Scoring highly in your Module C reflection isn’t just about summarising your writing process—it’s about crafting a structured, insightful response that fully answers the question. Whether your piece is imaginative, discursive, or persuasive, your reflection must clearly articulate your inspiration, techniques, and purpose. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving a Band 6 reflection.

‍

Understanding the Module C Reflection

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to understand what the reflection aims to achieve.

What is Expected?

• Critical and reflective thinking: You need to explain and analyse your creative decisions, rather than just stating them.
• Justification of writing choices: Every technique you use should serve a purpose, and you must articulate why you employed it.
• Personal voice: The reflection should showcase your individuality as a writer.
• Connection to the stimulus and rubric: Your response must engage with the prescribed requirements of the module.

‍

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a High-Scoring Reflection

‍

Step 1: Deconstruct and engage directly with the question 

No matter how well-written your response is, failing to directly answer the question will limit your marks. Consider this past HSC reflection prompt:

“Evaluate how your study of figurative language in The Craft of Writing influenced the creative decisions you made in part (A). In your response, make reference to one or more of your prescribed texts. (10 marks)”

To address this effectively, your response should include:

• Reference to your prescribed text: Explicitly state the text you engaged with and its influence on your work. For example, if you studied Gwen Harwood’s Father and Child, discuss how its figurative language, such as vivid imagery and extended metaphor, shaped your creative piece.
• Discussion of language choices: Identify the figurative techniques you used, such as metaphor, personification, or extended imagery.
• Explanation of creative decisions: Analyse how these techniques enhanced meaning, mood, or characterisation in your piece.

‍

Step 2: Plan with a Clear Structure

A well-structured reflection is easier to follow and more persuasive. Although there is no set structure, it is still useful to have a general framework in mind that you can follow.

1. Introduction – Briefly outline your creative piece and its purpose. What was your inspiration? What themes or ideas were you exploring?
   
   • 📌 Key Tip: Make sure to briefly touch on how you addressed the stimuli in the question
2. Body Paragraphs – Analyse your choices:
   
   • How did you use specific language techniques?
   • Why were these techniques effective?
   • How do they enhance meaning and engage the reader?
   • 📌 Key Tip: Make sure to reference your prescribed texts in class! 
3. Conclusion – Summarise your intended impact. How does your piece connect with broader literary themes?

‍

Step 3: Justify Your Creative Decisions

The key to a high-scoring reflection is your ability to justify why you made particular writing choices.

• Link back to the syllabus and stimulus – Ensure your reflection is anchored in the prescribed module content.
• Explain your techniques – Did you use imagery, irony, or symbolism? How do these choices shape meaning?
• Draw connections – Reference real-world influences or literary inspirations that shaped your work.

‍

Step 4: Embed Strong Literary Techniques

A sophisticated reflection should mirror the quality of writing seen in your creative piece. Consider the following:

• Varied sentence structures – Mix long, flowing sentences with shorter, impactful ones.
• Advanced vocabulary – Use precise, descriptive language to articulate your insights.
• Textual integrity – Discuss how your piece maintains coherence and unity in themes and techniques.

‍

Step 5: Edit and Refine for Clarity

Always leave a few minutes at the end of teh exam to read through everything and take the time to revise carefully:

• Avoid summary – Don’t simply describe your piece; analyse it.
• Be concise – Cut unnecessary words and ensure every sentence contributes meaningfully.
• Proofread – Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors can detract from your clarity and professionalism.

‍

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students make the same errors when writing their Module C reflections. Be mindful of these pitfalls:

• Being too vague – Ensure you clearly explain why you made each writing choice.
• Over-explaining – Don’t list techniques without analysing their effect.
• Lack of textual evidence – Reference specific parts of your creative piece to support your analysis.
• Forgetting personal engagement – Your reflection should showcase your own unique writing process and perspective.

‍

Bonus Tips for Full Marks

Want to take your reflection to the next level? Try these expert tips:

• Read exemplar responses – Analyse high-scoring reflections to see what makes them effective.
• Practise under timed conditions – The more you write, the more natural the process becomes.
• Seek feedback – Ask your teacher or tutor to review your work and provide constructive criticism.
• Develop a strong vocabulary bank – Keep a list of sophisticated phrases for discussing literary techniques.

‍

Conclusion

Mastering the Module C reflection takes time, but with practice, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your English study. By following this step-by-step approach, you’ll be able to craft a reflection that not only meets the syllabus requirements but also showcases your writing ability and critical thinking skills.

‍

Struggling with Module C? At Gold Standard Academy, we offer expert guidance to help you refine your reflections and boost your English marks. Get in touch with us today!