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The Narrative EssayTelling a story with a thesis

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The Narrative Essay Structure

Any event that results in change,

regardless how ordinary it may

seem, is a possible topic.

Introduction• Where you are• Who you are with• When do events take place

Initial Incident• i.e. “The

phone rings”

Complications• i.e. “Can’t find

the keys”

Conflicts• i.e. “A severe

storm”

Faced with a yes/no decision

Choice results in lasting change

Psychological growth follows

Understanding occurs due to experience

T h e s i s s t a t e m e n t a p p e a r s i n o r a f t e r t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n

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Five Steps Before Writing the Narrative Essay

1. Reflect on any psychological changes in your life as a result of:

o understanding the truth behind someone close to you;

o the results of a particular action;

o a different viewpoint;

o having learned a lesson well;

o media input;

o the effects of a particular belief.

These bullet points are meant as suggestions; they can be modified or added to in numerous ways.

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Five Steps Before Writing the Narrative Essay

2. Write, revise, and write again a single statement that captures the essential truth of that change.

3. Following the narrative essay structure, briefly but appropriately arrange the ideas of your essay.

4. Use care in choosing the details that convey the reactions you actually experienced.

5. Place yourself within the situation that changed you. Re-experience it as someone older. What do you see that escaped your awareness then?

Follow each step with patience and awareness.

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Click on the following link, or copy it into your browser. Read how many reporters, writers, editors, authors, and teachers describe a narrative essay.

http://www.poynter.org/how-tos/newsgathering-storytelling/chip-on-your-shoulder/16324/what-is-narrative-anyway/

One Added Step