Book excerpt: Reflective writing is an established and integral part of undergraduate medical curricula, and also features in postgraduate medical education and revalidation. This book guides and teaches medical students - and all medical and paramedical staff - through the process of writing reflective essays and less formal reflective pieces clearly, concisely, and accurately. Sections on English writing skills, alongside anonymised successful and unsuccessful examples of reflected essays, explore both the principles and practice of effective writing. This clear, practical book is a valuable resource for medical undergraduates and postgraduates, whether English be their first or an additional language.