DIARY/JOURNAL
What is it?
Diary or journal entries are a type of personal recount.
A personal recount retells an activity that the writer has experienced. In this way, the personal recount is similar to an autobiography.
Diary or journal entries not only tell what happened but they also
include some personal opinion or bias.
The audience for a diary or journal entry is usually
the writer, so the language that is used is often
informal, 'chatty' and may not always be in its
correct form.
Instead, the text may be in short sms style text.
For exa le: Can't w8 4 hols. (Can't wait for the
holidays).
Diary or journal entries not only tell what happened but they also
include some personal opinion or bias.
The audience for a diary or journal entry is usually
the writer, so the language that is used is often
informal, 'chatty' and may not always be in its
correct form.
Instead, the text may be in short sms style text.
For exa le: Can't w8 4 hols. (Can't wait for the
holidays).
Types of personal recounts: Diary
1
1
Writing a diary is like writing a newspaper recount about your life:
A diary contains lots of facts and details written about past events that the writer has experienced.
- what you did
- when you did it
- who you did it with
- what it was like
A diary contains lots of facts and details written about past events that the writer has experienced.
I went to the zoo 2day with Ross and
Xanthe. What a hoot!
Xanthe. What a hoot!
Yesterday was the best! Dad and I went to
see the V8 supercars out at Bathurst. Wow!
They were so fast around those corners!
see the V8 supercars out at Bathurst. Wow!
They were so fast around those corners!
Can you write some of your own diary sentences?
Types of personal recounts: Journal
2
2
A second type of personal recount is a journal. This is very similar to a diary, but it doesn't just give facts about what, when and who.
A journal gives a more personal look at the writer's life, their inner thoughts and feelings about things that are happening to them (bullying) or their relationships with others (had an argument with their mum).
Often, personal recounts will be a mixture of diary and journal entries, depending on how the writer is feeling at the time and what they want to write about.
A journal gives a more personal look at the writer's life, their inner thoughts and feelings about things that are happening to them (bullying) or their relationships with others (had an argument with their mum).
Often, personal recounts will be a mixture of diary and journal entries, depending on how the writer is feeling at the time and what they want to write about.
I've gotten myself into a real mess. I said something stupid to
Emily and now she won't talk to me. How can I make her trust
me again?
Emily and now she won't talk to me. How can I make her trust
me again?
I desperately want to make it into the soccer team this year. If
only I was as good as Samuel. Last year, I tried out but I had the
flu and didn't make the cut. Today were the trials. I didn't play my
best because I was so nervous. Even if I make the reserves, that
won't be so bad. Waiting for the team announcement is agony.
only I was as good as Samuel. Last year, I tried out but I had the
flu and didn't make the cut. Today were the trials. I didn't play my
best because I was so nervous. Even if I make the reserves, that
won't be so bad. Waiting for the team announcement is agony.
Can you write some of your own journal entries?
Diary/ Journal structure
1
Orientation
Orientation is the first part of a personal recount. It may be as small as a sentence or as long as a paragraph.
It is used to set the scene and gives important background information like when, where and who.
Read the boxes below. Which do you think are most likely to be diary / journal entries?
Click on the boxes to see the answers.
It is used to set the scene and gives important background information like when, where and who.
Read the boxes below. Which do you think are most likely to be diary / journal entries?
Click on the boxes to see the answers.
Yesterday at school, I was so bored. Our teacher was away and we got put into other classes – not much fun.
✔
I have been so stupid! Imagine thinking I could trick Mum into getting me that new game. I should have known better.
✔
After you slice the vegetables, add them to the wok and stir constantly over heat.
✖
Why do rainbows have so many colours? If you have ever asked this question, read on to find out the answer.
✖
2
Series of Events
Accept all relevant answers.
This is the most important part of the personal recount. This is where the writer needs to give details about
the events, usually sequenced in time order. The writer will also need to add interesting information to bring
the events 'alive' for the reader. They will also need to use humour, personal opinion or even 'gossip'. HINT: In this part of a personal recount, avoid using the word 'then' as it tends to be overused and can be boring.
Often there is a cause and effect relationship between events in the diary/journal and the impact (either good or bad) that they have on the writer. Can you look at the events below (cause) and match them up with the writer's personal response (effect)?
the events, usually sequenced in time order. The writer will also need to add interesting information to bring
the events 'alive' for the reader. They will also need to use humour, personal opinion or even 'gossip'. HINT: In this part of a personal recount, avoid using the word 'then' as it tends to be overused and can be boring.
Often there is a cause and effect relationship between events in the diary/journal and the impact (either good or bad) that they have on the writer. Can you look at the events below (cause) and match them up with the writer's personal response (effect)?
I had to give my speech about 'My favourite animal' in class today.
At first, we made our own bath bombs. But the best bit was making a volcano that really exploded!
After weeks and weeks of trial and error, my billy cart is looking good.
I am going to tell Grandma all about it. I think she'll be interested because she used to do that sort of stuff when she was younger.
Today, we had a visiting artist at school. She showed us how to blend paints together to give our pictures texture.
It was a complete disaster. I dropped all my palm cards on the floor and had to start again. What an idiot!
What a day! It was hilarious. I never knew you could do so much with vinegar and bicarb soda.
I may have worked out how to get the best possible speed out of the chassis design.
Accept all relevant answers.
Diary/Journal structure
3
Conclusion
The conclusion to a personal recount usually includes the writer's feelings or reactions to the events they wrote about. It may refer back to some information from earlier in the text.
Below are some ways to end a diary or journal entry. Drag the boxes to read the examples.
Below are some ways to end a diary or journal entry. Drag the boxes to read the examples.
1. A lasting impression
This was the best day ever. Making silly putty sure is fun.
Drag Me
2. A consequence
I will never make that same mistake again, that's for sure.
Drag Me
3. A re-evaluation
I should have known she would like the present. After all, we are twin sisters!
Drag Me
Diary/Journal: Structure features
My Diary
My Diary
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today - couldn't w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I've had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another
couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up
the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love
summer weekends!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I've had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another
couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up
the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love
summer weekends!
Date of entry
Orientation
Series of events
Conclusion
Orientation
Series of events
Conclusion
My Diary
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today - couldn't w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I've had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I've had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
Diary/Journal: Language features
My Diary
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today – couldn’t w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I’ve had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today – couldn’t w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I’ve had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
First person
Past tense
Conjunctions
Adverbial phrases
Action verbs
Adjectives
Connectives
Nouns
Personal opinions
Slang language
My Diary
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today – couldn’t w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I’ve had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
Saturday, November 6
I woke up early today – couldn’t w8 4 the tide to change. As soon as I got down 2 the surf, I checked out the waves. The break along the beach was pretty lame. So then I looked over 2 the headland for the point break. It was pumping!
A bit after 6:30am the sets were getting stronger and the face was smooth and glassy. Some other goofy footers came over and we caught up. The wind was starting to gust in from the south. It was going to be now or never.
It was hard work getting past the first line of breakers, but boy was it worth it! With six foot swells I was in my element! I dropped in on the biggest tube I’ve had in ages and rode it all the way through the green room. But just before I blasted through the end, I got totally worked over. I was stuffed!
After spitting out about a tonne of sand, I got back out there and had another couple of runs. But the wind was starting to spoil the party and was messing up the waves, so I packed it in and took off home. Better luck tomorrow. I love summer weekends!
Graphic organizer: Diary/Journal
Tree diagrams are very useful when planning to write a diary or journal entry.
They help you sort out the events and look at the different details.
Below is an example of a tree diagram. The diary entry is about Anzac Day.
They help you sort out the events and look at the different details.
Below is an example of a tree diagram. The diary entry is about Anzac Day.
Graphic organizer: Diary/Journal
Use the tree diagram below to help you organize your information for your own diary entry.
Scaffold: Diary/Journal
Date of diary entry:
Series of events
Personal comment on the event
1. Orientation
2.
3.
4.
5. Conclusion
Revision checklist: Diary/Journal
| Criteria | Always | Some | Rarely | Ideas for revision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Do I have a clear orientation? | ||||
| 2. Are the events in the correct order? | ||||
| 3. Have I given personal comments about the events? | ||||
| 4. Have I used words that show my personal opinion? | ||||
| 5. Am I (the writer) the main character? | ||||
| 6. Have I written in first person? | ||||
| 7. Have I used past tense? | ||||
| 8. Is my writing informal, chatty and relaxed? | ||||
| 9. Have I used conjunctions and connectives to sequence events? | ||||
| 10. Have I used reported speech? | ||||
| 11. Have I used action verbs to talk about what I did? | ||||
| 12. Have I used adverbs to add detail to the actions and events? | ||||
| 13. Do I use slang or colloquial language to show my personality? | ||||
| 14. Have I used capital letters for the proper nouns of people and place names? | ||||
| 15. Have I edited my work to correct spelling and punctuation mistakes? |
Diaries and journal entries always use first person pronouns because it is the writer writing about themselves. You have one minute to get as many as you can. But be careful, not all spaceships have the right words. You only have a minute to get as many as you can.
Good luck!
In this game, you need to click on the spaceships with sentences written in first person. But be careful, not all the spaceships have the right words. You have one minute to get as many as you can. Good luck!
Start!
Give it to me
I've got the ball
It is mine!
His name is William
I'll have the chocolate one
Can I have it back?
We like playing soccer
When is it her turn?
Can she have a turn next?
Our class is 4/5 WG
They will be back soon
Where are you?
This is where we have to go
Come and play with us
Put it down!
You should clean your teeth
It is their birthday tomorrow
Their bags are on the bench
My dog is black and white
Where is your mother?
That room is ours.
Look at my pet rabbit
Where should our bags go?
Why is his hair wet?
0/13
0 sec
Well done, you found all of the first person pronouns!
There were 13 to find. You made 13 attempts and got 0 correct.