Improve your English writing with daily journal prompts
Have you ever written a diary or journal? Maybe when you were a child you wrote about your day, your friends, your thoughts or your secrets. Or perhaps you’ve tried writing a diary as you’ve got older – trying a ‘one line a day’ diary, or simply typing your thoughts on your laptop or phone. Writing a diary is a fantastic English writing exercise to improve your skills and abilities.
There are many benefits to writing in English. It helps you build confidence, remember and practise new vocabulary, and helps you express your thoughts and ideas clearly. It can also be a good way to relax.
So, if you’ve never tried writing a diary before, why not start a simple one now? The best thing about writing a diary or journal is that you don’t have to share it with anyone. It’s your space, with your words, in your time. And, if you’re worried that you won’t know what to write, journal prompts can help you to get started.
How to start a journalling routine
One of the best things about journalling or writing a diary is that you don’t need much to begin. A notebook and pen, or a notes app on your phone, is enough to get started with some simple journal prompts.
Here are some tips on how to start journalling as a regular English writing exercise:
Pick a time that works for you
Lots of people journal for 5–10 minutes in the evening, before bed, when they can sit quietly and think. However, other people prefer writing in the morning when their mind is fresh, or find time during the day.
Create a calm space
Find a comfortable place where you can focus and not be disrupted. It might be your sofa, a desk, bed or your favourite cafe. You might find it helpful to keep this your ‘writing spot’, and always write in your journal in the place you choose.
Keep it short and sweet
You don’t need to write pages and pages each time you write in your journal. The easiest way to introduce English journalling into your routine is to aim for a short time each day – 5 to 10 minutes will do, even if it’s just a few sentences based on a journal prompt. The goal is to stay consistent, not perfect. If you miss a day, it’s OK – just try again tomorrow.
Daily writing prompts to get you started
To help you begin, here are some ideas you can use for writing inspiration. You can use one journal prompt per day, use the ones you like best or repeat them whenever you like.
Prompts connected to your interests
- What did you do today that you enjoyed?
- What would you like to make time for in the next few weeks or months?
- If you could plan your perfect evening, what would you do?
- What’s the most fun day you’ve had recently?
- If you could go on holiday, where would you like to go?
Reflective journal prompts
- Write about a problem you solved recently. How did it make you feel?
- List three things you’re thankful for today.
- Describe something that made you smile this week.
- Write a letter to your past/future self – what advice would you give?
- What is something you’ve achieved recently that you’re proud of?
Prompts related to everyday life
- What is your morning routine like? Is there anything you’d like to change about it?
- What is the best meal you’ve eaten recently?
- Talk about a walk you enjoy. What do you hear, see and smell on this walk?
- What helps you feel calm and focused during your day?
- What helps you relax and rest well in the evening?
Books, music and culture journal prompts
- What’s something you’ve read recently? What did you enjoy (and not enjoy)?
- Talk about a TV series you’re enjoying and why.
- What’s a film or TV series you’ll never forget?
- What’s your favourite song/album?
- Which country/culture would you like to learn more about? Why?
Journal prompts on dreams and ambitions
- What does success mean to you?
- Talk about your biggest achievement and what it means to you.
- What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
- Where do you see yourself in 2, 5 and 10 years?
- Write something you’d like to do, personally and professionally, this year.
Make journalling your own personalised writing practice
You don’t have to follow all (or any) of these daily writing prompts. You also don’t have to use journal prompts every day. They’re more of a guide to get you started, and to think about the things you could write about. You can mix topics, come up with your own or buy a notebook that has ready-made journal prompts in it. Write about whatever you feel that day. That’s the best thing about journalling – it’s flexible, personal, and whatever you want it to be.
When you write, don’t think about your spelling or grammar. This is your private space to be free and play with language how you want to. Over time, you’ll notice your vocabulary growing, your writing sounding more natural, and you feeling more comfortable and confident in your writing abilities. You might even start thinking in English, which can help your spoken English, too.
Some people find that ‘stream of consciousness’ writing is useful, or easier for them than using a journal prompt. This means simply opening a notebook or getting a piece of paper and writing without actively thinking – simply writing whatever comes to mind and wherever your hand (or pen) takes you. It can be beneficial for getting things off your mind, or writing about longer events, thoughts or situations, too.
Final thoughts
Writing in English doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. It can be a creative way to practise, reflect and grow – both in your English language abilities and your understanding of yourself. A great thing about English writing with journal prompts is that you don’t need a teacher or an English lesson to start – you just need a few minutes, a quiet space, and a willingness to write down some of your thoughts and ideas.
If you’re ready to begin, get a notebook or notes app, pick a time, find a comfortable place and get started!
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