CBSE Class 12 English Core: Diary Entry Writing for Q12/Q13 (2018–2025) with Sample Answers
In the CBSE Class 12 English Core exam, Q12 or Q13 in Section B (Writing Skills, 5 marks) may include a diary entry question as an alternative to other formats like letters or articles. While the literature section (Section C) focuses on Flamingo and Vistas long answers, the writing section tests creative and reflective skills. Diary entries require a personal, introspective tone, capturing emotions, events, or reactions within 120–150 words
Below, I provide:
- A format for diary entries.
- A step-by-step guide to writing high-scoring entries.
- Sample questions and answers for diary entries, inspired by CBSE patterns (2018–2025).
- Integration tips for your website.
Format of a Diary Entry (CBSE Class 12)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Top left: e.g., September 27, 2025. |
| Day & Time | Optional but adds authenticity: e.g., “Saturday, 8:30 PM.” |
| Salutation | Informal: “Dear Diary,” |
| Body | 2–3 paragraphs: 1. Context: Briefly describe the event/experience (1–2 sentences). 2. Reflection: Share emotions, thoughts, or lessons (3–4 sentences). 3. Conclusion: Look forward or resolve (1–2 sentences). |
| Closing | Sign off: e.g., “Good night, [Your Name].” |
| Word Limit | 120–150 words to avoid penalties. |
Marking Scheme: 1 mark format, 2 marks content (relevance, depth), 2 marks expression (grammar, coherence).
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Diary Entry
- Understand the Prompt: Identify the event or emotion (e.g., “winning a competition,” “witnessing pollution,” “preparing for exams”).
- Set the Tone: Use first-person, conversational language; reflect emotions (joy, concern, hope).
- Structure the Entry:
- Para 1: State what happened (e.g., “Today, I won the debate competition!”).
- Para 2: Describe feelings, challenges, or impact (e.g., “I was nervous but felt empowered…”).
- Para 3: Reflect on lessons or future steps (e.g., “I’ll keep practicing to inspire others.”).
- Use Vivid Language: Include sensory details (e.g., “the crowd’s applause echoed”).
- Stay Concise: Cut fluff to fit 120–150 words.
- Proofread: Check for spelling/grammar errors; ensure date and sign-off.
Time Allocation (Exam): 2 mins planning, 8–10 mins writing, 2 mins proofreading.
Sample Diary Entry Questions (Inspired by CBSE 2018–2025)
Since diary entries don’t appear explicitly in Q12/Q13 literature questions (which focus on Flamingo/Vistas), I’ve created realistic prompts based on CBSE writing section trends from past papers (Vedantu, Oswal Publishers) and common topics (e.g., social issues, personal growth, education). These align with the 2025 syllabus and exam patterns.
2025 (Hypothetical, Set 1, Q12): You visited a slum school and were moved by the students’ enthusiasm despite their challenges. Write a diary entry reflecting on this experience and how it inspired you to contribute to education equality.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:00 PM
Dear Diary,
Today, I visited a slum school, and my heart is still racing. The children, despite tattered uniforms and cramped classrooms, radiated enthusiasm, eagerly sharing their dreams of becoming doctors and artists. Their spark amidst poverty moved me deeply, reminding me of the inequality Spender describes in poetry. I felt a mix of admiration and guilt—how can such talent lack resources? Their teacher’s dedication inspired me to act. I’ve decided to volunteer weekly, teaching basic English, and start a blog on StudentBloggingHub.com to raise awareness about education equality. These kids deserve a chance to shine, and I’m determined to help. Tomorrow, I’ll draft a plan to connect with NGOs.
Good night,
Priya
10 Sample Diary Entry Questions for Flamingo and Vistas
These questions are designed to reflect CBSE’s focus on personal, emotional, and social responses, tied to key chapters from the 2024–25 syllabus.
Flamingo (Prose: The Last Lesson): Imagine you are a student in M. Hamel’s class, witnessing his final French lesson. Write a diary entry reflecting on your emotions about losing your language and how it changed your view of education.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 8:30 PM
Dear Diary,
Today, M. Hamel’s final French lesson shook me to my core. His announcement that Prussia banned our language felt like losing a part of myself. His passion, teaching “Vive La France!” on the board, made me regret skipping classes for fishing. I felt ashamed for taking French for granted, realizing it’s our identity. The classroom’s silence, even little Franz listening, showed our collective grief. I’m determined to study harder, preserving our culture through words. I’ll start a blog on StudentBloggingHub.com to share French phrases, keeping our heritage alive. Tomorrow, I’ll practice verbs M. Hamel taught.
Good night,
Jean
Flamingo (Prose: Deep Water): You are William Douglas after overcoming your fear of water. Write a diary entry describing your journey from fear to triumph and its impact on your confidence.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:00 PM
Dear Diary,
Today, I swam across the Yakima River—fearless! Years ago, waves “knocked me down” at the beach, and a pool incident left me terrified of water. That fear caged me, stopping me from fishing or boating. But my instructor’s drills—breathing, strokes—rebuilt my courage. Today’s swim felt like breaking free; the water was no longer my enemy. I owe this to resilience, echoing “all we have to fear is fear itself.” I’ll blog this journey on StudentBloggingHub.com to inspire others facing fears. Tomorrow, I’ll plan a kayaking trip to celebrate.
Good night,
William
Flamingo (Poem: My Mother at Sixty-Six): After seeing your ageing mother at the airport, like Kamala Das, write a diary entry capturing your fears of separation and how you plan to cherish time with her.
September 27, 2025,
Saturday, 8:45 PM
Dear Diary,
At the airport today, seeing Ma’s “pale as a late winter’s moon” face broke my heart. Her frail smile stirred an “old familiar ache” of losing her to time. The vibrant “trees sprinting” outside mocked her stillness, reminding me how age separates us. I hid my tears, saying “see you soon,” but fear lingered. I feel guilty for being so busy; I must cherish her now. I’ll blog memories with Ma on StudentBloggingHub.com to honor her and encourage others to value family. Tomorrow, I’ll call her and plan a visit.
Good night,
Kavya
Flamingo (Prose: The Rattrap): As the peddler, write a diary entry after Edla’s kindness transforms you, reflecting on how her trust changed your view of the world as a “rattrap.”
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:15 PM
Dear Diary,
Edla’s kindness changed me today. I’ve always seen life as a “rattrap,” full of traps like the crofter’s thirty kronor I stole. When the ironmaster mistook me for a captain, I felt trapped again, but Edla’s “gentle understanding” saw through me yet welcomed me. Her Christmas gift broke my cynicism—I returned the money, signing as “the rattrap peddler.” I’m not alone; kindness exists. I’ll share this story on StudentBloggingHub.com to inspire hope in others. Tomorrow, I’ll start helping at the church to repay kindness.
Good night,
Peddler
Flamingo (Poem: Keeping Quiet): Inspired by Neruda’s call for silence, write a diary entry about a moment you paused to reflect, and how it brought you closer to understanding unity.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 8:50 PM
Dear Diary,
Today, inspired by Neruda’s “Keeping Quiet,” I paused for a “huge silence.” Sitting by the lake, I stopped scrolling, letting thoughts settle. The stillness, unlike the “victory with no survivors” of wars, felt healing. I realized how my rush—exams, social media—divides me from others. This pause connected me to nature, like fishermen sparing whales. I feel calmer, united with life’s essence. I’ll blog this on StudentBloggingHub.com to urge friends to try a silent moment. Tomorrow, I’ll meditate for five minutes to stay grounded.
Good night,
Neha
Vistas (The Third Level): Imagine you are Charley after discovering the third level at Grand Central. Write a diary entry about your longing to escape modern stress and what 1894 represents to you.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:30 PM
Dear Diary,
I stumbled into the third level at Grand Central today—a 1894 world with “gas lights” and “brass spittoons.” Escaping the “war and worry” of exams and deadlines felt like a dream. This nostalgic haven, like my stamp collection, offered peace from modern chaos. But it’s gone now, leaving me longing for simplicity. I wonder if we’re too caught up in progress. I’ll blog about this on StudentBloggingHub.com to explore why we crave the past. Tomorrow, I’ll research 1890s history to feel closer to that calm.
Good night,
Charley
Vistas (The Tiger King): As a citizen of Pratibandapuram, write a diary entry reacting to the Maharaja’s death by a wooden tiger, reflecting on the irony and lessons about power.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 8:40 PM
Dear Diary,
The Maharaja’s death shocked Pratibandapuram today—a “sliver” from a wooden tiger ended his reign. His obsession with killing 99 tigers to defy fate seemed powerful, yet a toy brought him down. The irony stings; his “Tiger King” title now feels hollow, mocking his arrogance. It makes me question blind power—rulers destroy what they should protect. I’m shaken, but it’s a lesson in humility. I’ll blog this on StudentBloggingHub.com to warn against hubris. Tomorrow, I’ll urge friends to rethink leadership’s true meaning.
Good night,
Ravi
Vistas (Journey to the End of the Earth): You’re a student on the Antarctic expedition with Tishani Doshi. Write a diary entry about how the trip made you aware of climate change’s urgency.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:00 PM
Dear Diary,
The Antarctic expedition with Students on Ice was breathtaking—the “white continent” sparkled, but its fragility hit hard. Learning about phytoplanktons and melting ice, threatened by “burning fossil fuels,” made climate change real. I felt small yet responsible, realizing humanity’s impact could destroy this pristine land. Gondwana’s ancient story inspired awe, but our negligence scares me. I’ll start a blog series on StudentBloggingHub.com to share eco-tips and rally classmates for sustainability. Tomorrow, I’ll research carbon footprints to act smarter.
Good night,
Aisha
Vistas (On the Face of It): As Derry, write a diary entry after meeting Mr. Lamb, describing how his empathy helped you overcome insecurities about your appearance.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 8:55 PM
Dear Diary,
Meeting Mr. Lamb today changed everything. My scar made me feel “no one’ll ever look at me,” but his garden, full of “weeds and flowers,” welcomed me. Despite his tin leg, he shared stories and laughter, sacrificing his comfort to make me feel normal. His kindness eased my shame, pushing me to return despite Ma’s warnings. I feel hopeful, like I can face the world. I’ll blog about this on StudentBloggingHub.com to inspire others with insecurities. Tomorrow, I’ll visit Mr. Lamb again to learn more.
Good night,
Derry
Vistas (The Enemy): Imagine you are Hana, Dr. Sadao’s wife, during the American POW’s stay. Write a diary entry about your conflicting emotions and the moral dilemma of helping an enemy.
September 27, 2025, Saturday, 9:20 PM
Dear Diary,
Helping the American POW with Sadao is tearing me apart. As “the man was suffering,” we saved him, defying Japan’s war. But hiding an enemy risks everything—servants left, and the General’s watching. I’m torn between fear of betrayal and belief in humanity. Sadao’s compassion inspires me, yet I dread consequences. Helping him escape feels right, but my heart races. I’ll blog this dilemma on StudentBloggingHub.com to explore morality in war. Tomorrow, I’ll pray for peace to ease my guilt.
Good night,
Hana
CBSE Class 12 English Core: Diary Entry Writing for Q12/Q13 (2018–2025) with Sample Answers pdf
