If you ask me, I would say the Diary entry is the most pleasant of the writing tasks.

It is definitely the one where you get to express your feelings and opinions in a more raw manner. However, this can cause confusion and lead you to be too casual. To avoid that and  make sure you get all of those juicy marks keep reading.

I. The Diary entry: The Basics

Where does it appear:  Written Production. Section C. 2. a

How many marks: 25 marks

To be finished in 35 minutes

II. Tips for writing a good Diary Entry

1. First 3 minutes: Prepare to write the Diary

Read the questions fully, and look for verbs and keywords that give important information about the situation. Read the points and plan your answer. It is a great idea to write down your plan as it shows the examiner that you are, indeed, trying to make a good effort on this.

2. Craft your points.

Look for 4 valid, well-made points and to make 2 to 3 sentences per point,  give the examiner a good chunk of info regarding that point.

3. Use a layout.

You must write the date, time, greeting and sign-off as well as starting a new paragraph for each new point. This makes it easier for the examiner to read and to see you have covered all the points. (Keep reading for a glorious layout)

4. Use the correct tone for the Diary

Remember that you are talking to your diary which is yourself so there is a level of emotion and vulnerability permitted. Show your personality, and allow yourself to be a bit dramatic. (UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES can you use curse words or foul language)

Example.   I have been invited to the party (that’s the point) …and I can’t wait! (That’s you showing how expressive you are)

5. Get your verbs ready for success.

This is your moment to shine with your use of different verb tenses, a good idea is to have a soft guide-line

-Past. Quickly sum up the situation.

-Present. Great for expressing how you are currently feeling about the whole thing.

-Future. Good for expressing how you expect/ hope the situation will develop

6. Proofread.

Always. Always check your answers, make sure everything is legible, all verbs are correct, and all nouns-adjectives are in agreement.

III. Use this glorious layout.

IV. Practise, practice Practice

And that is it! I would suggest starting your own little diary coming up to the exam,  An easy thing to do is to write about your practice of Spanish, it helps you vent out your feelings AND improve your Spanish!

If you found this super helpful and you want to let me know, I would love to read you on the comments blow 😀