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
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Home ➔ What's an Essay? ➔ Reflective Essay – Definition, Format, Examples
Education changes rapidly; teachers modify curricula to adjust them to today’s trends and help students pick up critical skills. One of such skills is the ability to witness and assess one’s learning. To master such dexterity, course instructors might assign to write reflective papers.
Although it’s not the most common writing task, knowing how to evaluate various occurrences and document them properly will help you excel in academia and understand your strengths and weaknesses. This guide encompasses all the information you need about a reflective essay, from the definition to do’s and don’ts.
Reflective writing is an activity in which the writer chooses a memory, event, interaction, or scene, describes it, and includes a personal reflection. Such writing is valuable in the way it helps the writer thoroughly examine their thoughts and emotions and come up with a comprehensive conclusion as to what occurred in the past, how it affected their life, and what could have been done differently. A diary entry is an example of such writing.
People often cast their minds back to re-experience various moments that happened in the past. However, they usually don’t dive into analyzing these occurrences. Nor do they reflect on the outcomes of such events. Reflective writing is a similar practice that entails people’s personal thoughts about past events. Yet, it is way more effective and, above all, analytical.
A reflective essay is a first-person piece of writing in which you take a look at your life experiences and describe their meaning or what you have learned from them. As an academic analysis , it often involves reflecting on the material you learned in class.
A reflective essay is often a part of the academic syllabus, and students have to write reflective essays quite regularly. They often compose such pieces to reflect on their learning or an event that happened within an academic setting.
Unlike common reflections that many people exercise, this type of essay doesn’t usually cover an event or memory but a theory, reading, or an experience. Through this kind of self-evaluation, students explore learning techniques and their effects, analyzing them and identifying whether they are efficient and if there is room for improvement.
When writing a reflective essay, you might need to analyze a particular object, event, or concept. It is crucial to remember that a reflective essay isn’t just a summary of your observations. It should have an in-depth analysis of whatever you write about.
For instance, suppose you write a reflective essay on a theory that you’ve learned. In that case, you should include information on how you learned it, what you failed to understand (if any), and how you can apply the knowledge you obtained.
Note: Read our article – What is an essay? – to learn more about academic essays and their features in general.
Students have to learn lots of information to make use of their studies. They attend classes and other extracurricular activities to enrich their knowledge and get one step closer to their desired jobs. However, hectic schedules full of classes, other activities, and the number of assigned tasks make students practice rote learning and cram for tests and exams. Such memorization techniques have nothing to do with thoughtful learning. As a result, you might end up being unable to apply the gained knowledge effectively.
Reflective essays aim to prevent students from mindless learning. Writing reflectively lets you review your approaches to studies and look at them from different perspectives. It also allows you to observe ideas and concepts and link them with theories learned during classes. Moreover, by writing a reflective essay, you improve your analytical thinking. It enables you to examine sources and consider various points of view when getting familiar with new ideas.
Finally, reflective essay writing is vital in developing strong critical thinking abilities. Such papers help learners approach their studying methods more critically and determine whether they are fruitful or need improvement. Also, researchers contend that systemic reflections in the form of an essay or a journal help them evaluate classroom learning and choose the most effective studying strategy.
Reflective essay writing is becoming an important element in academia, considering the spread of online education and the lack of comprehensive feedback from teachers. It might be especially helpful for students and professionals in composition, education, or health-related areas .
A reflective essay must be structured appropriately and contain all the elements of an academic paper. It is always based on personal experience or learning and revolves around the three key components that make it thoughtful and coherent.
#1: description.
The description is the first pillar of a reflection paper. It paints a picture of an event or experience and has to be concise and put in the introductory paragraph. The description should give a clear answer to what happened and what is being examined within your essay.
The analysis is the second critical part of a reflective essay. This section is the most extensive. It determines peculiarities and other essential aspects of the analyzed idea, belief, or thoughts and feelings. Particularly, the writer must explain such an experience or learning by linking it to a relevant point. Whether your reflective essay touches upon an experience (an observation) or learning (a concept you have learned), posing the following questions might help you make your analysis more rigorous:
The outcome is the ultimate attribute of a reflective essay. When writing this part, the writer encapsulates the gained knowledge, explaining its validity, usefulness, and future implications. You can also ask additional questions if you have second thoughts about the subject. Those can be:
Apart from the mentioned elements, a reflective essay mirrors a typical structure of an academic paper when written. Precisely, the following essential components:
Note: Read our article – How to Write an Essay – to learn more about basic essay writing techniques and components.
Writing a reflective essay might be demanding. Yet, it won’t be a complex assignment if you approach it correctly. Below are several examples we are going to analyze in a broader scope. Reading them will shed light on what a well-written reflective essay should look like, what you should focus on, and how to meet the main criteria (rubric).
The next batch of reflective essay examples is produced by students majoring in the English language at Berry College. Overall, they are nice reflective essays; every work contains description, interpretation, and outcomes, meeting the primary attributes of a reflection paper. Nonetheless, it would be reasonable to take a closer look at each of them and identify where they excel.
Example 1 breakdown: The first paper kicks off with a good, informative, and compressed introduction about the writer’s reflections on the course at college. As can be seen, every paragraph has a straightforward structure. An introduction comprises an opening sentence, description, and an apt thesis statement. A body contains a topic sentence, analysis, and explanation. In turn, a conclusion wraps up critical information and provides outcomes. The essay also clearly analyzes the classes and their contents, explaining how they impacted the author. Other than that, the writer has met the final component of a reflective essay by posing relevant questions (e.g., “Have I grown as a reader and writer?”) and either answering them or expressing doubts. The essay can be considered an exemplary reflective essay.
Example 2 breakdown: The second reflection paper begins with a perfect introduction, containing an impressive vocabulary and describing the experience of majoring in English. The writer followed a great strategy by asking a rhetorical question and thus catching the audience’s curiosity, making readers continue to read the piece to find the answer. The paper then moves toward analyzing classes along with the reading activities the writer was involved in. The writer managed to provide full-fledged analyses and connect them correctly. Regarding the outcomes, they clearly and successfully finished the paper. The writer has added how they can apply acquired skills in the future, including how the teacher helped shift the writer’s paradigm and think about the upcoming classes from various angles.
Example 3 breakdown: The third essay is arguably the most academic. It includes formal vocabulary, constructions, and phrases. Besides, it has a transparent description with a powerful thesis. The entire paper is broken down into comprehensive sections, each analyzing different aspects. Notably, this reflection essay has a firm conclusion along with the outcomes of the writer’s long considerations. The author highlights that the major was an eye-opening experience; it helped the writer decide on their future career (e.g., “Thus, I’ve come to the conclusion academia is the niche for me.”) and make them apply to eight English literature Ph.D. programs. It is also essential to point out a frame structure the writer borrows from literary works. In other words, the essay starts with a question, “What is it you English majors do, precisely?” and repeats it in the end, finishing the work with a great answer.
Example 4 breakdown: The final reflection paper from the batch is equally stunning. It sparks the reader’s attention right away with a good hook – the message about being at a crossroads during the author’s sophomore year. Likewise, it contains a well-organized description of undertaken classes along with an analysis of them. The author managed to explain the importance of such courses and the challenges they encountered along the way. For instance, the writer talks about ENG 495, a class on Writing about Place. The first work didn’t end up being the one that the writer expected to see. Yet, this inspired them to work harder on the language and make it less eloquent, lifting, and occasionally overwhelming.
The second sample comprises a single reflective essay. Presumably, it was written by a high-school student aiming to enroll in a business, marketing, or PR course. Notwithstanding, this reflection paper demonstrates the piece’s idea (senior project), its analysis (what was exciting and most valuable to observe), and the outcomes (what worked well and what had to be improved).
However, it doesn’t seem to be fully coherent. Although the reflection paper is broken down into them, they sometimes fail to bridge the main idea. For instance, the second section about past activities does not fit the other paragraphs well. It would be best to include the following phrases to strengthen the connection between units and increase the piece’s readability:
Apart from that, the last section looks clumsy and doesn’t fit the context that well. It doesn’t provide a conclusion to the paper. Neither does it answer a required list of questions from the above. This essay lacks unity and fails to meet all the characteristics of a reflection paper. To sum up, unlike the mentioned examples, this work doesn’t entirely fall into a good reflective essay because of vague transitions and paragraphs with redundant information.
A reflective essay is a type of paper that utilizes analytical thinking. That’s why it is crucial to remain focused and attentive to detail when reflecting on specific essay topics. The following is the list of recommendations to help you compose an effective reflective essay.
Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 19, 2022.
A reflective essay is a type of writing that examines an experience from the past by looking through the lens of the present.
The purpose of a reflective essay is to explore an impression you had, looking into the reasons for that impression. A reflective essay is not writing about an experience. It is writing about your reaction to that experience. A reflective essay is not learning from doing. It is about learning from thinking about what you did. A reflective essay is not about trying to influence anyone of anything. It is about drawing the meaning from your own experience. A reflective essay is not about being correct. It is about being honest. A reflective essay is actually designed to help you improve how you think and learn.
Sometimes it’s easier to explain what something is NOT.
Think about the word “reflection.” What you see in the mirror is not you; it is a reflection of you.
Do you realize that you can never really see yourself? You can only see a reflection of yourself.
Every life experience is like that. You never really see the experience as it’s happening. You only see it and learn from it when you see it through reflection.
Also, you cannot see your reflection if you are too close to the mirror. You need to step back in order to see yourself clearly.
Reflective writing is like that.
A reflective essay is a way of writing where you, as the writer, take a step back from your experience and write about it with some distance.
It is a way of writing about the past from the perspective of the present.
You are no longer going through an experience. Rather, you are reflecting on it to see it more clearly.
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
Regardless of how you feel about writing essays, most essays are designed to help you improve how you write. A reflective essay is actually designed to help you improve how you think and learn.
The reflective essay can be very helpful because writing it helps you process whatever you are writing about. That act of processing leads to deeper understanding.
John Dewey, an American scholar, said: “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.”
More than other essays, a reflection is about YOU. Unlike a personal essay, however, a reflective essay requires you to take a step back from an experience and write about it from a distance.
Where a personal essay might say, “Here is something I did,” a reflective essay would try to answer, “Why did I do what I did?”
A reflective essay is a good place to explore questions like, “How did I feel before and after I did that?”, “If I encountered a similar experience, would I do the same thing again?”, and “What did I learn from this experience?”
As you can see, all of the questions are personal: they are not asking about the experience itself, they are asking how YOU felt ABOUT the experience.
Don’t worry about finding the “right” answer. There is no such thing. Every person’s experience and interpretation is unique, and you are writing about your own. You don’t need to compare it to anyone else’s.
Make sure you write the essay in the first person.
When choosing your topic for a reflective essay, think about whether it caused an impression on you. Remember that the topic you write about isn’t the focus – the focus is your interpretation of it.
Since you want to go deeper with your understanding of the topic, the questions that you ask yourself as you write are important.
Every essay you write, including reflective essays, should have three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The reflective essay should have those parts as well.
However, the way a reflective essay is organized might be a little different.
Let’s go through each of those parts for a reflective essay. Each part will include a sample.
You want to begin your essay with a hook. A hook is an interesting opening that “catches” your readers and makes them want to read more. Your hook is usually the first sentence.
After you’ve hooked the readers, you want to give some context, or background information. In a reflective essay, use the introduction to mention the experience that you will be writing about. Think of each sentence in your intro as a stepping point. Each sentence brings you closer to your thesis statement.
Once you’ve given some context, write a thesis statement, which tells the readers exactly what they’re going to read about. For a reflective essay, the thesis statement should give the readers an idea of the impression the experience made on you. Think of it like a map to the rest of your essay.
Sample introduction
Can you identify the hook, background information, and thesis statement in this sample?
I had seen pictures of the Mona Lisa my whole life. Last summer, I went to Paris and got to see the original painting in the Louvre Museum. As I stood looking at the Mona Lisa, I really was seeing her for the first time. What I found surprising is that I felt the woman in the painting was seeing me as well. I actually felt a connection to the painting.
A typical essay will have from one to three body paragraphs, though you can write as many as you need (or as many as your teacher assigns you). Regardless of how many body paragraphs you have, they will all be organized in a similar manner.
Start with a topic sentence to show your reader what is coming up. This is a general sentence that gives an overview of that paragraph. Since your thesis statement should be about the impression your experience made on you, each topic sentence should be a reason for that impression.
The body paragraph should explain the reason for your impression in depth.
End a body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes what you wrote or that leads into the next paragraph.
Sample body paragraphs
Can you identify the topic sentences? Do the body paragraphs discuss the reasons in depth
I first felt a connection because of the Mona Lisa’s expression. Her face looks calm and seems to give nothing away. Every time I had seen the picture before, I felt like her expression was empty, with nothing behind it. As if the subject was a rich, carefree woman who was just sitting to have her portrait painted. When I stood in front of the original masterpiece, though, her expression opened up. At the time, all I knew was that I was seeing something I hadn’t seen before. Now I know that I saw a woman trying to get through life while feeling like she didn’t know what she was doing. I have often felt the same way. I may look calm to the outside world, but I am trying to hide anxiety. Now I recognize that the Mona Lisa was doing the same thing.
The second reason I felt a connection was because of the Mona Lisa’s posture. The subject looks like she’s sitting in a chair. Her body is facing to the left, but her face is looking at the viewer. It seems as if she wants to go in one direction but is forced to face another. I have felt that way. Like when my parents suggest which future would be better for me. Like when my friends want to do something I’m not comfortable doing. Like when I want to stay home and read but my boyfriend wants us to go to a party. Which way should I go?
Lastly, I felt a connection to the background in the painting. Behind the Mona Lisa is a natural vista with a road and mountains and a lake. The landscape itself seems improbable. Why is there a road when there is no other sign of life? There are no buildings or people in the background. Having the Mona Lisa placed in such a strange background adds to the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty. Again, it seems like the Mona Lisa is talking to me: “Do you ever feel like you don’t know where you are? Or where you belong?” Yes, I feel that way a lot.
Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
This is how your essay ends and includes the last impression your reader takes away.
In a reflective essay, you may use your conclusion to give closure to the experience you’re writing about.
Add any insights to explain your reasons for your impression.
Finally, remember that a reflection is a way to write about the past from the perspective of the present. Make a clear connection from the past to the present.
Sample conclusion
Does this conclusion give a sense of closure? Does it add any insights? Does it make a connection between past and present?
That summer in Paris was supposed to be an exciting trip for me, but it was actually a difficult time in my life. I was trying to decide what university to go to, what major I should choose, and whether my boyfriend and I should break up or try a long-distance relationship. I had questions brewing in my head and it was difficult to appreciate the beauty of Paris. Seeing the Mona Lisa at that time in my life made me feel at peace. Now I understand what I saw in her that made me feel connected: I saw someone else with doubt and uncertainty, but I knew she would be okay in the end, and so will I.
Example reflective essay on environmental troubles.
By Halina Stolar. Halina has a master’s degree in teaching and taught English as a second language and writing for almost 15 years overseas. She now works as a freelance writer, and geeks out over grammar for fun.
50 best reflective essay examples (+topic samples).
If you have ever read reflective essay examples, you would know that these types of written works examine the writer’s life experiences . When you write a reflective paper example, you write about your own experiences and explore how you’ve changed, grown or developed because of those experiences. There’s no standard format for this essay as it may vary depending on the target audience.
Table of Contents
A reflective essay is a type of written work which reflects your own self. Since it’s about yourself, you already have a topic to write about. For reflective essay examples, readers expect you to evaluate a specific part of your life. To do this, you may reflect on emotions, memories, and feelings you’ve experienced at that time.
Since you’re writing reflection essay samples about yourself, make sure that they’re interesting and exciting. This is very important so that your readers don’t get bored with what you’ve written. Reflective essays are very personal thus, they’re a special type of essay. As you write one, you need to reflect, think, and explain.
In the essay, you should demonstrate and describe different feelings or emotions which you’ve felt in the past. These statements breathe life into your essay as your readers start picturing what you’ve written in their minds. Reflective essays are very honest, personal, and emotional, especially those which describe painful experiences.
As aforementioned, reflective essay examples don’t have a standard format. They seem easy enough to write but once you’ve sat down to start writing, you may suddenly find the task very challenging! Besides the format, you must think about the life experience you want to write about and remember everything about it.
A reflective paper example is a lot like a personal journal or diary. Of course, the difference is that other people will read your essay. Therefore, you must write it with good structure and coherence. In this regard, reflective essays are a lot like the other types of essays too.
When writing a reflective essay, you will have to examine your own life experiences. The purpose of writing such an essay is to provide yourself with a platform to share your most meaningful life experiences with other people. You can also use it as a way to explore how your experiences have changed you as a person.
You can present reflective writing in different formats. Most of the time though, people use a learning log or a diary entry format. You can use these formats and others. Just make sure that your essay has a good flow and that it’s easy for other readers to understand.
The format to use for your reflection essay samples would depend on your target audience. You can make an academic reflective essay or you can make it as a general and informal piece of writing. If you need to write the essay for a class assignment, follow the format given to you by your teacher.
No matter what format you choose, you may write an essay which:
Before you write your reflective essay examples, you must create an outline for them. Although you’d write about your own life, creating an outline gives structure to your essay to serve as a guide for what you want to write about.
Whether you need to write an essay for school, for a magazine or for any other reason, creating an outline is the very first step. With a good outline, you have a better idea of how your essay will flow from one paragraph to the next all the way to the conclusion.
When creating the outline of your reflective paper example, keep it organized. Develop the outline gradually and put a lot of thought into it. In doing this, you make the writing process much easier. Here is a rundown of the steps involved in the essay-writing process:
As you think about the content of your reflection essay samples, remember that the important thing is that such an essay must be highly personal but also engaging to readers. There’s so much more to reflective essays than just writing your story. You must also reflect on your experiences to engage your audiences.
For your starting point, think about the most significant experiences you had in your life. Those which had either a negative or a positive impact on you as a person. If the reflective essay is a school assignment, your professor would probably specify what you must write about. Here are some tips for you for writing your reflective paper example:
Reflective Essay Writing
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Thought and reflection are a major part of our inner lives. Whenever we engage with art and literature or experience anything novel, we tend to reflect on it later.
What if we write our reflections down in a structured way? That is a reflective essay.
Among various types of essays , reflective essays stand out for being the most personal form of writing. Reflective writing lets you explore your thoughts and experiences about something and gain profound insights into yourself and the world around you.
So how can you write a great reflective essay? Read on to understand reflective essays better with examples and get useful tips.
A reflective essay is a type of writing where a writer explores their thoughts, feelings, and observations about a personal experience. These essays are deeply subjective, personal, and introspective.
At its core, a reflective essay prompts you to answer the question:
"How did a particular experience impact me?"
Unlike narrative essays or descriptive writing , reflective essays are not just about recounting events. The goal is to analyze and interpret the event with your unique perspective and insights.
Here are the primary purposes of writing a reflective essay:
Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!
Understanding the different types of reflection essays can help writers choose the most appropriate format for their reflective writing. Here are the main types of reflection essays:
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| Focus on individual experiences and personal growth. Explore emotions and reactions to life events. |
| Analyze learning experiences in educational settings. Connect personal insights with academic concepts. |
| Assess and improve job performance and professional development. Focus on workplace experiences. |
| Reflect on specific experiences like internships or volunteer work. Emphasize practical application of knowledge. |
| Analyze broader issues or phenomena. Challenge assumptions and explore different perspectives. |
| Less formal, written regularly. Document ongoing thoughts and learning. Continuous record of personal growth. |
| Combine storytelling with reflective analysis. Focus on specific events. Engaging and descriptive. |
So what is that structured approach to writing a reflective essay? Read below.
Here is a step-by-step process to start a reflective essay:
Begin by brainstorming a specific event, experience, or topic to reflect upon. It could be a personal experience, a book you've read, a class you've taken, or a significant life event.
Here are some helpful tips for choosing a topic:
Unlike other types of academic essays, reflection papers do not demand research or gathering sources. The source material for the essay can be found in your own thoughts.
You can write down your thoughts in the form of a bulleted list, mind mapping, or other forms of note-taking. Take time to immerse yourself in the experience and consider its various aspects, including:
You don’t have to write down complete sentences yet, you can simply note down keywords and phrases.
To ensure a coherent and logical essay, organize the points you’ve gathered in an outline. A reflective essay follows the basic five-paragraph essay format. The template below shows how to structure your reflective essay:
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This is the last step of your pre-writing preparation. For more details on structuring your essay, read our reflective essay outline blog.
With an organized outline in hand, you now have everything you need to start writing.
Writing a reflective essay is easier with a structured approach, helping you express insights clearly. Stick to your organization and be concise. Here's how to write each section:
Start your essay introduction with a powerful hook . This could be a quote, a question, or an anecdote. Next is to provide background information to give your readers a clear understanding of the experience you will be reflecting on.
Lastly, state the main idea or thesis statement of your reflection. This should outline what aspects of the experience you will be discussing and why it is significant to you.
Start your reflective essay with a catchy topic sentence . Provide a clear and detailed description of the experience or event you are reflecting upon. Set the stage by answering the basic questions: What, when, where, and who?
Share the most significant aspects of the experience. Consider the sensory details, the environment, the people involved, and other aspects. This will help your readers immerse themselves in the situation.
After describing your experience and emotions, take a moment to reflect further. Consider the broader implications of the experience, both personally and possibly for others.
Explore any connections to larger themes or concepts. This deeper reflection adds depth and meaning to your essay.
Being writing your essay conclusion by summarizing the main points of your reflection. Discuss how you plan to apply what you have learned from this experience in the future. Consider how it will influence your actions, decisions, or interactions moving forward.
End with a final reflection or thought, leaving the reader with something to ponder or consider.
After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Returning to your essay with fresh eyes will help you identify areas for improvement. During the revision process:
By following these five steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a well-organized and impactful reflective essay.
Although you now know how to write a reflective essay, you should read some examples before you start writing. Reading the reflective essay samples below will help you get a feel of this type of writing.
Engaging in volunteer work at a local shelter has been a profoundly enriching experience for me. As I stepped into the shelter for the first time, the sight of individuals seeking refuge from life's hardships struck a chord deep within me. Their resilience and gratitude amidst adversity left a lasting impression on my heart. Reflecting on my time at the shelter, I realized how privileged I am and how often I take basic necessities for granted. The simple act of sharing a meal with someone who lacks food security opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by many in our community. It made me question my own values and priorities, prompting a shift in perspective. Moreover, interacting with the shelter residents allowed me to cultivate empathy and compassion. Listening to their stories of struggle and triumph, I began to see beyond stereotypes and judgments, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. This newfound understanding fostered deeper connections and a sense of solidarity within the community. Through this experience, I learned the importance of service and the profound impact it can have on both individuals and communities. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, confront my biases, and confront my biases, and actively contribute to positive change. As I continue on my journey, I am committed to advocating for social justice and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. |
What this essay does well:
How this essay could be improved:
Public speaking has always been a daunting task for me, fraught with nerves and self-doubt. However, as I embarked on a journey to overcome this fear, I found myself facing unexpected challenges and experiencing profound growth. Starting with the introduction, I recall the initial apprehension before my first public speaking engagement. The anticipation of standing in front of an audience, coupled with the fear of forgetting my lines, filled me with dread. However, as I stepped onto the stage and began speaking, I discovered a newfound sense of confidence within me. Moving on to the body paragraphs, I delve into the analysis and reflection of my experiences. I recount the moments of panic and self-doubt during presentations, but also the gradual improvement and increased comfort with each subsequent speech. Reflecting on my thoughts and feelings, I realize that each speaking opportunity, no matter how challenging, was a valuable learning experience. The feedback received from peers and mentors provided valuable insights and helped me identify areas for improvement. In discussing the lessons learned, I acknowledge the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Each setback served as an opportunity for growth, reinforcing my determination to push past my comfort zone. I also recognize the significance of effective communication skills in both personal and professional contexts, underscoring the importance of honing this skill. In conclusion, I reflect on the transformative nature of my public speaking journey. Despite the initial fears and challenges, I emerged stronger and more confident, equipped with valuable skills that will benefit me in various aspects of my life. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue refining my public speaking abilities and embracing new opportunities for growth. |
We have also compiled some examples in the form of PDFs. Check them out and download for free:
Reflective Essay Sample - Reflections on Reading a Book
Reflective Essay Example - A Visit to a Historical Place
Reflective Essay Writing Quiz
Follow the guidelines below to ensure your essay format is visually appealing and well-organized.
Only following the writing steps can help you write a good essay. But to make it even better, you should do something extra. Here are some writing tips that can help you polish your reflective writing.
Choose one moment that really meant something to you. Focusing on just one thing can make your writing more powerful.
Start by describing what happened. Then, explain why it was important. Finally, think about how it will affect your future.
Think about what happened, how it made you feel, and why. What did you learn from it? How did it change you?
If it fits, connect your personal experiences with things you've learned in school or at work. This adds depth to your writing.
Use phrases like "I learned" or "This made me think" to show you're reflecting. It helps readers see how you're growing.
Use quotes or write down what you were thinking during the moment. This makes your writing more real and helps readers understand your feelings.
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Reflective essays can be written on a variety of topics. Here are some ideas you can write about:
Reflective essays serve as powerful instruments for self-discovery. It allows you to delve into your thoughts and experiences and share them with others in a meaningful way.
By following the steps, tips, and, examples above, you can explore the richness of your own experiences and engage others along the way. Trying to write a reflective essay can even become another one of your amazing experiences! So, embrace authenticity, engage your readers, and inspire those who read your words.
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What are the parts of a typical reflective essay.
A reflective essay typically consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for the reflection, the body delves into personal experiences and insights, and the conclusion summarizes key points and reflections.
References can be included in a reflection paper by citing sources using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) within the text or in a separate reference list at the end of the paper. This helps support your reflections with evidence and acknowledges the ideas of others.
A reflection paper is usually around 500 to 1000 words long, depending on the specific assignment requirements. It should be concise enough to focus on key experiences and insights while providing enough depth for meaningful reflection.
A reflection paper consists of a description of the experience or topic being reflected upon, an analysis of thoughts and feelings related to the experience, and reflections on lessons learned and future implications. It provides a structured framework for exploring personal growth and learning.
The main point of a reflective essay is to introspectively explore personal experiences, emotions, and insights. It aims to foster self-awareness, growth, and learning by reflecting on past experiences and considering their implications for the future.
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Table of Contents
How to create a reflection paper outline, know the tips to draft a reflection paper, what are the different types of reflection papers, reflection paper examples for students, get expert help to write reflection paper.
During your academic career, you might have come across the term “reflection paper”. If you feel confused about what is it all about. Well, this question is obvious to come to your mind. So, you must have a clear understanding of it if you want to compose a write-up or a complete research on this topic. But do not worry your doubts will now come to an end. By reading this blog, you can excel in writing reflection paper format in an effective way. So, without any delay, get started to learn all the details of it:-
Reflection paper is a common term that you might have heard during your college or schooling days. You are required to express your opinions on different issues and matters based on your personal experience and observations. You are given the chance to present your ideas in a systematic under the reflection paper.
It is essential that you know about the correct method to compose it effectively. It requires you to understand the proper reflection paper format. So, for that, you must read this blog till the end to make a good hold on this.
The reflection paper covers a wide range of areas in which you can show your reflective skills:-
An educational reflection paper is one in which your teacher can ask you to show some reflection. It can be based on a particular book or article.
Secondly, in the professional paper, you can also express your ideas based on work experiences.
Thirdly is the personal type of reflective paper in which you write about the study of someone’s behaviour.
So, after getting a basic overview about it. You must now focus on knowing the way to create a reflection paper outline!
When writing a reflective paper outline, you must know the correct way of drafting it in your paper. So, now get ready to have a look at some key elements relating to it:-
The introduction is the first paragraph that clarifies the idea that on which topic you are expressing your views. You must start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention at first glance. After that, share some of the background information relating to your topic. It allows you to provide an efficient start to your write-up.
After this, you have to place the thesis statement that aids in how the subject matter has influenced you in real life. So, add this in your introduction to make it more in a detailed way.
The body is the section that comes after the introduction part. So, you must expand the central idea of your document in about 4-5 paragraphs. You can divide your text accordingly by analyzing the demand of your subject matter.
In the first few sentences, give an introduction about the topic and state their importance relating to your area of work. After that, elaborate your thoughts and views and try to present your viewpoint in a systematic way.
The conclusion is the last section that you have to write in your reflection paper. In this, you must draft the summary of the whole text that you have mentioned in the body paragraphs. You should describe what you have learned and provide a constructive analysis. However, the essential thing to note here is that you must restate the things you have written in your document.
So, after learning the outline for drafting your reflection paper format. It is the time to gain some of the vital tips necessary for you!
You can draft the reflection paper more efficiently by following some of the vital tips relating to it. So, get ready to dive into the ocean of it:-
You must be clear and concise while writing your document. It aids in delivering your content in a simple and efficient manner. So, try to keep your text easy to understand and in a proper format. It is the most vital thing you must keep in mind while adding the phrases in your write-up relating to it.
To combat the question “how to write reflection paper format” You must brainstorm your ideas for your reflective paper. It helps in engaging your mind to generate new ideas and thoughts relating to your work. So, give yourself sufficient time to do this activity before starting to compose your write-up.
You should do the correct formatting relating to your work. Add the different sections in a proper sequence while preparing for the reflection paper format. It is true that this type of paper is less structured as compared to others. But, you must try to make it more organized and systematic. So that it is easy to understand by the reader.
You must check the tone of the language that you are using to compose your reflective paper. You must keep it in a professional way that is effective to read. So, keep this thing in your mind when composing the text for your document.
You must proofread your work in a systematic way that can help in effectively spotting the errors. So, give proper time to check the whole document that you have prepared. Note down the mistakes in a separate place so that you can refer to them while composing your task.
You must correctly mind the length while drafting the content for your reflective paper. Try not to exceed the word limit so that you can write in a concise way to cover all the aspects. Do not write irrelevant information in your document. As, it disrupts the flow of your writing.
You must mention the sources that you use in your whole write-up. So write them in your document in whichever section you have used them. It is the best way to save yourself from the plagiarism issue. Always place it at the end of your document and make a separate section dedicated to it in your reflection paper format.
Reviewing and analyzing are the two most important things that you must never skip when you have completed your writing. It helps you keep track of the progress as well as check the readability of your work. So, always make it a habit to check your text before making the final submission.
However, if you want to make your content in an impressive manner, by taking care of all the above-stated tips. In that case, you can opt for a reflective essay to get expert advice relating to this matter.
So, now you have learned the tips and tricks, it is time to learn about the different types of reflective paper.
The different types of reflection papers help enrich the knowledge base to an impressive level. So, let’s learn them in detail:-
The experiential reflection means you have to draft it based on your experience. It is popular in courses such as nursing, business, and social work. The vital thing to note here is that you can assess the theory based on the observations that you learned. So, try to take the essential things out from the things you have learned and present them in your document.
The reading reflection means you have to present your ideas relating to the text that you have read. It aids in cultivating your thought process rather than grasping the opinions of others. So, it provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding in a systematic way. Further, this type of reflection deepens your analytical skills to an impressive level.
The textual reflection means you have to analyze the written text elaborately. In this, you have to use specific quotations to support your opinions about a particular phrase that you have read. It does not require your own opinion, so you must mould your views according to the author’s point of view. Keep this thing in your mind while composing this reflection paper.
So, after learning about the different types of reflection papers, it is time to look at one example.
Read this example for writing the reflection paper for the students:-
Global Warming
The issue of global warming is on the rise in today’s world. In my opinion, this is the most alarming issue that needs the attention. It is an issue that can’t be resolved by just thinking about the initiatives that we can adopt for its betterment. However, collective efforts are required to be made in this regard. So you must understand the depth of this and should start taking constructive steps in this matter.......
Tip:- You can also refer to the reflection paper format example to get more clarity on systematically drafting the document.
So, after looking at the above-stated example, you get a rough idea about the way you can compose your task. For further aid regarding this matter, look at the next section!
If you are facing an issue with writing reflection paper format. In that case, you can take the help from Global Assignment Help. Here, you can address all your problems of drafting it systematically. Furthermore, you will get 24*7 support and guidance regarding this matter. In addition, we have experienced and certified writers who can guide you and enhance your reflection writing. Additionally, you can also opt for homework help to complete your work on time.
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COMMENTS
Learn what a reflective essay is, how to choose a topic, and how to structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Find tips and examples for writing a reflective essay based on personal experience or academic material.
Learn how to write a reflective essay in response to a text, event, or experience. Follow the four phases of description, interpretation, evaluation, and planning, and use descriptive words and personal insights.
Use these 5 tips to write a thoughtful and insightful reflection paper. 1. Answer key questions. To write a reflection paper, you need to be able to observe your own thoughts and reactions to the material you've been given. A good way to start is by answering a series of key questions. For example:
The third paragraph: Start by emphasizing a third lesson and write a reflection for this third lesson. Note: The number of body paragraphs depends on a particular length of an assignment. Usually, the length of a reflective essay is about 500-1,000 words, which means 2-4 double spaced pages or 1-2 single spaced pages.
Learn how to write a reflective essay by exploring your personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Find out the purpose, types, structure, and tips of reflective essays, with examples and a guide.
Reflective Essay Format. 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.
Learn what a reflective essay is, how to choose a topic, and how to structure your essay. Find out the types of reflection papers, the format, and the pre-writing tips for writing a great reflective essay.
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 ...
The appropriate format for a reflective essay; How to write a reflective essay outline; How to perfect your reflective essay; Definition of Reflective Essay. All reflective essays share one thing in common: they do ask that you consider your personal thoughts, opinions, and experiences and apply those to the course you are taking. ...
Learn the definition, format, and structure of a reflective essay, and follow the steps to write one. Find examples, topics, and tips for personal and academic reflective essays.
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.
Learn how to write a reflective essay based on your personal experience, using different frameworks and criteria. Find out the purpose, structure, topics and tips for this type of academic writing.
Learn how to write a reflective essay that examines your life experiences and their impact. Find out the format, structure, topics, and examples for different types of reflective essays.
Types of reflective writing. 1. REFLECTION: when you ask questions about something you would like to better understand, e.g. a problem to solve or an issue to consider. 2. REFLECTIVE PRACTICE: when you reflect on the relationship between practice in your area of study and the theories you are being introduced to. 3.
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.
Format Typically, writers will use MLA format for reflection papers. However, professors will let you know if they have a specific format they would like you to use. When in doubt, request clarification from your professor. MLA Guidelines • Font should be in Times New Roman, 12 point font. • -The paper should be double-spaced with 1inch ...
The Format of a Reflection Essay. A reflective essay must be structured appropriately and contain all the elements of an academic paper. It is always based on personal experience or learning and revolves around the three key components that make it thoughtful and coherent. The Three Main Components of Reflection #1: Description
Reflective Essay_Sample Example reflective essay on environmental troubles Example Reflective essay. By Halina Stolar. Halina has a master's degree in teaching and taught English as a second language and writing for almost 15 years overseas. She now works as a freelance writer, and geeks out over grammar for fun.
Learn how to write a reflective essay that shows your personal growth and change. See examples of reflective essays by famous authors and learn the format and structure of this genre.
Writing a reflective essay, also known as a reflective paper or reflection paper, is as easy as following the step-by-step instructions below. 1. Choose a Topic Idea. If you haven't been assigned a topic and don't have a topic in mind, check the list of topics above for inspiration. If those aren't enough, take a look at these 100 reflection ...
The format to use for your reflection essay samples would depend on your target audience. You can make an academic reflective essay or you can make it as a general and informal piece of writing. If you need to write the essay for a class assignment, follow the format given to you by your teacher. ...
Seeing reflective essay examples can help you understand how to accomplish a reflective essay writing assignment. View examples of reflective essays. ... The structure and format follow a typical essay writing outline. Begin with a great hook and a strong introduction. Pull the reader in without giving too much away, then provide a quick ...
Reflective Essay Format. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your essay format is visually appealing and well-organized. Font and Size: Use a clear font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 12. Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides. Spacing: Double-space the entire essay, including between paragraphs.
It requires you to understand the proper reflection paper format. So, for that, you must read this blog till the end to make a good hold on this. The reflection paper covers a wide range of areas in which you can show your reflective skills:-An educational reflection paper is one in which your teacher can ask you to show some reflection.