32 Writing Prompts for Your Language Learning Journal

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Of the four pillars of language learning (reading, writing, listening and speaking), writing is an often underrated skill.

Writing in your target language is a great way to start producing sentences of your own and can help you acquire new vocabulary and practice grammatical structures.

As an output skill, writing is perfect for introverted or quiet learners who find speaking stressful.

No, this is not me giving you permission to stop practicing your speaking skills, but we all have days when we simply can’t deal with talking to actual human beings.

With writing, there is less pressure to keep up with a conversation partner and keep the flow of conversation going. You can take time to organise your thoughts, look up any vocabulary you don’t know and go back to your writing to correct any mistakes.

Keeping a Language Learning Journal

A fantastic way to practice your writing skills is to keep a language learning journal or diary.

There are a few ways you can go about writing in your target language:

• The free-flow approach – Simply start writing without looking up words in the dictionary. This forces you to use the words already at your disposal and is a good way of identifying any gaps in your vocabulary. You can then go back and look up any words you didn’t know.
• The brainstorming approach – Choose a topic and brainstorm some vocabulary you think you may need. Look these up in your dictionary and then use them in your written piece.
• The look-up approach – Start writing and look up any unknown words as you go along.

 

It’s a good idea to ask a native speaker or your teacher to check your work so you do not unconsciously reinforce mistakes.

If you don’t know any native speakers, you can submit your writing on a language-exchange social network like Lang-8 and have it corrected by one of the community members.

Writing Prompts

Knowing what to write can sometimes be the hardest part. I’ve put together a list of 32 writing prompts that will help you get the creative juices flowing.

I have loosely categorised these topics into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, but don’t get too hung up on these categories, especially at the Intermediate and Advanced levels.

Pick a topic that interests you and see how far you get.

Beginner

1. A self-introduction

Probably the first assignment you will get in any language course. Write one or two paragraphs introducing yourself. What is your name? How old are you? What nationality are you? What do you do for a living?

2. Your family

Another fairly simple one suitable for beginners. How many members do you have in your family? What are their likes and dislikes?

3. A shopping list

Write out a simple shopping list. This is a great way to learn the words for everyday household items.

4. Your morning routine

Take a page from the lifestyle blogger’s playbook and write about your morning routine. For beginners, this can be as simple as getting up, brushing your teeth, and so on.

5. A recent holiday or trip

Yes, I know this sounds like the classic ‘My Summer’ essay you were forced to write at school, but it is a good way of mining new travel vocabulary.

6. A diary entry

Write a diary entry detailing the events of your day and how you felt about them.

7. Give directions

Imagine that you have to direct a friend from a familiar landmark to your home. Try not to get them lost!

8. Recipe

Translate a simple recipe into your target language.

9. Hobbies

What do you do for fun? Do you have a passion project?

10. Write a social media post in your target language

Caption your latest Instagram photo or tweet your thoughts.

Intermediate

11. Describe a picture

Find a photo, picture or artwork that inspires or interests you and try to describe it in your target language.

12. State your case

Propose an argument for and against something. For example, why should you use public transport instead of driving? Write down some pros and cons.

13. A film/book review

Enjoyed a good movie or book lately? Can you give a brief overview of the plot? What did you like or dislike about it?

14. Your goals for the future

Imagine you have to answer the dreaded interview question ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ in your target language.

15. A how-to

Are you good at something? Write down a step-by-step how-to guide. This can be something as simple as how to boil an egg or more complex like how to do a pivot chart in Excel (if you know how to do this, I’d like to know too).

16. Explain your job

This is a good way to learn industry-specific terms. What do you get up to in the office? What are your responsibilities? What are your co-workers like?

17. Your most embarrassing moment

We all have at least one cringe-worthy story. What happened?

18. Write about your country or culture

This topic has the potential for many off-shoots. Are there any interesting places to visit in your country? Do you have any traditions or festivals?

19. Sports

Do you play any sports? Who is your favourite player? Can you explain the rules of the game in simple terms?

20. Write a letter of complaint

Restaurant got your order wrong? New dress falling apart after one wear? Write a formal letter of complaint to the company at fault.

21. Translate something

Try translating a page from your novel, a news article, a song or poem.

22. Summarize a magazine or news article

Read a news article or editorial and try to summarise the main points in your own words.

Advanced

23. Write a short story

This is a super challenging one. Creative writing can be tricky even in your native language. You have to consider pacing, point of view, natural-sounding dialogue and a whole lot more. Try your hand at writing a short flash fiction piece, but don’t worry about getting it perfect. After all, fiction writers spend years perfecting their craft.

24. Discuss a political event

Got an opinion on Brexit, the Hong Kong protests or the failings of your local government? Write an opinion piece on a recent political issue or event.

25. Industry presentation

Useful if you are working or doing business in your target language. Put together a short presentation on a hot topic in your industry or your latest work project.

26. Are we killing our planet?

Do you think climate change is a global crisis? What can we do to save our planet?

27. Is technology making us lonely?

Our world is more connected than ever before. But do social media and other technologies actually isolate us from others?

28. Are video games making us more violent?

Do you think video game violence encourages violence in real life?

29. Why do you think we should learn a new language?

Get some ideas on this topic here.

30. What is your greatest fear?

What scares you most? How do you deal with anxiety and fear?

31. Do you believe in fate?

Does everything happen for a reason? Or do we create our own destinies?

32. Who do you consider your role model and why?

Who inspires you? What did you learn from that person? How did it change your outlook on life?

Do you keep a language learning journal? What do you like writing about?