how to write a reflection paper on a movie

How to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie

Students have to write a great variety of academic papers. They have various purposes, and it makes them unique. A certain piece may become your favorite assignment of the worst nightmare. Some students struggle with writing a reflection paper on a movie. It demands to clearly explain the main purpose and the general atmosphere of a certain piece of cinematography. You should focus on a certain motif that has provoked certain feelings and emotions in you. The task is surely interesting.

In the meanwhile, students may not be able to clearly reflect their thoughts on paper. Even if they understand everything, they struggle, and it inevitably leads to a loss of vital grades. Some folks request professional help from custom writing websites whose experts may write papers for you . For sure, you will need to find and pay someone online. However, you should not consider this solution as the common way out. It can be used when you don’t have any other possibility to handle this and other academic tasks. Therefore, we propose to read this informative guide attentively. It describes how to write a flawless reflection paper on a movie.

Treat It as a Literature Piece

You have surely written multiple reflection papers on books, literary analyses, book reports, and reviews. They are quite similar to a reflection paper on a movie. You should reconsider everything you have seen on the screen. However, a reflection project differs a bit. You should not retell the entire plot. The main task is to choose one theme and stick to it.

For example, you have chosen to reflect Joan Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The movie involves various themes, and the theme of love is one of them. You can choose it as your topic. The theme of love is regularly met in most literature pieces and movies. It is “eternal,” and people always discuss how and why it appears, as well as what does it mean. According to the movie, the love of Harry’s mother had rescued his life when he was only 1 year old. It has destroyed the body of an evil wizard called Voldemort. As Harry turned 11, he faced the wizard once again, and though his mother died, her love rescued him again. The evil wizard felt no love at all, and it was his greatest weakness that did not allow him to prevail. You can reflect on the feelings and emotions you felt when the theme of love appeared in the movie.

Of course, you ought to watch the movie at least once. It’s good if you are allowed to choose what movie to describe. You may choose any well-known piece because you know everything about it. In case you are assigned a movie, you should find time to watch it.

It’s not easy to comprehend everything from a single review. If you have additional time, watch it at least twice. Focus on a concrete topic and develop it in your reflection paper.

Take Notes Instantly

A smart student always takes instant notes on the matter. Not all students have a good memory , and even the best of us may forget about something vital. The outcomes may be adverse, and the lacking element may deprive you of many grades. Therefore, take notes while you watch the movie.

Sometimes it is very hard to remember what feelings you experienced during the review. Their brightness withers away, and your reflection may lack reality and fullness. If you record them instantly, you will avoid this problem

Gather All the Possible Facts on the Topic

It’s vital to do some research. This common rule is applied to any scientifically-based project. However, a movie reflection paper is not a reflection of the entire story. Some unknown facts may shed more light on the motif you have chosen. Give heed to –

The cast; Historic events; Locations; Characters of the main heroes; Critics, etc.

Perhaps one actor refused to play the role, and his substitute wasn’t convincing. Thus, you may write: “If Anthony Hopkins played this role, the movie would have been much better because he perfectly shows empathy.” You may also write something like this: “Due to the historical period the movie involved, I’m not convinced that the motif of racial equality suits the plot.”

Do Not Repeat the Story

Many students repeat the same error – they retell the whole movie plot. We remind once again – a reflection paper on a movie focuses on a certain theme and does not retell the plot entirely. You can mention the scenes that are closely related to the chosen issue. You should not –

Retell the plot from the beginning to the end;

Pay attention to costume design;

Dwell upon music supervision;

Mention the lighting, visual support, etc.

Remember that you should avoid critique of the entire piece.

Have a Plan and Follow the Structure

It’s logical and effective to create an outline of your project. It makes you disciplined and organizes the whole process of writing.

The typical outline includes:

Introduction . The part where you familiarize your reader with the movie and explain why you have chosen a certain theme.

Main body. It develops the thesis statement, provides concrete examples from the movie, and justifies your choice.

Conclusion . Summarizes the job done and interprets the outcomes.

Additional tip: Set strict deadlines to control your time.

Edit and Proofread

The last stage of your reflection paper on a movie is to revise it several times. Thus, you increase the chance to avoid unwanted mistakes. A revision stage helps to check:

Grammar; Spelling; Punctuation; Style; Word choice; Plot development; Clearness of delivery; Readability, etc.

Keep in mind the tips and tricks we have mentioned in our informative guide on writing a reflection paper . They are universal and will surely suit whatever movie you need to reflect. Use them wisely, and you will sufficiently increase your chances to enjoy success and get an A+ grade.

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How to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie: 4 Easy Steps

Nov 22, 2023 | Articles

Writing a reflection paper is one of those rare cases when you get to reflect on your own feelings, ideas, and opinions. Often when you write academic papers, you have to do a lot of research work, but you should use your own opinions to a minimum. Of course, you can use your thoughts in an argumentative essay, but first you must rely on some facts, research, patterns, and so on. When you write a reflection paper, you have the opportunity to express yourself and your attitude to some problem or object of art, in this case, to a film. Writing a reflection paper on a movie is not just about describing how well the movie was shot, or how well the actors performed, or how you liked the movie plot. Therefore, we have prepared a detailed article on how to write a reflection paper on a movie and hope that after reading it you will be able to cope with this task quickly and efficiently.

If, however, you don’t have enough time to deal with a reflection paper on a movie no matter how many great tips you get, it may be the right moment to address trustworthy writing services such as WriteMyPaperHub. You pay someone to process your “ write my paper ” request, you get an experienced author to write, format and edit your essay within a given deadline.

Step #1 Choosing a Movie for Your Reflection Paper

There are three options. The first option, from our point of view, is the most unsuccessful. This is when you have one specific assigned movie for which you need to write a reflection paper, and you cannot change this movie to some other one. There is no choice here, you will simply try to do the maximum in describing the film, even if it is completely uninteresting to you. And the second option is when the teacher gives you several films to choose from, and you just need to choose from this list. Because you roughly understand the direction of all these films and can decide what you think will be the most interesting to reveal in your reflection paper. You can select absolutely any film, often on a specific topic, or with a specific problem, and write a reflection paper on this film. It’s even a little more difficult, because the choice is very large. We advise you not to waste a lot of time, but to take on the first film that seems deep enough and fascinating to you. When deciding a film for a reflection paper, remember that the main thing is not how well its plot develops and how you like the actors, but how easy it will be for you to analyze it and whether it contains enough material to write a high-quality and fascinating essay. An exciting film is not always an interesting option for academic work.

Step #2 Watching the Chosen Movie with Intent

We are sure that trying to teach people to watch films may seem quite strange, because there is nothing complicated about it. The idea is that you just watch the movie from start to finish, you can make some notes, and then you write what you think about it. But we want to talk about how to watch a movie so that later there is no need to return to it again and immediately write a rather deep and successful reflection paper on a movie. First, be sure to watch the movie with a notebook and take lots of notes. We recommend using an old school notebook, that is, pen and paper. Because if you take notes on your phone, you will definitely be distracted by some notifications, social networks and the like. For the same purpose, we advise you to watch the film not at once, but to divide it into two or three significant pieces, such as the beginning, the climax, and the conclusion. Or simply divide the viewing time into half an hour. Because it’s very difficult to focus for two or two and a half hours. It is much better if you watch the film very intently, but in less time. This way you can see more interesting twists, write down more quotes, and it will be easier for you to write a reflection paper on a movie efficiently and quickly.

Step #3 Preparing to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie

How quickly and efficiently you write an essay depends on how well you prepare for it. At this stage, write down the main ideas of the key insights and messages that you want to reflect in this reflection paper. Do a little research about the film, such as the background of the director, screenwriter, and producer. See if this film has any adaptations for Indian or Korean cinema. Read, maybe this film is based on real events, or based on some book. You don’t need to watch all the adaptations, or read the book. But the received information will help you write a deeper essay and will give you fascinating ideas that you can implement in this reflection paper. During the preparation process, be sure to take notes with references. This will help you quickly structure the work cited page for this essay and add citations inside the paper.

Step #4 Structuring and Writing a Reflective Essay on a Movie

When structuring your essay, you should first summarize what the movie is about in a few sentences. Present a clear thesis statement that outlines the focus of your reflection. Then you need to divide the analysis into several parts that will cover themes, personnel connections and key turning points in the film. If you describe these three parts, you can consider that you already have a fairly high-quality and deep essay. When you write this analysis, you must understand that in the end it must correspond to your primary thesis statement. You once again rewrite this thesis statement as conclusions, based on the analysis you did above. Do not try to invent some new structure for a reflection essay on a movie, because your professor expects from you exactly the same sequence that we have now described.

Don’t forget to leave time for final polishing, namely proofreading and editing. We advise you to make the most of available services on the Internet, such as Grammarly or Hemingway. This will help you avoid mistakes that can detract from the grade of a well-written essay despite good content.

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Introduction

In our fast-paced world, filled with an abundance of visual narratives and stories, reflection papers stand as a beacon of deeper understanding and personal connection. Think about the countless movies you've watched, the books you've read, the interviews you've encountered, and the academic courses you've undertaken. Each of these experiences can leave an indelible mark on one's soul, but how often do we truly stop and reflect on them? That's where the art of reflection writing comes in, allowing both students and film review professionals to bridge the gap between passive consumption and active introspection. From academic assignments in film and theater studies to personal reflection projects on a poignant movie or a transformative course, reflection papers have found their unique niche in the realm of academic writing, film analysis, and beyond.

Reflection Paper Definition

What is a reflection paper.

A reflection paper is a unique blend of personal experience and academic tone. Unlike mere summaries or reviews, reflection papers typically dive deep into an individual's emotional and intellectual response to a topic, whether it's a movie plot, a course topic, or a book's core idea. It's an opportunity to relate personal experience, alter beliefs or thoughts, and evaluate the strong and weak points of the subject matter.

How is it different from regular reviews or summaries?

While reviews often hinge on evaluating the quality or effectiveness of a piece, using criteria set by viewer attitude or professional standards, reflection papers incorporate the student's point of view and personal experiences. Summaries, on the other hand, focus solely on providing a concise overview of the material. In contrast, reflection papers go beyond the surface, often delving into how the material influenced the main idea or evoked personal feelings.

Why Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie?

Movies are more than just a source of entertainment; they are a reflection of society, a mirror to our souls, and a powerful medium that can subvert genre expectations and provoke thought. When we watch a film, we aren't just passive observers; we engage, relate, and often see fragments of our own stories within the narrative. Writing a reflection paper on a movie provides an avenue to articulate these connections, to explore the intricacies of character development, plot twists, and overarching themes. It pushes one to not just appreciate the artistry of filmmaking but to critically analyze and reflect upon its impact on our beliefs, emotions, and worldview. In essence, it transforms a casual viewer into a reflective critic, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world of cinema.

Writing Tips for an Effective Reflection Paper

Reflection papers offer a unique blend of personal insight and academic analysis. Crafting a well-written reflection paper involves introspection, critical thinking, and clear articulation of thoughts. While the essence of the paper should be genuine and personal, there are certain guidelines and writing tips that can elevate your reflective essay writing. Here's a roadmap to guide you:

Start Your Reflection Paper

Setting the right tone from the outset is pivotal to drawing your readers into your world of reflection. Here's how you can kickstart your reflective journey:

• Engage with a Hook: Begin with a compelling anecdote, question, or observation related to the movie or topic you're reflecting on. This should capture the essence of your reflection.
• Relate Personal Experience: Highlight a personal connection or emotion tied to the movie plot or character. This offers a window into your unique perspective.
• Outline Your Main Idea: Clearly state the core idea or the main takeaway you want the reader to grasp by the end of your paper.

Reread, Rewrite, Edit

An effective reflection paper is not just about pouring your thoughts onto paper, but ensuring those thoughts are clear, concise, and well-articulated:

• Reread for Flow: Once your initial thoughts are down, read through your paper to ensure ideas cross smoothly from one to another.
• Rewrite for Clarity: Reframe sentences or paragraphs that seem convoluted or detract from your main point.
• Edit for Precision: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and writing style. A polished paper not only reflects your thoughts but showcases your dedication to the writing process.

Subverting Genre Expectations

Cinema is an evolving art form, and sometimes movies subvert genre expectations, challenging our preconceived notions. Addressing these nuances in your reflection can offer a deeper layer of analysis:

• Identify the Unexpected: Note moments or elements in the movie that seemed out of place for its genre or challenged typical conventions.
• Analyze the Purpose: Reflect on why the filmmaker might have chosen to deviate from the norm. Was it to create a specific emotional response, convey a unique message, or perhaps offer a critique?
• Connect to Personal Reflection: Relate how these unexpected elements influenced your perspective or emotions. Did they enhance your viewing experience, confuse you, or prompt deeper thought?

By incorporating these tips into your writing process, you'll be well on your way to crafting a reflective paper that resonates with readers and offers a rich analysis of your chosen topic.

Reflection Paper Format

When it comes to crafting a reflection paper, it's essential to maintain a structured approach while allowing room for personal insights. Here's a standard format to guide your reflection writing:

• Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the subject – be it a movie, a book, or any other topic. Share a hint about your personal reaction or main takeaway.
• Personal Reaction: Detail your immediate reaction or feelings after engaging with the subject.
• Analysis: Dive into the reasons behind your reactions. Discuss the elements of the movie plot or themes of the book and relate them to your personal experiences.
• Evaluation: Critically assess the work. Were there strong or weak points? How did it alter or confirm your beliefs or thoughts?
• Conclusion: Sum up your reflections, drawing connections to the broader context. Maybe relate it to a larger theme, societal issues, or personal growth.

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Step-by-Step

Crafting an impactful reflection paper involves a thoughtful process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it:

Choose a Topic

Every reflection starts with an experience or a subject. Whether you're focusing on a current film, an academic course, an interview, or even a book, ensure that it's something that resonated with you or sparked a significant reaction.

Write a Reflection Paper Outline

Organizing your thoughts can make the writing process smoother and more coherent. Here's a basic template to help:

• Subject of reflection
• Personal initial reaction
• Personal Experience: How you relate to the subject
• Analytical Thoughts: Dissecting the topic, drawing parallels, critiquing aspects
• Broader Connections: Linking to broader themes or societal observations
• Personal growth or future reflections

Drafting the Reflection

With your outline as the backbone, start fleshing out your thoughts:

• Be Genuine: Reflective essay writing thrives on authenticity.
• Be Descriptive: Paint a vivid picture of your experiences and reactions.
• Maintain Academic Tone: While personal, strive for a balance between casual narration and academic writing.

Revise and Finalize

Even the most experienced writers don't get it perfect the first time:

• Proofread: Look for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
• Review for Flow: Ensure ideas transition smoothly and maintain a cohesive narrative.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, have someone read your paper to get an external perspective. Their insights might help you see areas for improvement.

Remember, reflection papers are as much about the journey of introspection as they are about the final piece. Embrace the process, and your genuine insights will undoubtedly shine through.

Reflection Paper Examples

Navigating the landscape of reflection papers becomes simpler when you have examples to guide your way. Here are some samples to illuminate the process:

Free Reflection Paper Example

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

After watching The Shawshank Redemption , my initial reaction was an overwhelming sense of hope. The film, set against the backdrop of a prison, beautifully captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and redemption. What stood out to me was Andy Dufresne's unwavering spirit. Even in the darkest corners of Shawshank, he found ways to breathe life and hope, be it through music or his secret escape plan. The movie serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is a state of mind.

Reflection Movie Review Samples

Horror: Get Out

Jordan Peele's Get Out is not just a horror film; it's a chilling commentary on racism. The movie subverted my genre expectations, using horror tropes to emphasize the real-life terror of racial prejudice.

Romantic Comedy: Crazy Rich Asians

Reflecting on Crazy Rich Asians , I'm struck by its dual narrative. On one hand, it's a delightful rom-com with lavish parties and heartwarming moments. Yet, it also delves into the cultural clashes and the burden of family expectations.

Varieties of Reflection Papers

Reflection papers aren't just confined to movies. Their versatility spans across books, interviews, courses, and more.

Reflection Paper on a Book

When writing reflections on books, it's vital to combine your emotional responses with an analysis of the plot, characters, and themes. Relate personal experiences that resonate with the book's events or messages.

Reflection Paper on an Interview

Whether you've conducted a personal interview or watched a famous one, your reflection should capture the essence of the dialogue, the emotions evoked, and any newfound insights or learnings.

Reflection on a Course

Reflecting on academic courses involves summarizing the content while weaving in personal experiences. Discuss the course's impact, its strong and weak points, and its influence on your academic or personal growth.

Critical Reflection Paper

A critical reflection goes beyond surface-level observations. It delves deep into analytical thought, questioning assumptions, and challenging established norms. It's about viewing the subject from multiple angles and offering a well-rounded perspective.

Self-Reflection Papers

Distinct from other reflection papers, self-reflection papers focus inward. They're introspective examinations of personal experiences, growth, and future aspirations. Such papers allow you to contemplate life events, decisions, and milestones, offering a platform for self-awareness and growth.

Reflection papers, whether on movies, books, or personal experiences, offer a powerful medium for introspection and analysis. They're not just summaries; they're personal journeys interspersed with analytical thought. Whether you're reflecting on a blockbuster movie or an

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Guide on How to Write a Reflection Paper with Free Tips and Example

A reflection paper is a very common type of paper among college students. Almost any subject you enroll in requires you to express your opinion on certain matters. In this article, we will explain how to write a reflection paper and provide examples and useful tips to make the essay writing process easier.

Reflection papers should have an academic tone yet be personal and subjective. In this paper, you should analyze and reflect upon how an experience, academic task, article, or lecture shaped your perception and thoughts on a subject.

Here is what you need to know about writing an effective critical reflection paper. Stick around until the end of our guide to get some useful writing tips from the writing team at EssayPro — a research paper writing service

What Is a Reflection Paper

A reflection paper is a type of paper that requires you to write your opinion on a topic, supporting it with your observations and personal experiences. As opposed to presenting your reader with the views of other academics and writers, in this essay, you get an opportunity to write your point of view—and the best part is that there is no wrong answer. It is YOUR opinion, and it is your job to express your thoughts in a manner that will be understandable and clear for all readers that will read your paper. The topic range is endless. Here are some examples: whether or not you think aliens exist, your favorite TV show, or your opinion on the outcome of WWII. You can write about pretty much anything.

There are three types of reflection paper; depending on which one you end up with, the tone you write with can be slightly different. The first type is the educational reflective paper. Here your job is to write feedback about a book, movie, or seminar you attended—in a manner that teaches the reader about it. The second is the professional paper. Usually, it is written by people who study or work in education or psychology. For example, it can be a reflection of someone’s behavior. And the last is the personal type, which explores your thoughts and feelings about an individual subject.

However, reflection paper writing will stop eventually with one very important final paper to write - your resume. This is where you will need to reflect on your entire life leading up to that moment. To learn how to list education on resume perfectly, follow the link on our dissertation writing services .

Unlock the potential of your thoughts with EssayPro . Order a reflection paper and explore a range of other academic services tailored to your needs. Dive deep into your experiences, analyze them with expert guidance, and turn your insights into an impactful reflection paper.

Free Reflection Paper Example

Now that we went over all of the essentials about a reflection paper and how to approach it, we would like to show you some examples that will definitely help you with getting started on your paper.

Reflection Paper Format

Reflection papers typically do not follow any specific format. Since it is your opinion, professors usually let you handle them in any comfortable way. It is best to write your thoughts freely, without guideline constraints. If a personal reflection paper was assigned to you, the format of your paper might depend on the criteria set by your professor. College reflection papers (also known as reflection essays) can typically range from about 400-800 words in length.

Here’s how we can suggest you format your reflection paper:

How to Start a Reflection Paper

The first thing to do when beginning to work on a reflection essay is to read your article thoroughly while taking notes. Whether you are reflecting on, for example, an activity, book/newspaper, or academic essay, you want to highlight key ideas and concepts.

You can start writing your reflection paper by summarizing the main concept of your notes to see if your essay includes all the information needed for your readers. It is helpful to add charts, diagrams, and lists to deliver your ideas to the audience in a better fashion.

After you have finished reading your article, it’s time to brainstorm. We’ve got a simple brainstorming technique for writing reflection papers. Just answer some of the basic questions below:

• How did the article affect you?
• How does this article catch the reader’s attention (or does it all)?
• Has the article changed your mind about something? If so, explain how.
• Has the article left you with any questions?
• Were there any unaddressed critical issues that didn’t appear in the article?
• Does the article relate to anything from your past reading experiences?
• Does the article agree with any of your past reading experiences?

Here are some reflection paper topic examples for you to keep in mind before preparing to write your own:

• How my views on rap music have changed over time
• My reflection and interpretation of Moby Dick by Herman Melville
• Why my theory about the size of the universe has changed over time
• How my observations for clinical psychological studies have developed in the last year

The result of your brainstorming should be a written outline of the contents of your future paper. Do not skip this step, as it will ensure that your essay will have a proper flow and appropriate organization.

Another good way to organize your ideas is to write them down in a 3-column chart or table.

Do you want your task look awesome?

If you would like your reflection paper to look professional, feel free to check out one of our articles on how to format MLA, APA or Chicago style

Writing a Reflection Paper Outline

Reflection paper should contain few key elements:

Introduction

Your introduction should specify what you’re reflecting upon. Make sure that your thesis informs your reader about your general position, or opinion, toward your subject.

• State what you are analyzing: a passage, a lecture, an academic article, an experience, etc...)
• Briefly summarize the work.
• Write a thesis statement stating how your subject has affected you.

One way you can start your thesis is to write:

Example: “After reading/experiencing (your chosen topic), I gained the knowledge of…”

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should examine your ideas and experiences in context to your topic. Make sure each new body paragraph starts with a topic sentence.

Your reflection may include quotes and passages if you are writing about a book or an academic paper. They give your reader a point of reference to fully understand your feedback. Feel free to describe what you saw, what you heard, and how you felt.

Example: “I saw many people participating in our weight experiment. The atmosphere felt nervous yet inspiring. I was amazed by the excitement of the event.”

As with any conclusion, you should summarize what you’ve learned from the experience. Next, tell the reader how your newfound knowledge has affected your understanding of the subject in general. Finally, describe the feeling and overall lesson you had from the reading or experience.

There are a few good ways to conclude a reflection paper:

• Tie all the ideas from your body paragraphs together, and generalize the major insights you’ve experienced.
• Restate your thesis and summarize the content of your paper.

We have a separate blog post dedicated to writing a great conclusion. Be sure to check it out for an in-depth look at how to make a good final impression on your reader.

Need a hand? Get help from our writers. Edit, proofread or buy essay .

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: create a main theme.

After you choose your topic, write a short summary about what you have learned about your experience with that topic. Then, let readers know how you feel about your case — and be honest. Chances are that your readers will likely be able to relate to your opinion or at least the way you form your perspective, which will help them better understand your reflection.

For example: After watching a TEDx episode on Wim Hof, I was able to reevaluate my preconceived notions about the negative effects of cold exposure.

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas and Experiences You’ve Had Related to Your Topic

You can write down specific quotes, predispositions you have, things that influenced you, or anything memorable. Be personal and explain, in simple words, how you felt.

For example: • A lot of people think that even a small amount of carbohydrates will make people gain weight • A specific moment when I struggled with an excess weight where I avoided carbohydrates entirely • The consequences of my actions that gave rise to my research • The evidence and studies of nutritional science that claim carbohydrates alone are to blame for making people obese • My new experience with having a healthy diet with a well-balanced intake of nutrients • The influence of other people’s perceptions on the harm of carbohydrates, and the role their influence has had on me • New ideas I’ve created as a result of my shift in perspective

Step 3: Analyze How and Why These Ideas and Experiences Have Affected Your Interpretation of Your Theme

Pick an idea or experience you had from the last step, and analyze it further. Then, write your reasoning for agreeing or disagreeing with it.

For example, Idea: I was raised to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight.

Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of research to overcome my beliefs finally. Afterward, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key to a healthy lifestyle.

For example: Idea: I was brought up to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight. Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of my own research to finally overcome my beliefs. After, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key for having a healthy lifestyle.

Step 4: Make Connections Between Your Observations, Experiences, and Opinions

Try to connect your ideas and insights to form a cohesive picture for your theme. You can also try to recognize and break down your assumptions, which you may challenge in the future.

There are some subjects for reflection papers that are most commonly written about. They include:

• Book – Start by writing some information about the author’s biography and summarize the plot—without revealing the ending to keep your readers interested. Make sure to include the names of the characters, the main themes, and any issues mentioned in the book. Finally, express your thoughts and reflect on the book itself.
• Course – Including the course name and description is a good place to start. Then, you can write about the course flow, explain why you took this course, and tell readers what you learned from it. Since it is a reflection paper, express your opinion, supporting it with examples from the course.
• Project – The structure for a reflection paper about a project has identical guidelines to that of a course. One of the things you might want to add would be the pros and cons of the course. Also, mention some changes you might want to see, and evaluate how relevant the skills you acquired are to real life.
• Interview – First, introduce the person and briefly mention the discussion. Touch on the main points, controversies, and your opinion of that person.

Writing Tips

Everyone has their style of writing a reflective essay – and that's the beauty of it; you have plenty of leeway with this type of paper – but there are still a few tips everyone should incorporate.

Before you start your piece, read some examples of other papers; they will likely help you better understand what they are and how to approach yours. When picking your subject, try to write about something unusual and memorable — it is more likely to capture your readers' attention. Never write the whole essay at once. Space out the time slots when you work on your reflection paper to at least a day apart. This will allow your brain to generate new thoughts and reflections.

• Short and Sweet – Most reflection papers are between 250 and 750 words. Don't go off on tangents. Only include relevant information.
• Clear and Concise – Make your paper as clear and concise as possible. Use a strong thesis statement so your essay can follow it with the same strength.
• Maintain the Right Tone – Use a professional and academic tone—even though the writing is personal.
• Cite Your Sources – Try to cite authoritative sources and experts to back up your personal opinions.
• Proofreading – Not only should you proofread for spelling and grammatical errors, but you should proofread to focus on your organization as well. Answer the question presented in the introduction.

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How to Write a Reflection Paper

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alicia Cook . Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,801,406 times.

Reflection papers allow you to communicate with your instructor about how a specific article, lesson, lecture, or experience shapes your understanding of class-related material. Reflection papers are personal and subjective [1] X Research source , but they must still maintain a somewhat academic tone and must still be thoroughly and cohesively organized. Here's what you need to know about writing an effective reflection.

Things You Should Know

• Write an introduction that outlines the expectations you had and provide a thesis statement in the last sentence.
• State your conclusions in the body paragraphs of the paper. Explain how you arrived at your conclusions using logic and concrete details.
• Conclude the paper with a concise summary of your overall experience.

Sample Outline and Paper

Brainstorming

• These sentences should be both descriptive yet straight to the point.

• For lectures or readings, you can write down specific quotations or summarize passages.
• For experiences, make a note of specific portions of your experience. You could even write a small summary or story of an event that happened during the experience that stands out. Images, sounds, or other sensory portions of your experience work, as well.

• In the first column, list the main points or key experiences. These points can include anything that the author or speaker treated with importance as well as any specific details you found to be important. Divide each point into its own separate row.
• In the second column, list your personal response to the points you brought up in the first column. Mention how your subjective values, experiences, and beliefs influence your response.
• In the third and last column, describe how much of your personal response to share in your reflection paper.

• Does the reading, lecture, or experience challenge you socially, culturally, emotionally, or theologically? If so, where and how? Why does it bother you or catch your attention?
• Has the reading, lecture, or experience changed your way of thinking? Did it conflict with beliefs you held previously, and what evidence did it provide you with in order to change your thought process on the topic?
• Does the reading, lecture, or experience leave you with any questions? Were these questions ones you had previously or ones you developed only after finishing?
• Did the author, speaker, or those involved in the experience fail to address any important issues? Could a certain fact or idea have dramatically changed the impact or conclusion of the reading, lecture, or experience?
• How do the issues or ideas brought up in this reading, lecture, or experience mesh with past experiences or readings? Do the ideas contradict or support each other?

Organizing a Reflection Paper

• Verify whether or not your instructor specified a word count for the paper instead of merely following this average.
• If your instructor demands a word count outside of this range, meet your instructor's requirements.

• For a reading or lecture, indicate what you expected based on the title, abstract, or introduction.
• For an experience, indicate what you expected based on prior knowledge provided by similar experiences or information from others.

• This is essentially a brief explanation of whether or not your expectations were met.
• A thesis provides focus and cohesion for your reflection paper.
• You could structure a reflection thesis along the following lines: “From this reading/experience, I learned...”

• Your conclusions must be explained. You should provide details on how you arrived at those conclusions using logic and concrete details.
• The focus of the paper is not a summary of the text, but you still need to draw concrete, specific details from the text or experience in order to provide context for your conclusions.
• Write a separate paragraph for each conclusion or idea you developed.
• Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence. This topic sentence should clearly identify your major points, conclusions, or understandings.

• The conclusions or understandings explained in your body paragraphs should support your overall conclusion. One or two may conflict, but the majority should support your final conclusion.

As You Write

• If you feel uncomfortable about a personal issue that affects the conclusions you reached, it is wisest not to include personal details about it.
• If a certain issue is unavoidable but you feel uncomfortable revealing your personal experiences or feelings regarding it, write about the issue in more general terms. Identify the issue itself and indicate concerns you have professionally or academically.

• Avoid dragging someone else down in your writing. If a particular person made the experience you are reflecting on difficult, unpleasant, or uncomfortable, you must still maintain a level of detachment as you describe that person's influence. Instead of stating something like, “Bob was such a rude jerk,” say something more along the lines of, “One man was abrupt and spoke harshly, making me feel as though I was not welcome there.” Describe the actions, not the person, and frame those actions within the context of how they influenced your conclusions.
• A reflection paper is one of the few pieces of academic writing in which you can get away with using the first person pronoun “I.” That said, you should still relate your subjective feelings and opinions using specific evidence to explain them. [8] X Research source
• Avoid slang and always use correct spelling and grammar. Internet abbreviations like “LOL” or “OMG” are fine to use personally among friends and family, but this is still an academic paper, so you need to treat it with the grammatical respect it deserves. Do not treat it as a personal journal entry.
• Check and double-check your spelling and grammar after you finish your paper.

• Keep your sentences focused. Avoid squeezing multiple ideas into one sentence.
• Avoid sentence fragments. Make sure that each sentence has a subject and a verb.
• Vary your sentence length. Include both simple sentences with a single subject and verb and complex sentences with multiple clauses. Doing so makes your paper sound more conversational and natural, and prevents the writing from becoming too wooden. [9] X Research source

• Common transitional phrases include "for example," "for instance," "as a result," "an opposite view is," and "a different perspective is."

• For instance, if reflecting on a piece of literary criticism, you could mention how your beliefs and ideas about the literary theory addressed in the article relate to what your instructor taught you about it or how it applies to prose and poetry read in class.
• As another example, if reflecting on a new social experience for a sociology class, you could relate that experience to specific ideas or social patterns discussed in class.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.csuohio.edu/writing-center/reflection-papers
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments/reflectionpaper
• ↑ Alicia Cook. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 11 December 2020.
• ↑ https://www.trentu.ca/academicskills/how-guides/how-write-university/how-approach-any-assignment/how-write-reflection-paper
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/writing-assessment/reflective-writing/reflective-essays
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/sentencestructure

About This Article

To write a reflection paper, start with an introduction where you state any expectations you had for the reading, lesson, or experience you're reflecting on. At the end of your intro, include a thesis statement that explains how your views have changed. In the body of your essay, explain the conclusions you reached after the reading, lesson, or experience and discuss how you arrived at them. Finally, finish your paper with a succinct conclusion that explains what you've learned. To learn how to brainstorm for your paper, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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