Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Published on: 24 April 2018 Last Updated on: 07 October 2020

When it comes to college writing, most students quickly adapt to the rhythms of producing a fact-based paper. You visit your school’s online library, research some material, and slot it into a five-paragraph essay template, or a similar standard format. Bang! You’re done. But what happens when you are assigned a completely different type of paper that doesn’t fit neatly into the standard essay formats you learned in high school or in freshman composition class? When it comes to the personal reflection paper, many students struggle precisely because this type of essay is so different from most that they’ve written in their other classes. Fortunately, there are a few tips that will help you with this type of paper.

Before we get to the tips, it’s important to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to what exactly a personal reflection paper is. As the name implies, a reflective essay looks back on something, and a personal reflection offers your own feelings and reactions. Typically, a personal reflection paper is intended to allow a student to share with the instructor his or her feelings about a course and how the course has impacted them. Some personal reflections, however, may examine other topics with which you have had personal experiences, such as a job or a volunteer opportunity. In most cases, the instructor is looking for you to draw connections between course material and your own experiences in order to discover how course content can be or has been relevant to your lived experience.

In order to write a terrific personal reflection essay, follow a few simple tips:

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Before you even begin writing, make sure you have read the essay question and understand it completely. For a personal reflection, you won’t likely be doing heavy research, the next step isn’t usually a visit to the library. Instead, you should make notes about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences so you can better understand your reaction to the essay topic. By writing down your thoughts, you can begin to organize them into categories so you can structure your paper around a few key themes. Try asking yourself key questions to guide your note-taking such as:

How has the essay topic affected me personally?
How has the essay topic changed the way I think about an issue or experience?
Has the essay topic sparked any questions I want answers to?
How does the essay topic relate to other course content or content in other courses?

Begin organizing your reflections :

The exact format you use for your paper will vary depending on your instructor’s requirements and the essay question, but in general, you will adapt a standard essay format for a reflective essay. You will still have an introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion, but the body paragraphs might be organized somewhat differently. Depending on the essay question, you may follow the standard format and offer three reflective points (one per paragraph) which you support with evidence. Or, you might have a different format, such as telling a story about your reflective journey in chronological order or exploring one particular reaction across multiple paragraphs. Whichever style you choose, try to match it to the essay question so you are sure to answer the instructor’s question.

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

The biggest difference between a personal essay and an expository essay like a term paper is that it involves your own views and opinions. In this genre of writing, it’s OK to refer to yourself and to talk about your thoughts and feelings without having to phrase them in an awkward third-person format (“One often feels…”). Don’t be afraid to share your honest views, but keep your instructor in mind. Even if you had a negative reaction, avoid insulting the instructor or viciously attacking course material. Instructors are open to reasoned disagreement, but they don’t want to find out that you want to set your textbook on fire.

With these tips, writing a professional reflection paper from scratch should be an easy and refreshing change of pace from the standard academic term paper. The hardest part is getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. Once you’ve mastered the art of sharing your feelings in written form, you’ll quickly find that these essays are quick to produce, and you’ll look forward to having time off from the more detailed research papers that take up a lot more time.

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GMAT or GRE? Which is the Superior Choice for a Global MBA

GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and is conducted by a non-profit council of leading business schools, known as GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council). GRE stands for Graduate Record Entrance and is conducted by ETS (Education Testing Services), the world’s largest private nonprofit educational testing and assessment organization. Until 2011 GMAT was the test for master degrees in management (MBA, MiM, MSF etc), and GRE was the test for master degrees in core disciplines (MS in a range of science, arts, and humanities subjects). Then GRE underwent a major change of format and began to be accepted by almost all of the world’s main business schools. As a result, “GMAT or GRE” has become a major question. Exam formats: Both the GMAT and GRE test verbal, quantitative, and writing aptitude. However, the nature of their questions is different. The differences between the two are subtle but significant enough that the two tests require different preparation strategies. The GRE focuses more on memory testing, its verbal questions focus on vocabulary and its quant questions often require an almost direct application of formulae and concepts. The GMAT, by contrast, focuses on logical ability. GMAT verbal questions require more exact reasoning and its quant questions require an extended application of mathematical concepts. Scoring processes: The GRE maximum score was 2400, until 2002 when it was changed to 1600. At the moment, GRE candidates are scored on a scale of 260 to 340, with 327 being the approximate 90th percentile. GMAT candidates are scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with 700 considered to be the 90th percentile. While the GRE scoring has changed a lot; the GMAT scoring has been consistent, for decades. Both tests also have an analytical writing assessment, which is scored on a scale of 6. This score does not contribute to the candidate’s total score. Score interpretation: Most business schools are more comfortable with GMAT scores than with GRE scores. This is because they have been using GMAT scores for much longer and the GMAT scoring has remained consistent. Another reason is that the GMAT has a wider score range, which allows for a more accurate interpretation of the candidate’s standing. Most admissions to the US top 50 happen through GMAT: As per the official GMAC website, 90% of all enrollments in the top 50 United States business schools happen through GMAT. While GRE scores are just as valid as GMAT scores, the numbers do not lie. The top business schools have a clear preference for GMAT, as it is the preferred choice of serious MBA candidates and the one that they are more familiar with. Verdict: While there is no one correct answer, the facts are clear. For a variety of factors, mentioned above, the world’s leading business schools prefer to consider GMAT scores. This may be because GMAT, unlike GRE, was always meant to be a management admissions test. However, it is worth noting that with a high enough score the format will largely be overlooked. Extra tip: There is one scenario where GRE is better. For those who have not decided whether they want to pursue core discipline or management education, GRE’s versatility makes it a good option.

Discover The Amazing Benefits Of Verbal Fluency Nootropics

People rely on language to communicate thoughts and ideas every day. The ability to understand another person isn't just related to knowledge of each word, though. People also need to understand context and emotion, and that requires a high level of verbal fluency. Because no matter how understated we think of it, verbal fluency is an indispensable consideration. But how to get it right? In order to bring effective solutions for all such queries, we have crafted this comprehensive guide for you. Make sure you read it till the very end and unravel the benefits of verbal fluency nootropics. What Is Verbal Fluency? Before discussing specific verbal fluency nootropics, let's pin down a definition. Verbal fluency is defined scientifically as a cognitive function facilitating information retrieval. However, it can be viewed as the ability to easily and quickly express thoughts using familiar words and phrases in grammatically correct ways without having to stop to think about them for too long. People who struggle with verbal fluency often struggle to find the right words, repeat themselves, or mix up the order of words in sentences. These may seem like issues related to innate cognitive abilities, but thankfully, they're not. Anyone can improve their verbal fluency. There are numerous instances when we can recite a corpus of vocabulary words. But we cannot speak them fluently. For instance, when we recite the definition of “love” or “sunny,” very rarely are we able to combine all the words together in one sentence. However, this is different from using words to communicate your thoughts. What Do Nootropics Refer To? In order to understand the benefits of nootropics, one must first know what they are all about. In order to improve our mental power, consuming a tablet does much of the work. So, whether you are an elderly individual, a university student, or a full-time employee, nootropics work for all. Therefore, it is a bit surprising that their use is also referred to as smart medications or cognitive enhancers. The term “nootropic” comes from the Ancient Greek word- o (noos), which means mind, and trop meaning a turn. The term was originally coined to depict compounds that have strict requirements but have a positive impact on mental skills. How Nootropics Can Improve Verbal Fluency Nootropics are man-made or natural substances that enhance brain function in healthy people. Some may have a hard time conceiving of a nootropic specifically for verbal fluency, but in fact, that's a much more realistic way to look at these supplements. People think of nootropics as "smart drugs." But, in fact, they have much more targeted effects on specific aspects of cognitive function, including those associated with verbal fluency. Given below are some common nootropics that help in enhancing verbal fluency: Piracetam Among the most effective nootropics are racetams, which we will mention later. For now, piracetam remains the most popular racetam. Studies depict that it has been the most effective therapeutic when it comes to enhancing verbal fluency. Those who were given Piracetam for 6 weeks straight could speak more fluently. Further, it is also effective for general learning and visual-spatial reasoning. Oxiracetam & Aniracetam Aniracetam is another group of racetam that is helpful to enhance verbal fluency. It is structurally the same as Piracetam with a weak affinity for brain receptors. This explains why it does bit affect the brain strongly as compared to Piracetam. The use of Aniracetam is very common in boosting the cognitive performance of adults. Treating cognitive weaknesses like poor reasoning or cognition also becomes east with aniracetam. Adrafinil Adrafinil is another racetam that is effective for boosting verbal fluency. Various studies have found that verbal fluency is improved significantly with Adrafinil as it also has sustained and immediate benefits. Those taking this nootropic could communicate more openly now. A similar nootropic is modafinil which can treat sleep disorders and narcolepsy. Both these racetams have the ability to enable verbal fluency. Nootropics And Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals within the brain, and some of them play a vital role in supporting verbal fluency. Nootropics that act on neurotransmitter receptors for glutamate, GABA, dopamine, and acetylcholine can all support healthy brain function in the areas required to achieve high levels of verbal fluency. Most Effective Supplements For Verbal Fluency Research into nootropics has been on the rise in recent years, leading to the discovery of many natural substances that improve cognitive function. Not all of them improve verbal fluency, but supplements that contain these substances tend to be most effective in that realm: They include: Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that promotes healthy changes in dopamine and serotonin levels. Tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a building block for not just dopamine but also epinephrine and norepinephrine. Aniracetam is a fat-soluble supplement that increases oxygen consumption in the brain. Curcumin is a neuroprotectant flavonoid found in the turmeric plant that improves working memory and reduces mental fatigue. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring substance that improves memory and focus. Lion's mane is a mushroom that can improve cognitive abilities that help with verbal fluency, such as memory, learning, focus, and concentration. How To Choose Supplements For Verbal Fluency Some people prefer to take supplements that contain just one of the ingredients described above, while others employ a practice called "stacking," in which they combine nootropics for maximum effect. Either of these approaches can be appropriate as long as consumers take the time to thoroughly investigate the products they buy. Not all supplement manufacturers are equally reliable, so make sure there are third-party lab test results available that show both the purity and potency of the key ingredients. Discover Quality Nootropics For Verbal Fluency There is now a wealth of evidence that natural substances such as those described above can help people improve different aspects of their verbal fluency. Because these supplements are unlikely to produce unwanted side effects, people often try multiple products before deciding which one contains the best blend of herbs and other substances to meet their needs. Read Also: Online Schools The Only Source For Personalized Education 7 Reasons Why Online Education Is Very Popular How Contents On Web Influence Students

Why It’s Okay To Take Your ACT Twice

Taking the ACT can be a challenging and nail-biting experience. There's always the pressure to ace the test on your first try, but oftentimes, when you're taking the ACT, you're not your best self. When taking your ACT for the first time, it's probably an early Saturday at a school you've never visited before. Everything is foreign and new. So, it's no wonder some people don't get the best results for their first ACT. There's good news though. You can still take the ACT for the second time. It may not be a popular choice, but in the end, it can help you get into your dream university. There's no shame in taking your ACT more than once, and it can help you out in a ton of ways such as: Reasons To Use ACT Twice There are several reasons why you must use the ACT twice. You cannot make things happen in a day unless you make your choices in the right direction. Help You Become Mentally Prepared: As a high school senior, taking the ACT isn't going to feel like taking a walk in the park. Students who previously took the ACT may get you all excited. You'll enter the testing room feeling all jittery and fearing the unknown. However, once you've taken the test, you'll already know what to expect next time. You'll know how long it actually takes for a student to finish answering the ACT. You'll know what type of test questions appear on an ACT. With that, no matter what results in you get for your test, if you take it for the second time, you'll be a lot more prepared. Thus, taking the ACT will take less effort and time. You'll Have More Time To Practice: If you haven't thought of getting an ACT tutoring in Lafayette before, it's not too late to do so right now. Once you get the score results, you'll be able to pinpoint which areas you need to work on. Beyond that, if you get an ACT tutoring service, someone can guide you on how to effectively formulate review and test answering strategies that can help you get a much better score on your second ACT. You'll Get Better At Taking The Test: Being a good test taker isn't just about knowing all the correct answers to the questions imprinted on the test sheet. It's also about knowing how to pace yourself, as well as being familiar with the time constraints necessary to complete the test. Raise Your Opportunities For A Scholarship: You only need to ace the ACT to get to the university you've always wanted, but if you were to get a much higher score, this could open the doors to a lot of scholarship. Depending on your status and long-term goals in college, this could be a massive opportunity. If you passed the test on your first try, there's no doubt that you can get a better score on your second try. Most seniors probably would want to ace their ACT on their first try, but if you end up having to give a second or third try, there's no shame in giving it a go. Besides, doing so will also give you more choices. With two or three ACT results, you'll have the freedom to choose which test results you want to send to the school you're eyeing to enroll in. Read Also: Are You Ready For The GRE? Causes Of Male & Female Infertility Why Are More People Heading To Online Colleges? Top Things To Know Before Entering A Medical Career 7 Startup Essentials Entrepreneurs Should Know About Stoke Your Spirit: 4 Soulful Ways To Reach Spiritual Wellness And Lead A Calmer Life

Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Begin organizing your reflections :

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

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GMAT or GRE? Which is the Superior Choice for a Global MBA

Discover The Amazing Benefits Of Verbal Fluency Nootropics

Why It’s Okay To Take Your ACT Twice

Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Begin organizing your reflections :

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

Share this Article

Transform Portals Of Learning

How To Choose The Right Rock Climbing School

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related