Journal topics that ask a "What is" question are actually asking "What is...and why" even though the "and why" is not stated. Some examples of these topics include "What is something you dislike about yourself?" "What is your favorite room in the house?" "What is the best birthday present you ever received?" or "What is something that really bugs you?"
"What if" journal topics are designed to produce a more creative approach than "What is" questions. Some of these topics include "What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?" "What would happen if you loved your neighbor as yourself?" or "What would you do if you were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?"
Some journal topics touch on things relevant to the student's life, and explore how the student feels about them. Some examples of these topics include "Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party to have a good time?" "Should you have to do chores around the house?" or "Should junk food be banned from school?"
"How do you feel" topics encourage students to be introspective with their answers. Some of these topics include "How do you feel when you have had a fight with your best friend?" "How do you feel when you want something and cannot have it?" "How do you feel during a thunderstorm?" or "How do you feel when your parents are upset with you?"