Diaries and

Journals
2023-24
Note for the exam

• Journals are on the iGCSE syllabus

• Diaries are not
• The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the differences between
the two
• Focus on the features and elements of a journal when preparing for
the exam
What are diaries
and journals?
• Diaries and journals are a record with entries arranged by date. They
often report on what has happened over the course of a period of
time, usually a day.
• The terms are often synonymous, however there are important
differences between the two.
Differences between diaries and
journals

Diaries Journals
• Strictly records personal and daily experiences. • Can be a more general record of events, such as a
• Focus is on feelings and experiences. ship’s logbook.
• Can begin with a nickname (Dear Diary,…). • Focus is more on fact and observation.
• Language is usually informal and conversational. • Depending on context, language is usually more
formal.
• The audience is usually private (the writer
themselves). • The audience is often public. The journal may be an
official account of events.
Why keep diaries
and journals?

• Diaries may be kept for a number of reasons:

• To record and remember significant events and details in life.
• To express feelings and reactions to different circumstances.
• As an aid to mental health in clearing one’s mind and giving one
somebody to talk to.
• Journals, especially military or scientific examples, may be kept to:
• Record specific occurrences, actions, and observations.
• To ensure accuracy in how events are recalled, as they are usually
written in a timely manner.
• To provide evidence in support of scientific conclusions or in tribunals.
Structure of a diary
or journal entry
• Begin with the date of writing.
• If you are writing a diary entry, you may choose to open with a salutation, for
example ‘Dear Diary,…’.
• Events are usually recounted in chronological order – that is the order in which
they occurred.
• A diary entry will usually only record significant events, whereas a journal entry
will often be more detailed – especially if it is an official record.
• An entry may conclude with a final thought, or it may end with an expectation or
prediction of what might happen next, or a plan of action.
 • Written in the first person
Language • Emphasis on personal thoughts, feelings, and emotions – use

Features emotive word choices.

• Can use humour.
– Diary • Can use slang and colloquialism.
entry • Descriptive paragraphs – especially when recounting experiences.
• Register and tone is usually informal and conversational.
Language • Usually written in the first person singular, but can be written in

Features first person plural depending on context.

• Emphasis on fact and observation.
– Journal • Avoids the use of slang and colloquialism – clarity is key.
entry • Register and tone is usually formal and objective.
Sample Diary
Entries
Anne Frank’s Last Diary
Entry (Part One)
Dearest Kitty,
"A bundle of contradictions" was the end of my previous letter and is the beginning of this one. Can you please tell me exactly what "a
bundle of contradictions" is? What does "contradiction" mean? Like so many words, it can be interpreted in two ways: a contradiction
imposed from without and one imposed from within.
The former means not accepting other people's opinions, always knowing best, having the last word; in short, all those unpleasant traits for
which I'm known. The latter, for which I'm not known, is my own secret.
As I've told you many times, I'm split in two. One side contains my exuberant cheerfulness, my flippancy, my joy in life and, above all, my
ability to appreciate the lighter side of things. By that I mean not finding anything wrong with flirtations, a kiss, an embrace, an off-colour
joke. This side of me is usually lying in wait to ambush the other one, which is much purer, deeper and finer. No one knows Anne's better
side, and that's why most people can't stand me.
Oh, I can be an amusing clown for an afternoon, but after that everyone's had enough of me to last a month. Actually, I'm what a romantic
movie is to a profound thinker – a mere diversion, a comic interlude, something that is soon forgotten: not bad, but not particularly good
either.
Anne Frank’s Last Diary
Entry (Part Two)
I hate having to tell you this, but why shouldn't I admit it when I know it's true? My lighter, more superficial side will always steal a
march on the deeper side and therefore always win. You can't imagine how often I've tried to push away this Anne, which is only
half of what is known as Anne-to beat her down, hide her. But it doesn't work, and I know why.
I'm afraid that people who know me as I usually am will discover I have another side, a better and finer side. I'm afraid they'll mock
me, think I'm ridiculous and sentimental and not take me seriously. I'm used to not being taken seriously, but only the "light-
hearted" Anne is used to it and can put up with it; the "deeper" Anne is too weak. If I force the good Anne into the spotlight for
even fifteen minutes, she shuts up like a clam the moment she's called upon to speak, and lets Anne number one do the talking.
Before I realize it, she's disappeared.
So the nice Anne is never seen in company. She's never made a single appearance, though she almost always takes the stage when
I'm alone. I know exactly how I'd like to be, how I am… on the inside. But unfortunately I'm only like that with myself. And perhaps
that's why-no, I'm sure that's the reason why I think of myself as happy on the inside and other people think I'm happy on the
outside. I'm guided by the pure Anne within, but on the outside I'm nothing but a frolicsome little goat tugging at its tether.
Anne Frank’s Last Diary
Entry (Part Three)
As I've told you, what I say is not what I feel, which is why I have a reputation for being boy-crazy as well as a flirt, a smart aleck and a
reader of romances. The happy-go-lucky Anne laughs, gives a flippant reply, shrugs her shoulders and pretends she doesn't give a darn. The
quiet Anne reacts in just the opposite way. If I'm being completely honest, I'll have to admit that it does matter to me, that I'm trying very
hard to change myself, but that I I'm always up against a more powerful enemy.
A voice within me is sobbing, "You see, that's what's become of you. You're surrounded by negative opinions, dismayed looks and mocking
faces, people, who dislike you, and all because you don't listen to the advice of your own better half."
Believe me, I'd like to listen, but it doesn't work, because if I'm quiet and serious, everyone thinks I'm putting on a new act and I have to
save myself with a joke, and then I'm not even talking about my own family, who assume I must be sick, stuff me with aspirins and
sedatives, feel my neck and forehead to see if I have a temperature, ask about my bowel movements and berate me for being in a bad
mood, until I just can't keep it up anymore, because when everybody starts hovering over me, I get cross, then sad, and finally end up
turning my heart inside g out, the bad part on the outside and the good part on the inside, and keep trying to find a way to become what
I'd like to be and what I could be if… if only there were no other people in the world.
Yours, Anne M. Frank
Sgt Thomas William
Chisholm – WWI POW (Part
One)
Sergeant Thomas Chisholm was a British soldier held Prisoner of War (POW) by the Germans in WWI. The following diary entries describe the days leading up
to him being freed at the end of the war.

Tuesday 24th December 1918

As a special treat today we have been given a large amount of sausage, from the Germans but I may say that very little of it was eaten as we have any
amount of our own food now.

I suppose that this was sent as a peace offering owing to it being Xmas eve. Also included in the gift were two packets of tobacco and a Xmas card.
The tobacco proved only to be dried oak leaves, and the card we discovered had been intended for one in England, for on the side used for correspondence,
were the words 'Printed in Germany', but on the picture side the greeting was in German.

Sunday 29th December 1918

Orders are issued that the camp must be closed by the 1st January 1919. The excitement is great and we all start packing our little wooden boxes in readiness
for the journey.
Then we wait.
Monday 30th December 1918
Still we wait.
Sgt Thomas William
Chisholm – WWI POW (Part
Two)

Tuesday 31st December 1918

The day begins as usual, and still we wait.
In the evening orders are issued that all officers, NCOs and men will parade outside the orderly room at 2pm tomorrow
dressed ready for marching off, greatcoat and one blanket over the arm.
I might say that all men were ready before the appointed time, and when we did parade and were just about to march off it
was found that there was one man to be left in the camp.
That one man was our Serbian friend who had been so useful to us since his arrival. We pleaded with our officers to allow
him to come back with us, but we were informed that if we did take him, he would not be allowed to land in England, and
would only have to come back again and then as things were just now, he was nearer his own country and no doubt the
Germans would see to his comfort alright.
King George VI
The following diary entries were written by King George VI in the build up to the Japanese invasion of Singapore during World War II:

FEBRUARY 3, 1942

The PM is worried and angry over events in the Far East. Singapore has not been fortified from the landward side even with tank traps and pill
boxes hidden in the jungle. These could have been done by the troops themselves. 15-inch guns pointing out to sea are no form of defence. He
fears great loss of life by air bombardment.

FEBRUARY 10, 1942

When the Japs land we must kill them in the swamps, and in the jungle. We cannot allow our country’s reputation and our race to fall while the
Russians are fighting back hard and the US troops at Luzon in the Philippines are putting up a stubborn defence.

I agree with W [Winston Churchill] and I have felt it v strongly…Winston is prepared for a series of misfortunes in the Far East if Singapore falls, as
we cannot get reinforcements there in a moment, and we don’t know where to put them.
Sample Journal
Entries
 Cook’s Discovery of
Australia
The following entry in the ship’s log of HM Bark Endeavour describes Captain James Cook’s first sighting of the land that would become known as Australia.
Thursday 19 April 1770
Thursday 19th In the PM had fresh gales at SSW and Clowdy Squaly weather with a large Southerly Sea — At 6 took in the Topsails and at 1 AM brought too and sounded
but had no ground with 130 fathoms of line — At 5 Set the Topsails Close reef’d and 6 saw land extending from NE to West at the distance of 5 or 6 Leagues having 80
fathom water a fine sandy bottom
We continued Standing to the westward with the wind at SSW untill 8 oClock at which time we got topgt yards aCross made all sail, and bore away along shore NE for the
Eastermost land we had in sight, being at this time in the Latitude of 37°..58′ S° and Longd of 210°..39′ West.
the Southermost Point of land we had in sight which bore from us W ¼ S I judged to lay in the Latitude of 38°..0′ S and in the Longitude of 211°..07′ Wt from the
Meridion of Greenwich. I have named it Point Hicks, because Leuitt Hicks was the first who discover’d this land —
To the Southward of this point we could see no land and yet it was very clear in that quarter and by our Longitude compared with that of Tasmans the body of
Vandiemens land ought to lay have been due south from us and from the soon falling of the Sea after the wind abated I had reason to think it did. but as we did not see
it and finding this coast to trend NE and SW or rather more to the westward makes me doubtfull whether they are land or no: however every one who compares this
Journal with that of Tasman will be as good a judge I am but it is necessary to observe that I do not take the situation of Vandiemens from the printed charts but from
the extract of Tasman’s Journal published by Dirk Rembrantse —
At Noon we were in the Latd of 37° 50′ and Longd of 210..29 Wt the extremes of the land extending from NW to ENE are markerable point
 Lt William Bligh in
Batavia (Part One)
The following entry in the journal of Royal Navy officer Lt William Bligh recounts his time in Batavia (Jakarta) after the mutiny aboard his ship, HMS Bounty.
OCTOBER 1789
Monday 12
…One of the greatest difficulties that strangers have to encounter is their being obliged to live at the hotel. This hotel was formerly two houses which by doors of communication have been
made one. It is in the middle of a range of buildings more calculated for a cold country than for such a climate as Batavia. There is no free circulation of air and what is equally bad it is
always very dirty; and there is great want of attendance. What they call cleaning the house is another nuisance; for they never use any water to cool it or to lay the dust, but sweep daily
with brooms in such a manner that those in the house are almost suffocated by a cloud of dust.

The months of December and January are reckoned the most unhealthy of the year, the heavy rains being then set in. The account of the seasons as given to me here I believe may be
relied on.
The middle of November the west monsoon begins and rain.
December and January. Continual rain with strong westerly wind.
February. Westerly wind. Towards the end of this month the rain begins to abate.
March. Intervals of fine weather. Wind westerly.
April. In this month the east monsoon begins. Weather generally fine with showers of rain.
May. East monsoon fixed. Showery.
June and July. Clear weather. Strong east wind.
August and September. Wind more moderate.
October. In this month the wind begins to be variable with showers of rain.
Lt William Bligh in
Batavia (Part Two)
The current is said always to run with the wind. Nevertheless I found the reverse in sailing from Timor to Java. Between the end of October and the
beginning of the ensuing year no Dutch ship bound for Europe is allowed to sail from Batavia for fear of being near the Mauritius at the time of the
hurricanes which are frequent there in December and January.
My illness prevented me from gaining much knowledge of Batavia. Of their public buildings I saw nothing that gave me so much satisfaction as their
country hospital for seamen. It is a large commodious and airy building about four miles from the town, close to the side of the river, or rather in the
river: for the ground on which it stands has by labour been made an island of, and the sick are carried there in a boat: each ward is a separate
dwelling and the different diseases are properly classed. They have sometimes 1400 patients in it: at this time there were 800, but more than half of
these were recovered and fit for service, of whom 300 were destined for the fleet that was to sail for Europe. I went through most of the wards and
there appeared great care and attention. The sheets, bedding, and linen of the sick were perfectly neat and clean. The house of the physician, Mr.
Sparling, who has the management of the hospital is at one extremity of the building: and here it was that I resided. To the attention and care of this
gentleman, for which he would receive no payment, I am probably indebted for my life.
The hospital in the town is well attended, but the situation is so ill chosen that it certainly would be the saving of many lives to build one in its stead
up the river, which might be done with great advantage as water carriage is so easy and convenient. A great neglect in some of the commanders of
the shipping here was suffering their people to go dirty and frequently without frock, shirt, or anything to cover their bodies, which, besides being a
public nuisance, must probably be productive of ill health in the most robust constitution.
The governor-general gave me leave to lodge all my people at the country hospital which I thought a great advantage and with which they were
perfectly satisfied. The officers however at their own request remained in the town….
diaries and
journals in
fiction
 • In the various Star Trek series and films, Captain’s logs are used for a number of purposes:
• As a framing device to introduce the audience to the story;

star trek • To create a point of view.

• To communicate necessary information to the audience without having to show it.
• To give the audience a deeper understanding of the characters.
• To create a sense of realism – ship’s captains have been duty-bound to keep logs for centuries.
 captain’s logs
• In the context of the series, these are the individual ships’ logs recorded by the captain, and are an official record of the voyage or mission.
• They give the viewer vital background information and exposition.
• For example:
• "Captain's log, stardate 1312.4. The impossible has happened. From directly ahead, we're picking up a recorded distress signal, the call letters of a vessel which has been missing for over
two centuries. Did another Earth ship once probe out of the galaxy as we intend to do? What happened to it out there? Is this some warning they've left behind?"

• "Captain's log, stardate 1312.9. Ship's condition – heading back on impulse power only. Main engines burned out. The ship's space warp ability, gone. Earth bases which were only days away
are now years in the distance. Our overriding question now is, what destroyed the Valiant? They lived through the barrier just as we have. What happened to them after that?"

• "Captain's log, stardate 1313.1. We're now approaching Delta Vega. Course set for a standard orbit. This planet, completely uninhabited, is slightly smaller than Earth. Desolate, but rich in
crystal and minerals. Kelso's task – transport down with a repair party, try to regenerate the main engines, save the ship. Our task – transport down a man I've known for fifteen years, and
if we're successful, maroon him there."

• "Captain's log, stardate 1313.3. Note commendations on Lieutenant Kelso and the engineering staff. In orbit above us, the engines of the Enterprise are almost fully regenerated. Balance of
the landing party is being transported back up. Mitchell, whatever he's become, keeps changing, growing stronger by the minute."

• "Captain's log, stardate 1313.8. Add to official losses, Dr. Elizabeth Dehner. Be it noted she gave her life in performance of her duty. Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell. Same notation.“ –
Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek – Where No Man Has Gone Before)

• You will note that almost the entire story can be followed through these short logs: The Enterprise discovers a distress call and leaves the galaxy to investigate. An energy barrier causes serious damage
and causes two of the crew to acquire Sith-like powers. They go to another planet to repair the ship, but Kirk is forced to kill his friend Mitchell as he has grown too powerful, and that power has
corrupted him entirely.
personal logs
• Personal logs are more akin to diaries and record the personal thoughts and feelings of crew members, and are usually for their eyes
only.
• They allow the viewer to enter the minds of the characters and understand their thoughts and feelings.
• For example:
• “I’ve never trusted Klingons, and I never will. I have never been able to forgive them for the death of my boy.” – Captain
James T. Kirk (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country) – A log entry that would be used against him when on trial for the
assassination of the Klingon Chancellor.
• “So…I lied. I cheated. I bribed men to cover the crimes of other men. I am an accessory to murder. But the most damning
thing of all…I think I can live with it. And if I had to do it all over again, I would…” – Captain Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek: Deep
Space Nine – In the Pale Moonlight) – A log entry recorded after a plot to trick the Romulan Empire into entering the
Federation’s war with the Dominion ended in the murder of a Romulan senator.
The Secret Diary of Adrian
Mole, Aged 13 ¾ (Sue
Townsend)

• This is a narrative, written in diary form, that tells the story of Adrian Mole: a typical working-class boy in 1980’s England.
• The diary format allows the reader to get inside the protagonist’s head and obtain a deeper understanding of the thoughts, concerns, trials, and tribulations
of a teenage boy.
• As it is written from a first person and subjective perspective it is important to consider whether the protagonist’s perceptions are accurate.
• Example:

Tuesday March 3rd

Shrove Tuesday
I gave Barry Kent his protection money today. I don’t see how there can be a God. If there was surely he wouldn’t let people like Barry Kent walk about menacing
intellectuals? Why are bigger youths unpleasant to smaller youths? Perhaps their brains are easily worn out with all the extra work they have to do making
bigger bones and stuff, or it could be that the big youths have got brain damage because of all the sport they play, or perhaps big youths just like menacing and
fighting. When I go to university I may study the problem.
I will have my thesis published and I will send a copy to Barry Kent. Perhaps by then he will have learnt to read.
My mother had forgotten that today was pancake day. I reminded her at 11 PM. I’m sure she burnt them deliberately. I will be fourteen in one month’s time.
Journals in
the iGCSE
Exam
 Exam notes

JOURNALS MAY APPEAR IN THE THERE ARE 25 MARKS AVAILABLE. 15 MARKS ARE FOR READING, 10 MARKS YOUR WORD LIMIT WILL BE 250-350 DON’T FORGET TO PLAN YOUR ANSWER
DIRECTED WRITING SECTION OF PAPER 1. ARE FOR WRITING. WORDS. CAREFULLY BEFORE BEGINNING TO
WRITE.
Paper 1
• The response reveals a thorough evaluation and analysis of the text.
• Developed ideas are sustained and well related to the text.
• A wide range of ideas is applied.
Level 5 13-15 • There is supporting detail throughout, which is well integrated into the
response, contributing to a strong sense of purpose and approach.

Directed
• All three bullets are well covered.
• A consistent and convincing voice is used.

Writing:
• The response demonstrates a competent reading of the text with some
evidence of basic evaluation or analysis.
• A good range of ideas is evident.
• Some ideas are developed but the ability to sustain them may not be
Level 4 10-12 consistent.

Table A -
• There is frequent, helpful supporting detail, contributing to a clear sense of
purpose.
• All three bullets are covered.
• An appropriate voice is used.

Reading
• The text has been read reasonably well.
• A range of straightforward ideas is offered.
• Opportunities for development are rarely taken.
Level 3 7-9 • Supporting detail is present but there may be some mechanical use of the
text.
• There is uneven focus on the bullets.
• The voice is plain.

• There is some evidence of general understanding of the main ideas,

although the response may be thin or in places lack focus on the text or the
question.
Level 2 4-6 • Some brief, straightforward reference to the text is made.
• There may be some reliance on lifting from the text.
• One of the bullets may not be addressed.
• The voice might be inappropriate.

• The response is either very general, with little reference to the text, or a
reproduction of sections of the original.
Level 1 1-3
• Content is either insubstantial or unselective.
• There is little realisation of the need to modify material from the text.
Level 0 0 • There is very little or no relevance to the question or to the text.
 • Effective register for audience and purpose.

Paper 1
• The language of the response sounds convincing and consistently
appropriate.
Leve • Ideas are firmly expressed in a wide range of effective and/or interesting
9-10 language.
l5

Directed
• Structure and sequence are sound throughout.

Writing:
• Some awareness of an appropriate register for audience and purpose.
• Language is mostly fluent and there is clarity of expression.
Leve • There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to express ideas with subtlety and
7-8 precision.
l4

Table B -
• The response is mainly well structured and well sequenced.

• Language is clear but comparatively plain and/or factual, expressing little

Writing
opinion.
Leve • Ideas are rarely extended, but explanations are adequate.
5-6
l3 • Some sections are quite well sequenced but there may be flaws in structure.

• There may be some awkwardness of expression and some inconsistency of

style.
Leve • Language is too limited to express shades of meaning.
3-4
l2 • There is structural weakness and there may be some copying from the text.

• Expression and structure lack clarity.

• Language is weak and undeveloped.
Leve • There is very little attempt to explain ideas.
1-2
l1 • There may be frequent copying from the original.

Leve
0 • The response cannot be understood.
l0
Remember
• Read the question carefully: take note of what the bullet points ask you to discuss.
• Note the context of the question and whether you are being asked to produce a diary or journal entry.
• Structure your content chronologically.
• Make sure your register and tone are appropriate for the context.
• Make sure your word choices are appropriate to the context and audience.
• If you are writing a diary entry, don’t forget to use descriptive and emotive language.
• Proofread carefully and critically.
Task
 Imagine you are the first person to set foot on Mars. Write a journal entry to describe your landing. You should

Task
discuss:
• Your experiences of the landing and your first walk on the surface of Mars;
• What you discovered on Mars;
• What you plan to do next.
You should write 250-350 words.
 • Be sure to follow the writing process we have been using
throughout the course:

The
• Planning carefully and thoroughly;
• Drafting;
Revising and editing critically;
writing
•
• Polishing off;
• Self-assessment, reflection, and submission.

process • If you skip this, you are less likely to produce a quality piece of
writing.
• Practice your time management for the exam: allow yourself around
45 minutes to go through the above process.
Any questions?