Reflective essays

Formal in style, this type of essay presents different aspects of the topic in turn. Some possible
aspects to be considered are set out in what is known as the discussion clock, therefore,
from a moral, social, political point of view.
Each viewpoint is supported by examples.
Opposing viewpoints should be mentioned as well.
These essays do not try to persuade readers that the writer`s opinion is the only valid one; the
aim is to make them consider things from a different perspective, allowing them to create a
personal opinion or share other views.

Structure:

An introduction in which you state the topic, explaining the current or past situation.
A main body consisting of two or more paragraphs in which the topic is approached through
different aspects.
A conclusion in which you summarise the topic by making a general comment about it; here,
you can also include your opinion.

Useful language for reflective essays:

To bring up other points or aspects: as far as, regarding, as for, with regard to
To make contrasting points: yet, however, nevertheless, although, in spite of, despite, on the
other hand, while, it is argued that, opponents of this view say, there are people who oppose,
contrary to what people believe
To conclude: all in all, to sum up, in my opinion, in my view, to my mind
To express facts/ reality: in fact, as a matter of fact, in practice, the fact is
Discussion clock
Psychologica
l

Personal

Religious

Personal

Geographica
l

Artistic

Historical

Economic

Educatio
nal

Moral

Political

Social

Sample: Reflect on the role marriage has in today`s society. Write your essay.
If there is one thing that virtually all the world`s various cultures have in
common, it is marriage. Beliefs, diet and languages vary greatly, but the
desire people have to share their lives with another seems universal. Why
then, is marriage so popular?
Psychologists have said that people have a deep need for the emotional
security which marriage provides. Knowing that one has a partner in life
makes it easier to cope with the problems of daily life. On the other hand, the
fact that many single people are content to live alone suggests that the
emotional need theory is incomplete.
British novelist Fay Weldon once stated, Marriage has nothing to do with
emotion and everything to do with property, According to the supporters of
this view, people marry in order to increase their wealth, either by marrying a
rich partner or because, as the saying goes, two can live as cheaply as one.
It is true that financial considerations are often the primary reason that
people marry. Yet, there are countless examples of people marrying for
love, regardless of their mate`s lack of money.
All in all, marriage continues to be extremely popular in in many societies.
Most of us have a need for love and support and want to have children at
some point in our lives. Fully understanding the reasons why people marry,
though, may be difficult as understanding the human mind itself.