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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NLP Certification: What Is It? And Is It Right For You?

Do you like the idea of tackling phobias and anxiety disorders among people? Gaining an NLP certification could be a possible career path if you are thrilled about helping others transform their lives through their thoughts and actions. It is challenging to acquire the necessary skills via traditional methods, so if you want to unleash the power of your mind, NLP is the key. What Is NLP? The acronym NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It is often used by therapists for personal development, enhancing communication skills, and psychotherapy. Richard Bandler and John Grinder invented it to help examine the relationship between your thoughts, words, and behavioral patterns. Moreover, this approach aims to make people understand the thought processes that lead to their behavior. Using NLP can also help change negative behavior and thinking patterns. Other applications of NLP include the following: NLP is used to address issues like addiction, fear, and stress, among other mental health issues You can use NLP for team building, negotiation strategies, and communication skills in business NLP is used in an education setting to enhance students’ confidence NLP is used in healthcare for pain management and stress reduction Leadership - to help leaders communicate more effectively with their team members Is NLP Certification Right For You When you take NLP training, you learn how mindset impacts a person’s behavior. In addition to helping others, NLP tools can assist you in developing new attitudes and methods. At best, you do not require any prerequisites or qualifications to enroll in NLP training. So, if you are interested in becoming an NLP practitioner, the only thing that can limit you is the cost of training. Either way, the cost of training should not deter you if you are serious about it. What To Expect During The NLP Certification Process In truth, the journey to acquiring an NLP certification is not a walk in the park as one might think. On the contrary, it requires a lot of effort and commitment. Even so, the benefits of earning an NLP certification are countless. Here is a rundown of what to expect: First off, it is a requirement that you must complete a training program that meets the requirements of the relevant regulatory agencies. The program must also have certified trainers for approval. You can choose to take the course offline or online. The choice is yours. However, consider your unique situation before deciding which option to take. After the training period, to get certified, you will need to pass an examination. The exam covers NLP theory and practice; you must answer 125 multiple-choice questions. The final step involves submitting an application form and paying the required fees to receive your NLP certificate. Enroll In A Reliable NLP Institution And Attain An NLP Certificate You have probably done much research and are now seeking the right place to sign up and learn NLP. There are numerous NLP certification programs, but remember to choose one that is ranked based on its reputation, costs, and commitment to delivering the highest quality program. Read Also: What Are The Most Important Considerations You Should Have About Joining An MBA In Ireland? 4 Reasons Why Food Handling Training is Important You Can Now Print Your Own MOT Certificate

Why Are People Turning To Online Pharmacists?

Online pharmacists are becoming so popular that the regulations have recently changed to better benefit the patient. These platforms now perform efficient questionnaires designed to eliminate any inappropriate or avoidable medications for the customer, but there are so many other benefits, too! Why Are People Turning To Online Pharmacists? Discretion And Confidence To Order One of the biggest factors that motivate consumers to use online pharmacists is because they offer a discreet, anonymous service. This is more appealing to those who may be embarrassed by the medication they require. For example, a lot of people choose to buy sildenafil online to help with sexual performance, or even medications that prevent or increase hair growth, are commonly bought online today. Most pharmacists promise a discreet packaging service, too. Online pharmacists are having a positive impact on conditions that people may find embarrassing, such as STIs. This is because consumers have subtle, speedy access to the medication they need to prevent the spread of ‘embarrassing’ but also very common conditions. Consumable Information Low-risk conditions or reoccurring symptoms that have been diagnosed as not a concern by a medical professional, such as hay fever, or one-off medicines such as the morning after pill, still require a lot of information. Consumers feel more comfortable being able to research and digest the information about individual medications before they commit to a purchase. Online pharmacies satisfy this need for consumers. They provide expert advice and authoritative information about healthcare. They often also provide helplines in which people can discreetly discuss conditions and make informed decisions about medications. Online information means that, unlike in brick and mortar pharmacists, consumers do not feel the pressure to make an immediate or rush decision. They can weigh up their options and pick what they believe to be the best option for them. Convenience & Rush Orders As with all online retailers and eCommerce brands, online pharmacies give consumers purchasing power. They can choose the product they prefer, with so many options and platforms available to fulfill their needs. Receiving medication through the post is also much more convenient for those living in remote places or with conditions that limit mobility. In turn, consumers can choose postage options based on urgency as well as budget. Medications that are required for a time-sensitive concern, such as the morning-after pill, can be accessed quickly, discreetly and conveniently. Simple Ordering Process Accessing some medications requires a GP, nurses or private pharmacists appointment. Ordering online and using a digital pharmacy can speed up the process and help consumers avoid a long waiting period. Typically, pharmacists offer next day delivery. In some major cities with couriers, same-day delivery is sometimes available. This efficiency is endlessly convenient and helpful when it comes to your health. Automatic Refills Some online platforms make repeat purchases easier than ever before. Not only do patients reclaim the time that was spent going to their pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, but they also reduce the risk of going without critical medications, including contraceptives and prescribed vitamin supplements. At the point of sale, consumers are able to enter how often they take the medication and online tools calculate when a repeat purchase is required. They can then set up direct debits and reduce the worry of going without ever again. Read Also: The perfect auto insurance company just for you How to choose the right online pharmacy

Top 10 Punctuation Mistakes English Speakers Make In Emails

Punctuation is an area of language that is frequently overlooked by English speakers who focus on the choice of words, grammar rules, and different writing styles. It is, in fact, a method of silent intonation. Creating tension and internal movements within your text that are similar to stops, pauses, or emphatic techniques used in oral conversations. As reported by many users of our Punctuation Checker software, even native speakers find it difficult to properly use punctuation marks in all cases. Which frequently makes their email correspondence look less professional than desired. Here Are 10 Prime Punctuation Mistakes English Speakers Make In Emails: Below, are the 10 most widespread mistakes in this sphere that you can use as a reference for proofreading your texts and avoiding these confusing problems. 1. Quotation Marks One of the most popular punctuation mistakes made by English speakers in emails is the unnecessary use of quotation marks. They should only be used in situations when you actually quote something. Right:Wrong:As our client, Mark said, “This is the best customer service I have ever seen”.You can get the ‘best service in our city’ if you contact us now. 2. Missing Commas Missing commas are another widespread problem in email marketing. If you use long sentences (which we would not advise you to do in the first place), you must make sure that you use punctuation marks to divide them into logical fragments that are more ‘manageable’ to read. Right:Wrong:Black Friday ends, but our discount programs for long-term clients remain indefinitely.This product may seem excessively expensive at first glance yet it is worth the extra cost if you use it professionally. 3. Extraneous Apostrophes Many writers tend to place apostrophes in the places where they should not be used. This mistake comes from mixing their use for contractions versus their use to form the plural form of nouns or other similar constructions. Right:Wrong:You needn’t have done it.Until Friday, you can buy ten bottle’s for the price of five. 4. Excessive Commas Commas are usually used to separate multiple items within lists, series of adjectives, introductory phrases from the main sentence, or complete sentences. Unfortunately, the rules of punctuation in this sphere are extremely complex and somewhat contradictory, which frequently leads to the use of excessive punctuation marks by writers. Right:Wrong:Our newest product has received the highest ratings in a recent review from Agency A, and it is already available in our store.Our product is a fantastic, one-of-a-kind, electronic communication device. You May Also Check: 6 Creative Skills You Can Use During Your Essay Writing Process 5. Dashes and Hyphens Some writers use dash signs instead of hyphens, which may be deemed a punctuation mistake making your emails look unprofessional. Make sure to use hyphens and dash marks correctly! Right:Wrong:1. We offer high-quality electronics.2. Our clients prefer tablets – they are more portable than traditional PCs and laptops.1. We offer high–quality products and services.2. Consider our latest offerings from Oppo - their smartwatches are almost as good as their Apple counterparts. 6. Exclamation Marks While exclamation marks can be used to put emphasis on certain sentences or calls to action, they should be used sparingly. Right:Wrong:Our Christmas sale will continue until the 30th of December or until our last stored products are sold, whichever comes first. Make sure to place your order early!Our Christmas sale will only last one week! When our discounted items are gone, they are gone! Place your order now! 7. Colons Colons effectively serve as highlights within your text to signal some in-depth information clarifying the facts discussed earlier. The main ‘rule of thumb here is to never separate verbs from subjects and objects linked with them or nouns from the verb linked with them. Right:Wrong:We presently offer our subscription plans in three variants: standard, premium, and custom.The three subscription plans offered by us are standard, premium, and custom. 8. Parentheses and Brackets These punctuation marks are frequently used in email marketing. However, many English speakers make the mistake of putting exclamation points, question marks, and periods before parentheses and brackets. Right:Wrong:As soon as you receive your package (in a branded self-seal box), please, inform our manager about the successful delivery.As soon as you receive your package, (in a branded self-seal box), please, inform our manager about the successful delivery. 9. Semicolons Semicolons are usually used in cases when you join independent clauses within the same larger sentence without using conjunctions. When you use ‘and’ between the same parts, you should not use one, which is frequently forgotten by some English speakers. Right:Wrong:We recruited the best engineers to design our product in 2020, and this decision has proven to be one of the best strategic choices we have made so far.We recruited the best engineers to design our product in 2020, and this decision has proven to be one of the best strategic choices we have made so far. 10. Ellipsis Ellipsis marks are usually used to replace some omitted sentence fragments or create a pause in your speech. This gives your readers some space for thought or you can leave your sentence on a cliffhanger prompting them to read on. Unfortunately, many marketers overuse them and create unnecessary confusion and ‘trailing off’ effects as a result. Right:Wrong:You will not believe how many marketers make the mistake of...These marketing communication techniques are powerful but have a number of significant implications... We hope that this brief guide will help you improve your writing style and achieve the perfect readability of your texts. In the highly competitive world of today, the quality of your email correspondence may determine the attitude of your readers and make you look more reliable and competent than your rivals. If you have discovered multiple problems in applying the above-mentioned rules, you may want to check our other guides. You can also use our punctuation-checking software to be 100% certain about your writing style quality. Read Also: Online Services to Help StudentCover Letter Sample To Get A ResumeResearch Paper Help to Compose Great Pieces

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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NLP Certification: What Is It? And Is It Right For You?

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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

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