English L2 Part 2 Writing Tasks Remember that the Part 2 writing task will probably be linked to the Part 1 reading comprehension text. If possible you should make reference in your Part 2 writing task to the content presented in the Part 1 text. Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Formal Letter 33 Seaside Avenue, Your address Mermaid Beach, Queensland, QLD 98514. Date of writing 30th September 2010 The Human Resources Department, Barclays Bank, Recipient’s name and address Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey Dear Sir / Madam, The correct salutation Say why you are writing I am writing to you to enquire about any possible openings in your customer service department. I am an eighteen year old student currently studying at the European School in Brussels. I will be completing my studies in the summer of 2011 and have always been interested in a career in banking. I am a confident and outgoing person who combines good interpersonal skills with the ability to work within a team. It is for these reasons that I feel that I would be a strong candidate for any future positions that may involve working closely with your customers. Short paragraphs I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me details of any current openings as well as the relevant application forms. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, Giles Kerridge Giles Kerridge The closure Signature Print your name Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Formal letter - checklist Have you thought about... Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used a comma at the end of each line of the address? Have you started with the most precise part of the address and finished with the largest? When writing the date have you used a capital letter for the month? Have you included the recipient’s full name and job title? Have you matched Dear Sir/Madam, with Yours faithfully? Have you matched Dear Mrs Brown, with Yours sincerely? Have you remembered to use a comma after the salutation? Have you addressed your letter to a person rather than an organisation? Have you made sure NOT to use a capital letter when writing faithfully and sincerely? Have you used a capital letter when writing Mr, Mrs, Ms? In the first paragraph have you stated clearly and simply why you are writing? Have you kept subsequent paragraphs short and to the point? Have you included a new paragraph for each new topic? Have you signed the letter? Have you printed your name underneath the signature? Have you used formal language? Have you used single word verbs rather than multiple word verbs? (investigate rather than look into) Have you avoided using contractions? (I am rather than I’m) Have you used the passive voice? (The swimming pool has been installed incorrectly rather than You have installed the swimming pool incorrectly) Have you used nominalisation if possible? (I am sure we can find a solution to this problem rather than I am sure we can solve this problem) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 A letter to a newspaper or magazine Editor (opinion piece) Introduces reason for writing and states the writer’s POV Summarizes parts of the article the writer disagrees with Puts forward arguments the writer agrees with Concludes and restates the writers point of view Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Letter to a newspaper / magazine Editor (opinion piece) - checklist Have you thought about... Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your audience? Have you understood that the purpose of this kind of letter is to give your opinion about a subject? (this will usually be the subject dealt with in Part 1) Have you followed the schematic structure laid out on the previous page? Have you used capital letters for street and town names in the address? Have you used a comma at the end of each line of the address? Have you started with the most precise part of the address and finished with the largest? When writing the date have you used a capital letter for the month? Have you remembered to use a comma after the salutation? Have you addressed your letter to The Editor then The Daily Telegraph? Have you used a capital letter when writing Editor? In the first paragraph have you stated clearly and simply why you are writing and given your point of view? (Don’t make this too long....get straight to the point) Have you argued for / against in subsequent separate paragraphs? Have you included a variety of linkers of contrast? (Although, even though, however, despite, in spite of etc.) Have you closed your letter with Yours faithfully? Have you signed the letter? Have you printed your name underneath the signature? Have you been careful not to make the tone of your letter to aggressive / abusive? Have you included facts and figures & concrete examples to support your arguments? Have you used formal language? Have you used single word verbs rather than multiple word verbs? (investigate rather than look into) Have you avoided using contractions? (I am rather than I’m) Have you used the passive voice? (The swimming pool has been installed incorrectly rather than You have installed the swimming pool incorrectly) Have you used nominalisation if possible? (I am sure we can find a solution to this problem rather than I am sure we can solve this problem) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Informal letter / email (including a letter to a friend) Your address Avenue du Vert Chasseur, 42 1180 Uccle, Brussels 10th December Date Hi Vic, How are you? What are you doing this New Year’s Eve? Jean and I have decided to hold a party at home this year, and we’d love it if you could come. We’re planning quite a small party with our old school friends, so you’ll know all of the guests. There’ll be lots to eat and drink. We’ve decided to give the party a Mexican theme, with lots of spicy food. You’ll probably be coming by train won’t you? Just give us a ring from the station and I’ll pick you up. As the party will be quite late, you’ll need to stay the night. Don’t worry there’s plenty of room for everybody. Well, I really hope you can make it. It seems ages since we last saw each other. Please let me know as soon as possible. Lots of love, Mark. Avenue du Vert Chasseur, 42 1180 Uccle, Brussels December 6th Dear Jane, I hope you are feeling better. Are you able to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunshine? We all miss you in the office and look forward to you coming back. There have been a few changes since you went into hospital. Eric Johnson has now retired (lucky man) and Matthew has taken over Eric's job. He ’s struggling at the moment. He hopes you’ll return soon to rescue him from the muddle. I thought you’d like the book I'm sending you with this letter I saw it in a bookshop and thought it’d make you laugh. I know you 've always wanted to live in Greece. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it and find time to re ad it before you return to work. Take it easy and look after yourself. I'll write again soon. Best regards, Sheila Closure Ending and signature Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Informal letter / email - checklist Have you thought about... Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your audience? Have you included your address? Have you included the date? (Although this does not need to be written in full in an informal letter) Have you begun with Dear... or Hi, Hello? Have you said why you are writing? Have you used contractions? (You’ve, He’s, They’re etc.) Have you used simple short sentences? Have you used phrasal / multi -word verbs? Have you used simple linkers? (Then, later etc.) Have you used separate paragraphs? Have you used some slang or colloquial English? Have you used Best wishes / Write soon to end your letter? Have you signed your letter? If you have written an email, does your work look like an email? LANGUAGE USED Openings Thanks for your letter. It was great to get your letter. I’m writing to ask you a favour. Sorry for not writing for so long. Signaling the end I must go now. I have to... Looking forward to hearing from you soon. I’ll finish now as I’m running out of space. Bye for now. I’d better get going. Closing the letter Love. Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes. Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Speech in a formal register Hello, Chicago. If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled, Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America. A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain. Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor (Sarah) Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead. I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama. (Barak Obama) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Speech in a formal register - checklist Have you thought about... Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your audience? Have you begun with an introduction that establishes who you are, what your purpose is and what you’ll be talking about? Have you started with a joke, anecdote or interesting fact to grab the audience’s attention? (However always be careful that the tone of your speech suits the audience and the occasion). Have you organised your speech to include 3-5 main points? Have you prioritized and organised these points according to importance and effectiveness? Have you started with your most important point, then gone to your least important point, and moved slowly back toward the most important? (For example, if you have five points with No.5 being the most important and No.1 the least important; your presentation order should be 5-1-2-3-4). Have you supported each point using statistics, facts, examples and anecdotes? Have you linked the different parts of your speech together using smooth transitions? Have you written a conclusion that summarizes each of your points, restates your main purpose, and leaves the audience with a good impression? Have you included some 3 part lists? Have you used imagery to reinforce your points? Have you used some alliteration? (Block by block, brick by brick) Have you used contrast to highlight your points? Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Speech in an informal register Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, boys and girls. Every father knows that one day his daughter will find a great man, fly the nest and get married. Every father also wishes his daughter the best of luck in finding the right man, one that’ll make her happy beyond belief. And when the time comes, all the father can do is observe and hope for the best for her. Today, that’s my role. As a child, Karen was outgoing, strong and loving, something that she has brought into her adult life. But along the way she’s picked up many skills, some from working and some from love. But everything she’s done has made me the proudest father I know. Always wanting to become better in what she does, and being the generally caring person that she is, makes me unbelievably proud. When I was giving her away today, I cannot deny I felt a loss. After all, I was giving my daughter away to be married. But when we reached the altar, I felt something else, and for a while I didn’t know what it was. But then it dawned on me, that the feeling I was having was joy and happiness that I was giving my daughter away and that she was happy, happier than I’ve ever seen her. When I first met her now husband, Paul, I instantly knew he was a good man, and wouldn’t be the type to mess my daughter around. Over the next few weeks I saw my daughter become happier and more confident in herself, wearing clothes that previously she’d thought "made her bum look big", or for other reasons chose not to wear. But Paul changed that. He’s brought her out of her shell, let her be herself and not tried to change her to make him happy. After seeing how she was after the first couple of weeks, I hoped for her sake that it wouldn’t end, and leave her upset and heartbroken. But deep inside I think I knew that with her, I could trust Paul. My main fear as a parent was my daughter making the wrong decisions in life; marrying for the wrong reasons was one of these. But once I’d got to know Paul, I couldn’t have chosen anybody more suitable. Simply for the way he treats and makes my daughter feel about herself, I cannot thank him enough. So Paul, thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would finally like to say a couple of thank you messages. Firstly, to my daughter and her husband, for making me the happiest, proudest father around today. Thank you. Secondly, to all of you for joining us in our celebrations here today; you’ve all helped make it such a magnificent occasion. I am sure that I could go on all day thanking everybody, but I won’t bore you all now, but I will say it to you when I see you. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me as I wish the bride and groom all the happiness in the world. The Bride and Groom. Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Speech in an informal register - checklist The same basic rules for formal speech writing apply. However, you must think about who your audience is and make your language more informal. Go through this checklist to see if you have used the correct level of informality. Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your audience? Have you favoured phrasal verbs over single word verbs? Have you chosen to use words with fewer syllables if possible? Have you used popular English? (a lot of, stuff, sort of) etc. Have you used favoured the first and second person points-of-view (e.g., I, you and we) to create a more personal style? Have you included everyday phrases like by the way or that reminds me? Even though your speech is in an informal register have you still avoided using slang expressions like gonna and wanna? Have you made sure NOT to include swearing in your speech? Have you used contractions? (He’s, it’s, we’re) etc. Have you included some idiomatic expressions? (in a nutshell / there are two sides to every coin) Have you used typical phrases and references to suit the occasion? Have you included possible instructions to your listeners? (raise your glasses / put your hands together) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Dialogue Characters • • DORA: A waitress in a downtown diner. Late forties, bleached-blonde hair and an overly made up face. She is wearing a coffee stained apron with a plastic name tag pinned to it. Wade: A local construction worker. Early thirties, handsome and athletic. Wade clearly works out and shows this off by wea ring t-shirts that are one size too small for him. Setting A roadside diner in St. Louis, Missouri. Cheap plastic tables are lined up in neat rows and a faulty neon light flickers overhead. A waitress is standing behind a polished counter and looks up as the door opens. A construction worker enters and strides purposefully towards the bar. DORA: Pick your poison. (WADE pulls up a stool to the counter. She pushes the menu towards him. He glances at it.) WADE: Can I get a grape juice? And fries. DORA: Sure. (DORA rings the order bell at the serving hatch behind her ) Order up! French fries. (She turns back to Johnny) Is that it? WADE: Nah...I’m going to the gym later on. Hook me up with a steak sandwich and a side of coleslaw, will ya? DORA: (Smiling at WADE) Mmmm a man with an appetite... Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Dialogue - checklist Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you understood the relationship between your characters and adjusted the level of formality of their speech accordingly? Have you linked your dialogue to the part 1 reading comprehension? (If the question asks you to do this) Have you included a character list? (Character name / brief physical description /note form is ok to use here) Have you set the scene? (This should be a physical description of everything the audience sees as the curtain rises in the theatre, or the images first appear on the screen. Use a mix of Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses here) Have you included some stage directions? (Don’t overdo this. Simply describe the characters physical movements as well as their emotional reactions. Use the Present Simple tense for sequential actions, and the Present Continuous for simultaneous actions) Have you let your characters drive the dialogue forward? Have you linked each character’s lines together naturally? Have you favoured phrasal verbs over single word verbs? Have you chosen to use words with fewer syllables if possible? Have you used popular English? (a lot of, stuff, sort of) etc. Have you used favoured the first and second person points-of-view (e.g., I, you and we) to create a more personal style? Have you included everyday phrases and conversation fillers like by the way or that reminds me? Have you made sure NOT to include swearing in your dialogue? Have you used contractions? (He’s, it’s, we’re) etc. Have you included some idiomatic expressions? Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Argumentation / discussion piece “Art is a basic human need. Governments have a responsibility to spend money on art for their citizens.” Discuss. Introduction Throughout the ages, man has tried to create beauty through painting, music, sculpture and other artistic expression. It seems to be a basic need of humans to surround themselves with art. However, some people feel that government money spent on art is wasted, particularly when there are so many other demands on it. This essay will examine the conflict between those who say art is important and those who feel it is a waste of money. Write three sentences: two about the topic (one for each side of the argument), & one thesis sentence Main body of the essay featuring arguments for and against It can be wrong for governments to spend large sums of money on art. Too often, governments unwisely. They spend money on art not because a picture is good or onespend thesis sentence a museum is needed, but for political reasons. Cities end up with huge statues or empty expensive buildings that are used only by a few people or the elite. Another point is that the artworks are often chosen to represent social or political rather than artistic ideas. gets two yet about the topic The city another statue of the leader or an ugly monument to national one thesis sentence aspirations. It can be argued that governments often respond to fashions, and tastes in art can change very rapidly. Without careful advice an expensive collection of worthless paintings or tasteless productions can be the result. Topic Sentence, argument 1, evidence, argument 2, evidence, argument 3, evidence, summary However, it would be wrong to say that governments should not spend any money at all on art. Painters, musicians, and composers cannot survive without financial support. one thesis sentencedo finance art, but then it is often inaccessible to Rich people or large companies ordinary people. Governments have a duty to make this art available to everyone. However, the most important reason why governments should support the arts is because an appreciation of art is one of the things that makes life worthwhile. Humans two about the topic do not need just shelter and food. Creative people have always tried to look at things in one thesis sentence a new way and to make the world a better place through painting, music, poetry, calligraphy, sculpture, dance, and numerous other forms of expression. While art may not make us immortal, it does make the world a richer place for future generations. Conclusion In conclusion, although people do need to be provided with the necessities of life, such as housing and medical care, governments also have a duty to provide their citizens with something more. They should make sure that they pass on beauty, ideas and expression to the next generation and make art available to all instead of being the possession of only the few. I firmly believe that spending money on art is a vital part of a government's responsibility, and I am confident that my country will be able to contribute its share to the richness of the world's art and creativity. 447 words Be clear & avoid confusion. Rephrase the question, summarize the main ideas & give your opinion. Do not give new information in the conclusion. As above, 3 or 4 good sentences should be enough here. one thesis sentence Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 two about the topic Argumentation / discussion piece (schematic structure) Structuring your Essay • In a standard argumentation or opinion piece you should use a basic 4 paragraph model if you want to show both sides to an argument or opinion. 7 Sentences 9 Sentences This paragraph should be longer than the previous and lead the reader to understand your point of view. If you want to show one side to an argument or opinion try using a 5 paragraph structure. Introduction Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Conclusion Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Argumentation / discussion piece (examples of simple introductions) Does space exploration benefit mankind? Sentence For Many people are excited about space exploration. Sentence Against However, others feel it is a massive waste of money Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration. Does space exploration benefit mankind? Sentence For Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the exploration and potential of space. However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent. Many Sentence Against people feel that we should solve problems here on earth before beginning our journey to space Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration. Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries? Sentence For Everyday, we read about new record contracts and salaries earned by sportsmen and women. Some people do not agree with these huge payments Sentence Against Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny. Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against the high salaries of athletes. Words to use in the thesis sentence Analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Argumentation / discussion piece (body paragraphs) What do you need to have in a body paragraph? • Topic Sentence • Argument or Reason 1 • Example, Explanation, or supporting detail • Argument or Reason 2 • Example, Explanation, or supporting detail • Argument or Reason 3 (Three is a magic number. Always aim to have 3 ideas.) • Example, Explanation, or supporting detail • Paragraph summary (optional) Is Education Being Devalued? (breakdown of a body paragraph) Topic Sentence People have several arguments against the need for degrees. Argument or Reason 1 They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree. Example, Explanation, or supporting detail People lose respect for the degree holder. Argument or Reason 2 It is also claimed that education has become a rat race,... Example, Explanation, or supporting detail ...since graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying. Argument or Reason 3 Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners becoming inflexible. Example, Explanation, or supporting detail By that I mean that they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable to apply their skills. Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (You can have one, two, or even more of these for every idea) Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and adaptable workers. Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Argumentation / discussion piece (tips & examples) What’s the writing process? • • Step 1: Read the title Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas. • • Step 2: Underline Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understand the question. • • Step 3: Get Ideas Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay. • • Step 4: Decide Layout You should decide on a layout. Four paragraphs: introduction, opinions on one side, opinions on the other side and the conclusion. • • Step 5: Write After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion. Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Should parents be responsible if their children behave badly? Introduction Present situation Thesis sentence Paragraph 2 (against) Topic Sentence Reason 1: Independence Reason 2: Parents working Reason 3: Parents have done their job Paragraph 3 (for) Topic Sentence Reason 1: Lack of Parental Control Reason 2: Children not mature Reason 3: Children will think Conclusion Summary Future / personal opinion Many crimes and social problems are caused by children. Despite the damage these teenage criminals cause, parents are not held responsible in most countries. This essay will discuss whether parents should be forced to pay for their children's crimes. There are many reasons why parents should not be responsible for crimes committed by teenage children. First of all, teenagers today are independent. They often move out of the parent's house at 18 years of age or younger. They are expected to learn to take care of themselves and make their own decisions, and not stay like small children attached to their parents. Secondly, parents are working. They cannot watch their adolescent children all the time. A third point is that even children from good families can sometimes commit crimes. Parents should not be responsible if they have worked hard to raise their children properly. However, because of the many problems young troublemakers cause, I feel we should make parents responsible. Firstly, most juvenile crimes are committed by adolescents whose parents do not care or make any effort to control their children. If parents had to pay fines, they might make more effort. Another point is that even though the children may seem mature, they are not really able to make good decisions. Parents should be responsible for raising and teaching their children until they are fully grown. Furthermore, if children know that their parents will have to pay, they will think carefully before doing getting into trouble In summary, there are good reasons both for and against making parents pay for acts committed by their children. However, I feel strongly that if we want to reduce the number of such crimes, we need to make parents take more responsibility. Argumentation / discussion piece - checklist Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your reader? Have you underlined key words in the question and used synonyms in your essay? Have you decided on a layout that suits the style of essay you are writing? Have you structured your essay logically? (Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) Have you made rough notes showing arguments for/against the argument? Have you structured your introduction to include a summary for / summary against / thesis statement? Have you structured each body paragraph to include: a topic sentence, argument 1 + evidence, argument 2 + evidence, argument 3 + evidence, summary statement? Have you remembered to include a reflective conclusion? Have you remembered not to include extra information in the conclusion? Have you used linkers of contrast? (However, although, even though, in spite of, despite) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Newspaper or magazine article HEADLINE Photo Byline Caption Orientation Incident Schematic Structure Interpretation Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Newspaper or magazine article - checklist Yes/No Have you read and understood the question? Have you understood who your audience is? Have you used the correct level of formality to suit your reader? Have you structured your article clearly? Have you decided what tone your article will take? Does this tone suit the tone required by the question? Have you included an attention-grabbing headline? Does this headline suit the tone of your article? Have you included a byline? (Name and area of expertise) Have you made rough notes and written 5 rough questions that the reader will need to have the answers to? Have you provided answers to these questions in your article? If the article you are asked to write in a human-interest story, have you included an orientation phase, incident phase and interpretation phase? In the orientation phase have you mostly used the simple past tense & short sentences presented in the order in which they happened? If you are reporting on a past event have you used narrative tenses? Have you used time phrases to sequence your reporting? (As little girls.....Years later......in time) Have you used the interpretation stage to explain people’s reactions and experiences? (Using direct speech / inverted commas / attributions eg. Said the Prince, John explained) Have you been careful to give information without stating categorically that it’s true? Have you used the passive to distance yourself as a writer from the facts? (it is believed that...it would appear that....the prince is thought to have) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Journal / diary / log entry Wednesday, 5 April 1944 My dearest Kitty, For a long time now I didn’t know why I was bothering to do any schoolwork. The end of the war still seemed so far away, so unreal, like a fairy tale. If the war isn’t over by September, I won’t go back to school, since I don’t want to be two years behind. I finally realized that I must do my schoolwork to keep from being ignorant, to get on in life, to become a journalist, because that’s what I want! I know I can write. A few of my stories are good, my descriptions of the Secret Annexe* are humorous, much of my diary is vivid and alive, but…it remains to be seen whether I really have talent. Unless you write yourself, you can’t know how wonderful it is; I always used to bemoan the fact that I couldn’t draw, but now I’m overjoyed that at least I can write. And if I don’t have the talent to write books or newspaper articles, I can always write for myself. But I want to achieve more than that. I can’t imagine having to live like Mother, Mrs Van Daan* and all the women who go about their work and are then forgotten. I need to have something besides a husband and children to devote myself to! I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death! And that’s why I’m so grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop myself and to express all that’s inside me! When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that’s a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer? I hope so, oh, I hope so very much, because writing allows me to record everything, all my thoughts, ideals and fantasies. So onwards and upwards, with renewed spirits. It’ll all work out, because I’m determined to write! Yours, Anne M. Frank Taken from – The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank) Thursday 21st May Barry Kent duffed me up in the cloakroom today. He hung me on one of the coathooks. He called me a "coppers' nark" and other things too bad to write down. My grandma found out about the menacing (my father didn't want her to know on account of her diabetes). She listened to it all then she put her hat on, thinned her lips and went out. She was gone one hour and seven minutes; she came in, took off her coat, fluffed her hair out and took £27.18 from the anti-mugger belt round her waist. She said, "He won't bother you again, Adrian, but if he does, let me know." Then she got the tea ready. Pilchards, tomatoes and ginger cake. I bought her a box of diabetic chocolates from the chemist's as a token of my esteem. Taken from - The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ (Sue Townsend) Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 How to Write a Journal / diary / log entry Similar to a personal letter. Write about things that happened (to you), your problems, your feelings, your worries, your hopes and your plans for the future. Begin by writing the date in full in the top corner (4th December 2008 / Monday 4th December). After that you may address your diary (Dear Diary / Dear Kitty), although you don’t have to do this. At the end of your diary entry you might want to say goodbye to your diary, but again, you don’t have to do this. Schematic structure of a diary entry Date Opening formula (optional) Introduction Main body Conclusion Closing formula (optional) 4th December 2008 / Monday 4th December Dear Diary, Usually begin with some kind of general sentence about the day (Today was a strange day) or A general sentence about your state of mind (I’m totally down / I’m at my wits end). In the main part write about: What happened (to you) How you felt and feel about it What your hopes and plans for the future are End your diary with some kind of final remark about the day or your feelings (I feel better now that I’ve written everything down) or a sentence about your situation (I have to get to bed now, it’s already midnight and I’ve got a Geography test tomorrow). Love Mary / Yours, Mary. In your whole text Use a variety of tenses (past, present, future). Use informal language – as long as this suits the style of diary entry specified in the exam question. Use connectors to link your ideas (anyway, nevertheless, however, besides etc.) Checklist Yes/No Have you included today’s date? Have you written about personal experiences / feelings? Have you used a variety of tenses (past, present, future)? Have you used informal language? Have you used connectors to join your ideas? Have you ended your diary with a clear and logical closure? Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1 Giles Kerridge – European School Brussels 1