- 1. They're Memorising Instead of Thinking
- 2. They Start Writing Without a Plan
- 3. They Focus Too Much on “Big Words”
- 4. They Don't Get Useful Feedback
- 5. They Practise Too Little - or Too Much
- 6. They're Trying to Sound “Perfect”
- What Actually Helps Children Improve?
- What Parents Can Do at Home
- How Inkling Helps
Your child practises every week.
They attend tuition.
They memorise vocabulary lists.
They even read model compositions.
Yet every time the paper comes back...
27/40.
28/40.
Maybe 29 on a good day.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
One of the biggest frustrations parents share is that despite putting in time and effort, their child's composition marks hardly seem to improve.
The good news?
For most children, the problem isn't a lack of intelligence or effort. It's that they're practising in ways that don't build long-term writing skills.
Let's look at why.
1. They're Memorising Instead of Thinking
Many children are encouraged to memorise model essays.
There's nothing wrong with reading good writing.
The problem comes when children try to force a memorised story into every exam question. Examiners can usually tell. The story feels unnatural, doesn't fully answer the question, or contains details that don't quite fit.
Great writers don't memorise stories.
They learn how to create them.
2. They Start Writing Without a Plan
Ask many children what they do after reading the question.
The answer?
"I just start writing."
Without a clear plan, stories often wander. The beginning is too long. The exciting part is rushed. The ending feels abrupt.
Spending just a few minutes planning before writing can make an enormous difference.
3. They Focus Too Much on "Big Words"
Parents often ask, "Should my child learn more difficult vocabulary?"
Vocabulary matters. But using difficult words incorrectly usually hurts more than it helps.
Children who use simple, natural language confidently often produce stronger compositions than those trying to impress with words they don't fully understand.
The goal isn't bigger words.
It's better communication.
4. They Don't Get Useful Feedback
Imagine learning to play the piano. You perform a piece. Someone simply says, "7 out of 10."
Would you know how to improve?
Probably not.
Yet that's exactly what happens with many compositions. Children receive a score but very little explanation about:
- what worked
- what didn't
- how to improve next time
Without feedback, improvement becomes guesswork.
5. They Practise Too Little - or Too Much
Some children only write during school holidays. Others write several compositions every week.
Neither approach guarantees improvement.
Consistent practice is far more effective than occasional bursts. Even one thoughtful composition each week, followed by meaningful feedback, can lead to steady progress.
6. They're Trying to Sound "Perfect"
Many children are so worried about making mistakes that they stop taking risks.
They avoid dialogue. They avoid describing emotions. They keep every sentence short.
Ironically, this often makes their writing less engaging.
Confident writers know that good stories come from sharing ideas clearly - not from trying to sound perfect.
What Actually Helps Children Improve?
Children improve when they develop three habits:
They learn to organise their ideas.
Instead of writing whatever comes to mind, they know how to build a story that flows naturally from beginning to end.
They write regularly.
Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Small improvements every week eventually become big improvements.
They receive meaningful feedback.
The best feedback doesn't simply point out mistakes. It explains why something works, what could be improved, and what to focus on next. That's how real learning happens.
What Parents Can Do at Home
You don't need to be an English teacher to help your child become a better writer. Here are a few simple habits that make a difference:
- Encourage your child to read every day.
- Ask them to tell stories aloud before writing.
- Celebrate creativity, not just perfect grammar.
- Discuss characters' feelings and motivations when reading books.
- Make writing a regular habit rather than something done only before exams.
Most importantly, remember that writing is a skill that develops over time. Confidence grows through practice, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
How Inkling Helps
Many children know they need to improve.
They just don't know how.
That's where Inkling comes in.
Using our unique STORY+FEDASI™ method, Inkling helps children think creatively, write confidently, and improve with every composition.
Instead of simply receiving a mark, children get personalised feedback that shows them exactly what they did well and what they can improve next time. Every composition becomes another step towards becoming a stronger writer.
Ready to help your child write with confidence?
Join Inkling's invite-only pilot and see the STORY+FEDASI™ method in action.
Get Early Access →