Creative writing exercises for English language learners

ɫèAV Languages
A teenage girl smiling and doing her homework or studying at home.
Reading time: 3.5 minutes

Engaging in creative writing is one effective way to improve your English language skills. It allows for artistic expression and personal flair, making it a unique way to put your imagination into words. Additionally, creative writing can draw from the author’s life and experiences, providing a personal touch to the narrative. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, creative writing can help you enhance your vocabulary, grammar and overall language proficiency.

Creative writing exercises can also benefit other forms of writing, such as business writing and technical writing, even though these are not typically considered creative writing. In this post, we’ll explore various creative writing exercises that are designed to make learning English fun and engaging, as well as improve writing skills.

Creative writing exercises to help your English skills
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ɫèAV can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Exercise 1: Picture prompts

Using images as prompts for writing can spark your imagination, aid in character development, and help you come up with interesting stories.

  1. Choose an image that interests you.
  2. Look at the picture carefully and note down what you see.
  3. Write a story based on the image.

Example

A picture of a peaceful beach.

Prompt: What happens when a message in a bottle washes ashore?

Exercise 2: Short stories and story starters

Story starters are sentences or phrases that help kick-start your fiction writing and develop your storytelling skills.

  1. Choose a story starter from the list below.
  2. Continue the story from where the starter leaves off. Free writing can be a great method to let your imagination run wild and get the creative juices flowing.
  3. Be creative and develop the plot, characters and setting.

Example

  • “It was a dark and stormy night when…”
  • “She couldn’t believe what she saw when she opened the door…”
  • “The old man had a mysterious look in his eyes as he handed over the ancient book…”

Exercise 3: Dialogue creation

Creating dialogues between characters is a common practice among creative writers, which can improve your conversational skills and help you understand the nuances of spoken English.

  1. Think of two characters and a situation where they might interact.
  2. Write a dialogue between the characters, focusing on making it as natural as possible.
  3. These exercises can teach students to write better dialogues.
  4. Practice reading the dialogue out loud to improve your speaking skills.

Example

Prompt: Two friends discussing their plans for the weekend.

  • Friend 1: “What are you up to this weekend?”
  • Friend 2: “I’m thinking of going hiking. Want to join?”

Exercise 4: Collaborative storytelling

Collaborative storytelling involves writing a story with others, which can be a fun and interactive way to practice English.

It can also be used to create personal essays that reflect shared experiences.

  1. Gather a group of friends or classmates.
  2. Start a story with one sentence, then pass it along to the next person to continue.
  3. Keep passing the story around until everyone has contributed, then read the final story together.

Example

First sentence: "Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by mountains, there lived a curious cat named Whiskers."

Exercise 5: Rewrite the ending

Rewriting the ending of a familiar story, including those in creative nonfiction, can help you think creatively and explore different possibilities.

  1. Choose a story you know well.
  2. Read the original ending and think about how you could change it.
  3. Write a new ending for the story, making it as imaginative as you like.

Example

Original story: "Cinderella".

New ending prompt: What if Cinderella decided not to marry the prince and instead pursued her dream of becoming a world-renowned chef?

Keep working on and improving your writing skills

These creative writing exercises offer a fun and effective way to improve your English language skills. By regularly practicing these exercises, you’ll enhance your vocabulary, grammar and overall proficiency while boosting your confidence in using English. Utilizing various writing tools, such as resources, guides and courses, can significantly improve your writing techniques.

So, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and use these exercises as a tool for self-expression and language development. Remember, the more you practice, the better you will become at creative writing in English. Keep exploring new ideas and techniques to improve your writing skills, because there is always room for growth and improvement.

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • uni students stood in a hallway together looking over books and notes

    Rethinking access: How at-home English testing Is reshaping global admissions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I think about the students we serve, those dreaming of studying in the U.S., sometimes from places far from test centers or perhaps with limited resources, I’m reminded why we do what we do and why, as a company, we evolve. Access to education shouldn’t depend on geography, cost, or circumstance. However, for some international students, proving their English proficiency has long been an extra hurdle to jump.

    That is changing. And it is changing fast.

    A new kind of test for a new kind of student

    The ɫèAV English Express Test was built with flexibility and accessibility at its foundations. It is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere quiet and secure with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours.

    That means no more waiting weeks for a test date or traveling hours across land (and sometimes sea!) to a test center. For students juggling work, family, or unpredictable schedules, this is a game-changer.

    And it is not just about convenience. It is about equity.

    Fairness, built in

    One of the most exciting things about ɫèAV English Express Test is how it levels the playing field. The test uses AI scoring that has been rigorously developed and validated by human experts. This reduces bias and ensures that every student is assessed consistently, no matter where they are from or what accent they have.

    We’ve also built in over90 security features including dual-camera proctoring, ID and speaker verification. So, institutions can trust the results, and students can trust the process.

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s learners are digital experts. They expect speed, flexibility, and transparency. ɫèAV English Express Test meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively! It is a test that fits into their lives, not the other way around.

    And institutions are taking notice, with universities and institutions joining the list to accept the test for their future admissions windows. At NAFSA, we heard again and again how refreshing it was to see a trusted name like ɫèAV offering a modern, student-friendly alternative.

    This is just the beginning

    At-home testing is not a trend. It is a transformation. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. And while ɫèAV English Express Test is still new, to be launched to test takers in certain markets later in 2025, it is already moving towards helping students take that first step toward their academic dreams.

  • A university teacher stood in front of a class, responding to a student thats sat with their hand up

    Choosing the right English test is like hiring the perfect tour guide

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Imagine planning a trip to a new city. Sure, you could wander around on your own, relying on internet reviews and vague directions, or you could hire a tour guide... someone who knows the streets, understands the landmarks, and can give you a genuine and knowledge-filled experience.

    Now, would you pick a tour guide who just started last week, or would you look to one who has been showing people around for decades, refining their approach and knowing all the ins and outs of the landscape?

    That’s the difference experience makes.

    Why experience in testing matters

    Just like an expert guide ensures you experience the best parts of a city because they’ve explored every corner before, a test backed by years of research and constant refinement delivers reliable, accurate results for international admissions teams. ɫèAV has spent years perfecting its approach to language assessment, not only through research but also by learning from every test taken.

    Each test provides valuable data, feeding into ongoing improvements, ensuring that assessments remain fair, precise, and aligned with real-world English proficiency needs.

    The result? Universities can trust they’re admitting students based on a system that gets smarter with every exam, reducing unpredictability and reinforcing reliability.

    English Tests designed by experts

    Both PTE Academic and ɫèAV English Express Test benefit from ɫèAV’s expertise:

    • PTE Academic: A globally trusted exam designed to measure real-world English proficiency with precision.
    • ɫèAV English Express Test: Fast and convenient skills assessment, backed by the same deep research ensuring fairness and accuracy.

    Final thought: Choose experience

    When you pick the right guide who is backed with expertise, it can transform your experience from ordinary to unforgettable. Likewise, choosing a well-established proficiency test, refined through years of experience, gives universities the confidence to make informed admissions decisions.

    ɫèAV has spent decades perfecting the science of language assessment—so why leave such a critical choice to uncertainty?

  • Students studying outside at a table

    Why accepting ɫèAV English Express Test is a great opportunity for US Institutions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    By being early adopters of the ɫèAV English Express Test, US universities and institutions can ensure they remain competitive and attractive to a global pool of students. Students seeking to study in the US may prefer institutions that recognize this flexible and convenient testing option, which can enhance their overall application experience. This proactive approach can help universities stand out and draw in top international talent.

    Whilst the ɫèAV English Express Test can open doors to a wealth of opportunities for students eager to study in the US, early acceptance also provides significant advantages for the institutions themselves.

    The ɫèAV English Express Test is designed to be a convenient and accessible option for students worldwide. Unlike traditional tests that may require extensive travel, this test can be taken online, offering students the flexibility to complete it from their own homes. This is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, far from a test centre or those juggling multiple commitments. By accepting the ɫèAV English Express Test, US universities can cater to a broader range of applicants, ensuring they don't miss out on talented individuals who might otherwise be deterred by logistical challenges.

    While tests like PTE Academic provide a comprehensive assessment of English proficiency, the ɫèAV English Express Test serves as a valuable complement. It offers a quicker, more streamlined option for students who need to demonstrate their language skills promptly. By accepting both tests, US universities can offer a more flexible and inclusive admissions process.

    For admissions teams, the inclusion of the ɫèAV English Express Test can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The streamlined nature of the test means quick turnaround times for results, allowing admissions teams to make faster decisions. This agility can be a competitive advantage, positioning the university as a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes student needs. Additionally, by offering a convenient testing option, universities can attract a broader pool of applicants, leading to a more diverse and inclusive student body.

    US universities should consider being among the first to accept the ɫèAV English Express Test. This strategic move addresses diverse student needs, complements existing testing options, enhances the admissions process, and boosts institutional reputation.

    Adopting the ɫèAV English Express Test is a forward-thinking decision that benefits both students and institutions, ensuring that US universities remain competitive in the global education landscape.