ENG100FRes006
The Narrative Essay:
It Differs From a Simple
Story!
Rana Hajj Tabbara
AUST.
What is a Narrative Essay?
• A narrative is a story
• A narrative essay is a story that has a specific point
– A narrative essay strives to teach a lesson
– A narrative essay strives to make a specific point – A narrative essay is not a diary entry – the story is linked to the purpose of the essay
What Should Be Included in a
Narrative Essay?
• Often written in 1st person – I or we – because it is based on a personal story
• Can also be written in 3rd person
• Can never be written in 2nd person
• Has specific sensory details to get the reader hooked on the story
• Is developed in chronological order
• Has verbs that help paint a picture and draw in the reader
What Else Does the Narrative
Essay Need?
• Since this is a story, the narrative essay needs everything a story needs (these are known as the story elements):
– Has characters
– Has a problem
– Has a climax
– Often uses dialogue
Planning the Narrative Essay
• Write a thesis statement, just as with any other essay • Brainstorm for a personal story or observation that illustrates or proves the thesis statement
• Outline or web the important parts of the story to be told
• Write an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, and then write the story
• Because this is a story, use as many paragraphs as necessary to tell the story
• Write the conclusion that reflects on the thesis statement Start With a Thesis Statement
• The thesis will depend upon the story to be proven.
• The thesis can be something general in the case of a narrative essay. For example, you may write, “Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions.
However, these campers learned just how important following directions can be.”
• What do you expect to learn from the thesis statement?
“Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions. However, these campers learned just how important following directions can be.”
What Would You Expect From
It Differs From a Simple
Story!
Rana Hajj Tabbara
AUST.
What is a Narrative Essay?
• A narrative is a story
• A narrative essay is a story that has a specific point
– A narrative essay strives to teach a lesson
– A narrative essay strives to make a specific point – A narrative essay is not a diary entry – the story is linked to the purpose of the essay
What Should Be Included in a
Narrative Essay?
• Often written in 1st person – I or we – because it is based on a personal story
• Can also be written in 3rd person
• Can never be written in 2nd person
• Has specific sensory details to get the reader hooked on the story
• Is developed in chronological order
• Has verbs that help paint a picture and draw in the reader
What Else Does the Narrative
Essay Need?
• Since this is a story, the narrative essay needs everything a story needs (these are known as the story elements):
– Has characters
– Has a problem
– Has a climax
– Often uses dialogue
Planning the Narrative Essay
• Write a thesis statement, just as with any other essay • Brainstorm for a personal story or observation that illustrates or proves the thesis statement
• Outline or web the important parts of the story to be told
• Write an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, and then write the story
• Because this is a story, use as many paragraphs as necessary to tell the story
• Write the conclusion that reflects on the thesis statement Start With a Thesis Statement
• The thesis will depend upon the story to be proven.
• The thesis can be something general in the case of a narrative essay. For example, you may write, “Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions.
However, these campers learned just how important following directions can be.”
• What do you expect to learn from the thesis statement?
“Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions. However, these campers learned just how important following directions can be.”
What Would You Expect From