Reflective Writing

There are several different types of writing you may be asked to complete. Along with research writing (like doing a report or an essay) and response writing (used when answering questions or on quizzes), you should also be comfortable with reflective writing.

Where do you find reflective writing? Not just in a diary. Reflective writing is found in many places:

• journals and blogs
• presentations
• persuasive writing
• formal debates
• narrative writing
• creative non-fiction
• personal essays

You might be surprised to find that reflective writing has a place in an essay or formal debate. Think about that debate example. In a formal debate, you must present facts that can be substantiated, or else your opponent will easily refute them. However, it may be that you feel passionate about one side of the debate, and feel that expressing your opinion would sway the audience. Reflective writing is the place for that.

Often, people writing in a journal, diary, or blog use reflective writing, especially:

• to relay events from their personal life.
• to express an opinion.
• to share feelings on a topic.