How to Keep a Journal

Journals can help you plan any project by providing a place to talk it over with yourself. Whether you need to write a research paper, a personal essay, or take-home examination, make journal notes on how to approach it, where to start, or who else to consult before actually beginning a draft.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Notebook
• Pen or pencil

How to keep a joural!

1. Keep it flexible. Buy a loose-leaf notebook that will allow you to add, subtract, and rearrange entries, so you can edit your journal before sharing it with an instructor.
2. Organize. Add dividers and set aside space to write about different subjects, some personal, some academic.
3. Date each entry. Record the date and other information of interest (time, place, weather). Your journal is a personal historical document, and as such may be of interest in the future.
4. Write to yourself. Write in your natural voice, your letter-writing voice. Don't worry about style, spelling, or punctuation.