How to Write a Reflective Essay Using the Gibbs Cycle
UK Academic Writing Guide | Reviewed by the Projectsdeal Editorial Team | Updated June 2026
Quick AnswerA reflective essay analyses an experience and what you learned from it. The most common UK framework is the Gibbs Reflective Cycle: (1) Description, (2) Feelings, (3) Evaluation, (4) Analysis (linked to theory), (5) Conclusion, (6) Action Plan. Markers reward honest reflection linked to evidence and theory — not just storytelling.
Overview
Reflective essays are common in nursing, education, social work and business. They ask you to think critically about an experience and what it means for your practice. The key to high marks is moving beyond description (‘what happened’) into analysis (‘why, and what it means’), supported by theory and evidence.
Models like Gibbs, Driscoll (What? So what? Now what?) and Rolfe give your reflection a clear structure. Gibbs is the most widely used in the UK.
How to Write a Reflective Essay: Step by Step
Description
Briefly describe the experience: what happened, where, who was involved. Keep it concise — this is the shortest part.
Feelings
State what you were thinking and feeling at the time and afterwards. Be honest; this is expected in reflection.
Evaluation
Assess what was good and bad about the experience — what worked, what did not, and why.
Analysis
The most important stage: make sense of the experience using theory, models, guidelines and evidence (e.g. NMC standards, academic sources). This is where most marks are earned.
Conclusion
Summarise what you learned and what you could have done differently.
Action plan
State specifically how you will apply this learning to improve your future practice.
Writing in the First Person
Unlike most essays, reflective writing usually uses the first person (‘I felt… I realised…’) because it is about your experience. It should still be academic: structured, analytical and supported by references where you link experience to theory.
Linking Reflection to Theory and Standards
The difference between a pass and a high grade is analysis. Connect your experience to relevant models, evidence and — in nursing — the NMC Code and proficiencies. Cite sources to show your reflection is grounded, not just personal opinion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too much descriptionSpending most of the word count on ‘what happened’. Keep description short; expand the analysis.
No theory or evidencePure storytelling scores low. Link reflection to models, guidelines and academic sources.
No action planReflection must lead somewhere. State concrete changes to your future practice.
Being vague to look goodHonest reflection on what went wrong scores better than a flawless account.
Ignoring the modelIf the brief specifies Gibbs or Driscoll, follow its stages explicitly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gibbs reflective cycle?
A six-stage model for structured reflection: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion and Action Plan. It is the most widely used reflective framework in UK nursing and education.
Can I write a reflective essay in the first person?
Yes. Reflective essays normally use the first person because they describe your own experience and learning, while still being academic and supported by references.
How do I make a reflective essay analytical?
Spend most of the essay on the analysis stage: explain why things happened and what they mean using theory, models, guidelines and cited evidence, rather than simply narrating events.
Which reflective model should I use?
Use the one your brief specifies. Gibbs is most common; Driscoll (What? So what? Now what?) and Rolfe are simpler alternatives often used for shorter reflections.
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