Unit 78: The Art of Maintaining an English Diary
Compose a short essay of approximately 120 words, centered around the theme “Maintaining an English Diary.”
“Exemplary Essay”
Maintaining an English Diary
There exist numerous methodologies to refine our English writing prowess, and one such effective approach is the practice of maintaining an English diary.
Contrary to the apprehensions of some students, keeping an English diary is not an arduous task. When juxtaposed with other writing genres, diaries are notably more concise and demand a lesser investment of time. Engaging in this activity often yields considerable satisfaction. Given the multifaceted and vibrant nature of our lives, it is relatively straightforward to select one or two occurrences to document.
As for the methodology of maintaining an English diary, the initial step involves procuring a notebook and an English-Chinese dictionary. Subsequently, one should succinctly articulate in English the events experienced and reflections pondered throughout the day. It is advisable to establish a routine of writing the diary prior to retiring for the night. This practice is genuinely conducive to enhancing one’s English writing abilities.
“Annotations.”
①prowess：n.才能，技能
②apprehension：vi.想象，担心
③juxtaposed with：与……并列比较
④occurrence：n.事件，发生
①articulate：记下
②succinctly：adv.简洁地
③retiring for the night：上床睡觉
“Critique.”
This essay is a well-structured expository piece that expands upon the given topic, “Maintaining an English Diary.” Such a writing format should be diligently practiced as an essential preparation strategy. It not only assesses a student’s cognitive abilities but also evaluates their capacity to organize and articulate thoughts coherently.
The prompt material for this composition consists solely of the title, “Maintaining an English Diary,” which provides considerable latitude for creative expression. The entire essay must revolve around the central theme of “keeping a diary in English.” From which aspects should one proceed? The essay’s framework is outlined as follows:
The first paragraph succinctly conveys the author’s stance: maintaining an English diary is a viable method to elevate one’s English writing proficiency.
The second paragraph delves into the simplicity of keeping an English diary, contrasting it with other writing forms by highlighting its brevity and minimal time requirement, along with the inherent pleasures it offers.
Subsequently, the author transitions naturally to the third paragraph with the inquiry, “Then how to keep a diary in English?” This segues into a detailed explanation of the specific steps involved, employing transitional phrases such as “first, then” to articulate the process. The concluding sentence, “It is really helpful to improve our English writing skills,” echoes the opening statement, creating a cohesive narrative.
Source: English Composition Mastery Series: Gaokao Edition, edited by Li Hua Tian, Wuhan University Press, 2005