Narrative Essay and Prompts
When you write a narrative essay, you are telling a story. Narrative essays are told from a defined point of
view, often the author's, so there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided to get the
reader involved in the elements and sequence of the story. The verbs are vivid and precise. The narrative essay
makes a point and that point is often defined in the opening sentence, but can also be found as the last sentence
in the opening paragraph.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the writer uses this
technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax,
and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story.
All of the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make.
To summarize, the narrative essay
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is told from a particular point of view
makes and supports a point
is filled with precise detail
uses vivid verbs and modifiers
uses conflict and sequence as does any story
may use dialogue
Writers from Mentor Personal Narratives
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Writers often write about a seemingly small episode- yet is has big meaning for the writer.
Writers often tell the story in such a way that the reader can actually experience it from start to finish. It
helps to record exact words a character uses.
Writers often convey strong feelings, and they often show rather than tell about those feelings.
Writers often include two and sometimes three small moments so that there is a sense that the stories
have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Lucy Calkins (2006)
The Narrative Essay
As one of the modes of expository writing, the narrative offers writers a chance to think and write about
themselves, to explain how their experiences lead to some important realization or conclusion about their lives
or about the world in general. Each of us has memories of times that have been meaningful, of times that have
taught us lessons about ourselves or others. Through the narrative essay, we have the chance to record those
experiences as the supporting evidence to substantiate our new understanding.
Two crucial first steps in planning a narrative essay are selecting an incident worthy of writing about and
finding the central, relevant, salient point in that incident. To do this, writers might ask themselves what about
the incident provided new insights or awareness primarily for themselves (but possibly for others too). Finally,
writers incorporate details which will make the incident real for readers.
Also, a narrative paragraph can be an effective, interesting way to integrate significant background
information into a variety of different essay types. Even if the essay as a whole primarily uses another method
of development, the narrative paragraph can be incorporated into an essay to support a topic sentence in a
particular paragraph and to establish a bit of ethical appeal at the same time. I am thinking here of how
effectively former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were at incorporating some small personal
narratives into speeches, press conferences, or interviews. Both might be talking about a larger subject, say the
economy, and both would slip in a small aside about a conversation they had had with a local merchant, who
taught them how important it was to push the particular economic program that the President was advocating in
the larger speech. What's more, such narrative additions can help you as the writer create ethical appeal with
your audience: the readers often look at such personal narrative favorably, seeing them as a touch of "realism"
in an otherwise dry, esoteric, or abstract discussion.
However, whether you use narrative as the rhetorical mode of the essay as a whole or just of a single paragraph
within an essay, there are some principles and conventions of the narrative that readers commonly expect.
Conventions of Narrative Essays
In writing your narrative essay, keep the following conventions in mind.
1. Narratives are generally written in the first person singular, i.e., I. However, third person (he, she, or
it) can also be used. Which person you use most often is a function of whose perspective is being
captured in the narrative. If it's your story, use I; if it's a story about what happened to a friend, use
she. Be consistent. If you begin your narrative in the first person singular, say, use that throughout.
2. Narratives rely on concrete, specific details to make their point. These details should create a unified,
dominant impression.
3. Narratives, as stories, should include these story conventions: a plot (so tell your readers what is
happening), including setting and characters; a climax (a peak experience often leading to the thesis,
the important realization); and an ending (explaining how the incident resolved itself, also alluding
to how the narrative's thesis comes to it full realization).
4. Speaking of narrators, although the first or third person singular is the most common narrative voice
in a narrative essay.
5. Speaking of plot, remember that most stories follow a simple time line in laying out the narrative.
Chronological order is the rule. So feel free to break that rule, when appropriate, if you can think of a
way use a different time order to enhance your story. For example, flashbacks are a wonderful
device to merge the present and the past all at once.
6. Speaking of characters, it is often true that the most memorable characters are those who have flaws.
So feel to use stories that reveal human weakness as well.
Personal Narratives
Getting Started Means Getting Organized
Getting organized is a vital part of the writing process, which requires critical thinking and lots of practice. It
is important to first analyze the information that you have to understand what is being asked in the assignment.
Next, you need to think about the information that you know about the subject and decide what is relevant to the
topic. Then you must decide which information you will use and where it will be most effective. These are the
very basic steps.
The first step is to analyze the assignment and determine what is being required. If it is written, you are
lucky. You can use a highlighter to note the important words that help define the topic and aid in setting up the
organizational plan. For example, let's assume that you have been given this writing prompt:
Everyone has been given a present that was really memorable. It could have been for an important occasion or just for no
reason at all. Think about one that you received. Tell us about a present you were given and why it was memorable. Be sure
to include the reason it was given, a description of it, and how you felt when you got it.
This tells us you are to write a narrative essay because you are "telling us about a present you were given,"
the subject is a memorable present, and the three main subtopics required are:
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the reason it was given,
a description of it,
and how you felt when you received it.
Once you know and understand the scope of the assignment, you need to plan well and quickly. The better
the planning, the better the essay.
There are many organizational techniques that can help. Graphic organizers help students to plan their
writing.
If you need information or want to learn more about various techniques to organize your thoughts, here are some excellent places to
visit for more knowledge.
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General Procedures for Writing an Assigned Essay - a good format to use when writing
Sample Outlines - review and examples
Graphic Organizers - explains the basic spidering approach
Graphic Organizers - basic models which are good for younger students
Graphic Organizers - explanations and examples
30 Graphic Organizers
10 Ways to Use Venn Diagrams - really helpful information
Organization Patterns - basic guide for the 5 paragraph essay
Graphic Organizers - arranged according to purpose
Graphic Organizers - Most kinds are here with printable versions
An Essay is Like a Journey - good basic information
General Procedures for Writing an Assigned Essay - a good format to use when writing
Decision Trees - could be used for persuasive essays
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/howto.html
Pick a format that fits your learning style, and practice using it. Soon it will become easy to plan. Once you
master good planning, the essay almost seems to write itself.
Now that organization is no problem, let's get to writing the essay.
Writing the Essay
There are things that one needs to know that contribute to excellence in writing. They are not hard to learn.
Once you know them, they do take practice to gain proficiency. That practice makes all the difference in the
world.
Think of the five paragraph essay as having five separate parts. Learn to master each of the parts one at a
time. As you become proficient with one part, work on proficiency in the next. Writing the introduction and the
conclusion are strongly linked. Working on them in sequence will make the job easier. Then tackle the body
paragraphs, one at a time. With the inclusion of transitions, you will get the feel and flow of the essay. Put them
all together, and you will have the first draft of your essay.
Here are some sites that will help you to improve your understanding and technique of paragraph writing:
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Writing Effective Introductions - clear advice with examples
Thesis Statement - be sure to scroll to check for the answers
What not to do in the Introduction - explains why
Writing and Essay - great visual with examples
Writing Vivid Paragraphs- good examples drives home the points made
How Do I Write Body or Support Paragraphs - good basic information
Transitions - discusses the need for and types of transitions
Transitions - Learn which words to use for varying purposes.
Transition Words and Phrases - a great page to print and refer to often made available by the Texas A&M University Writing
Center
Writing Effective Conclusions - good ideas with examples
Strategies for Writing a Conclusion - These are things to consider
Writing conclusions - good examples help you see the points
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/howto.html
Editing, Revising, and Evaluating
It is important the every writer learn to evaluate and edit his or her own work. One always wants to put their
"best foot forward" and have their efforts understood and appreciated. It is amazing how even little things can
detract from the reader's appreciation of the work. So this area is most important.
Editing is far more than correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It is most important that the writer
check that the logic is well crafted so that the reader is drawn to the point that is made. It is imperative that the
reader not be bored by the use of repeating and dull sentence structure, generalities, and imprecise word choice.
This takes time, but it is time that is well spent. By acquiring the skills necessary and putting in the time and
effort, the writer can take something that is just ordinary and turn it into an essay that is very good. Having your
name on a paper that is well crafted, written and logical can bring a great deal of positive self esteem.
Be aware that even the best of writers usually have pretty bad first drafts.
Once you are finished, evaluation is most important. After all, you are doing the writing, and you should
know if it is good or not according to accepted standards. Here are some sites to visit to help you learn to
evaluate your own essay.
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Florida Writes - for Evaluation of Expository and Persuasive Essays
6 Trait Analytical Model - comprehensive explanation
General Rubric for Writing - uses a five point system
The Rubric Bank - in PFD format
Rubric for a 5 paragraph Essay - covers the most basic elements
Writing Rubric - kid friendly 5 point scale
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/howto.htm
Narrative Writing Prompts
Prompt #1: What If...Clouds Were Made of Marshmallow Goo??
What if clouds were made of marshmallow goo? Consider all of the problems that would happen if
someone got caught in a marshmallow goo rainstorm! Pretend that you live on a planet where it always
rains marshmallow goo. Write a story about how you created an invention to solve the problems of
getting caught in a marshmallow goo rainstorm! Remember to use vivid verbs and interesting adjectives
in your story. Try to make your reader experience a marshmallow goo rainstorm and its problems with
you!
Prompt #2: What If...Animals Could Talk?
What would happen if one morning everyone woke up and found out that their pets could talk? Imagine
what would happen if your pet could talk. Think about the things that your pet would like or dislike
about its life, and the things that would be important to your pet! Write a story about the day you spent
with your talking pet. Remember to use vivid verbs and interesting adjectives in your story.
Prompt #3: What if....Money Was Alive?
Once upon a time there was a dollar bill named Savuh Buck. He lived in a piggy bank with other bills
and different kinds of coins. The piggy bank was very small, dark and uncomfortable in Savuh's opinion.
Besides, the coins drove him crazy because they constantly chattered and rolled about as he was trying
to sleep. One day, he decided to leave the bank and find a new home. Write a story about his adventures!
Remember to use vivid verbs and interesting adjectives in your story.
Prompt #4: What if....You were given the ability to fly for 48 hours?
Where would you go if you could fly anywhere that you wanted to for 48 hours? Think about some of
these things: How did you get the ability to fly? What would it feel like to fly? What would be some
problems involved with taking a human flight? Write a story about your human flying trip! Remember
to include how you received the ability to fly as part of your adventure. Use interesting adjectives and
vivid verbs to help your reader experience your flight with you!
Prompt #5: What if....You were less than an inch tall?
How did you become so small? Think about the advantages and disadvantages to being less than an inch
tall! Write the tale of your adventures as a really small person. Include details about how you became so
small, the feelings you experienced, and how you returned to your normal size. Remember to use interesting
adjectives to describe how your surroundings appeared to you so that your reader will understand what it
was like to be a tiny person in a giant world!
Prompt #6: The Mystery of the Missing Socks!
One of the greatest unsolved mysteries of life is ...what happens to socks? You can start out with 12 pairs
of socks and several weeks later you find out that you now have only 6 pairs of socks and six single socks
that don't match! People have been pondering this mystery for years and still there is no satisfactory
answer! Does the dryer "eat them"? Are there such things as the Sock Ness Monster, or Sock Goblins?
Where do all the missing socks go? Pretend you are a detective who has been hired to discover the
answer! Write the tale of how you solved the "Case of the Missing Socks" Remember to include
interesting details about the case and use vivid verbs to make your story exciting!
Prompt #7: What if You Had Three Wishes?
There are many stories that talk about people getting three wishes that come true. Think about this for a
moment! What if you had three wishes? The catch is, your entire family knows that you have three wishes
and you have two younger brothers or sisters who want "their fair share!" The other problem is, as in all
good fairy tales, you can't wish for more wishes. Write a story about how you received three wishes and
what you wished for. Remember to use exciting details, and colorful adjectives to make your story
interesting.
Prompt #8: What if You Were Invisible?
It's one of those mornings. You woke up late and hardly have time to get ready for school. You rub your
eyes, splash water on your face and look in the mirror to comb your hair. You cannot see yourself. You rub
your eyes again. You still can't see yourself in the mirror. .....Think about the following questions: What are
advantages and disadvantages to being invisible? What would you do for a day if you were invisible? How
would you return to normal again? How would you feel if no one could see you? Write a story about your
day as an invisible person and how you returned to normal! Remember to use interesting details and
adjectives to make your story exciting to your reader!
Prompt #9: What if Dragonflies Were as Big as Busses?
Dragonflies lay their eggs in water. The eggs hatch into larvae called nymphs. After growing and
developing in the water, where they eat other insects and even very small minnows (baby fish), they shed
their skin and emerge from the water. When their wings dry off, they fly away.
One day you found a lonely dragonfly that was as big as a school bus. It followed you home, and you
decided to keep it as a pet. Write a story about your adventures with the dragonfly!
Prompt #10: What if Butterflies Were Really Alien Spies?
Newsflash...This just in: It has recently been discovered by Dr. Moe Squito that some butterflies are really
spies from the world of Plexippus in the Danaus System. Disguised as beautiful, mindless, fluttering
creatures, they are really sophisticated surveillance devices, gathering information for their masters. These
creatures are capable of camouflaging themselves and should be considered extremely annoying!
Pretend you are a government agent. Your mission is to discover one of the "butter-spies" and figure out
how to use it to communicate with the aliens from Plexippus. You are to find out why they are spying on us
and stop them. Write the story of how you solved the case. Use interesting adjectives and specific details to
make your story exciting!
Prompt #11: What if Volcanoes Erupted Scoops of Ice Cream?
Imagine that you are living next to a volcano. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake and you hear an ominous
rumbling. Without warning the volcano blows! To your surprise, it shoots out scoops of ice cream in all
directions! Where did the ice cream come from? Why did the volcano erupt ice cream? Was it the result of a
scientific experiment? Brainstorm as many ideas about this as you can! Write a story about the volcano that
erupted ice cream. Use interesting adjectives and specific details to make your story exciting!
Prompt #12: What if Fish Went to School?
We all know that many fish swim and travel together in schools, or groups. What if: Fish actually had an
underwater school that they attended to learn "fishy things?" Think about all of the topics that a successful
fish would need to know about! Examples..."Avoiding large predators", "How to sneak up on your prey",
"Getting the worm and leaving the hook"....The possibilities are endless! Brainstorm as many ideas about
this as you can! Write a story about a day at fish school! Remember to use specific details and colorful
adjectives to help make your setting and story seem real to your reader!
Prompt #13: What if a Volcano Refused to Erupt?
It was Friday night and all the other young volcanoes were practicing their eruption techniques, but not
Junior. Junior refused to erupt. His parents scolded him and pleaded with him, but he still refused. He said he
didn't see the point in it... Think about all of the reasons Junior might have not to erupt. Think about the
things that would be important to a family of volcanoes. Write a story about the "Little Volcano That
Refused to Erupt. Remember to include interesting details and facts about "volcano families" and where they
live as part of your story. Use colorful adjectives and detailed sentences to make your story exciting to your
reader!
Prompt #14: The Case of the Masked Parrots!
Squawky, the one and only, world-famous Parrot Detective, received a call from the Monkey Brothers.
"You've got to help us," they screeched, "Letty Leopard's jewels have been stolen! She hired us to guard them
while she went off on a three day hunting trip in the jungle. She's due back tomorrow. Can you help us
recover the jewels before she returns and finds out they're missing.......?" Write the Tale of Squawky and the
Case of the Masked Parrots. Remember to use vivid verbs, describing words and specific details to make your
story interesting.
Prompt #15
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think of a person who is now important to
you or has made a lasting impression on you. Write a story about how you came to know that person and what
that person did that impressed you. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and include specific details in
your response.
Prompt #16
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think of a time when someone showed
you kindness or a time when you showed someone else kindness or a time when you witnessed someone else
showing kindness to another person. Choose one of these times and write a story about what happened. Be sure
to narrate an event or series of events and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #17
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think of a childhood memory that you
recall clearly. Write a story about what happened. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and include
specific details in your response.
Prompt #18
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about an event in your life that you
will always remember. Write a story about what happened. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and
include specific details in your response.
Prompt #19
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about a time a person did something
that made a difference in your life. Write about that time. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and
include specific details in your response.
Prompt #20
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about an event that you are glad you
experienced. Write a story about that event. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and include specific
details in your response.
Prompt #21
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about a time you received a gift,
something you wanted, or something unexpected that made you feel happy. Write a story about that time. Be
sure to narrate an event or series of events and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #22
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about a special time you remember
spending with a friend. Write a story about that time. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events and include
specific details in your response.
Prompt #23
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about a time you did something
even though it was hard for you to do. Write a story about that time. Be sure to narrate an event or series of
events and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #24
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about something that has happened
during a day in your favorite (or least favorite) class. Tell a story about what happened. Be sure to narrate an
event or series of events and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #25
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about how you plan to accomplish a
goal you have set. Write a story about accomplishing this goal. Be sure to narrate an event or series of events
and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #26
Your teacher has given you an assignment to write a narrative essay. Think about a time you witnessed an event
or incident that made you think seriously about something. Write a story about this event or incident. Be sure to
narrate an event or series of events and include specific details in your response.
Prompt #27
It is 20 years from now. Your name has just been called and you are about to receive an award. Tell the story of
how you came to be so successful and win this award.
Prompt #28
Rewrite a fairy tale from a different point of view. For instance,
The Three Pigs as the wolf would tell it
Hansel & Gretel as the witch would tell it
OR, use any example you like.
Prompt #29
Think of your best or worst day in school. Tell the story of what happened.
Prompt #30
Write a story based on one of the following:
Where is it?
Breaking loose
If I had my way ...
Suddenly, in the headlights ...
That noise!
Don't even remind me
The biggest nuisance
Annoying!
At last!
Prompt #31
Write a story based on ONE of the following
Little brothers (or sisters)!
Older sisters (or brothers)!
A narrow escape
My first memory
I'd like to go back
You won't believe it, but ...
Prompt #32
Think of a friend you have, in or out of school. Tell one story that comes to mind when you think of this friend.
Prompt #33
Think of an event you will want to remember when you are old. Tell about what happened in a way that's so
clear that if you read this story again when you are eighty, every detail will come flooding back as if it
happened yesterday.
Prompt #34
You won't believe it, but here's what happened ...
Prompt #35
Think of a place that's so special to you that you just love thinking about it. It might be as big as a city, or as
small as one corner of a room. Tell one story that comes to mind when you think of this place.
Prompt #36
Write a letter that your grandchildren will open in 50 years telling them what the world is like today.
Prompt #37
Think of something you have done that brought you satisfaction, pleasure, or a sense of accomplishment. Write
about that activity or event and tell why it sticks in your mind.
Prompt #38
Describe a place that's so special to you that you just love thinking about it.
Prompt #39
Think of a teacher you have had that you will remember for a long, long time. Describe this teacher so clearly
that your reader will know just what made you remember him or her. (All grades)
Prompt #40
Think of a person you have known who has been important to you. Describe why he or she made such an
impression on you or made a difference in your life.
Prompt #41
Photograph Writing. Students' comments and actions reflected increased insight as they began to see
photography as rhetoric, as language, and to see the analogies between photographic and verbal expression.
That understanding expanded their concept of literacy and encouraged them to explore new possibilities in their
writing.
Write a story from a photograph.
Prompt #42
Writing to a Symphony. Write a story from a selected symphony.
http://www.rockhall.com/programs/plans.asp
Prompt #43
A narrow escape from trouble
Prompt #44
If only I would have listened!
Prompt #45
What I've broken or lost that belongs to someone else
Prompt #46
My first friend
Prompt #47
My favorite neighbor
Prompt #48
A visit to a relative's house
Prompt #49
A memorable bus ride
Prompt #50
When I was lost
Prompt # 51
My idea of a fun weekend
Prompt #52
Finally, a good assembly
Prompt #53
A school field trip
Prompt #54
If I could be someone else, I would be . . .
Prompt #55
I've done something no one else has done.
Prompt #56
The most fun I've had recently
Prompt #57
A toy I’ve held onto all these years
Prompt #58
The worst food I ever ate
Prompt #59
A trip to a space station
Prompt #60
Summer in a cabin by a lake
Prompt #61
How I can change the way I look
Prompt #62
What’s good about hard work?
Prompt #63
We couldn’t stop laughing!
Prompt #64
We got caught!
Prompt #65
A toy, stuffed animal, or game that once meant a lot to me
Prompt #66
What a house of the future will look like
Vocabulary: daily word website- http://www.wordcentral.com/