narrative essay topic sentence

Detailed Guide on How to Write a Narrative Essay with Tips

Defining What Is a Narrative Essay

We can explain a narrative essay definition as a piece of writing that tells a story. It's like a window into someone's life or a page torn from a diary. Similarly to a descriptive essay, a narrative essay tells a story, rather than make a claim and use evidence. It can be about anything – a personal experience, a childhood memory, a moment of triumph or defeat – as long as it's told in a way that captures the reader's imagination.

You might ask - 'which sentence most likely comes from a narrative essay?'. Let's take this for example: 'I could hear the waves crashing against the shore, their rhythm a soothing lullaby that carried me off to sleep.' You could even use such an opening for your essay when wondering how to start a narrative essay.

To further define a narrative essay, consider it storytelling with a purpose. The purpose of a narrative essay is not just to entertain but also to convey a message or lesson in first person. It's a way to share your experiences and insights with others and connect with your audience. Whether you're writing about your first love, a harrowing adventure, or a life-changing moment, your goal is to take the reader on a journey that will leave them feeling moved, inspired, or enlightened.

So if you're looking for a way to express yourself creatively and connect with others through your writing, try your hand at a narrative essay. Who knows – you might just discover a hidden talent for storytelling that you never knew you had!

Meanwhile, let's delve into the article to better understand this type of paper through our narrative essay examples, topic ideas, and tips on constructing a perfect essay.

Types of Narrative Essays

If you were wondering, 'what is a personal narrative essay?', know that narrative essays come in different forms, each with a unique structure and purpose. Regardless of the type of narrative essay, each aims to transport the reader to a different time and place and to create an emotional connection between the reader and the author's experiences. So, let's discuss each type in more detail:

• A personal narrative essay is based on one's unique experience or event. Personal narrative essay examples include a story about overcoming a fear or obstacle or reflecting on a particularly meaningful moment in one's life.
• A fictional narrative is a made-up story that still follows the basic elements of storytelling. Fictional narratives can take many forms, from science fiction to romance to historical fiction.
• A memoir is similar to personal narratives but focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life. Memoirs might be centered around a particular relationship, a struggle with addiction, or a cultural identity. If you wish to describe your life in greater depth, you might look at how to write an autobiography .
• A literacy narrative essay explores the writer's experiences with literacy and how it has influenced their life. The essay typically tells a personal story about a significant moment or series of moments that impacted the writer's relationship with reading, writing, or communication.

You might also be interested in discovering 'HOW TO WRITE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY'

Pros and Cons of Narrative Writing

Writing a narrative essay can be a powerful tool for self-expression and creative storytelling, but like any form of writing, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let's explore the pros and cons of narrative writing in more detail, helping you to decide whether it's the right writing style for your needs.

• It can be a powerful way to convey personal experiences and emotions.
• Allows for creative expression and unique voice
• Engages the reader through storytelling and vivid details
• It can be used to teach a lesson or convey a message.
• Offers an opportunity for self-reflection and growth
• It can be challenging to balance personal storytelling with the needs of the reader
• It may not be as effective for conveying factual information or arguments
• It may require vulnerability and sharing personal details that some writers may find uncomfortable
• It can be subjective, as the reader's interpretation of the narrative may vary

If sharing your personal stories is not your cup of tea, you can buy essays online from our expert writers, who will customize the paper to your particular writing style and tone.

20 Excellent Narrative Essay Topics and How to Choose One

Choosing a good topic among many narrative essay ideas can be challenging, but some tips can help you make the right choice. Here are some original and helpful tips on how to choose a good narrative essay topic:

• Consider your own experiences: One of the best sources of inspiration for a narrative essay is your own life experiences. Consider moments that have had a significant impact on you, whether they are positive or negative. For example, you could write about a memorable trip or a challenging experience you overcame.
• Choose a topic relevant to your audience: Consider your audience and their interests when choosing a narrative essay topic. If you're writing for a class, consider what topics might be relevant to the course material. If you're writing for a broader audience, consider what topics might be interesting or informative to them.
• Find inspiration in literature: Literature can be a great source of inspiration for a narrative essay. Consider the books or stories that have had an impact on you, and think about how you can incorporate elements of them into your own narrative. For example, you could start by using a title for narrative essay inspired by the themes of a favorite novel or short story.
• Focus on a specific moment or event: Most narrative essays tell a story, so it's important to focus on a specific moment or event. For example, you could write a short narrative essay about a conversation you had with a friend or a moment of realization while traveling.
• Experiment with different perspectives: Consider writing from different perspectives to add depth and complexity to your narrative. For example, you could write about the same event from multiple perspectives or explore the thoughts and feelings of a secondary character.
• Use writing prompts: Writing prompts can be a great source of inspiration if you struggle to develop a topic. Consider using a prompt related to a specific theme, such as love, loss, or growth.
• Choose a topic with rich sensory details: A good narrative essay should engage the senses and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Choose a topic with rich sensory details that you can use to create a vivid description. For example, you could write about a bustling city's sights, sounds, and smells.
• Choose a topic meaningful to you: Ultimately, the best narrative essays are meaningful to the writer. Choose a topic that resonates with you and that you feel passionate about. For example, you could write about a personal goal you achieved or a struggle you overcame.

Here are some good narrative essay topics for inspiration from our experts:

• A life-changing event that altered your perspective on the world
• The story of a personal accomplishment or achievement
• An experience that tested your resilience and strength
• A time when you faced a difficult decision and how you handled it
• A childhood memory that still holds meaning for you
• The impact of a significant person in your life
• A travel experience that taught you something new
• A story about a mistake or failure that ultimately led to growth and learning
• The first day of a new job or school
• The story of a family tradition or ritual that is meaningful to you
• A time when you had to confront a fear or phobia
• A memorable concert or music festival experience
• An experience that taught you the importance of communication or listening
• A story about a time when you had to stand up for what you believed in
• A time when you had to persevere through a challenging task or project
• A story about a significant cultural or societal event that impacted your life
• The impact of a book, movie, or other work of art on your life
• A time when you had to let go of something or someone important to you
• A memorable encounter with a stranger that left an impression on you
• The story of a personal hobby or interest that has enriched your life

Narrative Format and Structure

The narrative essay format and structure are essential elements of any good story. A well-structured narrative can engage readers, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. Whether you're writing a personal essay or a work of fiction, the following guidelines on how to write a narrative essay can help you create a compelling paper:

• Introduction : The introduction sets the scene for your story and introduces your main characters and setting. It should also provide a hook to capture your reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. When unsure how to begin a narrative essay, describe the setting vividly or an intriguing question that draws the reader in.
• Plot : The plot is the sequence of events that make up your story. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part building on the previous one. The plot should also have a clear conflict or problem the protagonist must overcome.
• Characters : Characters are the people who drive the story. They should be well-developed and have distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist should have a clear goal or desire, and the antagonist should provide a challenge or obstacle to overcome.
• Setting : The setting is the time and place the story takes place. It should be well-described and help to create a mood or atmosphere that supports the story's themes.
• Dialogue : Dialogue is the conversation between characters. It should be realistic and help to reveal the characters' personalities and motivations. It can also help to move the plot forward.
• Climax : The climax is the highest tension or conflict point in the story. It should be the turning point that leads to resolving the conflict.
• Resolution : The resolution is the end of the story. It should provide a satisfying conclusion to the conflict and tie up any loose ends.

Following these guidelines, you can create a narrative essay structure that engages readers and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, a well-structured story can take readers on a journey and make them feel part of the action.

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Narrative Essay Outline

Here is a detailed narrative essay outline from our custom term paper writing :

Introduction

A. Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement, question, or anecdote that introduces the topic and draws the reader in. Example: 'The sun beat down on my skin as I stepped onto the stage, my heart pounding with nervous excitement.'

B. Background information: Provide context for the story, such as the setting or the characters involved. Example: 'I had been preparing for this moment for weeks, rehearsing my lines and perfecting my performance for the school play.'

C. Thesis statement: State the essay's main point and preview the events to come. Example: 'This experience taught me that taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards and personal growth.'

Body Paragraphs

A. First event: Describe the first event in the story, including details about the setting, characters, and actions. Example: 'As I delivered my first lines on stage, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a sense of pride in my hard work paying off.'

B. Second event: Describe the second event in the story, including how it builds on the first event and moves the story forward. Example: 'As the play progressed, I became more comfortable in my role and connecting with the other actors on stage.'

C. Turning point: Describe the turning point in the story, when something unexpected or significant changes the course of events. Example: 'In the final act, my character faced a difficult decision that required me to improvise and trust my instincts.'

D. Climax: Describe the story's climax, the highest tension or conflict point. Example: 'As the play reached its climax, I delivered my final lines with confidence and emotion, feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.'

A. Restate thesis: Summarize the essay's main point and how the events in the story support it. Example: 'Through this experience, I learned that taking risks and pushing past my comfort zone can lead to personal growth and unexpected rewards.'

B. Reflection: Reflect on the significance of the experience and what you learned from it. Example: 'Looking back, I realize that this experience not only taught me about acting and performance but also about the power of perseverance and self-belief.'

C. Call to action: if you're still wondering how to write an essay conclusion , consider ending it with a call to action or final thought that leaves the reader with something to consider or act on. Example: 'I encourage everyone to take risks and embrace new challenges because you never know what kind of amazing experiences and growth they may lead to.

You might also be interested in getting detailed info on 'HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY CONCLUSION'

Narrative Essay Examples

Are you looking for inspiration for your next narrative essay? Look no further than our narrative essay example. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflections, this essay takes the reader on a journey of discovery and leaves them with a powerful lesson about the importance of compassion and empathy. Use this sample from our expert essay writer as a guide for crafting your own narrative essay, and let your unique voice and experiences shine through.

Narrative Essay Example for College

College professors search for the following qualities in their students:

• the ability to adapt to different situations,
• the ability to solve problems creatively,
• and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Your work must demonstrate these qualities, regardless of whether your narrative paper is a college application essay or a class assignment. Additionally, you want to demonstrate your character and creativity. Describe a situation where you have encountered a problem, tell the story of how you came up with a unique approach to solving it, and connect it to your field of interest. The narrative can be exciting and informative if you present it in such fashion.

Narrative Essay Example for High School

High school is all about showing that you can make mature choices. You accept the consequences of your actions and retrieve valuable life lessons. Think of an event in which you believe your actions were exemplary and made an adult choice. A personal narrative essay example will showcase the best of your abilities. Finally, use other sources to help you get the best results possible. Try searching for a sample narrative essay to see how others have approached it.

Final Words

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Narrative Essays

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The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the widespread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them.

What is a narrative essay?

When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

• If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story.

This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

• When would a narrative essay not be written as a story?

A good example of this is when an instructor asks a student to write a book report. Obviously, this would not necessarily follow the pattern of a story and would focus on providing an informative narrative for the reader.

• The essay should have a purpose.

Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?

• The essay should be written from a clear point of view.

It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays oftentimes manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

• Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.

• The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed.

Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.

• As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

Frequently asked questions

How do i come up with a topic for my narrative essay.

If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Frequently asked questions: Writing an essay

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

Let’s say you’re writing a five-paragraph  essay about the environmental impacts of dietary choices. Here are three examples of topic sentences you could use for each of the three body paragraphs :

• Research has shown that the meat industry has severe environmental impacts.
• However, many plant-based foods are also produced in environmentally damaging ways.
• It’s important to consider not only what type of diet we eat, but where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Each of these sentences expresses one main idea – by listing them in order, we can see the overall structure of the essay at a glance. Each paragraph will expand on the topic sentence with relevant detail, evidence, and arguments.

The topic sentence usually comes at the very start of the paragraph .

However, sometimes you might start with a transition sentence to summarize what was discussed in previous paragraphs, followed by the topic sentence that expresses the focus of the current paragraph.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

In rhetorical analysis , a claim is something the author wants the audience to believe. A support is the evidence or appeal they use to convince the reader to believe the claim. A warrant is the (often implicit) assumption that links the support with the claim.

Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, building up logical arguments . Ethos appeals to the speaker’s status or authority, making the audience more likely to trust them. Pathos appeals to the emotions, trying to make the audience feel angry or sympathetic, for example.

Collectively, these three appeals are sometimes called the rhetorical triangle . They are central to rhetorical analysis , though a piece of rhetoric might not necessarily use all of them.

The term “text” in a rhetorical analysis essay refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.

The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain the effect a piece of writing or oratory has on its audience, how successful it is, and the devices and appeals it uses to achieve its goals.

Unlike a standard argumentative essay , it’s less about taking a position on the arguments presented, and more about exploring how they are constructed.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

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Narrative Essay Topic Checklist

Answer prompts below to determine whether the event you want to write about will make a good narrative essay topic.

FOCUSED EVENT

Describe the event in two sentences or fewer.

CENTRAL CONFLICT/PROBLEM

An interesting story generally develops around one of the four conflict types shown below:

• Self v. Another Person (You v. a cyber-bully; you v. your best friend who’s competing for the same job opening)
• Self v. Self (Your ambition to become an aviator v. your fear of math skills required for pilot’s license; your conscience v. desire for making easy money with a Ponzi scheme)
• Self v. Force of Nature (Your survival v. a grizzly bear encountered on a hike; your completion of marathon v. pain from sprained ankle)
• Self v. Society (Your right to keep beloved pitbull v. community ordinance prohibiting pitbull ownership; your freedom to ride your motorcycle without a helmet v. Missouri helmet law)
• Identify the type of conflict (“Self v. ___”) central to your narrative.
• Describe the specific conflict (See above examples in parentheses) central to your narrative in a short phrase or sentence.

OUTCOME (CLIMAX)

• Which side won the conflict?
• In no more than two sentences, describe the moment when one side wins over the other.

SIGNIFICANCE

In one or two sentences, describe the major change in the way you think or feel about yourself, other people or some aspect of life as a result of this event:

Before this experience, I would describe my attitude/perspective toward………. as……

As a result of this experience, my attitude/perspective is now:

Did you respond to all five prompts? Terrific! The event you want to write about has passed the test for a good narrative essay topic. Now, go forth and write your narrative essay!

• Scriptwriting

How to Write a Narrative Essay — A Step-by-Step Guide

N arrative essays are important papers most students have to write. But how does one write a narrative essay? Fear not, we’re going to show you how to write a narrative essay by breaking down a variety of narrative writing strategies. By the end, you’ll know why narrative essays are so important – and how to write your own.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Background on narrative essays.

Narrative essays are important assignments in many writing classes – but what is a narrative essay? A narrative essay is a prose-written story that’s focused on the commentary of a central theme .

Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV , and are usually about a topic that’s personal to the writer.

Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

In simplest terms, a narrative essay is a personal story. A narrative essay can be written in response to a prompt or as an independent exercise.

We’re going to get to tips and tricks on how to write a narrative essay in a bit, but first let’s check out a video on “story.” 

How to Start a Narrative Essay  •  What is a Story? by Mr. Kresphus

In some regards, any story can be regarded as a personal story, but for the sake of this article, we’re going to focus on prose-written stories told in the first-person POV.

How to Start a Narrative Essay

Responding to prompts.

Many people wonder about how to start a narrative essay. Well, if you’re writing a narrative essay in response to a prompt, then chances are the person issuing the prompt is looking for a specific answer.

For example: if the prompt states “recount a time you encountered a challenge,” then chances are the person issuing the prompt wants to hear about how you overcame a challenge or learned from it.

That isn’t to say you have to respond to the prompt in one way; “overcoming” or “learning” from a challenge can be constituted in a variety of ways.

For example, you could structure your essay around overcoming a physical challenge, like an injury or disability. Or you could structure your essay around learning from failure, such as losing at a sport or performing poorly on an important exam.

Whatever it is, you must show that the challenge forced you to grow. 

Maturation is an important process – and an essential aspect of narrative essays... of course, there are exceptions to the rule; lack of maturation is a prescient theme in narrative essays too; although that’s mostly reserved for experienced essay writers.

So, let’s take a look at how you might respond to a series of narrative essay prompts:

How successful are you?

This prompt begs the writer to impart humility without throwing a pity party. I would respond to this prompt by demonstrating pride in what I do while offering modesty. For example: “I have achieved success in what I set out to do – but I still have a long way to go to achieve my long-term goals.”

Who is your role model?

“My role model is [Blank] because ” is how you should start this narrative essay. The “because” is the crux of your essay. For example, I’d say “Bill Russell is my role model because he demonstrated graceful resolve in the face of bigotry and discrimination. 

Do you consider yourself spiritual?

For this prompt, you should explain how you came to the conclusion of whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person. Of course, prompt-givers will differ on how much they want you to freely express. For example: if the prompt-giver is an employee at an evangelizing organization, then they probably want to see that you’re willing to propagate the church’s agenda. Alternatively, if the prompt-giver is non-denominational, they probably want to see that you’re accepting of people from various spiritual backgrounds.

How to Write Narrative Essay

What makes a good narrative essay.

You don’t have to respond to a prompt to write a narrative essay. So, how do you write a narrative essay without a prompt? Well, that’s the thing… you can write a narrative essay about anything!

That’s a bit of a blessing and a curse though – on one hand it’s liberating to choose any topic you want; on the other, it’s difficult to narrow down a good story from an infinite breadth of possibilities.

In this next video, the team at Essay Pro explores why passion is the number one motivator for effective narrative essays.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step  •  Real Essay Examples by Essay Pro

So, before you write anything, ask yourself: “what am I passionate about?” Movies? Sports? Books? Games? Baking? Volunteering? Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something that demonstrates your individual growth . It doesn’t have to be anything major; take a video game for example: you could write a narrative essay about searching for a rare weapon with friends.

Success or failure, you’ll be able to demonstrate growth.

Here’s something to consider: writing a narrative essay around intertextuality. What is intertextuality ? Intertextuality is the relationship between texts, i.e., books, movies, plays, songs, games, etc. In other words, it’s anytime one text is referenced in another text.

For example, you could write a narrative essay about your favorite movie! Just make sure that it ultimately reflects back on yourself. 

Narrative Writing Format

Structure of a narrative essay.

Narrative essays differ in length and structure – but there are some universal basics. The first paragraph of a narrative essay should always introduce the central theme. For example, if the narrative essay is about “a fond childhood memory,” then the first paragraph should briefly comment on the nature of the fond childhood memory.

In general, a narrative essay should have an introductory paragraph with a topic sentence (reiterating the prompt or basic idea), a brief commentary on the central theme, and a set-up for the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs should make up the vast majority of the narrative essay. In the body paragraphs, the writer should essentially “build the story’s case.” What do I mean by “build the story’s case?”

Well, I mean that the writer should display the story’s merit; what it means, why it matters, and how it proves (or refutes) personal growth.

The narrative essay should always conclude with a dedicated paragraph. In the “conclusion paragraph,” the writer should reflect on the story.

Pro tip: conclusion paragraphs usually work best when the writer stays within the diegesis. 

What is a Video Essay?

A video essay is a natural extension of a narrative essay; differentiated only by purpose and medium. In our next article, we’ll explain what a video essay is, and why it’s so important to media criticism. By the end, you’ll know where to look for video essay inspiration.

Up Next: The Art of Video Analysis →

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How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A narrative essay or speech is used to tell a story, often one that is based on personal experience. This genre of work comprises works of nonfiction that hew closely to the facts and follow a logical chronological progression of events. Writers often use anecdotes to relate their experiences and engage the reader. In doing so, you can give your narrative a level of emotional appeal. It can be serious or humorous, but this emotional appeal is essential if you want to  give your audience some way to connect with your story.

The most successful narrative essays usually share these three basic traits:

• They make a central point.
• They contain  specific details in support  of that point.
• They are clearly  organized in time .

Constructing the Essay

Magazines like the New Yorker and websites like Vice are known for the pages-long narrative essays they publish, sometimes called long-format journalism. But an effective narrative essay can be as short as five paragraphs. As with other kinds of essay writing, narratives follow the same basic outline:

• Introduction: This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook, which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis or topic, which you'll detail in the next section.
• Body: This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph should contain one example, such as a personal anecdote or noteworthy event, that supports your larger topic.
• Conclusion: This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and bring your narrative to an end. Writers sometimes embellish the conclusion with an epilogue or a takeaway.

Narrative Essay Topics

Choosing the topic for your essay may be the hardest part. What you're looking for is a particular incident that you can recount in a well-developed and clearly organized essay  or speech . We have a few ideas to help you brainstorm topics. They're quite broad, but something will surely spark an idea.

• An embarrassing experience
• A memorable wedding or funeral
• An exciting minute or two of a football game (or another sporting event)
• Your first or last day at a job or new school
• A disastrous date
• A memorable moment of failure or success
• An encounter that changed your life or taught you a lesson
• An experience that led to a renewed faith
• A strange or unexpected encounter
• An experience of how technology is more trouble than it's worth
• An experience that left you disillusioned
• A frightening or dangerous experience
• A memorable journey
• An encounter with someone you were in awe of or afraid of
• An occasion when you experienced rejection
• Your first visit to the countryside (or to a large city)
• The circumstances that led to the breakup of a friendship
• An experience that showed that you should be careful of what you wish for
• A significant or comic misunderstanding
• An experience that showed how appearances can be deceiving
• An account of a difficult decision that you had to make
• An event that marked a turning point in your life
• An experience that changed your viewpoint on a controversial issue
• A memorable encounter with someone in authority
• An act of heroism or cowardice
• An imaginary encounter with a real person
• A rebellious act
• A brush with greatness or death
• A time that you took a stand on an important issue
• An experience that altered your view of someone
• A trip that you would like to take
• A vacation trip from your childhood
• An account of a visit to a fictional place or time
• Your first time away from home
• Two different versions of the same event
• A day when everything went right or wrong
• An experience that made you laugh until you cried
• The experience of being lost
• Surviving a natural disaster
• An important discovery
• An eyewitness account of an important event
• An experience that helped you grow up
• A description of your secret place
• An account of what it would be like to live as a particular animal
• Your dream job and what it would be like
• An invention you'd like to create
• A time when you realized your parents were right
• An account of your earliest memory
• Your reaction when you heard the best news of your life
• A description of the one thing you can't live without

Other Types of Essays

Narrative essays are one of the major essay types. Others include:

• Argumentative: In argumentative essays , the writer makes the case for a specific opinion on a topic, using research and analysis to persuade the reader.
• Descriptive: This kind of writing relies on detail to describe or define a person, place, thing, or experience. Writing may be either objective or subjective.
• Expository: Like argumentative essays, expository writing requires research and analysis in order to expound upon a subject. Unlike argumentative essays, the intention is not to change the readers' opinion but to inform the readers.
• Angelli, Elizabeth; Baker, Jack; and Brizee, Allen. " Essay Writing ." Perdue.edu. 9 February 2018.
• Beck, Kate. " Instructions to Write a Narrative Essay. " SeattlePI.com.
• Santa Barbara City College staff. "Structure of a Personal Narrative Essay." SBCC.edu.
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• Writing Paragraphs

How to Write a Narrative Paragraph

Last Updated: May 8, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Grant Faulkner, MA . Grant Faulkner is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the co-founder of 100 Word Story, a literary magazine. Grant has published two books on writing and has been published in The New York Times and Writer’s Digest. He co-hosts Write-minded, a weekly podcast on writing and publishing, and has a M.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.  There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 274,617 times.

A narrative paragraph tells a story, either real or fictional, by introducing a topic, giving more details, and then ending with a reflection or transition to another paragraph. Being able to properly write a narrative paragraph is an essential skill for anyone who wants to write or tell stories, from authors to journalists to advertisers and beyond. Learning the essential elements (an introduction, necessary details, and a conclusion) and how to put them together concisely will enable you to craft brief but complete stories for any audience. Plus, you'll become a better, more confident writer, too!

Introducing Your Story

• You could relate something that happened to someone else, even a fictional person.

• The exception would be if you were switching between the current discussion of the story’s meaning (in present tense) and the narrative of the story’s events (past tense).

• A good first-person topic sentence might be, “I’ll never forget the time I picked out my new puppy.” If you were using third person, the same topic sentence would be written, “He would never forget the time he picked out his new puppy.”

• For the first-person example about picking out a new puppy, you might continue, “My mom drove me to the breeder, which was 45 minutes away.”

• You might say: “I was 11, so the car ride seemed like an eternity. We lived in Wisconsin at the time, and the breeder was in Chicago.”
• All background information after the topic sentence, such as other characters and where the story takes place, should be approximately 1-4 sentences long.

• While the length of your paragraph will vary based on the content, a standard 5-sentence paragraph likely will not provide enough detail to tell a complete narrative.

Providing Narrative Details

• You could say, ”When we arrived at the breeder, I felt dismayed. I didn’t see any puppies at all.”

• You might continue, ”The breeder whistled. I was relieved when the puppies bounded around a corner and into the entryway. I saw a puppy in my favorite color—white—with two black spots. ‘Mom, can we keep him?’ I asked hopefully. She paused for a minute, seeming to reconsider getting a puppy at all.”

• You could end, “Then, mom smiled. ‘Only if we can name him Oreo.’ I hugged her, and Oreo gave me a lick of approval.”
• Resolution could be as brief as 1 sentence or as many as 3.

Concluding Your Story and Proofing Your Paragraph

• Regarding the puppy story, you might say, ”It was the happiest day of my life.”
• The nature of your conclusion will depend greatly on the tone and content of your story as well as the perspective the story is told from.

• Reading your story out loud is a great way to listen for grammar problems and other spots that don’t quite flow.
• Don’t rely on spell-check, as it won’t catch everything!

Template and Example of a Narrative Paragraph

Expert Q&A

• To make your narrative paragraph engaging, bounce story ideas off a friend before you begin writing. It’s best to focus on a moment that was special and transformative for you or your narrator rather than simply relating day-to-day events. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The sentence parameters outlined here are simply guidelines rather than hard rules. When needed, narrative paragraphs can run slightly shorter or longer to suit their content. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.mtsac.edu/writingcenter/dlas/narrative_and_descriptive_paragraphs_dla_09-03-19.pdf
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/verb_tenses/verb_tense_consistency.html
• ↑ https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/lessonplan/writing-narrative-paragraph
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/paragraphs/paragraph-development-examples/
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-1-narration/
• ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/buildingblocks/chapter/narrative-paragraphs/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Proofreading.html
• ↑ Grant Faulkner, MA. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 8 January 2019.
• ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-12-peer-review-and-final-revisions/

About This Article

A narrative paragraph tells a chronological story that can either be real or fictional. A good narrative starts with a strong topic sentence that draws the reader in and introduces the tale you’re going to tell. For example, you might start your paragraph with "I'll never forget the day I picked out my new puppy." Once you hook your reader, introduce any major characters involved in the tale. After you set the scene, introduce the main conflict in the story, which you'll want to resolve by the end. For instance, you might write "When we arrived at the breeder's, I was disappointed. There weren't any puppies in sight. But then I heard a whistle and saw a bunch of puppies race around the corner." Your narrative paragraph should be around 9 sentences long. For tips on how to proofread your narrative paragraph, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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150 Best Topic Ideas For Narrative Essay

26 Apr 2022

Quick Navigation

❓How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay?

☝️Some Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

📑Narrative Essay Topics for:

• High School Students
• College Students

✏️Topics for essays on themes:

• Personal Experience
• About Childhood
• Relationship
• Personal About Friendship
• Traveling and Holidays
• Argument Essay

In academic practice, the narrative essay is probably one of the key elements to train students in expressing their opinions. It teaches well how to tell a story in a clear, concise manner, that’s why it is so welcome in the language and composition classes.

Narrative essays are not only valuable as such: their contribution lies in the ability to elaborate students’ storytelling and narration skills. To touch the reader’s nerves, you should opt for exciting narrative essay ideas. There are plenty of them – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of essay ideas.

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How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay?

When you are selecting a topic for your essay , you should consider some aspects. As a teacher, you should opt for the best narrative essay topics that would be interesting and familiar to your mentees. If you are a mentee yourself, you can be assigned a specific task to write on the topic provided by your teacher or professor. In the opposite case, you have the freedom to choose a topic on your own.

We’ve collected some useful tips on how to efficiently select a narrative speech topic for your paper. They apply to the general principles of narrative essay topic choice. You can write about something special and personal for you, or describe events and subjects that are well-known to everyone. The following rules will be a perfect support for you in the creation of a powerful narrative essay.

• Opt for relevant topics Always consider your audience when picking a topic if you are a teacher. The topic shall be cognizable and meaningful for your audience, be it higher school students or schoolchildren. They must be able to express their thoughts on the subject and relate their personal experiences to it. Obviously, the requirements for younger students are lower, and narrative writing topics shall deal mostly with descriptions or reporting. On the other hand, senior schoolers and students shall be able to write an essay that is also persuasive and reflective.
• Choose your comfortable writing style Experience in studying affairs clearly demonstrates that successful subjects for a narration essay are those you feel comfortable with. Picking up the right idea is the key to a powerful paper as it determines the style of your writing. Think about what you love to tell about. Do you like to describe events in a detailed and vivid manner? Or maybe you are factual and concise? Are you a fan of reflections and self-analysis? Recollecting or imagining, projecting or analyzing, reporting or insightful – if you identify your features, they will be helpful narrative essay prompts.
• Show your mastery Topics are essential, but that’s not the hard and fast rule: always factor into personal proficiency. This is what turns even a dull and merely informative topic into an engaging story. A narration essay is your chance to create a description that would allow your readers to pop into your experiences and share your fun or drama with you. Whether your narration concerns a film, a book, a relationship, a person, or a situation, try to complement it with a touch of personal attitude. Discourse upon the lessons you’ve learned, describe a turning point of your life or reflect on why an event from your past is so memorable. Try to convey this in the essay outline , and you’ll see how fascinating it might be. The more so as there are plenty of brilliant topics for narrative writing.

Stuck with finding the right title?

Get plenty of fresh and catchy topic ideas and pick the perfect one with PapersOwl Title Generator.

Some Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Narration may be both rewarding and challenging. To maximize your rewarding experience and minimize the tough aspects of essay writing, follow our tips recovered from the students’ practice.

• Aim at telling a story

A narration essay stands foremost for a narration. Whether you are describing events, discussing situations, or recollecting the past, your story should be engaging and have a plot. You may introduce the elements that make your story individual. These include arguments, reflections, and opinions, but the focus of this type of essay is narrative.

• Keep to an outline

The conventional structure is not required, however, it assists in organizing your thoughts properly and preserving accuracy and distinctiveness. The introduction and conclusion parts do not differ much from those in other academic papers. The body part, in turn, presents a story that may tackle moral, practical, psychological, or other problems. This clearly distinguishes your narration from all the others. This is why personal narrative topics shall be thoroughly picked.

• Make a plan

Draft the events and characters to be introduced in your story. Don’t feel like you are limited by the structure you create. A plan is a guide rather than a mold for your text, so try making it comfortable for you. Drafting your essay before you start writing may also be helpful. This way you can break down the nuances and see what’s lacking for an immersive story.

• Remain individual

While good narrative topics circulate in the school and college assignments, you are still able to make your essay personalized. To start with, you have your own stories to be told. Then, you might express your own opinions that are unconventional. Also, you can present the lessons you’ve learned from the story. In the end, your author’s style will surely add points to your paper.

• Choose a writing narrative thoroughly

Stories may be told third-person or first-person. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of narration and opt for the one reflecting your objective. Personal experiences are usually written in first-person, and epic narratives may be third-person. Though, unconventional approaches may be an interesting artistic device making your essay even more intriguing.

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Narrative Essay Topics for Students

We’ve analyzed trainees’ experience in writing narrative paragraphs and selected narrative essay topics for college and school students. This profound list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one!

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

High school students normally feel comfortable about describing their study routine. Below you’ll find interesting topics to convey some of the things at school familiar to every pupil.

• My favorite class
• An unexpected day-off
• My favorite teacher
• My most memorable participation in a sports event
• My harshest debate competition
• My best role in a school theatre
• My after-school activities
• My routine travel to school
• My funny prom night adventure
• My worst lost match
• The craziest incident on my campus
• The subject I don’t like
• How I failed an exam
• How I got through an exam
• How I got caught cheating

Good Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Just like high schoolers, students at colleges and universities are fond of talking about their everyday matters. Whether a topic about students’ affairs or reflection on new relationships, the most popular narrative topics for college students are collected here.

• My first day at the higher school
• My last day with my schoolmates
• My favorite course
• Meeting my better half
• The story of my split-up
• My brightest high school moment
• How I met my old friend
• My favourite professor
• A funny adventure on my campus
• The most symbolic episode from my college life
• The day I moved
• How I traveled to my college
• My first impressions of the college campus
• How I met my roommate
• My first friends at college

Topics for essays on themes:

Personal narrative essay topics.

Each of us had moments in life the story of which would be interesting to others. Develop your narration mastery and tell the world a story about the very best, most memorable, extremely scary, or awkward situations. Our list is here to assist you.

• The happiest event ever
• The saddest moment in my life
• The worst moment of my life
• The best moment of my life
• If I start my life all over again, I’d…
• The most frightening episode of my life
• The most dramatic decision I had to make
• The life-changing event in my life
• The greatest risk I took
• The day I decided to move
• The worst decision of my life
• Getting lost abroad
• The most disastrous trip
• How I grew up in a city
• How I grew up in a village

Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics

Personal experiences are way more exciting for writers. Unfortunately, personal narrative essays are not always just as fascinating for listeners unless they are presented in an entertaining manner. We’re sure that the ideas for personal narratives below will help you pick your topic to maximize readers’ engagement.

• The moment of my life I’m proud of
• My first visiting an opera house
• The weirdest accident I witnessed
• How I first tried Asian cuisine
• My most memorable birthday present
• If I was a character in a book
• The memory I wish I lived through again
• If I was my favourite movie superhero
• How I lost a thing that wasn’t mine
• My first travel to the sea
• What makes me unique
• My first trip into the wild
• My first job interview
• My most significant loss
• My most memorable Christmas

Narrative Essay Topics About Childhood

Childhood is probably the sweetest period of our lives and the one with the most number of insights. The most powerful experiences come from it, and most of our reflections are related to a child's perception in this or that way. Check out our list of captivating topics about childhood and pick one.

• My first memories ever
• My first pet
• The role model of my childhood
• The first time I met my uncle/aunt
• The first time I got to a hospital
• My first big sports competition
• My first day at school
• The first time at a stadium
• My best visit to a children’s entertainment park
• My favourite preschool teacher
• My first time on the airplane
• My most memorable picnic
• The scariest incident of my childhood
• My childhood phobias
• The funniest incident of my childhood

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Relationship Narrative Essay Topics

Writing about this huge layer of experience – relationships – is surely thrilling. We’ve picked just some of the great variety of narrative topics about relationships for you. Even if you don’t find here exactly what you want to talk about, you’ll definitely hit upon an appropriate idea.

• My first romantic date
• How my best friend changed my life
• How I first met my best friend
• The saddest moment in a relationship I experienced
• A turning point in my important relationship
• My role model relationship from a book/movie
• My first romantic relationship
• What my parents mean to me
• The best advice about relationships I got
• Why is my significant other so important to me
• The situation that helped me fix my ruined relationship
• The best memories I share with my friends
• My first confession
• How I helped someone with depression
• A film/book about relationships that stroke me

Personal Narrative Essay About Friendship

Friendships often determine our paths in life, and most people love telling stories. These are about their adventures with friends or reflections on the effects of getting cozy with other people. From the list below, you may pick one of the best friendship topics for narrative essay papers.

• My best friend from a summer camp
• How I reconnected with my friend after a quarrel
• How I covered my friend
• How I first met my online friend live
• How I helped my friend reconnect with his/her loved one
• The coolest adventure with my best friend
• The first time at my friend’s place
• My worst quarrel with my friend
• My best older friend
• How my foe turned into my friend
• The toughest situation I and my friend went through
• My friend’s sister/brother
• The situation where I had to choose between two friends
• How I met a friend on the Internet

Cultural Narrative Essay Topics

How about writing on culture? The variety of topics is enormous, and you can write here in different styles and tonalities. Find out effective narrative paragraph topics dedicated to traditions, holidays, or cultural events below.

• My favourite holiday
• How we celebrate Christmas
• The best Christmas present I got
• My best Christmas
• My saddest Christmas
• The holiday which is most significant for me
• Our family traditions for Easter
• How I took part in holidays abroad
• The scariest Halloween I ever had
• Home alone on a holiday night
• The most memorable cultural event I visited
• The festival I love most
• What I was thankful for this Thanksgiving Day
• My family traditions
• A foreign holiday tradition that I love most

Personal Narrative Stories Ideas on Traveling and Holidays

This segment of subjects covers individual experiences. Respectively, it has to do with reflections, opinions, and feelings. Our list of personal narrative ideas related to trips and celebrations is here for your convenience.

• My best entertainment on winter holidays
• My first traveling abroad
• How I first visited a warm country in winter
• How I missed my flight/train/bus
• The happiest moment during the holidays
• Making a new friend during the holidays
• My first time traveling alone
• My most memorable holiday ever
• The saddest incident on a holiday
• My best visit to a foreign city on holiday
• My best travel to a big city
• The worst quarrel while on holiday
• The best encounters during the holiday
• My best trip to a countryside
• How I returned home after a long vacation

Narrative Argument Essay Topics

Strong argumentation is one of the indications of a successful academic paper and a prerequisite for a higher grade. You should pick a topic you are confident in to provide your effective arguments as your objective is to persuade your readers. Opt for a narrative essay topic that speaks to you.

• The toughest decision between right and wrong
• The choice I regret
• How I helped a friend against the rules
• Involvement in a conflict between other people
• Getting caught lying
• How I let down a friend following the rules
• How I shifted the blame to someone else
• The toughest yet most important experience
• Helping someone for personal benefit
• The prank I played on my friend
• Ignoring bullying
• How my friend took the blame for me
• Does justice actually exist?
• Ignoring the wrong behavior of others
• Eavesdropping

When writing a narrative essay, it is important to choose an interesting topic that can engage your readers. Finding the right topic can be a challenge, but there is no need to worry as there are many resources available, such as online essay writers , that can help you choose the best topic for your narrative essay.

Whether a personal experience essay, a story about your best childhood birthday, a narration about your most meaningful travel, or the way you reacted to essential world events, are all worth writing. Bear in mind that each of them requires research, adhering to a structure, and planning. Focus on what’s inspiring for you and may be of interest to your readers, and you’ll get a list of the narrative ideas working best for you.

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Dr. Karlyna PhD

I am a proficient writer from the United States with over five years of experience in academic writing. I comfortably complete given assignments within stipulated deadlines and at the same time deliver high-quality work, which follows the guidelines provided.

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Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Topics

Best Narrative Essay Topics 2023 for Students

19 min read

Published on: Jun 19, 2018

Last updated on: Oct 16, 2023

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words…!

A narrative essay serves the same purpose. It provides a vivid description of an amazing story that paints a picture in the reader’s mind.

The first thing you need for writing a narrative essay is a topic or essay prompt. Here are some interesting narrative essay topic ideas you can choose for your next assignment.

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Narrative Essay Definition and Types of Essay

The goal of a narrative paper is to engage the reader with your personal experience while making an interesting point. A good story relies on settings, character growth, and dialogue.

The narrative essay takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride with each twist and turns that promises something new.

Moreover, there are four types of narrative essays.

• Description
• Narrative 

Still struggling to craft a narrative essay? This video will show you how to do it!

Amazing Narrative Essay Topics

A narrative essay is a story written in a way that creates a picture in the reader’s mind. It is a creative piece of writing that requires good imagination.

As the narrative essay presents an amazing and exciting story, so the narrative essay topic should also be unique and exciting.

Here are some great narrative essay topics that you can choose to write your story.

Narrative Essay Topics for Middle School

• A misunderstanding between my parents
• My sister’s birthday bash
• When I realized I’m not a kid anymore
• When I decided to do a part-time job
• Why I never liked my maths teacher
• The toughest decision I had to make
• If I could become a leader for a day
• How a natural disaster affected our country
• Solving a dilemma
• A difficult decision that I had to make

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

• My first bicycle ride
• My dad is my hero
• A day with my grandmother
• My first day at school
• My best friend
• My favorite teacher
• A school trip to the zoo
• My grandpa’s hands
• The most exciting day of school
• The best summer vacation

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 6

• A memorable teacher
• My first trip abroad
• A sad story from my childhood
• My favorite vacation with my family
• A fight with my best friend
• My best birthday party
• How we celebrate our parents’ wedding anniversary
• My first day at a new school
• The last Christmas
• How I lost my sister

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 7

• Something that scared me the most
• The best day of my life
• Helping a stranger
• How I met my best friend
• My brother’s wedding
• How I got my first pet
• Once I called to the dean's office
• Conflict with my father
• Unique family tradition

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 8

• A school trip to the museum
• My best day at school
• The most exciting day of summer vacations
• The most horrible day at school
• The day I got my first pet
• An hour we spent looking at our childhood album
• My first attempt at cooking
• My first Japanese pastry
• My first foreign friend

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 9

• A visit to the countryside
• How I lost my faith in humanity
• A car accident
• My friend had an accident
• A trip I will never forget
• The most enjoyable Christmas
• A bad experience that completely changed my behavior
• How I used to spent my summer vacations
• My experience of a tornado
• I got lost in the streets of venus.

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Narrative Essay Topics for O Levels

• A special moment when I got my first bike
• A disappointing birthday party
• The most embarrassing thing that happened to me.
• A disastrous date
• The moment of success
• Growing up in new york
• A sporting experience
• A random act of kindness
• The first six months of COVID-19
• The end of my relationship

Narrative Essay Topics For High School Students

• A time when you had to overcome a challenge
• A time when you failed at something
• A time when you had to make a difficult decision
• The first time you ever did something new
• A time when you were proud of yourself
• A time when someone disappointed you
• A time when you had to stand up for yourself or someone else
• A time when you made a mistake
• A time when you helped someone
• A time when you learned something new

Narrative Essay Topics For Usat Test

• A time when you faced a significant challenge
• A time when you had to overcome adversity
• A person who has had a significant influence on your life
• A moment that changed your life
• An experience that taught you a valuable lesson
• A time when you had to deal with failure
• A time when you helped someone in need
• An experience that made you appreciate life more
• What you hope to achieve in the future

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

• The most embarrassing moment of my life
• A moment that completely changed my life
• How I learned to play the guitar
• The most frightening experience I ever had
• The moment I met my special one
• The day I got married
• A day at the amusement park
• When the cherry blossom
• What if I had a time machine
• The eleventh-hour

Narrative Essay Topics for University Students

• The time you won a prize
• Getting lost in the city
• A person who saved your day
• Describe an example of loyalty.
• My sister’s graduation ceremony
• Your last friendship
• Your favorite season and why
• A frustrating situation
• What is your favorite trip?
• Unique family traditions

Narrative Essay Topics About Technology

• The impact of technology on education
• The impact of technology on our social lives
• A day without gadgets.
• How I learned to become tech savvy
• The impact of technology on our health
• The impact of technology on the world
• The impact of technology on our future
• The pros and cons of technology
• Is technology making us stupid?
• What would life be like without technology?

Narrative Essay Topics On Covid-19

• The day I found out about the pandemic
• How my life has changed since the outbreak
• The people I have lost to the virus
• How your business was impacted by the pandemic
• The way the pandemic brought out the best in some people
• The way the pandemic brought out the worst in some people
• The things I am grateful for despite the pandemic
• How the pandemic taught you not to loose Hope
• What the pandemic taught you about love
• A visit to the hospital during the pandemic’s 1st wave

Narrative Essay Topics About Family

• The day my sibling and I stopped being close
• The time I was left home alone and had to fend for myself
• The day I had to take care of my younger siblings
• The day my parent’s divorced
• The time I got lost and my family had to come find me
• That one family vacation we took that was a disaster
• The time I embarrassed myself in front of my family
• Saying the final goodbye to a family member
• A happy memory I have with my family

Narrative Essay Topics On Love

• The moment you realized you were in love
• The first time you said "I love you"
• A time when love was not enough
• The hardest part about being in love
• Why love is worth the risk
• What has love taught you
• How has love changed you
• The different forms of love you experienced
• The day I understood the difference between true love and infatuation
• The meaning of love in the 21st century

Narrative Essay Topics About Yourself

• A time when you overcame a fear
• How I learned to love myself for who I am
• The day that marked the turning point in my life
• How I found the strength to face my demons
• The moment I realized that I was capable of anything
• How I overcame the odds and achieved my dreams
• Why it's important to never give up on yourself
• The power of self-belief and determination
• How staying positive can change your life
• Why it's okay to be different and unique
• Why it's important to follow your heart

Easy Narrative Essay Topics

• A weird encounter with a stranger
• A time when people helped each other in crises
• The year when the whole world suffered from a pandemic
• When the lights go off
• A cup of coffee
• My mom was right
• My first ramp walk
• How coronavirus changed people's life

Good Narrative Essay Topics

• The day I decided I will never cry again
• Breakfast diaries: Eggs and sausages
• It was the hardest decision of my life
• What if I become a superhero
• A day when nothing extraordinary happened
• My worst quarrel with parents
• This breakup cost me a year of life
• Why I’ll never go back to my school again
• The friend zone, none of you would handle
• The superpowers I would like to have

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

• The movie character I associate myself with
• They will never call me a coward again
• My most memorable birthday bash
• How I lied to my parents about my cancer
• The novel that touched me the most
• If I were a magician, I’d be…
• The place I would love to visit again and again
• Why I dropped out of high school
• What if I were born in a different country
• I am an ordinary girl, after all.

Related: Personal Narrative Essay - Topics & Writing Tips

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics

• How traveling to the countryside can change your worldview
• Essential things to take with you to the mountains
• The moment I decided not to go to university
• How artificial intelligence helps people?
• Fear on my mind
• Sorry, wrong number
• Cracks in the pavement
• Pants on fire
• How my father taught me to drive
• Searching for fresh air

Funny Narrative Essay Topics

• The time I got lost in the mall
• The time I accidentally set my house on fire
• The time I was chased by a wild animal
• The time I got stuck in an elevator
• The time I won the lottery
• The time I met a celebrity
• The time I was stranded on a deserted island
• The time I was pranked
• The first time I drove a car
• The time I had to give a speech in front of a large audience

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

• A time when I was grateful to be an only child
• How I feel when my younger siblings look up to me
• When my parents got separated
• That day when I started to feel like I’m growing up
• don't know why, but people treat me differently
• A time when I misjudged someone and felt ashamed
• A weird encounter with my cousin
• A move from one place to another
• A night, truly frightening
• Something funny happened to my boss

Descriptive Narrative Essay Topics

• Describe the moment you learn your biggest lesson.
• Things I do to relieve stress
• Two different versions of the same event
• How can one make the world a better place?
• The house of my dreams
• The best fishing spot
• Special homecoming court moment
• My dad is the most interesting person
• Your first promotion at a job
• Conflict with siblings

Cultural Narrative Essay Topics

• Food traditions in your family
• The most meaningful holiday for you
• What is called pop culture?
• Social-cultural causes of crime
• Why do some people age faster than others?
• Cultural differences in East Asian countries
• Indigenous languages of Mexico
• What made sitcoms popular?
• Middle eastern musical culture
• The ritual culture in the ancestors’ lives

Narrative Essay Topics With Conflict

• The day I challenged my parent’s decision
• My fight with a bully in school
• When I almost gave up
• Facing danger to save someone else
• How I stood up for myself
• The moment that taught me life lessons 
• Confronting my biggest fear and winning 
• The time I changed someone's mind about something
• The day I realized that I was wrong
• My journey of self discovery 

Narrative Essay Topics About Childhood

• Describe your favorite hideaway.
• Your best childhood friend.
• Why is childhood the best period of life?
• Childhood memories and their influence on me
• Early childhood swimming education and methods
• Your favorite childhood games.
• What I would tell my younger self
• My first birthday
• My first bicycle

Narrative Essay Topics About Personality

• List and discuss your personal superstitions
• The most important principle in life
• Stages of personality development
• Expressing your personality through fashion
• A movie character that best relates your personality to
• Personal professional development for the workplace
• How is your life different from your parent's life?
• How patient can you be?
• Your strong personality
• My personality is my dad’s copy

Narrative Argument Essay Topics

• Describe a tough decision that you had to make.
• Your first high-school dance
• An act of charity you undertook
• Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?
• A moral choice that you regret
• A shocking incident during a holiday
• The time I got into big trouble
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Your first family trip
• A car accident you were in

Relationship Narrative Essay Topics

• Healthy marriage and family relationships
• Starting a relationship
• Who is your family?
• Your first confession
• Social relationships in childhood
• The movie that defines your relationship
• The role of the relationship between friends
• What is your first crush?
• Impact of divorce
• Relationship between Allah and humans

Narrative Essay Topics About Friendship

• Why is friendship a wonderful thing?
• Childhood friendship
• A true friendship
• Honesty and patience in friendship
• Can great friends be found online?
• Tell how your best friend helped you through a difficult time in your life.
• Do your friends know everything about you?
• Value of friendship
• Making a friend on the internet
• Technology's role in close friendship

40 best Narrative essay topics for college students 

Writing a narrative essay for college students requires a great deal of creativity and imagination. Narrative essays can be about real life events, experiences, or imaginative reflections on the past and future events.

Here are some of the best topics for narrative writing that will help you to captivate your audience: 

• The most challenging experience in my life
• A moment that changed my outlook on life
• My most embarrassing moment in school 
• An experience that made me feel like a hero
• How I became an adult overnight
• Narrating the story of overcoming adversity
• The day my passion for art was sparked 
• Learning to play a musical instrument 
• The day I got lost in the woods 
• How I met my best friend 
• Narrating an experience of living with disabilities 
• A life-changing journey to another country 
• My first job interview and what I learned from it  
• Narrating the story of starting a business 
• How I conquered my fear of public speaking
• An incident that taught me how to stand up for myself 
• A humorous family reunion tale  
• When I was wrongfully accused of something 
• The story of me rafting down a river
• Narrating a story of my first love 
• The day I realised the importance of education 
• When I was mistaken for someone else
• How I learned to be a responsible citizen 
• The day I took care of a sick relative 
• How I coped with the loss of a loved one 
• Narrating an experience of volunteering for a cause  
• How I overcame stage fright and gave the performance of a lifetime  
• An event that made me realise how fortunate I am 
• How I became an advocate for social justice  
• Narrating the story of an act of kindness I did  
• The day I decided to pursue my dream 
• How I found the courage to stand up for what I believe in 
• A time when I had to be brave 
• When I faced a difficult decision 
• The day everything went wrong 
• Narrating the story of a near-death experience 
• An experience that taught me the importance of family 
• A time when I had to be courageous 
• When I helped someone in need 
• The day I decided to pursue my dreams

These are just a few narrative essay topics that you can explore when writing your own narrative essay. 

You can write about anything; all you have to take care of is your story should be interesting and engaging. Good narrative essays are usually about your personal experience. If your topic choice revolves around your real-life experience, it will create a fantastic essay.

Coming Up With Good Topic Ideas

Coming up with good narrative essay topic ideas needs you to think or reflect deeply about your life events. You’ll need to include details about an event or experience that had a significant impact on your life. Therefore, it’s important to pick a topic that could help you focus on a particular moment or on a period of time that was particularly memorable.

Alternatively, you could tell the story of how you changed as a result of an event or experience. Whatever topic you choose, make sure to give your readers a clear picture of what happened and why it mattered to you.

How To Choose A Narrative Essay Topic

While you choose a topic for a narrative essay, you need to be very careful. As you have to tell a story, you must select a topic that is eye-catching and interesting. Unlike a research paper, narrative essays are more personal, so make sure you’re thinking on different lines

Here is how you can choose an exciting topic for your narrative essay:

• Choose a topic:
• Which you are passionately ambitious about
• What interest you the most
• Which you feel the most connected with
• About something which has meaning to you
• Childhood experience
• School days
• Summer vacations
• Student years
• Happy moments
• Sad moments
• Personal hobbies
• Different events in your life
• Think About Personal Experiences

Narrative essays should be based on real-life experiences and events in your life. Brainstorm potential topics and reflect on moments or events that have made a lasting impression in your life.

• Choose An Exciting Moment

Narrative essays should captivate the reader with an interesting story. Pick a topic that involves adventure, excitement, or humor to engage your audience from the start.   

• Consider Your Audience

Narrative essays should be tailored to suit the interests of the specific readership. Think about what kind of narrative would appeal to your target audience and select a topic accordingly.  

• Pick an inspiring theme

Narrative essays can also revolve around themes such as courage, resilience, and self-discovery or a childhood experience. Picking an inspiring theme can help you craft a powerful story that resonates with your readers. 

• Brainstorm And Take Notes

Narrative essays require careful planning. Take time to brainstorm ideas along with structuring your narrative essay outline. After that write down the key points that you want to cover in your story. 

These steps can help you select a great narrative essay topic and craft an engaging story that captivates your readers. 

Tips for Writing Narrative Essays 

Once you have selected a topic for your narrative essay, it is time to start writing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you write your story: 

• Start with a strong hook: The opening paragraph of your narrative essay should be attention-grabbing . It should set the tone for the rest of the story. 
• Use descriptive language: Narrative essays are all about creating vivid images in the mind of the reader. Incorporate descriptive words and phrases to draw your readers into the story and help them visualise the action taking place.  
• Show, don't tell: Narrative essays should focus on showing rather than telling. Narrate your story using vivid details and active verbs to create a picture of the events unfolding. 
• Use dialogue: Narrative essays should include conversations between characters to make the scenes come alive for readers. Make sure you accurately quote your sources and attribute every line of dialogue appropriately.  
• End with a resolution: Narrative essays should have a clear conclusion that wraps up the story in an interesting way. Narrate how the events unfold and how it all resolves itself to create closure for your readers. 

In conclusion, you can write about anything. All you have to take care of is your story should be interesting and engaging. Good narrative essays are usually about your personal experience. If your topic choice revolves around your real-life experience, it will create a fantastic essay.

Before you start writing, make sure you read some narrative essay samples. These  Narrative essay examples will help you learn how to organize your thoughts and structure your story.

Still struggling to write a compelling narrative essay? Our narrative essay writing service is here to help you out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are narrative essay topics different from other essay types.

Narrative essay topics are usually based on personal experiences, so they are more emotional and creative than other types of essays. Also, they are often more open-ended, so you have more freedom to choose what to write about. 

Where can I find good narrative essay topics?

There are a few ways to find good topics for your narrative essay. You can look through books or magazines for ideas, or search online for inspiration. You can also brainstorm with friends or family members to come up with ideas. 

What do I write a narrative essay about?

You can write a narrative essay about anything, but it is usually based on personal experience. Try to recall interesting incidents from your life to develop a narrative about. 

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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Writing a Narrative Paragraph

Once you finish prewriting, you are ready to write your paragraph. These writing activities will help you create a topic sentence, body sentences, and an ending sentence. You'll also read another student's paragraph to see how all of the parts came together.

Writing the Topic Sentence

Your narrative paragraph should begin with a topic sentence . It names the topic and shares a specific thought or feeling about it.

Sample Topic Sentence 1:

Whitewater rafting with my family was a crazy adventure.

• Topic: Whitewater rafting with my family
• Special Thought: A crazy adventure

Sample Topic Sentence 2:

I’ll never forget the time I saw the playful polar bear.

• Topic: The playful polar bear
• Special Feeling: Never forget seeing it

Write your topic sentence.

Respond to the first two items below, and use your responses to help you write a topic sentence for your narrative paragraph. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template .

My first seashell hunt

A surprise ending

My first seashell hunt had a surprise ending.

Writing the Body Sentences

Body sentences are the middle part of a paragraph. They tell what happened in your story in time order . Body sentences may also include details about the setting as well as conversations between characters .

Write body sentences.

Write body sentences that tell what happened in your story. Include some sensory details to help recreate the experience. Examples of sensory details are given below. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template .

Sensory Details

Sights shiny red bucket

Sounds crack and boom of fireworks

Smells fishy ocean stench

Tastes sweet juicy strawberries

Touch sharp poke of a needle

Body Sentences

(Answers will vary.)

Teaching Tip

Remind students that narratives bring stories to life. Adding sensory details will help readers feel like they are part of the story.

Writing the Ending Sentence

Write your ending sentence..

Try these ending strategies. Then choose one or combine two to create your ending sentence . Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template .

He said, “It’s your lucky day. That’s a shark’s tooth!”

The best surprises are shared with someone else.

It made me happy to spend time with my dad.

Ending Sentence

Read a narrative paragraph draft.

Note how the writer put the parts together.

Listen to "My Seashell Surprise"

My Seashell Surprise

Topic Sentence My first seashell hunt had a surprise ending. Early one morning my dad and I walked to the beach with a red bucket. The sand was soft and cool. Body Sentences We collected orange, white, and brown shells of all different shapes and sizes. When our bucket was almost filled, I spotted something black and shiny pointing out of the sand. I reached down and grabbed the object right before a wave crashed against my legs. The object felt sharp and curvy. Finally, I opened my hand. “What is this?” I asked my dad. Ending Sentences He said, “It’s your lucky day. That’s a shark’s tooth!”

Students will recognize many parts of this paragraph, such as the topic sentence, body sentences, and ending sentence. Help them see the choices the writer has made in drafting.

© 2023 Thoughtful Learning. Copying is permitted.

k12.thoughtfullearning.com

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

50 Narrative Essay Topics

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a narrative essay can also tell an exciting story and create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind! We’ve got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment!

Narrative Essay Topics

• Your first day of school.
• Your most exciting day of school
• A field trip that your class took.
• Your favorite summer vacation.
• A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
• A time that you experienced something spooky.
• A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
• A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
• The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
• The day that you got your first pet.
• A move from one place to another.
• Something funny that happened to you.
• Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
• Something embarrassing that happened to you.
• Your favorite birthday party.
• A birthday that was disappointing.
• A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
• A time that the power went out.
• A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
• A time when you went to an amusement park.
• A time when you got lost somewhere.
• A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
• A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
• Your most exciting moment playing sports.
• Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
• An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
• An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
• A time that you experienced rejection.
• A weird encounter with a stranger.
• A random act of kindness.
• A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
• A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
• Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
• Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
• A time when you experienced a historic event.
• Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
• A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
• A dangerous experience.
• A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
• A difficult decision that you had to make.
• The end of a friendship or relationship.
• The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
• A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
• A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
• A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
• A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
• A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
• A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.
• A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
• An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

49+ Narrative Sentence Examples: What, How, When, Where To Use, Structure, Several Facts

Narrative sentence examples are an essential part of storytelling and writing. They help to convey a sequence of events or actions in a clear and engaging manner , allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story. Whether you’re writing a novel , a short story , or even a personal essay , narrative sentences play a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and keeping them hooked until the end. In this article , we will explore various examples of narrative sentences and discuss how they can be used effectively to enhance your writing . So, let’s dive in and discover the power of narrative sentences!

Key Takeaways

• Narrative sentences are used to tell a story or describe a sequence of events.
• They often include characters, settings, and a plot.
• Narrative sentences can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations .
• Examples of narrative sentences include “Once upon a time , there was a princess who lived in a castle ” and “John woke up early, ate breakfast, and went to work.”

When Writing a Narrative Essay

Writing a narrative essay allows you to share a personal experience or tell a story in a captivating way . To create an engaging narrative , it is important to use narrative sentences effectively. These sentences help to convey events, emotions, and plot elements that make your story come alive. In this section , we will explore how to use narrative sentences to tell a story, describe events and incidents, express emotions and feelings, and present a plot with story elements .

Using Narrative Sentences to Tell a Story

Narrative sentences play a crucial role in telling a story. They help to set the scene, introduce characters, and move the plot forward. By using descriptive language and vivid details , you can paint a picture in the reader’s mind and immerse them in your narrative.

When writing a narrative essay, consider the following tips for using narrative sentences effectively:

Engage the reader: Start your essay with a compelling opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a thought-provoking statement , a vivid description , or a captivating question .

Create a clear structure: Organize your narrative essay into paragraphs that flow logically. Each paragraph should focus on a specific event or idea, and the narrative sentences within each paragraph should support and enhance that main idea .

Use dialogue: Dialogue can bring your characters to life and add authenticity to your story. Use quotation marks to indicate when a character is speaking, and make sure to attribute the dialogue to the appropriate character .

Describing Events and Incidents

In a narrative essay, it is important to describe events and incidents in a way that engages the reader. By using descriptive language and sensory details, you can make your narrative more vivid and engaging.

Consider the following techniques for describing events and incidents in your narrative essay:

Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating what happened, show the reader by describing the scene, actions, and emotions involved. For example, instead of saying “I was scared,” you could describe how your heart raced, your palms sweated, and your breath quickened.

Use sensory details: Engage the reader’s senses by including sensory details in your narrative sentences. Describe how things looked, sounded, smelled, tasted, or felt to create a more immersive experience for the reader.

Include specific details: Provide specific details about the events and incidents in your narrative. This helps to make your story more believable and allows the reader to visualize what is happening.

Expressing Emotions and Feelings

One of the key elements of a narrative essay is expressing emotions and feelings. By conveying your emotions effectively, you can create a deeper connection with the reader and make your story more relatable.

Consider the following tips for expressing emotions and feelings in your narrative essay:

Use descriptive language: Choose words that accurately describe your emotions and feelings. Instead of using generic terms like “happy” or “sad,” try to find more specific and evocative words that capture the essence of your emotions.

Show the physical manifestations: Describe how your emotions manifest physically. For example, if you were nervous, you could mention how your hands trembled or how your stomach churned.

Use figurative language: Incorporate similes, metaphors, and other forms of figurative language to convey your emotions in a more vivid and engaging way . This can help the reader to better understand and empathize with your experiences .

Presenting a Plot with Story Elements

A narrative essay typically follows a plot structure , which includes elements such as exposition, rising action , climax, falling action , and resolution. Using narrative sentences effectively can help you present these story elements in a clear and engaging manner .

Consider the following techniques for presenting a plot with story elements in your narrative essay:

Establish the setting: Use narrative sentences to describe the time and place where your story takes place. This helps to set the stage and provide context for the events that unfold.

Introduce the characters: Use narrative sentences to introduce your main characters and provide some background information about them. This helps the reader to understand their motivations and actions throughout the story.

Build suspense: Use narrative sentences to create tension and suspense as the story progresses. This can be done through foreshadowing, cliffhangers, or other narrative techniques that keep the reader engaged and wanting to know what happens next.

By using narrative sentences effectively, you can create a compelling and engaging narrative essay . Whether you are describing events, expressing emotions, or presenting a plot, these sentences help to bring your story to life and captivate your readers . So, take the time to craft your narrative sentences carefully, and watch as your story unfolds with clarity and impact.

Narrative Sentence Structure

In writing, the structure of a sentence plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and engaging the reader. When it comes to narrative sentences, there are various ways to structure them effectively. Let’s explore two common approaches : the “Subject + Verb + Object ” rule and starting with a topic sentence and adding extra information.

Subject + Verb + Object Rule

One of the fundamental rules of sentence construction is the “Subject + Verb + Object” rule . This structure is widely used in narrative writing as it provides a clear and concise way to express an action or event. Here’s an example:

• Subject : The cat
• Verb : chased
• Object : the mouse

Putting it all together, we have the sentence : “ The cat chased the mouse .”

This simple structure allows the reader to easily understand who or what is performing the action and what or whom the action is being performed on. It provides a solid foundation for building more complex narratives .

Starting with a Topic Sentence and Adding Extra Information

Another approach to narrative sentence structure involves starting with a topic sentence and then adding extra information to provide more context or detail. This technique is particularly useful when describing a scene or setting. Let’s look at an example:

• Topic Sentence : The sun was setting over the horizon .
• Extra Information : Casting a warm golden glow , it painted the sky with hues of orange and pink.

By combining the topic sentence with the extra information , we create a more vivid and engaging narrative : “ The sun was setting over the horizon , casting a warm golden glow and painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.”

This structure allows the writer to set the stage and evoke a sensory experience for the reader. It adds depth and richness to the narrative , making it more immersive.

Combining Structures for Narrative Variety

While the “Subject + Verb + Object” rule and starting with a topic sentence are two common narrative sentence structure s, they are by no means the only options . In fact, combining different structures can add variety and interest to your writing .

For example, you can start with a topic sentence, provide extra information, and then conclude with a subject + verb + object construction . This combination allows you to set the scene, provide details, and then move the action forward. Here’s an example:

• Topic Sentence : The old house stood at the end of the street, its windows boarded up and its paint peeling.
• Extra Information : Inside, shadows danced on the walls , whispering secrets of the past .
• Subject : A young girl
• Verb : cautiously approached
• Object : the front door

Putting it all together, we have the sentence : “The old house stood at the end of the street, its windows boarded up and its paint peeling. Inside, shadows danced on the walls , whispering secrets of the past . A young girl cautiously approached the front door .”

By combining different sentence structures , you can create a dynamic and engaging narrative that keeps the reader hooked.

In conclusion, narrative sentence structure is a vital component of effective storytelling . Whether you choose to follow the “Subject + Verb + Object” rule or start with a topic sentence and add extra information, the key is to create sentences that flow smoothly, convey meaning, and captivate the reader’s imagination . Experiment with different structures and find the ones that work best for your narrative style .

Examples of Narrative Sentences

Narrative sentences are a powerful tool in storytelling, allowing writers to paint vivid pictures and engage readers in a story. These sentences often describe events, actions, or situations, providing a sense of time, place, and character. Let’s explore some examples of narrative sentences that showcase the beauty and versatility of this sentence structure .

Last night was cold but not comfortable to enjoy the campsite .

There is an old banyan tree at the bottom of our village .

All the dogs suddenly disappeared from the society .

This year’s summer season is scorching even for the coldest blooded animals .

There is a tailoring shop at the center of the market place .

There is a long line of customers at the ration shop .

Customers at the grocery shop are shouting because of the bad quality of the product .

I am going to Darjeeling to avoid this most uncomfortable summer season .

Maharaja Krishnachandra was a rich but wise king of Nadia.

Prof. Rajsen can teach complex concepts of Mathematics with the help of diagrams.

Pijush went to the field to play a football match as a goalkeeper .

Sandip always describes his hometown in the most elaborate manner .

We were there to debate women’s rights .

The lion king instructed every animal to stand in a row .

I thought my friend would be gladder if I carry some flowers for her.

Renu went forward in the customer line and bought a diary .

The king was so adamant that he didn’t accept his fault .

The king and the queen of the dynasty reign their kingdom with wise decisions .

Heavy rain starts as soon as we sat for dinner.

Mr. Pijush shook his head and accepted the marriage proposal .

I ran to the back garden to collect some vegetables .

One of the cow s is running here and there as the cow has lost its direction towards home.

I used to go to the riverside every Sunday evening.

I felt quite unwelcome at my office on the very first day of my duty .

All the scenarios of the path to Darjeeling are very overwhelming.

As soon as I reached the station , the train departed.

All the faculties of our college are quite strict as well as jovial at the same time .

There were lots of people but Pijush was chosen as the lucky customer .

Sandip and Pijush have a relationship like Tom and Jerry.

My mother has fallen from stairs and become bedridden.

My father was employed as a railway employee in 1961.

Our road trip to Ladakh becomes canceled due to a road accident .

It is raining since yesterday due to an air depression .

All the army men went uphill to check their enemies .

The lion king of the jungle had organized a feast for all the animals .

That morning on the hill made my life worthy to live.

Pijush went to give a lecture but the audience didn’t bother to listen.

After that family argument , I strolled out of my house with my suitcase .

I went to Nadia with my family for a marriage ceremony .

All the priests of Nadia are highly devoted to Sri Chaitanya .

I went to a tourist place with high expectations but found nothing.

We thoroughly enjoyed those sea-side evenings at Puri.

I told my parents that I want to pursue a fashion designing course .

The teacher inspired all the students to excel in their performance .

Pijush told Sandip that he will not go with him for the group study .

All the dance performances of the New Year function were commendable to enjoy.

Renu told her sister that she is going to Kerala to be a south Indian actress .

There will be lots of fun parties in our district during the coming winter season .

None of them was selected as an office assistant but they tried hard to get the job .

Pijush decorated the Diwali party with lots of flowers and lights.

There were lots of flowers in the garden valley of Kashmir.

These examples demonstrate the wide range of narrative sentences that can be used to captivate readers and bring stories to life. Whether it’s describing a scene , conveying emotions, or highlighting character actions , narrative sentences are essential in creating engaging narratives . So, the next time you embark on a writing journey , remember the power of narrative sentences to make your story come alive.

What are the Different Types of Affirmative Sentences?

There are several different types of affirmative sentence examples . The first type is a declarative sentence, which simply states a fact or opinion. Another type is an imperative sentence, which gives a command or instruction. In addition, there are exclamatory sentences that express strong emotions, and interrogative sentences that ask questions.

Why Narrative Writing is Important

Narrative writing plays a crucial role in our lives , allowing us to express our creativity and imagination, engage readers, develop storytelling skills, and enhance our communication and writing abilities . Let’s explore each of these aspects in more detail .

Helps in expressing creativity and imagination

One of the key reasons why narrative writing is important is that it provides a platform for us to unleash our creativity and imagination. Through storytelling, we can create vibrant worlds , intriguing characters , and captivating plots . Whether it’s a fantastical adventure , a heartwarming romance , or a thrilling mystery , narrative writing allows us to bring our ideas to life and share them with others.

Engages readers and creates a connection

Narrative writing has the power to captivate readers and create a deep connection between the writer and the audience. When we read a well-crafted narrative , we become emotionally invested in the story and the characters. We laugh, cry, and experience a range of emotions alongside them. This emotional engagement keeps readers hooked and eager to continue reading, making narrative writing an effective tool for communication.

Develops storytelling skills

Another important aspect of narrative writing is its ability to develop our storytelling skills . By crafting narratives , we learn how to structure a story, create compelling characters , build tension, and resolve conflicts. These skills are not only valuable for writing fiction but also for other forms of communication, such as presentations, speeches, and even everyday conversations . The ability to tell a captivating story is a powerful tool that can help us connect with others and convey our ideas effectively.

Enhances communication and writing abilities

Narrative writing also plays a significant role in enhancing our overall communication and writing abilities . When we engage in narrative writing, we learn how to organize our thoughts , express ourselves clearly, and use language effectively to convey our message . This skill is valuable in various aspects of life, including academic pursuits , professional endeavors , and personal relationships . The ability to communicate effectively through writing is a valuable asset that can open doors to new opportunities and help us succeed in our endeavors .

In conclusion, narrative writing is important as it allows us to express our creativity and imagination, engage readers, develop storytelling skills, and enhance our communication and writing abilities . Whether we are writing fiction, personal narratives , or even business proposals , narrative writing provides us with a powerful tool to connect with others and convey our ideas effectively. So, let’s embrace the art of storytelling and explore the endless possibilities that narrative writing offers. Conclusion

In conclusion, narrative sentences are an essential component of storytelling. They help to engage readers and bring a story to life by providing vivid descriptions , conveying emotions, and advancing the plot . Whether it’s a simple sentence or a complex one, narrative sentences play a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and immersing them in the world of the story. By using various techniques such as imagery, dialogue, and figurative language, writers can create compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact on their audience . So, the next time you pick up a book or read a story, pay attention to the narrative sentences and appreciate the skill and artistry behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: when writing a narrative essay, what are some examples of narrative sentence types.

A1: Some examples of narrative sentence types include declarative sentences (e.g., “She walked down the street”), interrogative sentences (e.g., “Did he find the lost treasure ?”), imperative sentences (e.g., “Close the door !”), and exclamatory sentences (e.g., “ What a beautiful sunset !”).

Q2: What is the narrative sentence structure?

A2: The narrative sentence structure typically consists of a subject, verb, and object. It follows a chronological order and aims to tell a story or convey events in a sequential manner .

Q3: Why is narrative writing important?

A3: Narrative writing is important because it allows individuals to express their creativity , share personal experiences , and engage readers emotionally. It helps develop storytelling skills and can be used in various forms of literature.

Q4: Can you provide a narrative sentence definition?

A4: A narrative sentence is a type of sentence that tells a story or describes a sequence of events. It aims to engage the reader by creating a vivid and compelling narrative .

Q5: How do you use narrative in a sentence?

A5: Here’s an example sentence using the term “narrative “: “ The author skillfully weaved a captivating narrative that kept readers hooked until the very end .”

Q6: What are some examples of narrative sentence starters?

A6: Some examples of narrative sentence starters include: “Once upon a time ,” “In a distant land ,” “It all began when,” “As the sun set,” and “In the depths of the forest .”

Q7: Can you provide some narrative sentence examples?

A7: Certainly! Here are a few examples of narrative sentences: – “She ran through the crowded streets , desperately searching for her lost dog .” – “The old house creaked as the wind howled outside.” – “With a trembling hand , he opened the mysterious letter and read its contents .”

Q8: What is the meaning of narrative sentence complexity?

A8: Narrative sentence complexity refers to the level of intricacy and sophistication in the structure, vocabulary, and ideas conveyed within a narrative sentence . It can vary depending on the intended audience and the writer ‘s style.

Q9: How can narrative sentence analysis be conducted?

A9: Narrative sentence analysis involves examining the structure, language, and content of narrative sentences to gain insights into the storytelling techniques used, the emotional impact created, and the overall effectiveness of the narrative .

Q10: Are there any examples of narrative sentence fragments?

A10: Yes, here’s an example of a narrative sentence fragment: “Running through the forest , trying to escape.” This fragment lacks a subject or verb and does not form a complete sentence .

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100+ Narrative Essay Topics for your Next Assignment

Writing a narrative essay should be fun and easy in theory. Just tell your readers a story, often about yourself. Who knows you better than you? You should ace this!

Unfortunately, narrative writing can be very difficult for some. When a teacher leaves the topic choice wide open, it’s tough to even know what to write about. What anecdote from your life is worth sharing? What story is compelling enough to fill an entire essay?

Narrative writing will show up for the rest of your life. You’ll need to tell life stories in college essays, in grad school applications, in wedding speeches, and more. So learning how to write a narrative essay is a skill that will stick with you forever.

But where do you begin?

You can always check out essay examples to get you started, but this will only get you so far.

At the end of the day, you still need to come up with a story of your own. This is often the toughest part.

To help you get things kicked off, we’ve put together this list of more than a hundred topic ideas that could easily be turned into narrative essays. Take a look and see what stands out to you!

Choosing a Topic

Narrative essays fall into several categories. Your first task is to narrow down your choices by choosing which category you want to explore.

Each of these categories offers a stepping off point from which you can share a personal experience. If you have no idea where to begin, reflecting on these main categories is a great place to start. You can pick and choose what you feel comfortable sharing with your readers. This list is not exclusive—there are other areas of your life you can explore. These are just some of the biggies.

As you explore categories, think about which one would be the best fit for your assignment. Which category do you have the strongest ideas for? Which types of stories do you tell the best?

These categories include:

Childhood Tales

Educational background, travel and adventure, friends and relationships, experiences and defining moments, my favorite things, ethics and values.

Once you’ve selected a category, it’s time to see which topic piques your interest and might intrigue your audience as well. These topics are all a natural fit for a story arc , which is a central part of a narrative essay.

Writing about your childhood can be a great choice for a narrative essay. We are growing and learning during this delicate and often awkward time. Sharing these moments can be funny, endearing, and emotional. Most people can relate to childhood events because we have all survived it somehow!

• A childhood experience that defined who I am today
• A childhood experience that made me grow up quickly
• My best/worst childhood memory
• My favorite childhood things (games, activities, stories, fairy tales, TV shows, etc.)
• What I remember most about my childhood
• How I used to celebrate holidays/birthdays
• My best/worst holiday/birthday memory
• What I used to believe was true
• The oldest memory I have
• The most valuable possession from my childhood
• What I would tell my younger self
• What my friends were like when I was younger

Your educational experience offers a wealth of ideas for an essay . How you’ve learned and have been inspired can help others be inspired too. Although we were all educated in one way or another, your educational experience is uniquely your own to share.

• First day of school/junior high/high school/college
• First/most memorable school event
• My favorite/worst school years
• My favorite/worst teachers
• My favorite/worst school subjects
• What recess was like for me
• My experiences in the school cafeteria
• How I succeeded/failed in certain classes
• Life as a student (elementary, junior high, high school, college)
• The best/worst assignment I ever completed for a class
• Why I chose my college
• First novel I read for school
• First speech I had to give

People love to read about adventures. Sharing your travel stories transports your reader to a different place. And we get to see it through your eyes and unique perspective. Writing about travel experiences can allow your passion for diving into the world shine through.

• My first time traveling alone
• My first time traveling out of the country
• The place I travel where I feel most at home
• My favorite/worst travel experience
• The time I spent living in a hostel/RV
• The time I spent backpacking around a country
• Traveling with friends/family/significant other
• Best/worst family vacation
• Most memorable travel experience ever
• Places I want to visit
• Why I travel
• Why I cruise/climb mountains/camp/fly/drive
• Trying to speak another language
• How I prefer to travel
• How I pack to travel

The good, the bad, and the ugly. We all have family stories that range from jubilantly happy and hilarious to sad and more serious. Writing about family can show your reader about who you are and where you come from.

• Family traditions that you enjoy/dislike
• What your parents/siblings are like
• What your family members (mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, etc.) have taught you
• What being the oldest/youngest/middle/only child was like
• Family members who made the most impact on your life
• Most memorable day with a family member
• How a pet changed my family’s life/my life

Friends, enemies, and loved ones come in and out of our lives for a reason. And they provide great material for writing. If relationships exist to teach you something, what have you learned? Writing about those you’ve connected with demonstrates how others have influenced your life.

• My most important relationship
• How I work on my relationships
• What I value in my relationships
• My first love/relationship/breakup
• Losing/Gaining a close friend
• How my friendships have changed/evolved
• The person I’m afraid of losing the most
• How technology has affected my relationships
• The worst argument I’ve had with someone
• What happened when I was rejected

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... sharing your best times and sharing your worst times can make great stories. These highs and lows can be emotional, funny, and thought-provoking.

• The event that most defines who I am today
• The best/worst day of my life
• The most embarrassing/frightening moment of my life
• A moment that taught me something
• A moment where I succeeded/failed
• A time when I was hurt (physically or emotionally)
• A time when I gave up hope
• An experience when I had to overcome challenges (fear, intimidation, rejection, etc.)
• My greatest accomplishment
• The time I learned to accept/love/be okay with myself
• The most difficult time in my life
• The toughest thing I’ve ever done
• My first time surviving something alone

Explaining to others what you love and why can really paint a picture of who you are and what you value. It’s important to note that simply sharing a favorite isn’t a very deep topic. However, you can take this topic deeper by expressing how this favorite has impressed you, inspired you, and affected your life.

• My favorite author/poet/playwright
• My favorite movie/book/song/play/character
• My favorite actor/actress/director
• My favorite singer/musician
• My role model
• What I like to do to relax
• My favorite activities/games/sports
• How I handle stress and tough times
• Why I dance/sing/write/journal/play sports/bake

Where you stand on deep issues tells a lot about you. Taking a stance and explaining your opinion on tough topics reveals some insight into your ethical reasoning.

• The most difficult decision I have made
• How I treat people/strangers
• A time I faced a moral/ethical dilemma
• A decision I regret
• A lie I have told
• When I rebelled against someone in authority
• My most important life rule
• The principle I always live by

Situational prompts allow you to step out of your past and picture a different future. If digging into your past experiences seems scary and intimidating, then look to your future. What you imagine can be insightful about your life and where you see yourself heading.

• If I had a million dollars...
• If I were famous...
• If I could change history...
• If I had no fear...
• If I could change one thing about myself...
• If I had one extra hour a day...
• If I could see the future...
• If I could change the world...
• If I could have one do-over in life...

Writing a narrative essay can seem daunting at first. Sharing a bit of yourself with the world is a scary thing sometimes. Choosing the right topic, however, can make the process much smoother and easier.

Browsing through topic ideas can inspire you to pick a topic you feel you can tell a story about and that can take up a full essay. Once you have a quality story to tell, the rest of the pieces will fall into place.

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