Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What type of writing is characterized by personal experiences and thoughts?

1. Descriptive

2. Expository

3. Reflection

4. Narrative

The correct answer is: Reflection

The correct answer, which relates to writing characterized by personal experiences and thoughts, is reflective writing. This type of writing allows the author to explore their own feelings, thoughts, and experiences, often leading to deeper insights and understanding. Reflective writing is often used in journals, essays, or responses where the writer assesses their personal growth, reactions, and lessons learned from experiences. Descriptive writing focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, thing, or event by using detailed observations and sensory details, rather than delving into personal thoughts or feelings. Expository writing aims to inform or explain a topic in a straightforward manner without personal biases, while narrative writing tells a story, often centered around a plot and characters, but doesn’t necessarily focus on the author's personal reflections or insights. Each of these types has its distinct purpose and style, making reflective writing unique in its emphasis on personal insight.