English
IGCSE
❖ Journal
Mr. Karam Mahmoud
0751 701 8406
Journal
What is a Journal?
• A journal is a personal record of events, emotions, ideas, or beliefs.
• Its purpose is to reflect on experiences.
• Journal writing is subjective (based on personal feelings).
• This type of question often appears in Paper 1 of English Language and
Literature exams.
How to Attempt the Journal Question:
• You will get a reading passage and a related question.
• Read the passage carefully and understand the question.
• Select relevant points from the passage.
• Rewrite the points in your own words without changing the meaning.
• Organize the points into a clear, personal journal entry.
Example of Rewording:
• Passage: "It is better to do something you like than study something which
is not useful in the future."
• Journal version: "I prefer studying something I’m interested in rather
than wasting time on something unhelpful for my future."
Tip: Practice rewriting – it gets easier with time!
Important Points to Remember:
• Start with the date and day on the left side.
• Write from the first-person point of view (use "I").
• Keep the tone self-reflective (look back on events and feelings).
• Focus on recent experiences.
• Use emotive language to show your feelings.
• Write in past or future tense (depending on the situation).
• Include rhetorical questions to engage the reader.
• Be creative – it’s your personal writing!
Mr Karam Mahmoud
0751 701 8406 1
1. Types of Journals and Their Purpose
• Personal Journals: Focus on emotions, experiences, and personal
growth.
• Travel Journals: Record journeys, destinations, and memorable
experiences while traveling.
• Study Journals: Help students organize academic thoughts and reflect
on lessons learned.
• Creative Journals: Brainstorm ideas, write poetry, or develop creative
concepts.
2. How to Write a Good Journal Entry
1. Choose a Focus: Decide on the event, feeling, or observation to
document.
2. Use a Personal Tone: Write in the first person, making it reflective and
relatable.
3. Include Details: Describe events or feelings with vivid details to bring
the entry to life.
4. Reflect: Explore the impact of the event or your thoughts and feelings
about it.
5. Be Honest: Write authentically to capture the true essence of the
moment.
3. Example of a Journal Entry
Prompt: Write a journal entry about a day when you overcame a
significant challenge.
Journal Entry:
Date: 5th April 2023
Today was a day I will never forget. I participated in our school’s talent
competition, where I performed a piano piece in front of a large audience. I
had practiced for weeks, but as I walked onto the stage, my hands started
trembling. The thought of making a mistake terrified me.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and reminded myself of how much effort
I had put into preparing for this moment. As my fingers touched the keys, the
melody flowed naturally, and the nerves faded away. The applause at the end
was overwhelming, and for the first time, I truly felt proud of myself.
This experience taught me the importance of believing in myself and facing my
fears head-on. I know that the confidence I gained today will help me tackle
other challenges in the future.
Mr Karam Mahmoud
0751 701 8406 2
Mr Karam Mahmoud
0751 701 8406 3