As previously mentioned, a diary entry is written in a particular format. It may have a date at the start; it may address the diary directly; it may be written in chronological order; and it may end with a refl ection. Diary entries are often short. They also use a particular language and register.
REGISTER (N.):
the way that people communicate (write or speak) for diff erent situations, including choice of words, grammar and pronunciation
The register used in a diary entry tends to be informal, as it is only intended to be read by the writer. In informal language, we often shorten words and speak in a casual manner. In formal language, we use a more ‘professional’ register and more serious tone.
Answer two of these three questions. 1
Read over Adrian Mole’s diary entries and fi nd at least two examples of informal language. Now rewrite one of these examples using formal language.
2 3
Dr Richard Hayes’ diary entry uses a more formal register. This is because he likely knew that his diary might be of historical interest and so read by others some day. Find two examples of formal writing in Dr Hayes’ diary entry.
Anne Frank rewrote large parts of her diary in the knowledge that it might be of use to historians in compiling information on the suffering of the Jewish people under Nazi rule. As a result, the language she uses is sometimes formal. Read over Anne’s diary entries and identify at least one instance where she uses formal language and one instance where she uses informal language. Also try to fi nd any evidence that she was writing with a wider audience in mind.
