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Writing A Narrative Essay

This guide will help students with writing narrative essays. The guide will discuss how to use descriptive writing and dialogue.

Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are designed to inform or tell a story about a person, place, or event. To do this you must tell about an event, story, or place starting with the Beginning to the resolution. A Narrative is written in a clear, descriptive, chronological order. A Narrative essay has a point or meaning behind it and relays to the audience about an experience that taught a valuable or meaningful lesson. In most instances, students are asked to write a descriptive narrative using dialogue.

 

A Narrative Essay includes the following:

  • A special event, place, or person of significant to the author of the story
  • Can include Dialogue 
  • Summarizes the story using action words and descriptive language. Allow your reader to be able to visualize what is going on in the story through your writing.
  • Tell of a lesson that was learned from the event or story
  • Informal, Often written in 1st person voice (use of "I" is acceptable). However, third person (he, she, or it) can also be used.
  • Include an introduction, body, and conclusion

Types of Narrative essays

.Types of Narrative Essays:

  • Fiction is an imaginary narrative, based on the writer’s thoughts, ideas, and feelings presented as a series of many events.
    • Example: Novel, folktale, or Short Story
  • Non-fiction, or a personal narrative essay is based on real information, facts, or happenings. 
    • Example: Bibliographies, journals, or diaries
  • Poetry