Reflective Essay: How to Write it

Definition of Reflective Essay

A reflective essay is a type of personal and introspective piece of writing. It allows the students and writers to freely express their thoughts, experiences, and insights regarding a particular event, topic, or aspect of their life. It involves a thoughtful examination and analysis of one’s own thoughts, emotions, and actions. It often highlights lessons learned, personal growth, and the impact of the experience on one’s perspective. It is also called a reflection essay.

The reflection essay/or reflective essay typically encourages self-reflection, self-awareness, and the ability to critically evaluate and communicate thoughts and feelings in a cohesive and organized manner. To learn how to write a reflective essay/reflective essay, it is imperative to know its parts or elements.

Parts/Elements of Reflective Essay

Parts/Elements	Explanation	Short Example of Part
Personal Experience or Event	It is a specific personal experience or event that holds significance to the writer	“The time I spent volunteering at a local orphanage was a profound experience that challenged my perspectives on privilege and compassion.”
Self-reflection	It is an introspection and examination of the writer’s thoughts, emotions, and actions related to the chosen experience	“I realized that my initial motivations for volunteering were self-centered, but through self-reflection, I discovered a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of these children.”
Analysis and Evaluation	It is a critical analysis and evaluation of the experience, including exploration of underlying reasons and assessment of outcomes, consequences, or lessons learned	“I analyzed the social and economic factors contributing to the children’s circumstances and evaluated the effectiveness of the orphanage’s programs in addressing their needs.”
Lessons Learned	It means highlighting the lessons or insights gained from the experience, and discussing personal growth, knowledge, or changes in perspective	“I learned the importance of empathy and genuine connection in supporting vulnerable individuals, and it reshaped my understanding of privilege and the responsibility to help others.”
Personal Voice and Expression	Subjectivity and personal expression in conveying the writer’s unique voice, opinions, and emotions	“I felt a deep sense of empathy and connection with the children, and it was through their laughter and resilience that I discovered hope amidst their challenging circumstances.”
Connection to Broader Concepts or Theories	It is linking the personal experience to broader concepts, theories, or frameworks to deepen understanding and provide context to the reflections	“Drawing on psychological theories of child development, I explored how the lack of stable relationships affected the emotional well-being of the children in the orphanage.”
Organization and Structure	It is a clear and coherent structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion	“In my introduction, I provided background information on the orphanage and set the context for my experience. In the body paragraphs, I explored different aspects of my interaction with the children. Finally, in the conclusion, I summarized the key insights I gained from the experience.”
Emotional Honesty	It means expressing and exploring emotions honestly, sharing both positive and negative emotions experienced during the event or experience	“I experienced a mix of emotions, from joy and fulfillment when connecting with the children, to sadness and frustration witnessing their hardships. It was an emotional rollercoaster.”
Personal Growth and Development	Emphasizing personal growth, development, and self-awareness resulting from the experience	“Volunteering at the orphanage transformed my perspective on the world. I became more compassionate, aware of social injustices, and committed to advocating for marginalized communities.”

Remember while these parts of the reflective essay are important, their presence and emphasis vary depending on the purpose and objective of the writer/student, his/her context, and the writing style.

Functions of Reflective Essay/reflection essay

Here is a list of some functions that a reflective essay may perform.

1. Self-exploration
2. Self-evaluation
3. Learning and growth
4. Expression and communication
5. Critical thinking
6. Empathy and connection
7. Documentation and record-keeping
8. Professional development

It shows that reflective essays serve as a valuable tool for self-discovery, learning, personal growth, and effective communication. They enable individuals to make meaning out of their experiences and contribute to their own development and understanding of the world.

Structure/Outlines of a Reflective Essay

Title: A Journey of Self-Reflection: Discovering My True Identity

I. Introduction

A. Hook: Captivating opening statement or anecdote

B. Thesis statement: Emphasize the importance of self-reflection and personal growth

C. Briefly introduce the main points to be discussed in the essay

II. The Catalyst: Moment of Awakening

A. Describe the event or experience that triggered the need for self-reflection

B. Discuss the initial emotions and thoughts that arose from this experience

III. Delving into the Self

A. Engaging in introspection: The process of self-analysis and questioning

B. Identifying personal values, beliefs, and biases

C. Exploring the influence of past experiences on current perspectives

IV. Challenging Assumptions and Breaking Barriers

A. Recognizing and questioning societal norms and expectations

B. Overcoming personal limitations and fears

C. Confronting and challenging personal biases and prejudices

V. Embracing Change and Growth

A. Acknowledging the need for personal growth

B. Reflecting on lessons learned and transformative experiences

C. Discussing the positive impact of self-reflection on personal development

VI. Self-Acceptance and Authenticity

A. Celebrating personal strengths and embracing weaknesses

B. Emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance

C. Highlighting the significance of living authentically

VII. Conclusion

A. Summarize the main points discussed in the essay

B. Reflect on the overall impact of self-reflection on personal growth

C. Offer a final thought or call to action for readers to engage in their own journey of self-reflection

Note: The outline provided is a general structure that can be adapted and expanded based on your specific experiences and ideas. Remember to revise and refine the outline as needed to ensure a cohesive and well-structured reflective essay.

Examples of Reflective Essay Examples, Topics and Details

Topic	Thesis Statement	Main Points
A Life-Changing Travel Experience	A specific travel experience profoundly impacted my life by broadening my horizons, challenging my perspectives, and contributing to my personal growth and development.	1. Introduction to the life-changing travel experience. 2. Description of the destination and activities. 3. Reflection on encounters with people. 4. How the experience broadened horizons and challenged perspectives. 5. Personal growth and development resulting from the travel experience.
Overcoming a Personal Challenge	Overcoming a personal challenge transformed me as a person through the emotions, thoughts, and actions involved in the process, ultimately revealing my inner strengths and valuable lessons.	1. Introduction to the personal challenge faced. 2. Discussion of the emotional and mental aspects of overcoming the challenge. 3. Description of the actions taken to overcome it. 4. Lessons learned from the experience. 5. Discovery of inner strengths and transformation as a result.
The Importance of Failure in Learning and Growth	Reflecting on a specific failure reshaped my understanding of success, resilience, and personal growth, leading to a change in my attitude towards failure and its application in various aspects of life.	1. Introduction to the specific failure or setback. 2. Discussion of the impact on life and mindset. 3. Exploration of how failure shaped the understanding of success and resilience. 4. Lessons learned from failure and changes in attitude. 5. Application of these lessons in other life areas.

Remember, these are just example topics, and you can choose a personal experience or theme that resonates with you and allows for deep reflection and exploration.

Suggested Readings

1. Oshima, Alice, and Ann Hogue. Longman Academic Writing Series 4: Essays. Pearson, 2014.
2. Shields, MunLing. Essay Writing: A Student’s Guide. Pearson, 2016.
3. Acheson, Katherine O. Writing Essays About Literature: A Brief Guide for University and College Students. Cengage, 2010.
4. Griffith, Kelley. Writing Essays About Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet. Cengage, 2018.
5. Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2015.
6. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. 3rd ed., University of Minnesota Press, 2008.