Final Exam—Reflective Essay:
Prompt
Compose a multi-paragraph reflective essay that explains your experience this semester as a reader, writer, and thinker. Through the act of reflection, you can understand more about your progress, what you understand, and what you need to work on. Your essay should be 1-2 pages in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Calibri font.
Additional Information
• The focus of your reflection should be on you; the essay is not a critique of your instructor, the class, or your classmates. Of course, if these subjects come up as part of your discussion of your work, that is fine. However, do not use any names.
• A strong paper will include an introduction, thesis statement, multi-paragraph body, and conclusion. Additionally, a strong paper will support assertions with specific examples from your writing and reading experiences throughout the semester.
Generating Ideas
The following questions will help you decide what to write. Use these questions to spark ideas that will help you develop a thesis. Your essay may focus on one or more of the questions, but you will not need to respond to all of them. The following outline can be used to guide you, if you choose to use it. It’s optional; not required.
• What readings and/or discussions changed or challenged your way of thinking? How so?
• What readings and/or discussions had a profound effect on you and why?
• What are your strengths as a writer, reader, and thinker?
• In what area did you improve the most and why?
• In what areas would you like to continue to strengthen your knowledge or skills and why?
• What was the one most useful or meaningful thing you learned this semester?
What assignment was the most challenging for you and why?
