How to Write a Reflection Paper: A Comprehensive Guide for College Students

What is a Reflection Paper?

A reflection paper is a kind of paper where you are required to put your opinion on a topic. You should support it with observation and personal experiences. It is different from other pieces of writing in the sense that here, you are required to present your own view, not that of other authors. What is the best thing about writing a reflection paper? You can’t be wrong since it’s your own view. If you think Game of Thrones is undoubtedly the best TV show, it is! If you do not think so, it is not. Before telling you about how to write a reflection paper, let us tell you about the kind of reflection paper.

There are 3 kinds of reflection paper:

• Educational Reflection Paper: You are supposed to give your feedback about anything, from a book to a seminar. It should teach the reader about something—that is the main aim of an educational reflection paper.
• Professional Reflection Paper:  It is normally written by an eminent person in a particular field. 
• Personal Reflection Paper: A personal reflection paper explores your own thoughts and views about an individual. 

What is the Format of a Reflection Paper?

Usually, reflection papers do not have a predisposed format as such. It is your viewpoint, so professors allow you to present it in any manner that you are most comfortable with. So, be free while writing; there’s nothing to hold you back. However, ‌professors might fix a criterion; for instance, they might fix a word range of 400-800, and so on.

How to Write a Reflection Paper?

How to Start a Reflection Paper?

Follow these steps to make a great start for writing a reflection paper:

• Start by reading your article, whatever you are reflecting on, thoroughly and take notes. 
• You should summarize all the concepts in your notes at the start of the paper. You can be creative here; add charts, diagrams, and any other way that could communicate your information in the best possible manner.
• A brainstorming session should be held following the reading of the piece. Ask yourself these questions: How did the article affect you? Does it catch the reader’s attention? Has the article changed your view of something? What is the most thought-provoking aspect of the article? Or any other thing that you might have felt. 

 

You should also brainstorm any idea or predisposition that you generally have and that is related to the topic. For instance, if you are writing about a healthy diet seminar, your own struggles with weight loss might make it more personal and explanatory. In that way, readers might connect with you on a deeper level.

 

It might look overwhelming at first but do not skip the brainstorming step.  It might be the x-factor of your paper. The result of your brainstorming process should make the outline of the reflection paper. Let us tell you how.

How to Write an Outline of a Reflection Paper?

 

• Introduction

 

Your introduction should talk about what you are reflecting on. It should give the reader a general idea of what to expect from the piece. Clearly mention what it is that you are going to analyze: a passage, article, book, seminar, etc.

You should also give a brief summary of your work here. 

Example of a reflection paper introduction:

“From attending (your chosen) seminar, I gained insight into…”

 

• Body of the Reflection Paper

 

It should be a thorough examination of your ideas in the context of the main topic. It can include passages that you are writing about, quotes, and so on. You can be descriptive here. 

Example of a reflection paper body:

“When I saw so many people attending the Paralympics, it was amazing. The atmosphere was charged up and I was thrilled by the enthusiasm of participants and supporters alike.

 

• Conclusion of a Reflection Paper

 

Normally, your conclusion should be a summary of all that you have learned. Mention ‌your insights and how they have left a lasting impression on you. You should also restate your thesis and summarize the contents of the paper.

Tips for Writing a Reflection Paper

Now, as stated, writing a reflection paper is a very personal experience and you should follow your own voice and style. Still, there are general tips for writing a reflection paper that might enhance your overall work:

• Before writing your own piece, read the reflection papers of others. They will tell you how you can approach it and how to capture the reader’s attention. 
• You don’t need to write the complete reflection paper in one go. Instead, chunk out different slots of the day for writing. That way, your writing won’t be dictated by one mood or emotion. This will also help your brain ‌generate new ideas and thoughts.
• Do not make it unnecessarily lengthy. That bores out the reader. 
• Now, the reflection paper is a personal work but still, make sure the tone is professional and academic. 
• Do not forget to cite your resources. 
• Proofread it to make sure that it does not embarrass you with grammatical errors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you write a comprehensive reflection paper?

A: One way to make sure your reflection paper is comprehensive is to brainstorm your ideas out first. 

Q: What idea would most likely make the best reflective essay?

A: To write an impactful reflective paper, write on personal experiences and moments that impacted you the most.

Q: How do you start a college reflection paper? 

A: Start by giving the context of the paper to your reader. After reading the first few paragraphs of the paper, they should have an idea of what to expect.