A reflection paper is a type of paper that many college students need to write. Almost every course you take asks you to communicate your thoughts on particular topics. We’ll show you how to write a reflection paper and give you samples and helpful hints to make the process go more smoothly.
The tone of reflection articles should be scholarly, but they should also be personal and subjective. You should reflect and analyze how an experience, academic task, article, or lecture affected your vision and thoughts on a topic in this form of writing.
Here is the detailed guidance on how to start a reflection paper. So, stick around until the end of this guide for the useful tips from the team of WriteMyEssay4Me.
What is a Reflection Paper?
A reflection paper is a form of paper that asks you to offer your perspective on a topic and back it up with personal examples and observations. Rather than giving your reader the viewpoints of other academics and writers, this essay allows you to express yourself, and the best thing is that there is no wrong answer. It is your opinion, and it is your responsibility to present it in a way that is understandable and clear to all people who will read your article. The possibilities are infinite.
Consider whether or not you believe aliens exist, what your favorite television show is, or how you feel about WWII’s end. You can write whatever you want.
There are three types of reflection papers, and the tone you use will vary based on which one you choose. The educational reflecting paper is the first type. Your task here is to write criticism about a book, a movie, or a seminar you attended. The professional paper is the second. It is usually authored by persons who are studying or working in the fields of education or psychology. For example, it could be a reaction to someone’s actions. Finally, there’s the personal type, which reflects your ideas and feelings on a personal topic.
Format of Reflection Paper
There is no fixed format for writing a reflection paper. Professors usually allow you to handle things in any way you want because it is your view. If your professor has given you a reflection paper to write as an assignment, the format your paper follows may be determined by the criteria instructed by your professor. The length of a college reflection paper (known as a reflection essay) is usually between 400 and 800 words.
How to Start a Reflection Paper?
When working on a reflection essay, the first step is to read the article while taking notes. You want to highlight essential ideas and concepts whether you’re reflecting on an activity, a book, a newspaper, or an academic essay.
Start writing your reflection paper by summarizing the key idea from your notes to ensure that your essay contains all of the information your readers require.
It’s time to brainstorm after you’ve completed reading your article. Simply respond to the following questions:
- What did the articles impact on you?
- Has anything in the article persuaded you to change your mind?
- Have you got any queries/questions after reading?
- Were there any crucial topics that were not addressed in the article?
- Is there anything in the article that reminds you of something you’ve read before?
- Is there anything in the article that you’ve read before that you agree with?
Here are some ideas for reflection paper topics to consider before you start writing your own:
- How have my opinions toward rap music evolved over time?
- Herman Melville’s Moby Dick is the subject of my reflection and interpretation.
- Why has my theory regarding the universe’s size changed throughout time?
- How my clinical psychological research observations have progressed over the last year
Your brainstorming should top in a written outline of the contents of your upcoming paper. This phase should not be skipped because it will ensure that your essay has a correct flow and arrangement.
Writing a Reflection Paper Outline
Introduction
The topic of your reflection should be stated in your introduction. Make sure your thesis educates your reader about your overall viewpoint, or perspective, on the topic.
- Declare what you’re looking at (a lecture, a passage, an academic piece, a personal experience, etc.).
- Summarize the article in a few words.
- Make a thesis statement that explains how your topic has influenced you.
Body
The body paragraphs should look at your thoughts and experiences concerning your topic. Each new body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence.
If you’re writing about a book or an academic piece, you might add quotes and passages in your reflection. They provide a reference point for your reader to completely comprehend your remark. Feel free to describe your experience, including what you saw, heard, and how you felt.
Conclusion
You should summarize what you’ve achieved from the experience, just like any other conclusion. Tell the reader how your newfound information has influenced your overall grasp of the topic. Describe how you felt and what you learned by reading or experience.
Final Words
Everyone has their own ways of writing a reflection essay, and that’s the beauty of it. You have plenty of options with this type of paper. Anyways, if you still want to seek professional help, we at WriteMyEssay4Me are here. Our professionals of essay writing are all here to aid with all your writing needs. We know how to write expository essays and reflective writings.