How to Start an English Study Journal (+Recommended Journals & Pens)

Starting an English study journal is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. It helps you stay consistent, track your progress, and make learning more personal and fun.

In this post, I’ll show you how to start your own journal and recommend some helpful tools to get you going.

Some links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend tools I trust and love!

Step 1: Choose Your Journal

Your journal should feel good to write in! Choose a notebook or planner that you’ll enjoy using every day.

📓 Recommended Journals:

• Minimalist A5 Notebook for Daily Notes

• Grammar Study Planner

• Bullet Journal for Language Learners

Look for features like lined pages, soft covers, or sections to track goals and review grammar points.

Step 2: Pick the Right Pens

Writing with a smooth, comfortable pen can make a big difference. Choose colorful pens to highlight grammar rules, vocabulary, or corrections.

✏️ Recommended Pens:

• Pilot G2 Gel Pens - Smooth Writing

• Multicolor Fineliner Pens for Notes

Step 3: What to Write in Your Journal

Here are some great ideas for daily or weekly entries:

• New words or phrases you learned

• Grammar points with examples

• Mini diary entries (past tense practice!)

• Short summaries of what you read or watched

• Personal goals or learning reflections

Try writing 5–10 minutes a day. Make it your English “safe space” where you can express yourself and grow!

Step 4: Organise Your Journal

Use simple sections or tabs:

• ✉️ Vocabulary

• ✍️ Grammar Rules

• 📃 Diary Entries

• 🔄 Reviews & Reflections

Bonus: Add washi tape, stickers, or printed worksheets to make your journal more visual and motivating.

Free Online Lesson Resources

Here are some helpful grammar and vocabulary lessons you can use with your study journal:

Grammar Lessons:

• A1–A2 Grammar Lessons

• B1–B2 Grammar Lessons

• C1 Grammar Lessons

• Grammar Reference

Vocabulary Lessons:

• A1–A2 Vocabulary

• B1–B2 Vocabulary

• Vocabulary Games

Recommended App:

• LearnEnglish Grammar App by British Council

Tip: After completing a lesson, write down new vocabulary, grammar tips, and a few example sentences in your journal. It’s a great way to connect digital learning with real writing practice!

Sample Journal Page Entry

Use this format in your journal after completing any online lesson:

🗓 Date: June 17

🌟 Topic: Zero and First Conditionals

📓 Lesson: Zero and First Conditional – B1 Grammar

🧠 What I learned:

• Zero conditional: facts or general truths

  If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

  
  

• First conditional: real possibility in the future

  If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.

✍️ My 5 Practice Sentences:

1. If I study every day, my grammar will improve.

2. If you touch fire, it burns.

3. If I’m tired tonight, I won’t go out.

4. If students write more, they learn faster.

5. If I see Maria tomorrow, I’ll give her the book.

💭 Reflection:

Today I learned how to use conditionals to talk about habits and future plans. I still need more practice with sentence order and negative forms.

Wrap-Up

Keeping an English study journal helps you become a more confident, independent learner. It’s a creative, flexible, and personal way to practice consistently.

Call to Action

What’s in your study journal? Share your favourite ideas in the comments!👉

Also read: 5 Must-Have Grammar Tools for English Learners

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