When I was learning Japanese, one of the best ways I practiced new vocabulary and grammar was by keeping a journal. Every week, I wrote a page about something interesting that had happened to me, or a topic I was passionate about. Over time, I noticed that both my writing and speaking improved, because I was constantly using the language I had studied.

Each week, I will use my tutor column to give you a journal prompt so that you too can enjoy learning English through writing.

This week's prompt is: 
Describe a book you have read recently.

Here are some questions to help you start:
- What is the title of the book?
- Who is the author?
- Briefly, what is the plot of the book?
- Who were the main characters? 
- What were the main themes of the book?
- Did you like the book? Why or why not?
- Who would you recommend the book to?

Here is some other words and phrases you can use to review books:

- I couldn't put it down (idiom) I didn't want to stop reading
The end of the book was so exciting, I couldn't put it down!

- to get into (idiom) to start enjoying something or become interested in it
I wanted to like the book, but I just couldn't get into it. The characters weren't very interesting to me.

- to devour (verb) to read something quickly and enthusiastically
I loved the book! I devoured it in one night.

- a page-turner (noun) a book that is so exciting you want to read it quickly
The book was a real page-turner. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop!

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Writing a journal is great, and speaking about it is even better. Would you like to practice your pronunciation by hearing your journal read by a native speaker, then reading it out loud? Would you like to practice your speaking skills by answering questions and having a discussion about your journal? If so, I recommend my lesson Journal Writing in English. You can write about anything you want - you are not limited to this journal topic.

Students can access a coupon using this link.