narrative essays

Jeffrey SiegelHKSYU

English Writing 2112010-2010

Narrative Essays

Narration is

storytelling

Think about worst day you had this past year

Exercise:

Find a partner and sit facing each other.

One person shares his/her story while the other just listens.

In order for storytelling to be effective, it must

engage the self and other and provide a narrative

that is both intellectually and emotionally

compelling.

A narrative essay re-creates an experience for a central purpose:

Usually to reveal an insight about the action or people

involved. 

A narrative should have a central focus, but it is not always necessary to express

the focus in a thesis sentence early in the essay; at times you will want to get

right to the action.

The sharper and more colorful the

detail, the greater the IMPACT the

narration will have.

Dull Description

“A fan was in the window.”

Colorful: Description

“The blades of the rusty window fan clattered and whirled as they blew out a

stream of warm, soggy air.”

Dull Description

Monday I have English Writing class. Although I don’t love writing, the

course is OK.

Better Description

Monday morning is the toughest part of the week. When the alarm goes off, all I want to do is return

to my comfy dream world. However, I know deep inside that I should pull myself out of bed and get ready for my English Writing class. Despite all my hesitation, I actually find class an excellent

way to shake off my early morning torpor.

OK Description

“We both sat and watched the game. We were nervous

because our team was loosing, but in the last minute

we scored winning goal.

Better Description

“I can’t believe we’re losing,” Jill remarked.

“Yea, our team sucks.” Jack said. “If we don’t win, I’m

burning my jersey. I knew I shouldn’t have spent money

on this stupid shirt.”“Hold on a sec. They’re moving downfield. Holy

$*#@! we scored.”

Use Dialogue

Build characters

Create vivid settings

Do Not Use Cliché Phrases:

• “Once upon a time…”• “Nowadays…”

• “Happily ever after.”• “There are two sides to every

coin.”• “ 加油” 

?What should you write about?

You may want to write about…

An experience in which you encountered people from a

different culture

You may want to write about…

A turning point in your life

You may want to write about…

An experience in which you learned to do something new

You may want to write about…

An adventure that tested you in some

way

You may want to…

interview a person and learn about significant times/events in

that person's life. Then write a

narrative in the voice of that individual.

How did this story change your perspective?

Find a generalization which the story supports. This is the only way the writer's personal

experience will take on meaning for readers.

How To Get Started1. Chose a story; a well-defined incident or series

of related events. 2. Develop the plot, character, and setting with

specific details. 3. Orders events clearly

1. Construct a beginning, middle and end2. Use a logical and effective pattern of organization,

such as chronological order, flashback, or flash-forward. 

4. Use description and dialogue as appropriate to bring the setting and characters to life. 

5. Show events rather than just telling about them.

Assessment Criteria • Story (thesis)• Organization

• Setting• Characters• Dialogue

• Sensory Details • Take away message (conclusion)

• Grammar!

Write a Narrative Essay

• First Draft due next class • 600-1000 words; word count at end• Times New Roman• Font size 12• 1 inch margins• 1 ½ spaced• Cover Page with: Name (English);

Student ID#; Section #; First Draft; Date