Chapter 11: Description and Reflection

CHAPTER 11: DESCRIPTION AND REFLECTION

This chapter helps you know how to write an essay on past experiences that have influenced you in some way by describing it and reflection on that experience. When beginning to write a description and reflection essay you start with your writer’s goal which is to describe an experience or experiences and reflect on its importance in your life. There are some helpful keys to success and they are:

· Recall precise details

· Probe the topics

· Reveal what you find

Here are some ways to help you decide on topics to write about:

· Times when you felt…

· Time when you made a decision about…

· Events that tested your…

· Events that change or confirmed your assessment of a…

Here are the guidelines to writing description and reflection:

1. Select a topic. An experience that influenced you.

2. Get the picture. Reflect on the topic by brainstorming and freewriting.

3. Get organized. Review reflection and highlight the main ideas, draft an outline, and list the main ideas.

4. Write the first draft.

5. Review and revise. Read and then check your outline to make sure you didn’t leave anything out.

6. Test your reflection. Does the tone fit the content? Have you established your point of view? Will your reader appreciate it?

7. Get feedback. Have someone read your first draft. Check for opening, explanation, transitions, and conclusion.

8. Edit and proofread your essay. Revise and polish. Check your choice of words, sentences, grammar, usage, and mechanics.

9. Publish your writing.