How to write a reflective essay

Reflective essays start with a description of an event, followed by an analysis of what the experience means and what can be learnt from it. 

The writer of a reflective essay examines a past experience from the perspective of the present.

For this guide, I’ll show you how to write a reflective essay with a reflective essay example about Mahatma Gandhi

Choosing a reflective essay topic

Choosing the topic of your reflective essay is an essential part. If you haven’t been given a topic and don’t know what to write about, look at the list above for ideas.

For this how-to guide, we are choosing the topic “reflection on a past significant person: Mahatma Gandhi.” 

Reflective essay topic examples

Outlining a reflective essay

essay outline structure

Although a reflective essay is personal, it still must have some structure. So, as with any other essay, an essay outline will help you arrange your thoughts, so you know what subjects you want to discuss.

Let’s have a look at the outline example on Mahatma Gandhi reflection essay. 

Reflective Essay Outline Example

Reflective essay outline on Mahatma Gandhi

  1. Introduction
    1. Hook and background on Mahatma Gandhi's life
    2. Strong thesis statement

  2. Body paragraph 1
    1. Topic sentence: Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence
    2. Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's philosophy of satyagraha

  3. Body paragraph 2
    1. Topic sentence: Gandhi's emphasis on personal responsibility
    2. Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's belief in personal transformation

  4. Body paragraph 3
    1. Topic sentence: Gandhi's vision of a just and peaceful world
    2. Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's commitment to social justice and equality

  5. Conclusion
    1. Restate thesis statement
    2. Summarize key points
    3. Final reflection on the impact of Gandhi's life and work.

Tips for the outline

Reflective essay introduction

Your reflective essay must begin with an introduction that includes both a hook and a thesis statement, as with all essays.

Reflective essay introduction example

Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi was a political and spiritual leader who fought for India's independence from British colonial rule. Hook sentence He was born in 1869 in the Indian city of Porbandar, and he spent most of his life fighting for justice and peace. Gandhi is known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he used to lead India to independence in 1947. Gandhi's life and work have inspired many people around the world, including me. Background on Mahatma's life His commitment to nonviolence and social justice is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference. Thesis statement: The main argument of your reflective essay In this essay, I will reflect on three aspects of Gandhi's life and work that have had the greatest impact on me: his commitment to nonviolence, his emphasis on personal responsibility, and his vision of a just and peaceful world. Signposting: Inform what you'll include in your essay

Tips on writing a reflective essay introduction

Writing body paragraphs

The next step is writing the body of your essay. This is perhaps the most challenging part; it’s all too tempting to ramble and repeat yourself, both in the plan and in the actual writing.

Let’s have a look at the paragraphs of Mahatma Gandhi reflection essay, as outlined above. 

Reflective essay body paragraphs example

Body Paragraphs

First, Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence has been a powerful inspiration to me. Topic sentence: Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence His philosophy of satyagraha, or truth-force, was based on the belief that people could achieve their goals through nonviolent resistance. Gandhi's methods of nonviolent protest, such as strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience, have been used by many other social and political movements around the world. Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's philosophy of satyagraha

Second, Gandhi's emphasis on personal responsibility has also had a profound impact on me. Topic sentence Gandhi's emphasis on personal responsibility He believed that individuals have a responsibility to make positive changes in their communities and the world. For Gandhi, personal transformation was the key to social transformation. He believed that each person could make a difference through small acts of kindness and compassion. Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's belief in personal transformation

Finally, Gandhi's vision of a just and peaceful world continues to inspire me. Hook sentence Gandhi's vision of a just and peaceful world He believed that true peace could only be achieved through social justice and equality. Gandhi's commitment to ending poverty, discrimination, and violence is a powerful reminder that we must all work together to create a better world. Background: Reflection on the impact of Gandhi's commitment to social justice and equality

Reflective essay conclusion

You better concentrate on getting your reflective essay together at the conclusion by giving a rundown of all the points made during the event and what you have gained as a result.

Reflective essay conclusion example

Conclusion

After all, Mahatma Gandhi's life and work have had a profound impact on me. Summarize the key points His commitment to nonviolence, personal responsibility, and a just and peaceful world are values that I try to live up to every day. Final reflection on the impact of Gandhi's life and work. Gandhi's life is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference in the world, and his legacy continues to inspire us to work for a better future. Restate thesis statement

Tips for conclusion paragraph

Proofreading the reflective essay

For any essay type, proofreading and editing is a crucial phase. You may use a variety of strategies to effectively edit your essay:

Do’s and don'ts of a reflective essay

Now that you know what to do and not to do in a reflective essay as well as some useful steps, you’re ready to write one by yourself. 

Key takeaways

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Deniz Akcaoglu
Content editor and writer. Probably out there trying to get into an obscure band she actually hates the sound of.