CREATIVE WRITING 11

Quarter 1- Week 5
Student:_______________________________

Write journal entries and other short compositions exploring key elements of fiction.
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify elements of fiction in sample journal entries;
2. know and define a journal and its content; and
3. write journal entries using key elements of fiction.

Source: SLM (2020). Creative Writing 11- Quarter 1-Week 5.

Task1. A. Directions: Read the journal inside the box and answer the questions that follow by writing the
letter of the best answer.

1. How will you describe the character in the journal?

A. The character was able to find a way to cope with power interruption.
B. The character got easily irritated due to power interruption.
C. The character is patient with the power interruption.
D. The character is scared of the power interruption.

2. How will you describe the tone of the character?

A. annoyed B. frightened C. patient D. worried
3. What type of point of view (POV) was used in the journal?
A. first person POV B. second person POV
C. narrator’s POV D. third person POV
4. What element of fiction is represented by the phrase power interruption based
on the journal?
A. atmosphere B. conflict C. symbolism D. theme
5. What element of fiction is represented by the phrase scorching room in the
journal?
A. atmosphere B. mood C. motif D. setting
B. Directions: Read the following statements. Write TRUE if you agree with the statement and FALSE if
otherwise.
6. Journaling is the same as diary writing.
7. Journals can contain anything which expresses your feelings in the best way.
8. A journal does not require specific dates unlike diary.
9. A journal may include various elements and techniques in writing like setting, conflict, theme, and
the likes.
10. A journal is a good place to write your goals, ambitions, thoughts, and feelings

Your score: 9-10 Excellent 7-8 Good 5-6 Fair

3-4 Poor 0-2 Needs Improvement
Discussion:
 Journal writing is an example of a short composition. It only requires few sentences unlike in short
stories, essays, speeches, play and the likes.
A journal is a daily, or periodic account of events and the writer’s thoughts and feelings about those
events (Holt, Rinheirt and Winston, 2000).
Personal journals are not normally written for publication, but sometimes they do get published later
with permission from the author or the author’s family. A journal is not intimate and less personal unlike a
diary which is written only for the owner’s private reference and pleasure.
The topics and content of a journal may vary. At times, a journal becomes a requirement in school. It
is when a teacher asks you to keep a record to update or progress in lessons or topics of a particular
course or subject. Sometimes, it is assigned to encourage reflection about a certain theory, concept or
topic. For example, the teacher asks you to reflect on the lines of the poem “Like the Molave” written by R.
Zulueta De Costa.
According to Barnwell (1987), the writer needs to learn how to interview oneself and also know how
to ask the appropriate questions that would encourage you to start talking about your observations and
experiences and express through writing, you may begin with simple to complex questions.
Thus, from “What makes the day today different from yesterday? How did you feel about it?” it could
develop to: “What theory or life’s principle have you learned through your actions?” He also suggested that
the same questions should be asked repeatedly to develop self- confidence in writing.
A journal as a snapshot album can capture different aspects of life. Thus, you need to write freely
guided by your thoughts and feelings. And if not motivated by your own deeds and experiences, you may
take the observed actions of a foe or a friend.
Furthermore, Krenzke, Kemper and Sebranek (1996) suggested journal writing tips that could serve
as your guide and to keep you going.

Tips in Writing a Journal

 Try writing nonstop. You may select at what point of the day will you write. It may be in the morning or
in the evening or in any time you are comfortable. Journal writing may be done daily or periodically.
Write as though you are talking to yourself or a friend.
 Focus on ideas, not looks. The real deal with journal is when you make new discoveries. Your writing
and its content shall develop even in a slightest way. Thus, concentrate on your thoughts and
disregard the appearance e.g. penmanship.
 Always date your entries. It is easy to review and recall when dates are indicated. You need to read
your entries from time to time. Underline interesting insights.
 Push an idea as far as you can. You may write an idea in different angles and perspectives. With this,
you may uncover new ideas.
 Experiment in your writing. Dare to be original. Connect ideas creatively weaving together the main
ideas and details distinctively. Use imagery, figurative language and literary devices.

Example:
March 30, 2011
Kopiko 78°

I did not expect that my first demonstration teaching last Friday would turn into a traumatic
ambulance experience. It was almost three o’clock in the morning and I just arrived to my boarding
house from my part-time job in a nearby famous restaurant. I hurriedly changed my working clothes to
my comfy shirt and pajama. I almost forgot that it would be my schedule for my demo teaching few
hours from now. One hour had passed and I was already on the last part of my lesson plan. I was so
busy seeping my Kopiko 78° caramel frappe until I noticed that I was about to throw its third empty
bottle. My brain cells were not working properly since I was already exhausted. I got no choice so I have
to let the coffee pass through my worn out veins just to finish my lesson plan plus my visual aids.
Moment by moment, my eyes went droopy, hearts pounding rapidly and I was involuntarily shaking. I
knew that this would really happen. I hardly took a short nap and prepared myself, as if I was really
prepared to face another challenging day. Time quickly fleeted away and I was now in front of my
students. I was about to greet them a snappy morning when I could not feel my limbs. I was panicking
and I could not search for my voice. In just a snap, everything turned black. The moment I woke up, I
was already inside the university’s ambulance with oxygen tube on my nostrils. I was gasping for air
and my head really hurt. I felt alarmed, knowing that I almost killed myself from exhaustion but the
nurse told me that everything will be okay. I felt that I was terribly drained and I did not care for myself. I
was so preoccupied with my part-time job and my student life. Maybe it was time to think of my priority.
Task 2. Directions: Among the three (3) topics, CHOOSE ONLY ONE (1). For the topic you have chosen, you
are to give two (2) answers with three (3) specific details. Specific details and descriptions may use
imagery (appeal to the senses), figurative language and literary devices. Think thoroughly and reflect
on yourself and your action to be able to accomplish this task. Write down your answers in your
activity notebook. You are encouraged to answer in complete sentences. Follow the format given
below.

Here is a sample:

Topic: My teacher asked us to keep a journal as a requirement of the course. We should describe our
favorite person and also write down our observations and perceptions about that person daily.

My favorite person is my grandmother.

Day 1: Today, I can conclude that my grandmother is a happy person.

Specific Details of the Problem:

a. She normally greets the people around her with a big smile.
b. She noticed that my mother was upset; she cheered her up.
c. She usually sings when she is happy; today, she sings most of the time.

Topic: Difficulties/ problems experienced during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) because of
COVID-19 pandemic
Problem No. 1 _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________

Problem No. 2 _______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________

Topic No. 2. What is on your mind today? Remember the thoughts that have been in your mind.
Thought No. 1 _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
Thought No. 2 _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
 Topic No. 3. During quarantine, the social interactions are limited. Minors and senior citizens are not allowed
to go out of their homes. What are the things you do daily to help maintain your social
relations and connections with friends and loved- ones?
Solution No. 1 _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
Solution No. 2 _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Specific Details of the Problem:
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________

Task 3. Directions. Select one (1) topic below. Write a journal regarding your chosen topic and answer the
following questions that follow.

ble Junior High School (JHS) Experience • Yourself Five Years from Now
• Summer Vacation • Best Family Bonding
• Favorite Subject • Best Book/Movie You Have Ever
• Crushes Read/Watched
• Rainy Days • The Best Country You Want to Visit
• Worst Nightmare • Hobby/Talents
• Favorite Childhood Toy • The Best/Worst Decision You Have Ever
Made
• Greatest Dream in Life
• Friendship

Answer the following questions based on your journal:

• Who is the character? How will you describe his/her traits/attitude?

• What is the setting? How will you describe its atmosphere?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
• Is there any conflict that happened? If so, what is it?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
• How will you describe the tone of the character?

• What have you learned while writing your journal?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________