Diary (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes

Diary Entry

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Diary Entry Structure

• Date, Time and Place: State the date time and place before your entry to make it look like a diary.
• Introduction: Begin with a salutation.
• Body paragraphs: Discuss 3 main things that happened during the day.
• Reflection: Reflect on what you learned/how you feel about the events.

Using TAGS to Plan Your Response:

Topic: The events and personal reflections that will be recorded in your diary entry, as suggested by the exam question.

Audience: A personal diary records the writer's thoughts and feelings and is not intended to be read by anyone else. Write for yourself.

Genre: Use structural features such as noting the date, starting with a salutation like "Dear Diary," and writing in a chronological order.

Style: Choose the appropriate tone (formal or informal) and language based on whether the diary is personal or meant for a wider audience. Avoid text-speak, slang, and abbreviations.

How to Write a Diary Entry:

Title:

Provide a title that reflects the general theme or focus of your diary entry.

Thursday, 14th November, 7:30 am

Introduction:

• Begin by noting the date and, optionally, the time of your entry.

• Start with a salutation such as "Dear Diary."

• Set the scene for what you will discuss in the entry. Body Paragraphs:

• Record events that have taken place or give details of a way of life.

• Discuss your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on these events.

• Entertain your readers with personal anecdotes or your opinions.

• Keep the tone chatty and relaxed for a personal diary, or adjust it accordingly if the diary is meant to entertain a wider audience. Example:

• First Point: Reflect on recent events and their impact on you.

• Second Point: Describe interactions and significant moments.

• Third Point: Share your personal insights or future hopes. Conclusion:

• Summarise your reflections on the day's events.

• End with a final thought or future outlook, but there's no need for a formal sign-off.

Literary Techniques Used in a Diary Entry

Literary Technique	Description	Example
First-person Narrative	Writing from the "I" perspective to create intimacy and personal connection.	"I felt nervous walking into the café this morning."
Stream of Consciousness	A narrative mode that depicts the flow of thoughts and feelings passing through the mind.	"All I could think about was making the perfect latte and hoping I wouldn't mess up."
Anecdotes	Short, personal stories to illustrate a point or add interest.	"When I accidentally spilled coffee on my apron, my manager laughed and helped me clean up."
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	"The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, and the sound of the milk frother was a constant background hum."
Dialogue	Writing conversations to reveal character and advance the narrative.	"My colleague said, 'Don't worry, everyone messes up on their first day.'"
Reflective Questions	Questions that the writer asks themselves to reflect on their experiences.	"Did I make a good impression today? Will I ever get the hang of this?"
Emotive Language	Words and phrases that evoke an emotional response.	"I felt a surge of pride when I served my first customer without any mistakes."
Metaphors and Similes	Comparing two things to add depth and understanding.	"Starting this job feels like learning to ride a bike all over again."
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for effect or emphasis.	"It felt like the longest day of my life, with every minute stretching into an eternity."
Ellipsis	Three dots (...) indicating a pause or unfinished thoughts.	"I wonder if I'll ever become as skilled as the others..."