Reflection Papers
Where do I Start?
Many assignments begin with external research, so where do you start a reflection paper? This section will provide you with a series of steps to begin your paper:
- Read over the assignment instructions and note particular areas in the book, class, lectures, retreat, philosophy, course, etc. on which the professor would like you to reflect.
- Write in point form your thoughts and reflections on the content.
- Formulate these ideas into a logical and progressive outline (see section three [link] for more details).
- Begin writing!
Types of Reflection Papers
The temptation in writing reflection papers is to ignore components of formal writing. While reflection papers may be slightly more informal than a research or exegetical paper, it is important to stay mindful of common traps.
- Writing in the first-person singular (I) and the first-person plural (we) is more acceptable than in research papers ; however, be careful not to transition back and forth between these two subjective cases without a logical reason for the change in narration.
- Be careful with being too casual in your prose. A reflection paper is still an academic paper, even though it is about you.
Items of Consideration
Here are a few more specific items of consideration to help maintain formality in your reflection papers.
Logical, Progressive Outline
While a reflection paper may almost seem like a “free-style paper,” there still needs to be a formal structure. That structure will inevitably vary based on your experiences, your course, and your assignment prompt, but there are still some outline patterns you can follow:
| Typical Structure | Option A: Themes* | Option B: Chronological | Option C: Hybrid of Themes and Chronological** |
| Introduction | |||
| Point A | Theme One | Where did I start? / What was I like before? | Where I was before and how it reflects the first theme. |
| Point B | Theme Two | What was my experience throughout the book/retreat/course? | What my experience was and how that reflects a second theme. |
| Point C | Theme Three | What is going to change in my life now or in the future? | What is going to change in my life and how that reflects a third theme. |
| Conclusion |
* Themes could be a particular highlight from the book, retreat, course, etc.
** Where chronological periods of time are characterized by a particular theme.
Content
Undoubtedly, a reflection paper is about you, and who better to be an expert on you than yourself? However, while it is exciting to share your thoughts, stories and experiences, it is important to keep the content relevant to the assignment – you are writing a reflection paper, not an autobiography.
- Remember to include a thesis statement. Even though a reflection paper may not be “arguing” for a particular stance, your paper should still present a main point or claim about your thoughts and growth.
Journal Entry?
It is important to remember that a reflection paper is not a journal entry. As you reflect on a book, retreat, or course, we may be reminded of praise-worthy moments where God has clearly worked in our lives. This may ignite within us a natural overflow of gratitude and thanksgiving that we want to express in our writing, leading to unprecedented doxological outbursts. It is good to give glory to God, but extended expressions of gratitude can distract from the overall flow of your content. Keep those words of praise to God in a journal and leave the focus of your reflection paper on your thoughts and experiences.
Final Checklist
Be sure to check the following before you submit your assignment;
- Formatting, style, and citation: Does your paper adhere to your discipline’s style (e.g. APA, Chicago, MLA)?
- Contractions: Contractions like “don’t” and “isn’t” should be “do not” and “is not.”
- Colloquial language or slang words: Avoid informal language like “y’all,” “gonna,” “ain’t,” and phrases like “You’re driving me up the wall!” or “I got nothing.”
- Excessive use of intensifiers: “Really, very, so, etc.” are rarely needed for emphasis.
Always remember: While a reflection paper is informal in the sense that it is personal, it is important to remember that it is still an academic assignment. A reflection paper is still a type of paper, and the tone of that writing should maintain a high level of academic quality.
Video Resource
Want even more help with how to write reflection papers? Check out our CAE Talks video on everything you need to know about Reflection Papers in 6 minutes or less!
