Criteria for Writing a Reflective Essay

Purpose

• Purpose is clear or obvious
• Main purpose achieved overall

Organization

• Main points, coherent and integrated
• Look is professional
• Organization good overall

Professional Content

• Appropriate use of professional vocabulary
• Evidence of growth as a professional

Persona/Voice

• Strong clear voice that is appropriate for purpose and audience

Mechanics and Grammar

• Uses correct mechanics
• Uses correct grammar

Strong Evidence of Maturation and Growth as a Writer

Critical Thinking

• Strong evidence of meaningful reflection

Example of a critiqued Reflective Essay - pdf

Critique of the Essay:

     In this reflective essay the content is excellent. The writer expresses an excitement about nursing to his/her audience.
     The rationale for the selection of each piece of writing is very good and demonstrates reflection, analysis of each experience and the ability to think critically.
     (lines denoted with 000) The overall writing in the reflective essay doesn't mirror the strengths listed above. There are several grammatical errors and the sentence structure is choppy. The piece could be improved upon transitional phrases. Editing and rewriting drafts would have helped.

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