rhetorical question, shocking fact, vivid scenario) and clearly state your opinion.
“Every morning, millions of children start school while their brains are still asleep. Is this really the best we can do?”
2
Argument 1 (Strongest)
Your first and strongest argument, supported by evidence or examples.
“Research shows that children aged 8-13 need 9-12 hours of sleep. Forcing them to focus at 9am is like asking a car to race before the engine has warmed up.”
3
Argument 2 + Counter-Argument
Your second argument, followed by acknowledging and dismissing the opposing view.
“Some argue later starts would inconvenience working parents. This is a fair concern. However, schools could offer breakfast clubs for those who need earlier childcare.”
4
Emotional Appeal & Call to Action
End with emotive language and a clear call to action. What do you want the reader to do or feel?
“Better sleep. Better health. Better learning. It is time for schools to listen to the science, listen to the children, and make this change.”
Choose Your Template
Which planning template works best for each type of prompt?
Different types of writing prompts need different planning approaches. Use this guide to pick the right template based on the prompt you are given in the exam. Planning should take 3-5 minutes and will make your writing much stronger.
Story / Narrative prompts
Story prompts need a clear beginning, middle, and end. The Story Mountain gives you the classic 5-part structure, while the 4-Paragraph Plan is faster for shorter exams like CSSE.
Descriptive writing prompts
Descriptive tasks need spatial structure (near to far) and sensory detail. This frame organises your description so you cover all senses and distances.
Continuation prompts
Continuation prompts give you the opening, so you start from the Build-up. The Story Mountain helps you plan a satisfying arc from where the extract leaves off.
Diary or letter prompts
These prompts need a specific format (date, address, sign-off) and a personal voice. The frame ensures you get the format right and include reflection.
Persuasive writing prompts
Persuasive tasks need a logical argument structure. This frame helps you build from hook to call-to-action, including a counter-argument for higher marks.
Exam Day Planning Tips
How to plan effectively under timed conditions
Spend 3-5 minutes planning
It feels like a waste of time, but a good plan will actually save you time. You will write faster and more confidently when you know where your story is going.
Use bullet points, not sentences
Your plan is for you, not the examiner. Quick notes and key words are faster and just as effective as full sentences.
Plan your best vocabulary
Write down 3-5 ambitious words you want to use. Having them ready means you will not forget them when you are busy writing.
Know your ending before you start
The biggest mistake in exam writing is running out of time with no ending. Plan your last paragraph first so you always know where you are heading.