You know generally what belongs in each part of a reflective essay, but what does that component look or sound like? As you read each of the following excerpts from a student's reflective essay, ask yourself if the passage belongs in the essay's introduction, body, or conclusion. Then click on the text to check your answer.
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That first day of ninth grade started like any other first day of school...my big sister hogging the bathroom, my mom swearing at the toast she just burned, and my stomach steadily becoming queasy with dread. Lots of kids feel nervous on their first days, but my anxiety was beyond your average wardrobe worry or "who will I sit next to during lunch" stress. I was positively school phobic. | Introduction: This excerpt lets readers know what the essay will be about and grabs their attention right away. |
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As Marshall maneuvered his wheelchair, which sported an "If you don't like my driving, get off the sidewalk" bumper sticker, through the crowded corridor of high-schoolers, I realized that some people had genuine reasons to worry about first days. Sure, I was convinced my acne might be record-breaking and Bree, the head cheerleader, still wouldn't know I existed, but I didn't have to worry about how I would physically get into the building, or if I could successfully move through the aisles of desks in a classroom, or if people would treat me like a human being or talk to me with a tinge of pity in their voices. Marshall had real reasons to worry on that first day of ninth grade...but if he did, he sure didn't show it. And I decided from that point on, neither would I. | Conclusion: This excerpt draws the story to a close--then pulls back from the narrative to share the writer's insights about the experience. Readers understand that he's made a life change based on the events of that day. |
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"Who is that?" Marshall motioned towards Bree, the most beautiful girl in school, who was completely unaware of my name even though she'd lived three doors down from me since first grade. "Oh, that's Bree Spencer. She's a cheerleader." "Really? Well, she's also my future prom date," Marshall said with a grin. "Come on," he said, tugging my sleeve before popping a pretty impressive wheelie with his wheelchair. "Let's go get some grub and figure out where to sit." | Body: This excerpt is from the middle of the essay and makes for an interesting story because of the dialogue and descriptive details. |
