Embracing changes and living through experiences: A Take-Away to Reflective Essay Writing Real Talk The most memorable experience I ever had was…. I have learned that….. Today, I look at it as….. Let us recall… What is the goal of writing of an autobiography or biography ? What is the goal of reportage writing? Reflection Essay Defined It is an essay in which the writer examines his/her experiences in life. The author then writes about those experiences exploring how he or she has changed, developed or grown from those experiences. Reflection Essay Defined The purpose of writing such essay is to provide a platform for the author to not only recount a particular life experience, but also to explore the changes brought by the experience. Types of Reflective Essay Focus on Personal Growth -intended to help students to learn how to analyse their personal life experiences to promote emotional growth and Types of Reflective Essay Focus on Literature -requires student to provide a summary of the literature after which it is applied to their own life experiences Format of a Reflection Essay Introduction The author shares indirectly or directly the focus of the reflection. Academic writers are more direct on explaining what aspect of his/ her experiences that he/she will Format of a Reflection Essay Body The author explains how he/she has changed or what the writer has learned including the things that caused him/her to change. A reflective writer does not only share the change but also gives Format of a Reflection Essay Conclusion The writer sums up how he or she has changed or the effect of those changes. The writer also can look ahead or look backward. To look ahead, the writer will ponder how the experiences will change him/her The Pre-writing Prompt 1. Identify the topic. 2. Note down any ideas that are related to the topic and if you want to try drawing a diagram to link together any topic. 3. Allow your ideas to flow freely knowing that you will always have time to edit your work. 4. Consider how your ideas are Signpost Questions: Kick start to the Reflective Process What personal experiences do I have that are worth writing? What have I learned about myself as a result of the experience? Have I developed because Did it have any positive or negative bearing in my life? Looking back, what could have I done differently? Did I make the right choices? Was it a useful learning experience Final Notes to Remember The key to writing a reflective essay is demonstrating what lessons you have taken away from your experiences and why and how you have been shaped by these lessons. Final Notes to Remember The reflective process begins with you- you must consciously make an effort to identify and examine your own thoughts in relation to a particular experience.
