A reflective essay demands deep thoughts over a subject. The essay is testing your ability to engage the reader in a deep conversation, mostly shaped by your opinion or biased supporting ideas. It may also aim to change a long-standing perspective about a subject.
The language used when writing a reflective essay is different from other types of essays. It engages the mind and could even appeal to emotions though it is academic writing. The different reflective essay ideas you choose to discuss will determine the perspective your essay takes. Of course, if you need to rewrite your paper you can use essay rewriting service. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to write the best reflective essay.
Read widely on the subject
What idea do you want to reflect upon? While your opinion and biased ideas are welcome in this kind of writing, you must be factual. You will only be factual if you read as widely as possible about the subject of your writing.
Choose high-quality books, journals, articles, and other qualified reference materials. The reading should help you to identify and encounter other writers who share ideas that are similar to your own. You use their ideas to shape your discussion.
Reading also introduces you to materials that are contrary to your stand. Do not ignore these ideas because they help you to develop a balanced standpoint. You might be arguing a point that has already been discounted. Your reading should, therefore, endeavor to project an objective perspective.
Review available samples and examples
Essays come in different formats. Some require discussion while others are analysis essays. Each essay will be unique at a point. However, there are common elements that you will understand better by using samples.
Samples help you to craft an accurate title, introduction, conclusion, and other sections of your paper. The samples must come from reliable sources to avoid being misled. Further, you might need different samples since one sample cannot capture all elements that will go into your writing. The samples and examples will save time because you will not be stranded, worrying about how to craft the essay.
Craft a strong topic
The topic of an essay acts like a trailer. It highlights what a reader can expect from your paper. Choose a strong topic that will arouse curiosity and entice more people to read through your work.
A strong topic is fresh. Avoid discussing obvious subjects that do not add any value to the available academic materials in the area. Choose a topic you are passionate about to inspire you to produce an insightful discussion. The subject of discussion should also be relevant so that anyone picking your paper will get the best value for time.
Follow formatting rules
Formatting rules are dictated by the prompt or instructions issued. The instructions will indicate such formatting styles as MLA or APA, among others. Each student must adhere to these formatting rules to avoid penalties and poor grades.
Formatting rules can be difficult to understand. Consult your tutor before you start on the assignment. Alternatively, you can use samples and examples as a guide when writing. Do not mix formatting styles because you will confuse readers. Citations and references must be accurate as well as consistent with the formatting style.
Develop an outline
An outline is a plan indicating the order in which points will appear on your paper. You develop an outline during literature review. List the ideas as you discover them from different reference materials. Include supporting subtopics under each idea.
The outline helps you to order the points in a strategic way that helps you to make a compelling argument. For instance, the strongest ideas appear at the beginning and the end to make a solid statement. With an outline, you will also not miss a point.
Set enough time to write
The quality of time you set aside to write your essay is as important as the ideas you will be discussing. Choose to write your paper when the mind and body are fresh enough to produce insightful ideas. Avoid distractions to help you get deeper into the discussion. The conclusion is as important as the body of your essay. Summarize the ideas neatly and logically to leave a lasting impression in the mind of your reader. Finish the paper early to give room for editing and proofreading.
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