Formal Writing Reflection Paper: Quarter 1
You will have the opportunity to review your formal pieces of writing to identify areas of
improvement, as well as self-assess how you will specifically work to refine your formal
writing skills. The “areas of improvement” include the following: appropriately utilizing
MLA format, using correct and sophisticated syntax and diction, creating a strong
thesis statement with correlating subtopic sentences, logically and cohesively
embedding quotes and correlating analyses, as well as effectively departing an essay
with a strong conclusion.
Please follow these steps, in order, for your formal writing reflection paper:
1. Review your formal pieces of writing submitted for this quarter: “This I believe”
narrative and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time literary analysis
essay. Identify the specific areas where you lost points pertaining to MLA
format, syntax and/or diction, the thesis/subtopics/introduction, embedding
quotes, or the conclusion. Once you have determined your “area of
improvement,” check with your instructor before proceeding.
STEP MUST BE COMPLETED BY END OF THE PERIOD, MONDAY (11/2)
2. Based on your “area of improvement,” print off the corresponding document
(MLA format, syntax/diction, etc.) listed on the class website,
msvidican.weebly.com under the “Assignments/Important Documents” tab. If
you already have it printed off from your writing committee work, you’re a step
ahead!
STEP MUST BE COMPLETED BY TUESDAY (11/3)
3. Once you have oriented yourself with your “area of improvement” handout, begin
your reflection paper. Ensure you are including the following components:
 Clearly identify your “area of improvement” in your formal writing pieces,
narrative and literary analysis essays; specify how you incorrectly or
ineffectively utilized this specific writing component in either or both
essays
 Determine what you should have written for a stronger piece of writing
 Explain how you will move forward to improve and further polish your
future writing in light of this “area of improvement”
***Your reflection paper is due Monday, November 16th. Ensure that your finished
product is typed using 12 point legible font, 1-1.5 pages, double-spaced, and contains 1inch margins.