Reflection papers allow students to express their thoughts and opinions about a topic. What’s more, reflective writing is personal and subjective. The discussion of reflective writing can relate to
- Assignment
- Experience
- Article
- Lesson
Structured and Unstructured Reflective Writing
Typically, a reflection paper for academic purposes maintains a formal tone. It is cohesively organized. On the contrary, non-academic content is unstructured and may include writing a personal diary, a journal, or a narrative for design development.
Read a sample reflective essay HERE!!!
Types of Reflection Papers
1. Experiential Reflection Paper
This type of paper analyzes a personal experience or observation about something. It can be an event that leaves a lasting impression. Accordingly, the writer can discuss a theory that clicks to such an experience. Often these papers target professional programs like medicine, law, education, and business. An experiential reflection paper aims to link theories to practical experience.
2. Textual Reflection Paper
A textual reflection paper analyzes a particular text or literature like a book, essay, poem, or article. As a reminder, you need to read and critically analyze the text. You can also reflect on films, audio, or a work of art.
Tips to Structure a Reflection Paper
A reflective piece of writing has three essential parts: – the introduction, body, and conclusion.
a) Introduction
The introduction part contains the aim of writing your paper. Inclusively, it must have a thesis statement that gives the reader an insight into the topic. This part can summarize an experience, book, article, or other literary work. However, the literature should relate well to the reflection paper.
b) Body
In a reflection paper, the body has an in-depth analysis of the thesis statement. Systematically, the writer organizes this section into paragraphs. Moreover, each paragraph introduces a new idea. The following can also feature in the body:
- Supporting arguments
- Examples
- References
- Direct quotes
c) Conclusion
It is a bad practice to leave readers hanging or confused after reading your paper. Therefore, always sum up the ideas or arguments with a powerful closing tone. That is why the conclusion part is very crucial in reflection papers.
Do not reemphasize or restate the thesis statement here!
Closing Thoughts!
Best writers carefully analyze relevant material before using them. That should be the way of doing things! Most importantly, they proofread and edit their papers before submission. I would encourage you to share your writings with your colleagues and mentors for review. Ultimately, that can help you improve your writing skills.
Well, it is time to write our first reflection paper.
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