Writing a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is a task is in which the writer needs to elaborate
own plans/suggestions OR reevaluate experience he or she had gone through. The ideas presented
require personal evaluation; in which the writer should also tell the relevance and elaborate the
actions taken, based on the scenario given in the question.

Scenario or the
problem faced Details of actions
You (role of the taken +
writer) evaluation/details

Reflectve
Essay

Now let’s take a look at this question.

‘What would you do if you suddenly have a lot of money?’

Before writing the essay, we should understand the requirements and limitations posed in the
question.

The requirement of the question is basically for the writer to write about the differences
between ‘now’ (or ‘back then’) when you have less money, and ‘later’ (when you have a lot of money).
In case of this question, it will be about something you could not do now or before, but will be able to
do later. The problem is also presumed for you; you did not have as much money now/before.

Limitation of the question: your role is not predetermined; i.e. as a student, or as a head of
your family etc. Therefore, you are free to write as whoever you want to. However, questions may
vary; you might be required to write about the ‘future you’ or the ‘past you’. In this question, you may
write as a young adult or a college student (the present you).

Here is the basic outline in a reflective essay;

1 Introduction • orientate the reader/examiner

• outline scope (relate to question) /Thesis statement
2 Body • Topic sentence 1
• supporting details
• concluding sentence
• Topic sentence 2
• supporting details
 • concluding sentence
• Topic sentence 3
• supporting details
• concluding sentence

and add more topic sentences (paragraphs) if you have more time
and ideas

3 Conclusion • Restate thesis statement

• Summarize argument

Now let us look at the model answer.

When I was small, I often dreamt about being rich as my parents were quite poor. We had
difficulty making ends meet each month. Money was also a big problem back then. I was very envious
back then, watching my more fortunate peers having luxurious lifestyle and gadgets. So, if I had a lot
of money, I would certainly fulfil my dreams of having a better life.

First and foremost, I would buy a house for my parents, preferably a bungalow, in a quiet town.
We lived in a small, wooden house when I was small. Back then, I always imagined myself and my
family having a bigger, more comfortable house to accommodate me, my parents and my family. So, I
would equip my bungalow with the latest technology so that it would be a smart home. My mother
would have a state-of-the-art kitchen as she loves cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with
the household chores. I will ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to go on a world tour with my parents. I have never been
overseas but I long to see the places I have only read or dreamt about. Having seen my friends
posted stories and pictures in the social media about their visits overseas make me want to do this
more. First, I would like to visit Europe, especially Italy, the city of romance. I would visit all the
museums and buildings I have heard so much about. My next stop would be Hong Kong or China.
There is something mystical about China and her people. This would be my dream come true.

Apart from that, I could finally go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite pastime. Thus far, I
could only go window shopping and if I had a lot of money, I would go into these stores and buy
whatever I fancy. Just imagine that for once in my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items
that I like. I could just shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their
latest outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored anymore as I walk into
their stores!

Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I would
certainly build a better home for the orphans in my town. In fact, I would also sponsor their education
till they could stand on their own. They would receive an allowance monthly and I would definitely take
them shopping. I believe that this is the most beneficial thing to do with the money I get. As old
sayings said, the more you give, the more you get back.

Finally, I would take the opportunity to further my studies. When I was younger, my parents
could not afford to send me overseas. Everyone knows that studying overseas brings some sort of
reputation and prestige that helps with your career later on. So, I would love to pursue a course
overseas, particularly in interior decorating in London and once I graduate, I would like to set up my
own business with the rest of the money. This would greatly help me fulfil my other dreams.

These are all my plan if I have a lot of money. They say that a fool and his money are soon
parted. Though all of these might just be a dream ‘too good to be true’ for now, who knows what God
has planned for me ahead? Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money even if I don’t
have a lot of money now. I would invest my money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy
days.

Edited from: SPM ENGLISH at http://spmenglish1119.blogspot.com/2008/05/reflective-essays.html

Let us see whether the model answer adhere to the basic structure of a reflective essay.

1 Introduction • orientate the reader/examiner

When I was small, I often dreamt about being rich as my
parents were quite poor
• outline scope (relate to question)/Thesis statement
So, if I had a lot of money, I would certainly fulfil my dreams
2 Body • Topic sentence 1 - I would buy a house for my parents
• Supporting details – details of the dream house
• Concluding sentence - I will ensure that my family is
comfortably settled in this house.
• Topic sentence 2 - go on a world tour with my parents
• Supporting details – details of the tour
• Concluding sentence - This would be my dream
come true.
• Topic sentence 3 - go on a shopping spree
 • supporting details – imagination of how your
shopping spree could be.
• Concluding sentence – I would not be ignored
anymore as I walk into their stores
• Topic sentence 4 – donate to the poor and the less fortunate
• Supporting details – what would you do to help them
• Concluding sentence – they would receive an
allowance…
• Topic sentence 5 – further studies
• Supporting details – elaboration on the life a student
• Concluding sentence – what to achieve once you
graduate-relate to the money you have..

3 Conclusion • Restate thesis statement - These are all my plan if I have a

lot of money
• Summarize argument
Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money
even if I don’t have a lot of money now. I would invest my
money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy
days.

Don’t forget to check you spelling and grammar at the end of the process.

Let’s practice.

1. Describe problems you had while you were studying a foreign language. Explain what you did to
solve the problem and what you have learnt from the experience.

2. There are many things to do after your SPM examination. Write about your plans for the next three
months and the challenges you might face.