A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. It can be about a personal experience, a historical event, or a fictionalized account of a significant moment. Narrative essays are often used in college writing classes because they allow students to explore their creativity and practice writing in a more narrative style.
There are many different ways to approach writing a narrative essay, but the following is a general outline that can help you get started:
Choose a topic: Your topic should be something that has meaning to you, whether it is a personal experience or a historical event. It should also be something that you can write about in enough detail to make it interesting to your readers.
Create an outline: An outline can help you organize your thoughts and keep your essay on track. It should include the main points you want to make, as well as any supporting details or examples.
Write the introduction: The introduction should introduce the reader to your topic and provide some context for the rest of the essay. You might also want to include a thesis statement that outlines the main point you will be making in your essay.
Write the body paragraphs: The body of your essay should be made up of several paragraphs that explore your topic in more detail. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your story and should be supported by examples or details.
Write the conclusion: The conclusion should wrap up your essay and summarize the main points you have made. It should also leave the reader with something to think about or consider.
Here is an example of a narrative essay that could be used as a sample for college writing:
Title: "A Life-Changing Experience"
I had always been a shy, quiet person, content to go about my business without making too much of a fuss. But that all changed the summer I turned sixteen and decided to go on a mission trip to Guatemala with my church.
I was nervous about going, but I knew it was something I had to do. And as it turned out, it was the best decision I ever made.
In Guatemala, I was thrust into a world that was completely unfamiliar to me. The poverty was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I was struck by the resilience of the people who lived there. Despite the challenges they faced, they were some of the kindest, most welcoming people I had ever met.
I spent the week working on various projects, from building homes to running a vacation bible school for the local children. It was hard work, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I made lifelong friends with the people I met, and I felt like I was making a difference in their lives.
But perhaps the most life-changing moment of the trip came on the last day, when I met a little girl named Maria. She was one of the children at the bible school, and she was blind. Despite her disability, Maria was full of life and joy, and she had a smile that could light up a room.
As I sat with her, talking and laughing, I realized that I had been taking so much for granted in my own life. I had always complained about things that seemed trivial in comparison to the challenges that Maria and the other people I met in Guatemala faced every day.
That trip to Guatemala changed me in ways I could never have imagined. It opened my eyes to the world around me and taught me the value of gratitude and compassion. And it made me realize that no matter how small or insignificant I may feel, I have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.