Narrative Essay

As a mode of expository writing, the narrative approach, more than

any other, offers writers a chance to think and write about
themselves. We all have experiences lodged in our memories, which
are worthy of sharing with readers. Yet sometimes they are so fused
with other memories that a lot of the time spent in writing narrative
is in the prewriting stage.
When you write a narrative essay, you are telling a story. Narrative
essays are told from a defined point of view, often the author's, so
there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided
to get the reader involved in the elements and sequence of the
story. The verbs are vivid and precise. The narrative essay makes a
point and that point is often defined in the opening sentence, but
can also be found as the last sentence in the opening paragraph.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the
form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he or she must
be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character,
setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are
carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of
the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to
make.
To summarize, the narrative essay

is told from a particular point of view

makes and supports a point

is filled with precise detail

uses vivid verbs and modifiers

uses conflict and sequence as does any story

may use dialogue

The purpose of a narrative report is to describe something. Many

students write narrative reports thinking that these are college
essays or papers. While the information in these reports is basic to
other forms of writing, narrative reports lack the "higher order
thinking" that essays require. Thus narrative reports do not, as a
rule, yield high grades for many college courses. A basic example of

a narrative report is a "book report" that outlines a book; it includes

the characters, their actions, possibly the plot, and, perhaps, some
scenes. That is, it is a description of "what happens in the book."
But this leaves out an awful lot.
What is left out is what the book or article is about -- the underlying
concepts, assumptions, arguments, or point of view that the book
or article expresses. A narrative report leaves aside a discussion
that puts the events of the text into the context of what the text is
about. Is the text about love? Life in the fast lane? Society? Wealth
and power? Poverty? In other words, narrative reports often
overlook the authors purpose or point of view expressed through
the book or article.
Once an incident is chosen, the writer should keep three principles
in mind.
1.
Remember to involve readers in the story. It is much more
interesting to actually recreate an incident for readers than to
simply tell about it.
2.

Find a generalization, which the story supports. This is the

only way the writer's personal experience will take on meaning
for readers. This generalization does not have to encompass
humanity as a whole; it can concern the writer, men, women, or
children of various ages and backgrounds.

3.

Remember that although the main component of a narrative is

the story, details must be carefully selected to support, explain,
and enhance the story.

Conventions of Narrative Essays

In writing your narrative essay, keep the following conventions in
mind.

Narratives are generally written in the first person, that is,

using I. However, third person (he, she, or it) can also be used.

Narratives rely on concrete, sensory details to convey their

point. These details should create a unified, forceful effect, a
dominant impression. More information on the use of specific
details is available on another page.

Narratives, as stories, should include these story conventions:

a plot, including setting and characters; a climax; and an ending

My Own Little World

Passage taken from Theodore Johnston and James Gonzales, The Writers Advice Book,
Ginn Press, Massachusetts, 1987, p. 72

The door to my study is nearly always closed. It's the place I go to read and
work in tranquility. Today, however, I'm inviting you in for a visit.
As you open the door, notice the Guatemalan crucifix with its bright gold and
maroon flowers; it joyfully reminds me to dedicate my work to God. Although
the room is small, I hope you find it cozy. A big cheerful window lets in the
morning sunshine, which saturates the room with its warmth and embraces us
with light. Birds chirp outside, beckoning you to enter.
An old-fashioned doctor's desk with brass drawer handles sits in front of the
window, its wood full of nicks from many careless moves and tow onceteething puppies. May I introduce you to Ralph, my friendly computer, who sits
on top of the desk? When I turn him on, he'll crackle "hello" and blink an
inviting amber command on the screen. That's my dog Chico under the desk,
snoring in harmony with Ralph and the birds.
Against the left wall are my book cases, sagging with the wise weight of
cheap paperbacks and a few expensive gold-spined volumes interspersed. A
bronzed Indian chief in a watercolor squints knowingly at us from the wall.
Won't you have a seat in the tattered old green armchair nestled in the other
corner? I know you smell the freshly perked coffee. I made it specially for your
visit. Use my favorite cup there on the tray; it's the one with red and blued
balloons around the rim.
Stay as long as you wish, but when you're ready to leave, be sure to close the
door behind you. I like the peaceful security of this, my own little world.

Sample Narrative Essay

Senior Prom
Passage taken from Theodore Johnston and James Gonzales, The Writers Advice Book,
Ginn Press, Massachusetts, 1987, p. 14

My senior prom night became a comedy of errors when I was asked to

represent the Drama Club. I expected it to be a night that dreams are made
of; instead, I was provided with a less than perfect evening.
I wanted to give Richard, my date and escort, a dazzling first impression by
meeting him at the door in my beautiful Southern belle dress. When Richard

arrived, he was met at the door by my father instead of me, and he found my
mother lying at my feet on the living room floor, sewing the hem in my formal.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, my mother announced that she
was finished and that we were late for the prom.
I decided to relax and compose myself in the car, but instead of a comfortable
coach, I found a cramped pumpkin awaiting me in the form of a Fiat. As I got
inside the car, I realized that most of my dress was still outside. Quickly, I
began piling layer after layer of fabric on my lap until it reached the ceiling and
obscured my view out of the car windows.
Arriving at the prom in silence, my escort and I were quickly ushered into
position behind the other representatives. The procession started; I felt like
Cinderella at the ball. While the announcer introduced the representatives and
their escorts, I visualized myself walking gracefully up the ramp as the
audience looked on.
Before I knew it, the spotlight was on us. As we slowly made our way up the
ramp, the announcer introduces us as Judy and Juan. Hearing the names of
someone else shocked both of us. Then it happened- as we turned, our feet
became entangled in my formal; with a hop, skip, and jump, we tripped down
the ramp towards the stairs. Determined to climb the stairs gracefully, I
started a slow ascent. Upon reaching the top step, I realized I had also
climbed up the inside of my dress and was now on my knees. My escort had
to carefully back me down the steps until we could once again make our
climb.
As the evening concluded, I realized that with all that happened, only my
friends knew the true identity of the two clowns in the procession. Everyone
else thought it was Judy and Juan.

Sample Process Essay

Giving Blood
From Nucleus: English for Science and Technology (General Science), Longman Press, 1983

Every hospital needs large supplies of blood for transfusions. It is given by

donors.
Before giving blood, the donor is given tests to determine his blood group and
make sure he is not suffering from certain diseases. When this has been done
his blood can be taken.
First he lies down with his arm on a pillow. Next the nurse puts the cuff of the
sphygmomanometer around his upper arm, and inflates it to compress the
veins. At this stage she cleans his skin with ether and inserts the needle into a
vein. As she does this the blood begins to flow into a bottle until it is full.
Meanwhile the donor opens and closes his hand to increase the flow.

As soon as the bottle is full the nurse takes off the sphygmomanometer and
withdraws the needle. Finally, she puts a dressing on the donor's arm. The
blood is immediately labeled and refrigerated.
Before giving blood, the donor is given tests to determine his blood group and
make sure he is not suffering from certain diseases. When this has been done
his blood can be taken.

Sample Classification Essay

The Human Body

From Nucleus: English for Science and Technology (General Science), Longman Press,
1983, p.47

The human body is made up of a number of different systems. Each system

has a separate function, but some work together.
One system is the skeleton, which serves to support the body and protect the
internal organs. The respiratory system enables us to breathe and take
oxygen into the blood, which moves around the body by means of the
circulatory system. The digestive system enables us to take in food needed
for growth. Waste matter is ejected from the body by means of the urinary
system. The nervous system controls the other systems and enables human
beings to think.
The endocrine system consists of various glands, such as the thyroid, sex and
adrenal glands. The function of these glands is to secrete chemicals, known
as hormones, into the blood. These hormones control various processes in
the body, such as growth, sexual activities and digestion..
Each system is made up of organs. The lungs, for example, are part of the
respiratory system. The heart is an organ in the circulatory system. The liver
functions as part of the digestive system and other systems.
Every organ is composed of several kinds of tissue. Epithelial tissue, which
includes the skin, forms a covering over organs. Connective tissue supports
and holds together parts of the body and includes bone and cartilage. Other
types of tissue include nerve tissue and blood tissue.
All tissue consists of cells. These are so small that they are measured in
thousandths of a millimeter and can only be seen with a microscope. Each
cell is covered with a thin membrane which surrounds a nucleus, and a jellylike substance, called cytoplasm. This in turn contains minute particles, each
with its own special function.

Sample Comparison/Contrast Essay

Paragraphs and Essays

Passage taken from Theodore Johnston and James Gonzales, The Writers Advice Book,
Ginn Press, Massachusetts, 1987, p. 130

[College students in the United States often become confused with academiccomposition terminology. They hear teachers talking about topic sentences
that are too general or thesis statements that are too broad. They are asked
to compose paragraphs and expand them into more comprehensive essays
about the topic.
How can students better understand the structures of these two writing
structures in the English? Perhaps discussing similarities and differences
between the two would help.]
The structure of an essay is like the structure of a paragraph. Just as the
controlling idea of a paragraph is expressed in the topic sentence, the
controlling idea of an essay is expressed in the thesis statement . The topic
sentence of a paragraph is generally placed at the beginning of the
paragraph, and the thesis statement of an essay is placed in the introductory
paragraph. In both paragraphs and essays, specific support in the form of
facts, details, and examples is needed to validate the opinion expressed in the
controlling idea. Finally, both paragraphs and essays tend to restate the
controlling idea at the end of the discussion rather than simply coming to an
abrupt stop.
The difference between a paragraph and essay is primarily one of
development. Whereas a paragraph usually deals with only one dimension of
a topic, an essay can turn a thought through several dimensions. Once a
writer starts to make notes on a subject, he may discover that the complexity
of the subject demands more than a one-paragraph treatment. The
paragraphs of an essay treat a sequence of key points; each of the
paragraphs in turn focuses on the one key point the writer assigns it. Thus,
the writer turns the thought just to a certain point in each of the body
paragraphs. When the essay is successful, the totality of the turns unlocks a
complex sequence of thoughts which the writer can share with the reader.
[Perhaps and analogy would help. A person spending weekends or only a few
days in the mountains would require very little space: room for a bed, limited
cooking supplies, a restroom or outhouse, and perhaps a chair or two. On the
other hand, someone who lives in the mountains all of time would require
much more space and materials for survival. In the same way, a person
writing only briefly about a topic might skim major aspects of that topic in an
essay whereas someone wishing to elaborate more on a broader topic might
choose to develop ideas through an essay.]

Sample Definition Essay 1- TO PROVIDE MORE IN DEPTH INFORMATION

The Earth
From Nucleus: English for Science and Technology (General Science), Longman Press, 1983, p.27.

The earth is a solid sphere. It is made up of three concentric spheres or

layers. These are called the core, the mantle, and the crust. The solid sphere
is surrounded by a gaseous sphere, which is called the atmosphere.
We know most about the crust of the Earth which is the outermost sphere.
This layer is very thin compared with the diameter of the whole Earth. It is only
about 10 km thick under the ocean and about 30 km thick on land. It consists
of rock which contains a lot of minerals. These are usually in compounds
called oxides, containing oxygen, or sulfides, containing sulfur.
The mantle is much thicker than the crust. It is about 30 km thick. It consists
mainly of rocks, but we do not know much about their composition.
The core, which is situated inside the mantle, seems to be divided into two
parts. The inner core is about 2800 km in diameter. We believe that it is
mainly composed of iron, but it also contains about 10% nickel. The layer
surrounding the inner core is called the outer core and is approximately 2000
km thick. It is probably composed of molten iron and nickel. However, the
metals in the inner core seem to be rigid, and therefore solid. This is because
they are under very high pressure, which causes solidification in spite of the
high temperatures at the center of the Earth.

narrative writing
Goal: Narrative writing tells a story or part of a story.
The general characteristics of narrative
Characteristics: writing include:
plot structure
o introduction
o rising action
o climax
o falling action
o resolution
conflict
characterization
setting
theme
point of view
sequencing

transitions

Narrative writing appears in and is not limited

Uses: to novels, short stories, biographies,
autobiographies, historical accounts, essays,
poems, and plays.

Exercises:

Write a story about the best celebration

you have ever had; tell why this is your
favorite.
Think of a time when you were
nervous. It might be your first plane ride
or the first time you slept over night
with a friend. Tell what happened and
how you reacted.
Write a fictional story about being an
eyewitness at a historical event.
Find an example of a narrative; explain
the elements that make this a good
example.

Additional Narrative Essays and Prompts

A one-page article that describes this
Internet sites:

genre while also including links to

examples of narrative writing.
Narrative Writing Resources
Visit this list for additional resources
gathered by the Web English Teacher.

A Brief Guide to Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative writing tells a story. In essays the narrative writing could also be considered
reflection or an exploration of the author's values told as a story. The author may
remember his or her past, or a memorable person or event from that past, or even
observe the present.
When you're writing a narrative essay, loosen up. After all, you're basically just telling
a story to someone, something you probably do every day in casual conversation. Use
first person and talk it through first. You might even want to either tape record your
story as if you were telling it to someone for the first time or actually tell it to a friend.
Once you get the basic story down, then you can begin turning it into an essay.If you
feel that you lack life experience, then you may choose to write about someone else or
write about an observation you've made about a recent event. You could write about
your children, your parents, or your favorite sport or hobby. The important aspect to
remember is that you should have a story. In a successful narrative essay, the
author usually makes a point.

Features
1. The story should have an introduction that clearly indicates what kind of
narrative essay it is (an event or recurring activity, a personal experience, or an
observation), and it should have a conclusion that makes a point.
2. The essay should include anecdotes. The author should describe the person,
the scene, or the event in some detail. It's okay to include dialogue as long as
you know how to punctuate it correctly and as long as you avoid using too
much.
3. The occasion or person described must be suggestive in that your
description and thoughts lead the reader to reflect on the human experience.
For instance, I read an excellent student essay that told the story of a young
woman forced to shoot several wolves that were attacking her cattle. She told
her story and included the inner struggle she faced as she made the choice of
saving the cattle or saving the wolves. She shot the wolves, but learned that
whatever her choice had been, she would not have been comfortable with it.
One of life's lessons is that sometimes there is no right choice, and that was
the point of the essay.
4. The point of view in narrative essays is usually first person. The use of "I"
invites your readers into an intimate discussion.
5. The writing in your essay should be lively and show some style. Try to
describe ideas and events in new and different ways. Avoid using clichs.
Again, get the basic story down, get it organized, and in your final editing
process, work on word choice.