3. How do we write reflective essays?
Understanding the assignment
Read your assignment guidelines carefully to determine which kind of reflections your lecturer wants and what they expect; and what content, such as an event, experience, reading or process, your lecturer wants you to reflect on.
Structuring your essay
A reflective essay typically follows the familiar organisational pattern: Introduction – Body Paragraphs – Conclusion. In the body paragraphs, reflective writing involves a number of formats, and this guide will sugguest a DIEP approach, that is, to describe , interpret , evaluate and plan (Boud et al., 1985).
· Introduction
o Introduce the topic and the scope (What?)
o Justify the topic (Why?)
o Present the purpose of your essay (Thesis statement)
o Give an overview of what you will cover, i.e., description, interpretation, evaluation and plan (How?)
· Body Paragraphs (DIEP)
o Describe objectively what happened
v Give the details of what happened (Include the necessary who, what, when, where, how and why. You may not need to recall the whole experience, e.g., an incident/ lecture/ reading, but just a key aspect of the experience itself.)
v Answer: “What did you do, read, see, hear, etc.?”
o Interpret what happened
v Explain why things happened in the way they did
v Answer: “What might this experience mean?”
v Answer: “How did it make you feel?”
v Answer: “How does it relate to what you know/ have learned?”
v AbswerL “What new insights have you gained from it?”
v Answer: “What are your hypothesis/ conclusions?”
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the experience
v Make judgments on whether the experience is effective for you and how beneficial and useful the experience has been
v Answer: “What is your opinion about this experience?”
Answer: “Why do you have this opinion?”
Answer: “What is the value of this experience?”
o Plan how this experience might help you in the future
v Outline a plan for how the experience may impact your thinking or behaviour in your course, programme, future career and life in general
v Answer: “How will you transfer or apply your new knowledge and insights in the future?”
v Answer
· Conclusion
o Restate your thesis statement
o Summarise the main ideas of the body paragraphs
o State your overview of the experience regarding its usefulness and effectiveness for you and your future
This website is an open access website to share our English Writing Requirement (General Education) writing support materials to support these courses
This platform provides access to generic genre guides representing typical university assignments as well as links to subjects offered by faculties with specific disciplinary genres and relevant support materials.
The materials can be retrieved by students by choosing the genres that interest them on the landing page. Each set of materials includes a genre guide, genre video, and a genre checklist. The genre guide and video are to summarize the genres in two different ways (i.e. textual and dynamic) to fit different learning styles. The genre checklist is for students to self-regulate their writing process. The genre guide and checklist include links to various ELC resources that can provide further explanation to language items (e.g. hedging and academic vocabulary).
The platform also acts as a one-stop-shop for writing resources for students, language teachers and subject leaders. Information about the English Writing Requirement policy can also be found on this platform. There are training materials for new colleagues joining the EWR Liaison Team.
Apr 16, 2023
Do you ever struggle to put your thoughts into words? If you've ever felt stumped by a reflective essay assignment, you're not alone. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for writing effective reflection essays that will help you communicate your ideas clearly and powerfully!
Reflective Essays take a look at a piece of writing or an experience in your life and write down how you feel about it. This strategy not only reveals fascinating insights about your perspective and personality, but it also makes for entertaining reading. Examining some model papers is a great way to hone your skills in outlining introspective essays.
A reflective essay (also called a critical reflection) involves a deep examination of one's assumptions, beliefs, and reactions to knowledge, events, or experiences. This type of writing encourages the author to introspect and articulate their personal insights on various subjects, influenced by literature, experiences, or lectures. Unlike traditional academic essays, reflective essays focus on the writer's individual perspective, employing a more subjective and expressive language without the necessity for scholarly sources. Essentially, while maintaining the core criteria of effective essay writing, a reflective essay distinguishes itself by centering on the writer's internal dialogue and personal growth.
Reflection isn't something that comes naturally to everyone. Whether one is contemplating one's own life experiences or a piece of literature, it can be challenging to put one's thoughts into words and express them adequately. Because of this, utilising this ability effectively when writing is necessary. The more time you devote to contemplating and learning about a topic, the more straightforward and understandable it will become. This situation is more complex than it initially appears to be.
Reflective writing is another way to convey both your growth and the feelings you've experienced. You can discover a lot about yourself and how you function by conducting an in-depth investigation of your interior workings. It is interesting to watch how they mature and change over time. The initial move is always the one that presents the greatest challenge. Because of this, developing a strategy for your reflective essay is a fantastic way to kick off the writing process.
The first part of an essay, known as the introduction, is generally composed of three parts. On the other hand, as was stated earlier, a conventional formula might experience significant shifts when written down in this manner.
Introduction
The introduction needs to be so captivating to the reader that they feel compelled to keep going with the story. To achieve this, writers will often include ambiguities, sarcastic circumstances, and tense situations in their works. An outline can be used for any kind of essay, but it is especially helpful for introspective writing because it organizes your thoughts and makes it easier to read. The abstract, just like the remainder of the essay, should be broken up into three main sections that are presented in the same order as the rest of the essay. On the other hand, as was stated earlier, a conventional formula might experience significant shifts when written down in this manner.
An engaging and interesting opening statement will pique the interest of the audience and encourage them to continue reading. To achieve this, authors will often include ambiguities, irony, and conflict within their works. The expression "my first bachelor celebration" is a good example of this concept in action.
Reflection Essay Example:
This past weekend I attended my first college frat party thanks to some friends who invited me.
That one phrase perfectly exemplifies an attention-grabbing opening to a reflective essay. In just one phrase, you've hooked the reader and set the stage for what you'll be discussing. Your essay's opening should always provide a teaser for the more in-depth explanation that follows in the essay's body.
The conclusion of your reflective essay, which you'll write based on the most significant event, should be the last line of the introduction. This sentence effectively summarises the changes brought about by the catalytic event and their importance in the grand scheme of things.
Body Paragraphs
The body of an introspective essay needs to expand on the topic presented in the essay's thesis. Students' first challenge in writing such essays is expressing their thoughts uninhibitedly. It's simple to get sidetracked and leap from one thought to the next. This leads us to a useful piece of advice: be consistent with the story arc you've established. If possible, create a distinct outline for the paragraphs in the main body.
You're free to include as many or as few body lines as you like. The text may have a one-sentence introduction and a secret closing, for instance, but the body will always be the largest section. Put your viewpoint on display as much as possible in the middle section. Put forth justifications to back up your claim or corroborating details to back up your statements. Examples, facts, occurrences of public life, events, real-life circumstances and experiences, scientific proof, references to scholars and scientists, etc., can all serve as argumentative points.
If you don't want to appear uncertain of your views, avoid giving too many examples. A personal reflective essay only needs one piece of proof. For reflective essays, interacting aspects of literary analysis, or speculative writing about a variety of phenomena, two examples will suffice. Overloading a free reflective essay with more than three examples of the facts to be discussed will be apparent.
For Example:
My weekend at a house party made it clear that the vast majority of my fellow college students have no tolerance for alcohol.
An effective introduction to a body paragraph is provided above. Your paragraph's subject sentence should tell the reader exactly what the paragraph is going to be about. The first line of each paragraph in the body of your writing should do what the introductory paragraph did: make the reader want to keep reading. Body paragraphs are where you can bring the essay to life with specific descriptions and examples.
In other terms, immerse the reader by providing relatable examples of circumstances and describing minor details with great care. A reader's excitement and interest will increase in proportion to the originality and literary charm of each phrase.
An independent closing paragraph is optional in reflective essays. If you choose an essay format that calls for a conclusion with supporting notes, keep it brief. The end must not be overly formal, however. The paragraphs in the body of the essay need to be supervised naturally by this section.
If you look for a model reflective essay online, you will most likely find one that has a complete, detailed conclusion. You could, of course, use them as models for your essays. However, if you want your viewers to be impressed and reflect deeper on your work, you shouldn't spoon-feed them your observations. Get your readers to ignore the surface-level explanations and focus on the meat of the text where your ideas and feelings are revealed.
As I reflect on my time spent at a college party, I realize that I can no longer advocate for the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors.
As you probably know by now, the end of your essay is where you restate your thesis and discuss its significance. Then, using the details from the body paragraph, you should draw a conclusion in which you quickly restate how this experience changed you physically and/or mentally. Conclude by giving the reader your concluding thoughts on the subject.
There is a unique structure for reflective writing. In this form of writing, the author employs a specific style, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) .
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing in APA style:
Use Time New Roman Font
Double-space your work and use a font height of 12 points.
The page number appears in the upper right-hand area.
The major sections of an essay are the introduction, the body, and the bibliography or list of sources.
Equally to APA, there are a few things to keep in mind when using MLA format:
Use Time New Roman Font
Select 12 as a font size
Make sure to center all of your essay's names.
Include your name, the course number, the instructor's name, and the date in the header of your work.
On the last page of the essay, include the cited work.
The essay's structure serves as the paper's framework. You can't write a winning essay without first crafting a plan. If you have to write a reflective essay, here are some tips to follow.
References should be listed on the final page of the writing.
In the essay, try to avoid using the same phrase multiple times.
Give your take on the topic in the writing.
Verify that you have explained everything that was previously unclear.
Connect your parts with appropriate transitional language.
Make sure your plan covers everything important.
Avoid using difficult language and provide an argument to support your position.
Learn to identify your best qualities and highlight them in the writing.
Before sending or publishing the essay, make sure it has been thoroughly proofread.
Writing a reflective essay can be challenging, but you can make your way through the process with the help of a good plan. Some pupils simply don't have enough time to complete all of the required essay writing assignments. They lack the time necessary to offer essay writing their full attention.
Impact of social media on students
Social media has become an integral part of our lives in recent years. With the advent of smartphones and the internet, social media platforms have become more accessible to everyone, including students. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and others have had a profound impact on the way students interact with each other, access information, and learn.
Social media has created a platform for students to interact with their peers, teachers, and other individuals from different parts of the world. Social media platforms provide students with the opportunity to express their thoughts, share their experiences, and discuss topics that interest them. Through social media, students can participate in discussions, exchange ideas, and learn from others.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media on Students’ Life
One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to provide students with access to information. Social media platforms have become a significant source of news, information, and educational resources for students. Students can learn about various topics, including history, science, literature, and more, from different social media platforms. For instance, Twitter provides students with the latest news on various topics, while Facebook and LinkedIn provide them with access to professional networks and job opportunities.
However, the impact of social media on students is not all positive. Social media has become a distraction for students, and many students spend more time on social media than they do studying. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and many students find themselves spending hours scrolling through their feeds and interacting with their peers. As a result, many students experience a decline in their academic performance and find it difficult to focus on their studies.
Moreover, social media has also had a significant impact on the mental health of students. Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and online harassment, which can have a profound impact on a student's mental health. Additionally, social media platforms have been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in students. Many students feel pressured to present a perfect image of themselves on social media, which can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Furthermore, social media has also affected the way students interact with each other. Many students now prefer to communicate through social media rather than in person, which can lead to a lack of social skills and interpersonal communication skills. This can make it challenging for students to form meaningful relationships and communicate effectively in the workplace and other settings.
In conclusion, social media has had a significant impact on students, both positive and negative. While social media provides students with access to information and a platform to express themselves, it has also become a significant distraction and can hurt their mental health and social skills. Therefore, students need to use social media responsibly and balance their time between social media and other activities. Additionally, educators and parents can play a significant role in guiding students on how to use social media effectively and responsibly.
Taking a Hike Through Forest
Introduction:
Nature is a therapeutic and rejuvenating element in our lives. Walking through a forest is an excellent way to connect with nature, relieve stress, and experience a sense of calmness. A hike through the forest provides a sense of freedom, and the tranquillity of the trees helps to reconnect with oneself. In this essay, I will reflect on my experience of taking a hike through a forest.
I woke up early one morning, feeling the need to get out of the city and spend some time in nature. I packed my bag with essentials and set off on a drive to a nearby forest. Upon arriving, I took a deep breath and took in the fresh air, which filled my lungs with a sense of peace.
The path was lined with tall trees, and the forest floor was soft and covered with leaves. As I walked, I could hear the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. The serenity of the forest made me forget about the outside world and its pressures.
I kept walking deeper into the forest, and soon enough, I came across a stream. The sound of the water flowing over the rocks was soothing, and I sat down by the bank to take it all in. The quietness of the forest made me feel like I was in a different world altogether, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As I continued my hike, I came across a clearing, and there, I saw a herd of deer grazing. I stood there, frozen, watching the beauty of nature unfold in front of my eyes. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness it.
I reached a hilltop, and from there, I could see the entire forest. The view was breathtaking, and it made me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things. It also made me appreciate the beauty of the earth and the environment around us.
Conclusion:
Taking a hike through the forest was a humbling and rejuvenating experience for me. The calmness of the trees, the sound of the water, and the sight of the animals made me feel connected to nature. It reminded me that we are all a part of this beautiful planet and that it's our responsibility to take care of it. The forest gave me the space to reflect and connect with myself, and it was a reminder that sometimes, the best therapy is found in nature.
The role of Friendship in my Life
Friendship is one of the most essential aspects of human life. It is an integral part of our social fabric, as it provides a sense of belonging, support, and joy. Friendship is not just about having someone to talk to or hang out with; it is about having a deep and meaningful connection with someone who accepts and loves us for who we are. In my life, friendship has played a crucial role in shaping my personality and helping me navigate through different phases of life. This essay aims to explore the role of friendship in my life, its significance, and how it has impacted me.
The significance of friendship:
Friendship is essential for our well-being and mental health. It is a bond that helps us feel connected and loved , even in the most challenging times. A good friend can help us navigate through difficult situations, offer us a fresh perspective on our problems, and provide us with emotional support. Friends also provide us with a sense of belonging, a feeling that we are part of something greater than ourselves. The sense of community and companionship that comes with friendship can help us develop a positive outlook toward life and a strong sense of self-esteem.
Friendship in my life:
In my life, friendship has played a vital role in shaping my personality and helping me grow as an individual. Growing up, I was a shy and introverted child who struggled to make friends. However, I was fortunate enough to find a group of friends who accepted me for who I was and helped me come out of my shell. They encouraged me to pursue my passions and interests and supported me through the ups and downs of life.
As I grew older, I realized the true value of friendship. I have made many friends over the years, and each one of them has played a unique role in my life. Some have been there for me through thick and thin, while others have helped me discover new interests and passions. Some have challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, while others have offered me a shoulder to cry on. Regardless of the role they played, all my friends have helped me grow as a person and provided me with a sense of belonging.
Impact of friendship on my life:
The impact of friendship on my life has been profound. My friends have helped me develop a positive outlook toward life and have taught me to appreciate the little things. They have taught me to be more empathetic, kind, and compassionate toward others, and have helped me develop a strong sense of self-worth. They have been a source of strength and inspiration, and have helped me navigate through difficult times.
In conclusion, friendship is an essential aspect of human life. It provides us with a sense of belonging, support, and joy, and helps us grow as individuals. In my life, friendship has played a vital role in shaping my personality and helping me navigate through different phases of life. My friends have been there for me through thick and thin, and have taught me valuable life lessons. I am grateful for their presence in my life, and I believe that everyone should have a good friend or a group of friends who accept and love them for who they are.
In conclusion, writing a reflection essay is a powerful tool for gaining self-awareness and insight into our experiences. By following a few simple steps, such as choosing a meaningful experience to reflect on, asking yourself critical questions, and structuring your thoughts into a clear and organized essay, you can effectively convey your thoughts and emotions to your reader. Essay topics like composing a reflective essay are a great opportunity to delve deeper into your own thoughts and feelings, and to connect with your readers on a deeper level.
However, we understand that the process of writing can sometimes be challenging, and that's where Jenni.ai comes in. Our AI-powered software can help you streamline the writing process, with features such as autocomplete and citation assistance that make it easier to create high-quality content efficiently.
Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, Jenni.ai can help you take your writing to the next level. So why not give it a try today, and see how it can help you create even better reflection essays, and other types of written content?
Sign up for a free Jenni AI account today. Unlock your research potential and experience the difference for yourself. Your journey to academic excellence starts here.
Reflective essays
Reflective essays are academic essays; what makes an essay "good" will work for a reflective essay. What is different about a reflective essay is that the essay is about you and your thinking. However, you will need evidence from your course to back up your reflections.
You should structure a reflective essay as an essay, that is write to persuade your reader of your key reflections (or argument). The diagram above, details how to stucture your reflections through the essay. To find out more see the section on essay writing .
The following example comes from business. Thanks to Dr Colleen Hayes for the three samples.
Students were asked to write a reflective essay on their learning in the course by responding to the following question:
What key thing have you learned about corporate social responsibility in the course?
Example 1: Retelling
This writing is (1) descriptive/listing of content, not reflective and (2) not properly referenced (the definition of stakeholders is directly copied from Freeman in the lecture slides.
Example 2: Relating
One of the most important things I have learned so far is the stakeholder view of the firm. I was very interested to learn that Australia is more of a shareholder-oriented country (similar to UK/US). I come from country X, and I believe that it is also very shareholder-oriented. For example the company I used to work for did not seem to have much concern for its stakeholders. As staff, we were worked extremely hard in poor conditions without overtime pay or paid leave (employees are a stakeholder group), and the company did not care at all about its impact on the environment. The company was just so concerned with cutting costs and making more profit for shareholders - usually at the expense of other stakeholders. |
This writing involves relating to personal experience and has some integration of course concepts (stakeholders).
Example 3: Reflecting
The notion of the stakeholder challenged many of the assumptions I have about the role of corporations in society. I hope to run my own business one day, and the distinction between stakeholders and shareholders really makes me think about what responsible leadership might look like. What I appreciate about Friedman's view is its simplicity - the idea that companies pursuing their own profits creates the best outcomes for society (ref included). Adopting a stakeholder orientation (consistent with Freidman), and managing multifarious accountabilities and balancing trade-offs between them, would seem to be much more complex and a far greater challenge for leaders to navigate. However, today's internet age allows stakeholders to have global reach and a powerful voice, so I'm not sure that it would be so easy to silence or ignore them in pursuit of profit. |
More reflective (forward-looking), better citation and integration of multiple course concepts, and reflection that links with personal experience.
For this assessment, students were required to write a 1500-1800 word essay building on the themes of the course to address the question "We are all pirates". Attached under reference documents is the rubric used to mark the essay (thanks to Dr Caroline Schuster). Notice that it requires both the reflection (reflect, relate and retell) as well as the poor traditional requirements of an essay (Writing and organisation, Supporting claims with scholarly sources).
Learning journals
Use contact details to request an alternative file format.
10 days ago
Professors share 5 myths students believe about college, how to write a character analysis essay, anxiety among students: what do teachers think about it, dorm overbooking and transitional housing: problems colleges are trying to solve, how to write a reflective essay.
You are probably already used to writing academic essays where you have to analyze and dissect specific topics, books, or pieces of research. But what if your professor asks you to write a reflective essay? Will you be able to do it? If you are not sure, then this guide is a must-read for you.
What is a reflective essay? It’s a type of personal essay, that, nonetheless, is very similar to academic writing. In a reflective essay you, as a writer, explore a specific theme, topic, or subject, from your perspective. Basically, you give your own opinion on the topic, and explain why you think that way, often incorporating your personal experiences into this narrative. This type of paper is usually subjective, as its main purpose is to show your processing of something (event, book, lecture, anything).
As to the topic of such essays, they can be very versatile. You can reflect on a specific life experience you had, outlining what happened, what did you think of it, and what did you learn. Sometimes, your professors may ask you to write a reflective essay on how a lecture, book, documentary, or learning experience has influenced and shaped your life. You can even be asked to visit an exhibition, go to a museum, or watch a movie and then write a reflection paper about it. So the variety of topics that can be chosen for this type of work is vast, to say the least.
Yet, you are most likely going to be writing a reflective essay during your university application process or as a part of your cover letter. There you will have to discuss your background, and how your experiences turned you into a proper candidate for the program.
You may now think that you know everything you need to start writing your paper. Hold your horses though, because there are a lot of things we have yet to consider. The first one is the reflective essay structure. As with most academic papers, your reflection essay should include an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion paragraph. Below you can see what an outline for the essay paper will look like, following such a format.
Introduction
An introduction is a greatly important part since it hooks the reader’s attention. That’s why here you need to include an opening sentence that gives the readers something to think about. This can be an opinion, a specific question, or a story from your life that relates to the topic of the essay. After your hook, provide a brief overview of the topic you will be reflecting on, and end the introduction with a thesis statement that outlines what your reflection will entail.
Body Paragraphs
In the body paragraphs, you specifically explore and reflect on the topic of your writing, You can compare experiences with the main one, and describe your emotions and scenes that a vital to understanding your perspective.
The body of your essay should be divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your reflection. There’s no specific number, as everything depends on how you write and what you write about. Usually, this can be from 2-3 to 4-5 paragraphs. Start each of these with a topic sentence that introduces the point you will discuss. Follow with an explanation of your thoughts and feelings, and support your point by integrating personal experiences or relevant examples. This is where you can dive deep into your reflections, analyzing how the experience affected you and what you learned from it.
As with any final part, the conclusion in the reflective essay should be straight to the point and give a sense of finalization of everything said above. Wrap up your essay by summarizing the main points of your reflection. Reinforce how the experiences discussed have impacted you and possibly what you plan to do based on these reflections. A strong conclusion will leave your reader with a clear understanding of your personal growth and a sense of closure.
Phew, we got the theoretical part down so now we can peacefully move forward to writing. Of course, you can just create an outline and write as the ideas pop into your head. Let’s be clear though, with such a strategy you can be waiting for relevant insights anywhere from 5-10 minutes to an hour or two. So, to make the process more effective, we came up with a guide that will help you craft your reflective essay gradually, keeping a consistent pace.
First, decide on the tone that suits your reflective essay. Since this type of essay is more personal, a formal tone isn’t necessary. Hence, you can write using personal pronouns like “I”, and “me ” as well. Choose a topic that deeply resonates with you—this could be a personal experience, an event, or an interaction that has significantly impacted you or your current life. Here, think about the points and emotions associated with this topic to set the groundwork for your reflection.
We know that reflection essays are mostly written on personal experience, however, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to refresh your memories of those events. You can look up relevant photos, or maybe diary entries that you made during that period. It’s also a stage where you can ask yourself some critical questions to deepen your understanding:
Use this analysis to develop logical themes and select a main topic that incites strong opinions or reflections.
Create connections between your analyzed material and your insights. Outline these connections in your draft so that your essay follows a logical structure. This will form the skeleton of your body paragraphs. If you are more of a visual learner, you can create a mind map that ties all your ideas together.
Now, with a general theme, topic, and relevant supporting details (events, memories, emotions) in place, you can begin drafting your essay. You now know how to start a reflective essay – with an engaging introduction. Consider using a relevant quote or a compelling life story. As you move through your body paragraphs, be clear, and use vivid imagery and personal pronouns to express your reflections. Each paragraph should support your central theme with direct impacts and personal feelings, using specific language that shows the depth of both what you went through and the analysis of it.
Wrap up your essay by reiterating the lessons learned and how the experience has reshaped your perspective. Highlight your “Aha!” moment to make a stronger support for your thoughts. Consider the further influence of your insights on your future actions or thinking.
You have everything on paper, so now you can work on perfecting it. Proofread your essay multiple times. Pay attention to grammar, logic, and the overall flow of your essay. Think about whether your essay captures the essence of your journey and make the necessary adjustments to achieve that.
You have an idea about the structure, format, and the writing process itself. So, what more do you have to know? Well, we don’t say you must use the following information. These are more like tips that can help you stay on track with your writing and avoid some errors that may lead to numerous revisions (and who needs that, especially if you are writing for a college assignment).
Bonus tip : use other sources. Of course, the reflection essay touches upon YOUR experiences. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t use some kind of philosophical or psychological material to help you support your personal insights. You can use articles, or books you’ve read at the time or which you find relevant now. Believe us, this will show a well-rounded understanding and add depth to your reflective analysis.
We didn’t want to tire you more with our reflective essay samples, so decided to include something different instead. Below, you will find topic ideas, as well as our suggestions for introduction paragraphs for these topics, that might inspire you to write a reflection essay of your own.
A reflective essay, like most other types of writing, starts with an introduction paragraph. There, you will need to include the purpose of your writing as well as its topic. Note that this paragraph should also give readers insights into why you chose this specific subject, as it will help them better understand your point of view. Including a thesis statement is also important here, so don’t forget to write it down.
If we are talking about the 3 structural parts of a reflective essay, they are an introduction, body part, and conclusion. In case you mean the content of such writing, then you should include the following: what you experienced (basically what you are going to be reflecting on), then your thoughts, meaning the reflection itself, and finally, something you’ve learned from all of this.
A good reflection paper should start with a thought-provoking question, quote, or maybe an anecdote from your life. What type of question or story to choose depends on the topic of your reflection essay and what you are planning on discussing. Your opening should hook the reader, and make them interested in your writing.
The best structure for a reflective essay is the one that mimics the usual structure of any academic writing (and most essays). It will therefore have an introduction, which will include a thesis statement, the body part, where you will reflect on the topic and a conclusion. However, clarify by your professor which structure you should specifically follow, as you also may be able to choose either journaling (regularly writing down entries) or a reflective model as well.
Although a reflective essay can be based on your personal experience, try to avoid writing too informally. It is a piece of academic writing after all, so your style should be adjusted accordingly. Overloading or insufficient detailing can also make your writing not as effective. So describe any experience adequately, giving the readers everything they need to know to understand and connect to your essay.
It all depends on the task, of course, but most usually reflective essays are somewhere around 250-800 words. AThat’swhy you need to include only relative and important information there, as you don’t have much space (in terms of word count) to go into extreme detail and analysis.
Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.
Welcome to A*Help comments!
We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.
We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Every time I saw people’s highlight moments, I will lament the injustice of God. But looking at them from another angle, you will find that they have found the right direction through countless failures and attempts, and only then have they achieved what they are today. So I started to reflect on myself, why I am not as good as others? After seeing others succeed, I become self-doubt, afraid of failure, afraid of stepping out of the comfort zone, so how can I doing well? I recently saw a passage that I like very much: “Everyone’s flowering period is different. Some people graduated at the age of 22, but waited for five years to find a good job; some people graduated at the age of 28 and entered the world’s one of the top 500 companies in the year; some people started their own company at the age of 30, but passed away at the age of 60; some people became executives at the age of 60, but lived to the age of 90; Some people built their family at the age of 25, but unfortunately return to single after ten years; some people get married at the age of 35 and live a happy life all their lives.”So I started to stop being anxious, learning not to feel dim when seeing other people shining.. After all, everyone got a different life experience card, so just enjoy the moment.
10 min read
Dec 11 2012
Nov 21 2012
Remember Me
What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other
Username or Email
I’ll admit, reflecting on my experiences used to seem pointless—now, I can’t imagine my routine without it.
What is reflective writing?
Reflective writing is a personal exploration of experiences, analyzing thoughts, feelings, and learnings to gain insights. It involves critical thinking, deep analysis, and focuses on personal growth through structured reflection on past events.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about reflective writing — with lots of examples.
Table of Contents
Reflective writing is a method used to examine and understand personal experiences more deeply.
This kind of writing goes beyond mere description of events or tasks.
Instead, it involves looking back on these experiences, analyzing them, and learning from them.
It’s a process that encourages you to think critically about your actions, decisions, emotions, and responses.
By reflecting on your experiences, you can identify areas for improvement, make connections between theory and practice, and enhance your personal and professional development. Reflective writing is introspective, but it should also be analytical and critical.
It’s not just about what happened.
It’s about why it happened, how it affected you, and what you can learn from it.
This type of writing is commonly used in education, professional development, and personal growth, offering a way for individuals to gain insights into their personal experiences and behaviors.
Reflective writing can take many forms, each serving different purposes and providing various insights into the writer’s experiences.
Here are ten types of reflective writing, each with a unique focus and approach.
Journaling is a type of reflective writing that involves keeping a daily or regular record of experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
It’s a private space where you can freely express yourself and reflect on your day-to-day life.
Example: Today, I realized that the more I try to control outcomes, the less control I feel. Letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about understanding that some things are beyond my grasp.
Example: Reflecting on the quiet moments of the morning, I realized how much I value stillness before the day begins. It’s a reminder to carve out space for peace in my routine.
Learning logs are used to reflect on educational experiences, track learning progress, and identify areas for improvement.
They often focus on specific learning objectives or outcomes.
Example: This week, I struggled with understanding the concept of reflective writing. However, after reviewing examples and actively engaging in the process, I’m beginning to see how it can deepen my learning.
Example: After studying the impact of historical events on modern society, I see the importance of understanding history to navigate the present. It’s a lesson in the power of context.
Critical incident journals focus on a significant event or “critical incident” that had a profound impact on the writer’s understanding or perspective.
These incidents are analyzed in depth to extract learning and insights.
Example: Encountering a homeless person on my way home forced me to confront my biases and assumptions about homelessness. It was a moment of realization that has since altered my perspective on social issues.
Example: Missing a crucial deadline taught me about the consequences of procrastination and the value of time management. It was a wake-up call to prioritize and organize better.
Project diaries are reflective writings that document the progress, challenges, and learnings of a project over time.
They provide insights into decision-making processes and project management strategies.
Example: Launching the community garden project was more challenging than anticipated. It taught me the importance of community engagement and the value of patience and persistence.
Example: Overcoming unexpected technical issues during our project showed me the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Every obstacle became a stepping stone to innovation.
Portfolios are collections of work that also include reflective commentary.
They showcase the writer’s achievements and learning over time, reflecting on both successes and areas for development.
Example: Reviewing my portfolio, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as a designer. Each project reflects a step in my journey, highlighting my evolving style and approach.
Example: As I added my latest project to my portfolio, I reflected on the journey of my skills evolving. Each piece is a chapter in my story of growth and learning.
Peer reviews involve writing reflectively about the work of others, offering constructive feedback while also considering one’s own learning and development.
Example: Reviewing Maria’s project, I admired her innovative approach, which inspired me to think more creatively about my own work. It’s a reminder of the value of diverse perspectives.
Example: Seeing the innovative approach my peer took on a similar project inspired me to rethink my own methods. It’s a testament to the power of sharing knowledge and perspectives.
Personal development plans are reflective writings that outline goals, strategies, and actions for personal or professional growth.
They include reflections on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Example: My goal to become a more effective communicator will require me to step out of my comfort zone and seek opportunities to speak publicly. It’s daunting but necessary for my growth.
Example: Identifying my fear of public speaking in my plan pushed me to take a course on it. Acknowledging weaknesses is the first step to turning them into strengths.
Reflective essays are more formal pieces of writing that analyze personal experiences in depth.
They require a structured approach to reflection, often including theories or models to frame the reflection.
Example: Reflecting on my leadership role during the group project, I applied Tuckman’s stages of group development to understand the dynamics at play. It helped me appreciate the natural progression of team development.
Example: In my essay, reflecting on a failed project helped me understand the role of resilience in success. Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of its process.
Reflective letters involve writing to someone (real or imagined) about personal experiences and learnings.
It’s a way to articulate thoughts and feelings in a structured yet personal format.
Example: Dear Future Self, Today, I learned the importance of resilience. Faced with failure, I found the strength to persevere a nd try again. This lesson, I hope, will stay with me as I navigate the challenges ahead.
Example: Writing a letter to my past self, I shared insights on overcoming challenges with patience and persistence. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and the hurdles I’ve overcome.
Blogs are a form of reflective writing that allows writers to share their experiences, insights, and learnings with a wider audience.
They often combine personal narrative with broader observations about life, work, or society.
Example: In my latest blog post, I explored the journey of embracing vulnerability. Sharing my own experiences of failure and doubt not only helped me process these feelings but also connected me with readers going through similar struggles. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in sharing our stories.
Example: In a blog post about starting a new career path, I shared the fears and excitement of stepping into the unknown. It’s a journey of self-discovery and embracing new challenges.
Reflective writing is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from other types of writing.
These features include personal insight, critical analysis, descriptive narrative, and a focus on personal growth.
These features combine to make reflective writing a powerful tool for learning and development.
It’s a practice that encourages writers to engage deeply with their experiences, challenge their assumptions, and grow from their reflections.
The structure of reflective writing can vary depending on the context and purpose, but it typically follows a general pattern that facilitates deep reflection.
A common structure includes an introduction, a body that outlines the experience and the reflection on it, and a conclusion.
This structure is flexible and can be adapted to suit different types of reflective writing.
However, the focus should always be on creating a coherent narrative that allows for deep personal insight and learning.
Starting reflective writing can be challenging, as it requires diving into personal experiences and emotions.
Here are some tips to help initiate the reflective writing process:
Here is a video about reflective writing that I think you’ll like:
Finding the right tools and resources has been key to deepening my reflections and enhancing my self-awareness.
Here’s a curated toolkit that has empowered my own reflective practice:
Reflective writing, at its core, is a deeply personal practice.
Yet, it also holds the potential to bridge cultural divides. By sharing reflective writings that explore personal experiences through the lens of different cultural backgrounds, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse worldviews.
Read This Next:
Guidance and information on using reflective essays.
The reflective essay is one of the most common reflective assignments and is very frequently used for both formative and especially summative assessments. Reflective essays are about presenting reflections to an audience in a systematic and formal way.
Generally, all good academic practice for assignments applies when posing reflective essays.
Reflective essays tend to deal with a reflective prompt that the essay needs to address. This also often means that the essay will have to draw on a range of experiences and theories to fully and satisfactorily answer the question.
The questions/prompts should not be too vague, for example ‘reflect on your learning’, but should define an area or an aspect relevant to your learning outcomes. This is most easily ensured with thorough guidelines, highlighting elements expected in the essay.
Questions could be something like (not exhaustive):
Reflective essays will often require theoretical literature, but this is not always essential. Reflective essays can be built around a single individual experience, but will often draw on a series of individual experiences – or one long experience, for example an internship, that is broken into individual experiences.
The typical language and structure is formal – for thorough descriptions on this, see ‘Academic reflections: tips, language and structure’ in the Reflectors’ Toolkit, which can be valuable to highlight to students.
Academic reflections: tips, language and structure (within the Reflectors’ Toolkit)
There is no one length that a reflective essay must take. As with all written assignments, the main consideration is that the length is appropriate for evidencing learning, answering the question and meeting the criteria.
Similarly, there is no clear answer for what percentage of the overall mark is attached to the assignment. However, the choice should mirror the required workload for the reflector to complete it, how that fits into your initiative, and the amount of preparation the reflector has had.
For instance, if the student has received formative feedback on multiple pieces of work, a larger proportion of the course mark may be appropriate, compared to if the student had not had a chance to practice. It is important to keep in mind that many students will not have had many chances to practice reflective essays before university.
Back to ‘Components of reflective tasks’
Table of contents
Use our free Readability checker
A reflective essay is a type of writing where you explore how an event, experience, or concept has influenced your development or perspective. It involves deep thinking, self-analysis, and personal reflection. In a reflective essay, you explai what you learned and how you changed as a result of that experience.
In this article, you will learn how to write a reflective essay, and how to highlight impactful experiences. A reflection essay seems easy as you don’t have to defend one’s point of view or convince the reader of something. But it has its challenges, so we recommend to keep on reading and find out everything you need to know about this type of essay. More complex examples are available down below.
A good question to start with is, “What is a reflective essay?” A reflective essay is a type of academic writing, in which the student has to test personal life experience/position towards a particular topic. Unlike in argumentative writing, the student does not have to defend the personal position. It does not require a complicated, professional language with some terminology. Do not define something - focus on sharing personal life experience, skills, development, and the most vivid examples to illustrate the topic.
A reflection essay student writes to meet the college writing standards has a different format from the one a magazine writer should present to reach the issue’s audience. However, each reflective paper has a similar outline. Reflective essay format depends on the general requirements your teacher provides. Some of them can ask for a specific format for your essay. APA writing style , MLA, and Chicago are the basic formats you can use. But if you don’t know exactly which formatting to use, you can use reflective essay apa format. This is the most common college essay format, so knowing its requirements is critical: Font: Times New Roman, 12 points Interval: Double interval Margins: 1 inch all round Page Numbers: Insert a title in the upper left corner of each page.
Knowing how to write a reflective essay is essential. Even if you feel confident about your thoughts and knowledge, don’t start your writing without a clear and well-designed plan. Without logical essay structure , your essay will likely achieve lower marks. To avoid this situation, follow 10 easy steps we provided below. The first thing every student needs to understand how to write a good reflective essay is an effective, detailed outline. It has 3 typical sections: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Writing a reflective essay does not require any references – the only person to refer is the student who decides to share his thoughts & ideas. Let’s look at 4 main reasons to include an outline of reflective essays.
Reflective essay outline is not much different from other types of essays. Use this reflective essay template in creating your perfect reflective essay:
Let’s figure out how to write a reflective essay introduction. Start with stating the primary focus of the personal reflection. Avoid being indirect and covering a range of topics; stay direct and concise by underlining the basic purpose of sharing a life experience. Professional Opinion:
“Giving a preview of the most exciting part of the story is a clue. The target reader may lack time to read the full piece from cover to cover. “There are many things I have learned from Marketing class. The most valuable lesson I have obtained is checking the effectiveness of 2 different approaches or services through utilizing so-called A/B testing.” It will make the reader think about what is special about this specific method. The reader will go on reading the body paragraphs to find out!” Professor Hemsworth, History & Anthropology teacher and academic writer at StudyCrumb
Another way to attract attention in the introductory paragraph is to come up with the intriguing hook for essay sentences like statistics, fact, quote, metaphor, rhetorical question, or joke. It depends on the mood of your reflective narrative.
Some people may say that a reflective essay does not need a thesis. However, the example shared in the previous section talking about introduction is an example of the inspiring thesis statement. Include at least a reflective summary of the primary idea. The best idea would be to focus on previewing the peak of the plot development or highlighting the most valuable lesson learned. Let’s take a look at this little reflective essay thesis sample.
If you find it challenging, rely on our professional essay writing service and have your reflective essay done with academic standards in mind.
What is the purpose of a body paragraph ? The body paragraphs of the reflective analysis interpret the way the author evolved or what he/she has absorbed from a particular life lesson (mention 3 different lessons). When writing your reflective essay you should mention the circumstances that forced you to pass a certain way. If you study a subject like English Literature or Arts, the paper’s prompt may ask you to describe how you changed as a field professional during the course of study. It is important to choose a specific interval of time to list the improvements. Compare & contrast the initial skills to the knowledge you have today. It is a great idea to tell the audience the ways various tasks, challenges, and lessons made the author grow since the beginning of his education. There is no need to conduct research to collect the supporting evidence. The author alone is responsible for defending every stated claim with the help of vivid samples that describe the topic the best. Example: In case the student has become more professional in the field of writing, he should list the causes of those changes (new English teacher, more practice at home, part-time job related to the field of writing). Who knows – some of the ideas may be used by other students to succeed!
The question of how to end a reflection paper is not less important. The last challenge is to prepare an impressive, inspiring, and powerful conclusion, which will make the target readers want to develop the same positive way. Write a reflective summary regarding the way you have changed over a given period of time. Share some forecast by looking ahead: how the experiences listed in the essay would influence further personal development. By looking at the past events, decide which of them was the most important. The good idea is to compare & contrast past and future events to stress the gaps between the obtained skills and experience, possibly gained in the future. Don't want to bother with writing any conclusions? Use a summary maker to generate e reflective essay conlusion in seconds.
Writing personal reflection helps students to stress their individuality by highlighting various skills, knowledge, behavior, feelings, and even mood. The purpose of writing a reflective essay is to show how the person changed over time and what factors played an important role in those metamorphoses. Keep on reading this section to learn steps that will make your reflective writing perfect. Step 1: Think of the questions that interest you the most. It may be your experience, feelings, or an event in life. Make sure you analyzed the question well. Check credible sources and collect relevant information. Step 2: Decide what you want to write about. Make sure you know how to title an essay . Identify the topic. Step 3: After you decided on a topic, create an appealing title that will entice readers. Make sure your title is clear and to the point. Step 4: Create an outline of your essay. Step 5: Create an attention-grabbing hook for reflective essay. It should be some intriguing sentence or phrase that will arouse the interest of your readers. Step 6: Create an introduction of your reflection paper. Step 7: Think what you will include in the main body of your text. Start writing your body paragraphs. Step 8: Diversify your text with all the necessary details to make your readers see a clear picture of the environment in your story. It can be some place, people, atmosphere, etc. Step 9: After the reader is already familiar with the setting and characters, you should tell about yourself. What were your feelings? How has the situation affected you? What did you learn from this situation? Step 10: Conclude your reflective essay. Briefly summarize all the points that were mentioned in your text and provide a short moral with recommendations. You can use these steps as a checklist for your writing process. In case you need another step-by-step guide on response essays or any other type of writing, we've got you covered.
>> Read more: How to Write Essays
No recommendations, tips & tricks help the students to understand the way a particular assignment should look like in the end as effectively as the examples. The article contains one of the up-to-date reflective essay examples from a college student.
Congratulations, we have learned how to write a reflective essay. We really do hope that our guidelines, tips, and examples were useful to you. Now, you can definitely work on your reflection assignment with a clear understanding of its structure and main points. So start your writing, and the sky's the limit!
In case you need more writing tips, feel free to browse our Blog. Be it a diagnostic essay , a synthesis essay or a response paper , we have tutorials for any type of writing.
Consider buying essay papers in case you've got other plans for the evening. Submit your details to StudyCrumb and get an astounding paper written in line with your requirements. Your assigned writer will handle any assignment with a blink of an eye!
1. what is a common mistake when writing a reflective essay.
A common mistake when writing a reflective essay is to drift away from the subject you're writing about. It usually happens when you don’t stick to your initial plan. So plan your writing well and if you feel that you go a bit off topic, be sure that you return to the same topic you originally discussed.
The purpose of writing a reflective essay is to make a student write about their personal experience, explore it, reflect on it and find positive and negative aspects. The goal is to analyze how a student changed due to this experience and what made them change. What lesson a student learned is an essential point in persuasive writing.
If you are writing a reflective essay on a book, the main task is to show your teacher how you reflect on a chosen book, how you understand the problem presented by an author. To create a good essay, start with brief information about the author. Then, without spoilers, briefly summarize the main points of a book. After that explain the main conflicts, share your impressions. Ask questions like: “What are the peculiarities of the main characters?”, “What did an author want to say by indicating the main issues?”
Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.
A journey of self-discovery through the written word.
In the realm of writing, reflection is a powerful tool that allows writers to delve deep into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Reflective essays serve as a platform for introspection and self-discovery, enabling individuals to explore their innermost feelings and perspectives on a particular topic or event. Through the art of reflection, writers can examine their past actions, analyze their growth, and gain valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional development.
The process of writing a reflective essay involves more than just recounting events; it requires a thoughtful examination of one’s thoughts and feelings surrounding those events. By articulating their thoughts in a structured and coherent manner, writers can gain clarity, insight, and understanding of their experiences. This introspective exercise not only enhances self-awareness but also encourages critical thinking, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
As writers navigate the intricate terrain of reflection, they embark on a journey of self-exploration and self-expression. Through the written word, individuals can articulate their innermost thoughts, fears, joys, and struggles, creating a narrative that is both personal and universal. By sharing their reflections with others, writers foster dialogue, connection, and understanding, creating a unique space for empathy, growth, and solidarity.
Reflective writing is a form of writing that allows individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It involves looking back on past events or situations and analyzing them to gain insight and understanding. Reflective writing is often used in academic settings to encourage students to think critically and reflect on their learning process.
When engaging in reflective writing, it is important to be honest and open about your experiences. You should consider how you felt at the time, what you learned from the experience, and how it has influenced your thinking or behavior. Reflective writing can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your personal growth.
Reflective writing is a form of personal, introspective writing that explores and analyzes thoughts, experiences, and emotions. It involves looking back on a particular event or experience, reflecting on how it affected you, and considering what you’ve learned or gained from it. Reflective writing often involves a deep level of self-awareness and critical thinking.
Through reflective writing, individuals can gain insight into themselves, their actions, and their relationships. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and learning. Reflective writing can be therapeutic, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and emotions.
A reflective essay offers numerous benefits for writers and readers alike. Here are some key advantages of writing a reflective essay:
Overall, the act of writing a reflective essay can lead to increased self-awareness, personal growth, and improved communication skills.
Reflective writing allows for personal growth and development by providing a space for self-exploration and introspection. Through the process of reflecting on our experiences, thoughts, and emotions, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
By engaging in reflective writing, we can identify patterns in our behavior, uncover hidden motivations, and gain insights into our strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is essential for personal growth, as it enables us to make informed choices and take intentional action towards our goals.
Moreover, reflective writing encourages us to learn from our experiences and mistakes, fostering a growth mindset that embraces challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and development. It helps us develop resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, all of which are crucial for personal growth and success.
In conclusion, personal growth and development are central to the practice of reflective writing, as it allows us to cultivate self-awareness, learn from our experiences, and navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and resilience.
Step 1: Select a Topic
Choose a topic that reflects on your personal experiences or emotions that you wish to explore and reflect upon.
Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas
Reflect on the topic and jot down key points, memories, and emotions that you want to include in your essay.
Step 3: Create an Outline
Organize your thoughts and ideas into an outline to structure your essay. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Step 4: Write the Introduction
Start with an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the topic of your reflection.
Step 5: Develop the Body Paragraphs
Elaborate on the key points and experiences in the body paragraphs. Include concrete examples and details to support your reflections.
Step 6: Reflect on the Experience
Reflect on the significance of your experiences and emotions. Analyze how they have impacted you and what you have learned from them.
Step 7: Write the Conclusion
Summarize your reflections and insights in the conclusion. Reflect on how the experience has shaped your thoughts and actions.
Step 8: Revise and Edit
Review your reflective essay, revise for clarity and coherence, and edit for grammar and punctuation errors.
Step 9: Seek Feedback
Share your reflective essay with peers, instructors, or mentors for feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Step 10: Finalize Your Essay
Make final revisions based on feedback and polish your reflective essay for a compelling and insightful piece of writing.
When starting a reflective essay, the first step is to choose a topic that resonates with you and allows for introspection. Consider events, experiences, or emotions that have had a significant impact on you. Reflect on moments of growth, challenges overcome, or lessons learned.
Once you have selected a topic, start brainstorming to generate ideas for your essay. Jot down key points, memories, and thoughts related to your chosen topic. Consider how the experience made you feel, what you learned from it, and how it shaped your perspective.
Brainstorming allows you to explore different angles and details of your chosen topic, helping you to delve deeper into your reflections and craft a well-rounded essay that captures the essence of your thoughts and emotions.
When structuring a reflective essay, it is important to carefully outline the different components to ensure a clear and cohesive piece of writing. Here are some key elements to consider:
1. Introduction: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that sets the stage for your reflection. Provide some context for the experience or event you will be reflecting on.
2. Body: The body of your essay should include detailed reflections on the experience. Share your thoughts, feelings, and insights on the situation, and provide examples to support your reflections.
3. Analysis: After sharing your reflections, take some time to analyze the experience. Consider what you have learned, how it has impacted you, and what changes it has brought about in your thinking or behavior.
4. Conclusion: Conclude your essay by summarizing your key reflections and insights. Reflect on the significance of the experience and any lessons you have learned. Leave the reader with a final thought or reflection.
By following these guidelines, you can create a structured and thought-provoking reflective essay that effectively communicates your reflections and insights.
Here are some examples of reflective essays:
These examples provide insight into the reflective essay process and can inspire you to explore your own experiences through writing.
How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
How to Write a Reflective Essay
Be Genuine: Reflective essays demand authenticity, so always write from the heart. Express your thoughts and emotions sincerely to engage the reader and provide a genuine reflection of your experiences. Focus on Personal Growth: Reflect on how the experience in question has contributed to your personal development.
1. Identify the topic you will be writing on. 2. Note down any ideas that are related to the topic and if you want to, try drawing a diagram to link together any topics, theories, and ideas. 3. Allow your ideas to flow freely, knowing that you will always have time to edit your reflective essay. 4.
Reflection Essay Structure. A reflective essay differs greatly from an argumentative or research paper in its format. Reflective essays are more like well-structured stories or diary entries that are rife with insights and reflections. ... Reflective essays encourage self-reflection and introspection, allowing writers to gain deeper ...
Both the language and the structure are important for academic reflective writing. For the structure you want to mirror an academic essay closely. You want an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. Academic reflection will require you to both describe the context, analyse it, and make conclusions. However, there is not one set of rules ...
Reflective Essays - GMU Writing Center
REFLECTIVE WRITING
4. Writing the Body. Write the body of your essay, which should include the personal reflection, description of the experience, analysis of the experience, evaluation of the experience, identification of key learning, and planning for future action. Make sure to use specific examples and details to support your reflection. 5.
1. Choose Your Topic Carefully. If you are given the freedom to choose a topic and don't have any idea regarding it, the best way is to brainstorm and research some trending and good topic ideas. Unfortunately, a common mistake when writing a reflective essay is to choose a topic that is too broad or too narrow. 2.
Structuring a Reflective Essay. While reflective essays vary depending upon topic and subject area, most share a basic overall structure. Unless you are told otherwise, then, your essay should include the following: Introduction - A brief outline of what your essay is about. Main Body - The main part of your essay will be a description of ...
Johns' Model Of Reflection. Step 1: Determine The Goal. Step 2: Establish The Context. Step 3: Select An Issue. Step 4: Develop A Plan. Step 5: Conduct Interviews. Step 6: Write Your Reflection. Kolb's Reflective Learning Cycle. The Structure Of A Reflective Essay.
Reflective writing - Academic writing: a practical guide
Even though reflective writing might look at times like a story, you do have to plan and structure it: clarifying your purpose, understanding your audience, and building in a main point, stance, or thesis. 2. Take a "subject position"— Reflective writing also involves being aware of how you might be affecting the research. In
Structuring your essay. A reflective essay typically follows the familiar organisational pattern: Introduction - Body Paragraphs - Conclusion. In the body paragraphs, reflective writing involves a number of formats, and this guide will sugguest a DIEP approach, that is, to describe, interpret, evaluate and plan (Boud et al., 1985 ...
Some Tips on Writing the Reflective Essay. The essay's structure serves as the paper's framework. You can't write a winning essay without first crafting a plan. ... In conclusion, writing a reflection essay is a powerful tool for gaining self-awareness and insight into our experiences. By following a few simple steps, such as choosing a ...
Reflective essays | Australian National University
The Structure of the Self Reflection Essay: Creating an Outline . You may now think that you know everything you need to start writing your paper. Hold your horses though, because there are a lot of things we have yet to consider. The first one is the reflective essay structure. As with most academic papers, your reflection essay should include ...
A common structure includes an introduction, a body that outlines the experience and the reflection on it, and a conclusion. Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the reflective piece. It briefly introduces the topic or experience being reflected upon and may include a thesis statement that outlines the main insight or theme of the ...
The reflective essay is one of the most common reflective assignments and is very frequently used for both formative and especially summative assessments. Reflective essays are about presenting reflections to an audience in a systematic and formal way. Generally, all good academic practice for assignments applies when posing reflective essays.
Step 6: Create an introduction of your reflection paper. Step 7: Think what you will include in the main body of your text. Start writing your body paragraphs. Step 8: Diversify your text with all the necessary details to make your readers see a clear picture of the environment in your story.
Your reflective essay should utilize language that conveys introspection and self-awareness. Use phrases like "I realized," "I learned," or "I now understand" to show personal growth and development. 5. Structure your essay: Organize your reflective essay in a logical manner to ensure clarity and coherence.
Self-awareness: Reflective essays encourage introspection and self-reflection, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's experiences. ... Organize your thoughts and ideas into an outline to structure your essay. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Step 4: Write the Introduction ...
Reflective Essay | Definition, Examples & Purpose - Lesson