SOS Creative Writing Cards for GCSE English Language

Develop Students’ Skills, Craft and Independent Learning


Genius... great for guiding pupils' thinking so that they are ready in the high-pressure circumstance of an exam

S Owen, Teacher & Peer Reviewer
Creative Writing Cards cover:
  • Idea generation techniques
  • Character creation methods
  • Foreshadowing
  • Character motivations
  • Pacing
  • ... And much more!

Clear and Versatile Teaching Aids!

Three sets of double-sided prompt cards focus on the components of narrative and non-fiction writing. The front of each card explains a concept, while the reverse offers a fully contained activity.
  • Adaptable – easy to use in series or as stand-alone cards
  • Flexible – great for independent work, creative writing groups, homework, or as class activities

Great Preparation for GCSE Exams!

❶  Inspirations cards provide idea generation techniques. ❷  Makeover cards explain the editing process – the ideal remedy for when a student cries ‘I’m finished!’ ❸ The Extra Mile cards stretch students to be convincing, effective and clear. Everything your student needs for AO5!

What do teachers say about this resource? (7394)

'Excellent, high-quality resource which can be used with all students at any level of ability... I loved the phrasing and wording of each card. The tone was chatty, friendly almost, and completely in the line with the kind of resources I create and those that my students would take to. I really like the variety of ideas across the cards; the possibilities are endless as there are hundreds of fantastic ideas... Lots of scope for independent and group learning. Cards can be used in order, independently or mix and match. Can be adapted to a range of styles and attached to other tasks, making it the perfect resource for this question... It’s a fantastic resource.'

J Roe, GCSE Programme Area Leader & Peer Reviewer

These are genius. Simple, effective, focusing on different aspects of a short story – they would provide pupils with a host of places to start! Very flexible... These cards are great for guiding pupils' thinking so that they are ready in the high-pressure circumstance of an exam... Broken up into Inspirations, Makeover Moments and The Extra Mile – the planning, drafting and upgrading sections are all covered... It’s exactly the kind of resource we all wish we’d written. Thanks for the clarity, the flexibility and the usefulness!

S Owen, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

It is a great resource for using as a revision tool or for learners working in groups... Flexible in terms of how they can be used... Can stimulate ideas and challenge those who struggle – but also make sure more-able learners expand further on their ideas... I really like the tone – fairly light-hearted and engaging, funny in places, and definitely with appeal for learners.

M Tett, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

The choice of topic areas is very strong, and some of the activities would be greatly relished by students... The resource guides students through all of the key stages of fiction creation... I liked the general organisational mode, moving from initial inspiration to makeover.

J Clarke, English Teacher & Peer Reviewer

A useful set of tasks which you could literally copy and distribute... A really good resource to inform teaching, and to prompt students to write in an area where they generally feel quite uncomfortable. It directs them towards achieving the elements of the mark scheme which are often overlooked. I really liked the three sections in the process: the idea of writing a story, which develops the more basic skills, then moving on to review the writing and edit and develop it further, and then to add more to the story to enhance the skills. This lends itself to differentiation... The advice on writing an effective piece of creative writing is very good and provides a stage-by-stage build-up of techniques in the first batch of cards. It encourages pupils to review their writing and enables them to see how to use the elements of creative writing which receive marks. I like the references to spicing up syntax and being more ambitious with vocabulary, as for students who struggle with spelling, this can be a lifeline to a large number of marks.

K Chanter, English Teacher & Peer Reviewer

The concept is good as I think creative writing is an area that is often under resourced and I know many teachers and students who find approaching creative writing quite intimidating. I like the idea of prompt cards and the idea of students perhaps being able to choose which card might help their writing... I like the writer's tone, it feels relatable, not too 'stiff' or teacherly, and I think students would find that too.There are useful ideas and prompts that students would find helpful and relatable, e.g. details of how to use events from their own lives to improve their writing... [The resource] could be used successfully as an aid to lesson planning, to create-whole class creative writing teaching sequences (related to a particular text/genre/topic, etc.) or alternatively would be a useful extension task or homework resource. R Johnson, Teacher and Independent Reviewer

R Johnson, Teacher & Peer Reviewer