Tips on Writing Reflections for the CXC English A SBA

March 06, 2019

THE ENGLISH A SBA (Writing the Reflections)

Worth: 5 marks

Please note that the reflections must be written in class. Each reflection should comprise of 150 words. You should have three reflections in all, and each reflection has a different focus.

Reflection 1

In this reflection, you are expected to reflect on how each of the three pieces you have selected shaped your thinking about the topic. As you consider how each piece has shaped your thinking, consider the following: Have you gained any new knowledge? What does each piece make you think or feel about the topic? What do you understand more? Has your thinking changed?

Recommendation: Encourage students to reflect on how each piece shaped their thinking in a separate paragraph.

Reflection 2

This reflection focuses on the use of language in each piece. For print stimuli, focus on how the writer/author uses words to communicate or evoke a specific response in the selected stimuli. Firstly, the candidate must identify the particular language technique like emotive language, descriptive language, figurative language, narrative voice, diction or slang. After identifying the technique, there should be a discussion on how well it helped to achieve the purpose of the piece. For non-print stimuli like pictures, cartoons or photographs discuss the impact of the message conveyed, the effect of the image, the emotional appeal or relevance to the issue/topic/theme chosen.

Recommendation: Comment on the use of language in each piece in a separate paragraph.

Reflection 3

This reflection should be completed after you have done most of your tasks. It focuses on how the process of completing the SBA assisted you in becoming a better person. Have you become better at working with others in groups? Have your research skills improved? Are you better at public speaking? Are you better at time management? Have you improved your ability to critique written and spoken information? Identify three ways in which you have grown as a person and elaborate on each way in a separate paragraph.

Please ensure that you share your reflections with members in your group so that they can give you feedback. This will help you to improve your reflections and is evidence of group activity. You should also note the feedback given by your teacher.

SAMPLES

Reflection 1 – (It focuses on how each piece shaped your thinking.)

Sample Paragraph

(This is based on one piece.)

Kay Ireland’s article ‘The Effects of Skin Bleaching’ is quite eye opening because it shows me just how destructive skin bleaching can be. It provides several examples of the effects of skin bleaching like aggravated skin disease, impaired healing, uneven skin colouring and dryness or burning. It gives me the details I need to educate those I know who are bleaching or who are considering it so that they will think twice before making a mistake.

Reflection 2 – (It focuses on the use of language in each piece).

Sample Paragraph

(This is based on one piece.)

Ireland (2017) in her article uses research evidence to support the information she presented on the effects of skin bleaching. For example, she refers to studies, one conducted by the Department of Dermatology in Senegal and another by the Dermatology Unit in Nigeria to provide specific examples of the adverse effects of skin bleaching. This makes her information reliable as it shows that it is based on facts. This also establishes the information as being objective.

Reflection 3 - (It discusses how the process of the SBA has made you into a better person.)

Sample Paragraph

(This sample only discusses one way the SBA made the student a better person.)

The process of completing this SBA has impacted me positively. Before engaging in this research, I was a very shy person. However, being required to work in a group challenged me to be more assertive and sociable. I also have become more confident to speak in public. This came as a surprise to me as I usually avoided speaking before people. I now realize that I am quite capable to deliver presentations.

Bonus!!! Click this link: https://cxcenglishastudyhub.blogspot.com/2020/05/breaking-down-reflection-2-of-cxc.html for more information on reflection 2.