Entry: 15

Date: unknown

I got this through a website on the internet. The article is on How to improve language learning through journal writing. Firstly all that you need is a book and a pen. A laptop or a personal computer can be options too. You can have your own mental locked time to write or anytime you feel you have the most free time writing. The recommended time to write is when you are having lunch at a restaurant or when you are putting your legs in the blanket to sleep at night. 10 minutes is just enough to put any of your thoughts on the paper permanently.

What do you write about? When people hear the word "journal," they sometimes think of highly personal and secret writings. You can write your innermost thoughts and emotions, but you don't have to. You can simply record the day's happenings in a matter of fact way. Evening is a good time for this. What did you do, who did you see, and where did you go? A simple short summary of what you read and your opinion will keep your thoughts working. It does not have to be formal, it just have to be in the language of your target language. As I mentioned before I wrote my diary in English since I was six and continue writing it until I am twelve. I may not be as good as Yong Hon Chong, but I benefit of writing the diary as if I am communicating with someone, someone I think would not judge my ideas and expressions.

How should you write? This should be less formal than a regular essay but enough to make you understand what you wrote in case if you want to read it again. Have a dictionary nearby, or use spell check from time to time, but don't obsess. A dictionary is very helpful especially for a foreign language or for your target language. Use paragraph form, and write in sentences for the most part. But you don't have to reread and make corrections. Just keep it simple for you and your time. No pressure doing it, I know this from my own experience years ago. I don’t know why I stopped the habit. The beauty and magic of journal writing is that your English or second language writing will improve even if no teacher ever reads it or corrects it. You don't need a teacher or proof-reader, just a pen or pencil and paper or computer. You will see a big difference and in no time you will be a completely new writer.

p/s: I adjusted and modified the article here and there to suit my purpose, which is to say that I benefit from writing journal and I hope that my in the future I can make my students see what good it gives.