the effect created by using language features such as conversational sentence openers that may break normal ‘rules’ of writing

a word, phrase or sentence that expresses strong emotion or surprise

a conversational or informal sentence that does not contain a verb, breaking the normal written convention

language structures that develop text cohesion

Writing the diary entry of a Windrush passenger before their arrival in the UK

English

In this unit, pupils learn to develop their skills of writing a diary with emotion based on a significant historical event.

In 'Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet’: Diary and Narrative Writing', pupils learnt to write a diary entry from a character's perspective with heightened emotions from a fictional context. In this unit, pupils will learn to develop their skills of writing a diary with emotion based on a significant historical event.’

The Empire Windrush: diary writing

It doesn't have an intended audience; you are writing for yourself only 

It is written to entertain a large audience; it should be engaging and chatty

Why is a conversational tone appropriate for a diary entry?

Which of the following are features that build a conversational tone? 

Which of the below are verbless sentences? 

I packed my things and I got on the bus. 

Which of the sentences below use conversational sentence openers? 

I was overflowing with: emotions fear, anxiety, excitement and exhilaration.

I was overflowing with emotions fear, anxiety: excitement and exhilaration.

I was overflowing with emotions: fear, anxiety, excitement and exhilaration.

Which sentence has the colon in the correct position? 

How is Celia feeling at the end of this diary entry? 

True or false: a diary can only be written using the present tense.

In which tense is this sentence written? 'I am determined to make a success of this place.'

In which tense is this sentence written? 'I rushed over to her and I hugged her tightly.'

Had I done the right thing by coming here? 

Which of these sentences show thoughts and feelings rather than events? 

I imagined what my mother's advice to me would be.

I couldn't believe the beauty of what I saw.

Which feeling best completes this action? 'As I sat down on the bed, ...'

How does Celia feel at the end of our diary plan?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Writing the diary entry of a Windrush passenger before their arrival in the UK

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.