Planning Your Creative Writing

Many students skip planning in exams because they feel pressed for time. This is a mistake. Five minutes of planning can transform a muddled, unfocused piece into a coherent, compelling one. Planning gives your writing direction, prevents you from running out of ideas halfway through, and helps you craft a deliberate structure that impresses the examiner.

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Why Planning Matters

Without a Plan	With a Plan
Writing wanders off-topic	Every paragraph has a clear purpose
You might run out of ideas halfway through	You know where your writing is going
Structure feels random	Structure feels deliberate and controlled
Endings are rushed or absent	Endings are crafted and satisfying
Repetition of ideas and vocabulary	Ideas develop and build on each other

Exam Tip: Examiners can tell when writing has been planned. A planned piece has a sense of direction and purpose that unplanned writing lacks. Planning is the easiest way to boost your mark.

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Planning for Narrative Writing

When planning a story, think about these key elements:

The Story Arc