Don’t tell. Show. It’s not interesting to read about the garage sale. But it is
fascinating to see, feel and experience one. Don’t be greedy on details.
Think like your readers. Try to remember that the information you present is the only
information your readers have about the experiences.
Always keep in mind that all of the small and seemingly unimportant details known
to you are not necessarily known to your readers.
*Communicating the significance of the experience:
A narrative essay begins with an effective attention grabber. Ex: Learning something new can sometimes be a scary experience.
Your thesis statement should make clear to the reader the event that the essay will
describe. Example: The day that my father convinced me to conquer my fear of heights by standing on the top of the Empire State Building was a day that I will never forget and that I will be forever grateful to him for.
The essay is essentially a story about something that happened. Just like any story
that you read, your narrative essay must have a beginning, middle, and an end. The
writer (you) should give detailed descriptions of the event by giving your reader a
clear idea of the people, place, and events so the reader will get clear idea of how the
writer (you) feels about them. Example: The teacher smiled and waited patiently, for which I was grateful. This type of language makes it clear to the reader the
writer’s fears and sense of security provided by the teacher who helped her get over
her fear.
The final paragraph, the conclusion, should reflect the writer’s new understanding, or
the importance of the event or experience described. For example, the author may
conclude that learning to swim has helped him or her to feel more confident about his
or herself in other new situations. Basically, explain how this event or experience has
changed you.
The essay should be well-organized as any other essay (see format).
The writing should be lively and interesting by engaging the reader’s interest by
adding significant details and personal observations. Sharing personal thoughts and
feelings will invite the reader into the writer’s world and make them care about the
writer’s experiences.
