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Writing Guide: Reflective Letter

Reflective Letter

Writing Guide: Reflective Letter

A reflective letter gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself as a writer, to show your progress and key decisions, and to introduce the contents of a portfolio. (See the sample reflective letter in 2e.)

Key features

First-person perspective (I) gives a reflective statement its individuality and authenticity. You are the writer; you are introducing your work and explaining your choices.
A thoughtful tone shows you examining and learning from your experiences and evaluating your strengths and limitations as a writer. Your honest assessment of your work shows that you are a trustworthy and sincere interpreter of your progress.
A focused opening statement provides readers with specific details to understand the contents and organization of your portfolio.
Acknowledgment of the assistance you received shows that you are responsible to readers and reviewers.

Thinking ahead: Presenting or publishing

You may have some flexibility in how you present or publish a reflective piece for your portfolio. Some instructors require a formal essay; others may ask for a letter. Still others may invite you to submit an audio file. If you are submitting an e-portfolio, chances are that your instructor will require your reflective statement in digital form. If you’re publishing for the Web, you may want to insert headings for easier navigation.

Writing your reflective letter

Explore

Generate ideas by brainstorming responses to questions such as the following:

Which piece of writing is your best entry? What does it illustrate about you as a writer, student, or researcher?
How do the selections in your portfolio illustrate your strengths or challenges?
What do you learn about your development when you compare your early drafts with your final drafts?
What do your drafts reveal about your revision process? Examine in detail the revisions you made to one key piece and the changes you want readers to notice.
How will you use the skills and experiences from your writing course in future courses?

Draft

Follow the guidelines given for the form of your reflective statement—an essay, a cover letter, a memo—and focus your reflections to avoid a list-like structure. Experiment with headings and various chronological or thematic groupings. Ask: What have I learned—and how?

Revise

Ask reviewers for specific feedback. Here are some questions to guide their comments:

What major idea do readers take away from your reflective statement? Can they summarize it in one sentence?
Where in your piece do readers want more reflection and more detailed explanations?
Is your reflective statement focused and organized?
Have you used specific passages from drafts, feedback, or other documents from your portfolio to illustrate your reflections?
Have you explained how you will apply what you learned to future writing assignments?
What added details might give readers a fuller perspective of your development and your accomplishments in the course?