mysql> SHOW VARIABLES LIKE "general_log%";
+------------------+----------------------------+
| Variable_name | Value |
+------------------+----------------------------+
| general_log | OFF |
| general_log_file | /var/run/mysqld/mysqld.log |
+------------------+----------------------------+
mysql> SET GLOBAL general_log = 'ON';
Then don't forget to
mysql> SET GLOBAL general_log = 'OFF';