Even though reflective essays are meant to explore events that have affected you or made you see things in a new light, they don't have to describe major events. In fact, some of the very best observations we make about life relate to the simplest of everyday experiences.
When writing your own reflective essay, you should describe an event you remember very well--one that happened to you or that you witnessed. In addition to "memorable," the event should be one that you can reflect on and draw meaning from. In the same way that a short story contains both a plot and a theme, a reflective essay should include your description of the experience and some text that evaluates the experience and assigns it some meaning. You'll be more successful reflecting on the experience in writing if you already have some ideas about why the event is significant.
Use the activity below to practice selecting appropriate topics for a reflective essay. Decide if each topic is likely to include both components of a reflective essay topic: a narrative and reflection.
|
Maia's reflective essay is about the step-by-step process she goes through every summer to fly to visit her grandmother in Chile.
|
strong topic
weak topic
|
|
Jon's reflective essay is about the first (and last) time he ever cheated on a test.
|
strong topic
weak topic
|
|
Solomon's reflective essay describes the night his little sister was born and how the doctors and nurses revived the baby and saved her life.
|
strong topic
weak topic
|
|
Taylor's reflective essay traces her family's history back to a relative who sailed on the Mayflower.
|
strong topic
weak topic
|
Complete
