Diary
ü In the exam, you may be asked to write a series of diary entries or simply one diary entry. The main point to note about diary entries is that they should give the reader an insight into the type of person who is writing them.
ü There are three types of diary entry:
1. Personal diaries, primarily written for oneself and include facts and feelings of a private nature. As it is assumed that no unauthorised person will see what’s been written, it takes the form of talking to a very close and trusted friend.
2. Journals are a type of diary but differ in that they are often more objective, less private, and may include observations on a particular subject, such as science, history, or literature.
3. Fictional diaries are narratives, written for the entertainment of a particular readership, or audience.
ü Three essential features of writing in diary form are:
i) Always write in the first person.
ii) Be honest.
iii) Express your feelings, not just your ideas or recollections of the day.
ü Diary entries are usually short. The sentence and paragraph structure are also quite short.
ü List a date and a time when you start the diary or each entry of a series.
ü It is not necessary to write ‘Dear Diary’ each time.
ü Combine information with feelings, personal observations, impressions and reflections on people, places, and events.
ü The kind of language to use: informal language, chatty tone, use of colloquialisms, and references to local place names and events.
ü Elliptical sentences are sometimes used sparingly (i.e. personal pronouns are omitted. For example, ‘Got home to find the dog had torn up the post again. Have to get myself a new pet!’).
ü Sentence structure and syntax should create a sense of immediacy, of urgency, of capturing a moment that has only just occurred.
E.g. – Diary Entry of a US Soldier in Iraq
Thursday, 17 April, 11p.m.
So tired I can hardly see straight. The Captain had us out again on the backstreets of Basra all day. God, the stares we get from some people! Sometimes I wonder why they can’t see that we’re here to help. Met a decent old man though called Abdul who gave me some tea – it was pinkish in colour and tasted of pure sugar. Still, nice gesture all the same.
Around lunchtime, heard the distant puck-pucking of AK47s. I’ve grown used to that feeling of terror and excitement and get a real thrill from that immediate rush. Took our positions close to the mosque, the safest spot in town – they wouldn’t dare! The street cleared in a matter of seconds. Waited for an hour or so but in vain – seems they moved off to bug someplace else. Our orders were not to pursue, as usual.
This war isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Most of the time I’m bored, waiting for something to happen. Then when it does, all I can think of are Linda and the kids. I miss them so much. Can’t wait for my next R&R.
ü There are three types of diary entry:
1. Personal diaries, primarily written for oneself and include facts and feelings of a private nature. As it is assumed that no unauthorised person will see what’s been written, it takes the form of talking to a very close and trusted friend.
2. Journals are a type of diary but differ in that they are often more objective, less private, and may include observations on a particular subject, such as science, history, or literature.
3. Fictional diaries are narratives, written for the entertainment of a particular readership, or audience.
ü Three essential features of writing in diary form are:
i) Always write in the first person.
ii) Be honest.
iii) Express your feelings, not just your ideas or recollections of the day.
ü Diary entries are usually short. The sentence and paragraph structure are also quite short.
ü List a date and a time when you start the diary or each entry of a series.
ü It is not necessary to write ‘Dear Diary’ each time.
ü Combine information with feelings, personal observations, impressions and reflections on people, places, and events.
ü The kind of language to use: informal language, chatty tone, use of colloquialisms, and references to local place names and events.
ü Elliptical sentences are sometimes used sparingly (i.e. personal pronouns are omitted. For example, ‘Got home to find the dog had torn up the post again. Have to get myself a new pet!’).
ü Sentence structure and syntax should create a sense of immediacy, of urgency, of capturing a moment that has only just occurred.
E.g. – Diary Entry of a US Soldier in Iraq
Thursday, 17 April, 11p.m.
So tired I can hardly see straight. The Captain had us out again on the backstreets of Basra all day. God, the stares we get from some people! Sometimes I wonder why they can’t see that we’re here to help. Met a decent old man though called Abdul who gave me some tea – it was pinkish in colour and tasted of pure sugar. Still, nice gesture all the same.
Around lunchtime, heard the distant puck-pucking of AK47s. I’ve grown used to that feeling of terror and excitement and get a real thrill from that immediate rush. Took our positions close to the mosque, the safest spot in town – they wouldn’t dare! The street cleared in a matter of seconds. Waited for an hour or so but in vain – seems they moved off to bug someplace else. Our orders were not to pursue, as usual.
This war isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Most of the time I’m bored, waiting for something to happen. Then when it does, all I can think of are Linda and the kids. I miss them so much. Can’t wait for my next R&R.