Unit 11: Reflective writing - Vocabulary aid
Here are a few suggestions for words and phrases that might be useful in reflective
writing. However, using any of them will not in itself make you a good reflective writer! The vocabulary aid is structured according to the three-part analysis on the
previous page.
Description (the short bit!)
We are not suggesting specific vocabulary for any descriptive elements of your reflective writing, because
the range of possible events, ideas or objects is so great.
Remember that if describing an idea, such as a theory or model, it is usually best to
use the present tense, for example ‘Social interdependence theory recognises…’ (not ‘recognised’).
Events are nearly always described using the past tense.
Interpretation (probably the most important bit)
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aspect(s) |
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element(s) |
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meaningful |
experience(s) |
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significant |
issue(s) |
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For me, the (most) |
important |
idea(s) |
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relevant |
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useful |
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 |
arose from ... |
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learning |
happened when ... |
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resulted from ... |
Previously, |
 |
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 |
thought (did not think) ... |
At the time, |
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felt (did not feel) ... |
At first, |
I |
knew (did not know) ... |
Initially, |
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noticed (did not notice) ... |
Subsequently, |
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questioned (did not question) ... |
Later, |
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realised (did not realise) ... |
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might be |
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because of ... |
[Alternatively] |
This |
is perhaps |
due to ... |
[Equally] |
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could be |
explained by ... |
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is probably |
related to ... |
This |
 |
is similar to ... |
because ... |
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is unlike ... |
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[Un]like |
this |
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reveals ... |
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demonstrates ... |

SMILE - Writing skills - Reflective Writing by Martin Hampton, ASK, University of Portsmouth modified by Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/studentsupport/ask/resources/handouts/writtenassignments/filetodownload,73259,en.pdf