Narrative Essay Guide

Narrative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline - Tips & Examples

By: Nathan D.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jun 2, 2020

Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay is a type of academic essay in which the writer narrates a story. It is the most commonly assigned form of academic writing. Students have to face the narrative essay writing task quite often, so it is essential to know how to handle it. 

A narrative essay is a story, so it's important to know how to write one. The best way to start your outline is by brainstorming ideas.

Who are the characters? What do they want? How does this conflict with their goals and who wins in the end?

There are many different types of essays you can write about, but all will have some sort of conflict. Once you've figured out the basics, be creative! You could explore an event that happened in your life or tell a fictional story.

In this blog, you’ll learn to write an outline for a narrative essay with examples. Start reading!

Narrative Essay Outline

On this Page

A  narrative essay  is a type of academic essay in which the writer narrates a story. It is the most commonly assigned form of academic writing. Students have to face the narrative essay writing task quite often, so it is essential to know how to handle it.

Narrative Essay Outline Format

The narrative essay outline follows the standard structure. Like other types of essays, this essay normally follows a typical 5 paragraph essay format. The 5 paragraph outline includes one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph.

However, unlike other essays, the paragraphs of the narrative essay have specifically designated purposes:

1. Introduction Paragraph:  Gives an insight into the story

2. First Body Paragraph:  Discuss the rising action

3. Second Body Paragraph:  Present the climax of the story

4. Third Body Paragraph:  Provide the falling action

5. Conclusion Paragraph:  Discussion of the lesson learned from the story

Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline Template

Let's look at the detailed 5 paragraph narrative essay outline for college students.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

A narrative essay is all about sharing the stories. Therefore, you need to organize your story into an essay format. As a writer, you are supposed to tell a story from your personal experience and why you are sharing that specific experience. Later, you need to discuss why this story or experience is important to share.

Let's look at how to craft an outline for a narrative essay. Follow the steps in the same sequence, and at the end, you’ll get a perfect outline. The writing process will become less stressful and daunting if you follow the steps given below.

1. Write the Introduction

The introduction paragraph is meant to engage the reader with the story. The first paragraph plays the most crucial role in making an impression on the reader’s mind. It allows you to share your perspective and how it relates to you. The following elements are involved in writing a strong narrative essay introduction.

  • Create a Hook Statement  Draw the reader in with an intriguing and attention-grabbing hook statement. Create a strong hook that makes your reader want to read further. You can use a quote, rhetorical question, or fact to create a persuasive hook statement.
  • Set the Scene:  Give your reader an idea of what is going to happen. Do not tell the whole story; just give a glimpse into it and keep your reader intrigued. Tell the reader how the points of the story relate to you.
  • Define the Thesis Statement:  Finally, tell your reader what your story is all about with the help of a thesis statement. Give a sneak peek of what is about to come but avoid telling the lesson you have learned from the situation yet; just give a hint.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

2. Draft the Body Paragraphs

The main body of a narrative essay is the most important part because it tells the whole story. This is where you state the facts, provide examples, give details, and guide the reader through the plot. According to the five paragraphs essay structure, it has three body paragraphs, but it can depend on the length and word count.

Below elements must be kept in mind while writing the narrative essay body paragraphs:

  • Write Chronologically:  The timelines of a story should be presented in chronological order. Otherwise, the reader will get confused, and it becomes hard for them to understand the story. To keep your paper organized, you should present things in sequential order.
  • Share the Relevant and Vivid Details:  As a narrative essay is all about creating a mood and scene to follow, do that creatively. Set up the story with descriptive and concise language. Provide the reader with the most important details of your story. These details may include the characters, setting, plot, and the onset of the story.
  • Avoid Narration Deviation:  The narrative essay is usually written in the first person unless you share someone else’s story. The third-person narrative only works best when you are telling a story you heard from someone else.

3. Write a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph is the final section of the essay where you give some final comments about the story. Summarize your essay and connect your reader back to the story. Follow these steps to write an impressive conclusion.

  • Restate Some Key Details:  Restate the thesis statement and some key details you have shared in the body. It will help you connect your reader with your story.
  • Share the Lesson:  Stress the lesson you have learned from the story and leave the reader with something to think about.
  • Call to Action:  In the end, provide a call to action that convinces the reader to think more about the topic.

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

Use the given worksheet below to write a narrative essay with ease.

Narrative Essay Outline Example

Here are some  narrative essay examples  and samples for your convenience. Use these templates and learn to write a good narrative essay easily.

Narrative Essay Outline for Middle School

College Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Template

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

However, if you still have some concerns about writing a perfect outline, you can contact our essay writers. 5StarEssays.com is a legit and reliable ‘ write my essay for me? ’ service that provides you with highly qualified and professional writers.

You can trust us with all of your academic writing assignments. So waste no more time and place your  order  now!

Nathan D.

Literature, College Essay

Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

  • Narrative Essay - An Ultimate Guide With Examples & Topics

Narrative Essay Outline

  • Narrative Essay Topics - Best Topic Ideas for Your Essay

Narrative Essay Outline

  • Narrative Essay Examples: Samples & Tips

Narrative Essay Outline

People Also Read

  • 1000 word essay
  • apa format guide
  • persuasive speech topics
  • dissertation introduction

Burdened With Assignments?

Bottom Slider

Advertisement

  • Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

Š 2024 - All rights reserved

Facebook Social Icon

narrative essay outline example college

How To Write a Narrative Essay

narrative essay outline example college

What Is a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a piece of writing that tells a story. It's like a window into someone's life or a page torn from a diary. Similarly to a descriptive essay, a narrative essay tells a story, rather than make a claim and use evidence. It can be about anything – a personal experience, a childhood memory, a moment of triumph or defeat – as long as it's told in a way that captures the reader's imagination.

You might ask - 'which sentence most likely comes from a narrative essay?'. Let's take this for example: 'I could hear the waves crashing against the shore, their rhythm a soothing lullaby that carried me off to sleep.' You could even use such an opening for your essay.

To further define a narrative essay, consider it storytelling with a purpose. The purpose is not just to entertain but also to convey a message or lesson in first person. It's a way to share your experiences and insights with others and connect with your audience. Whether you're writing about your first love, a harrowing adventure, or a life-changing moment, your goal is to take the reader on a journey that will leave them feeling moved, inspired, or enlightened.

So if you're looking for a way to express yourself creatively and connect with others through your writing, try your hand at a narrative essay. Who knows – you might just discover a hidden talent for storytelling that you never knew you had!

Meanwhile, let's delve into the article to better understand this type of paper through our narrative essay examples, topic ideas, and tips on constructing a perfect essay.

Types of Narrative Essays

If you were wondering, 'what is a personal narrative essay?', know that it comes in different forms, each with a unique structure and purpose. Regardless of the type of narrative essay, each aims to transport the reader to a different time and place and to create an emotional connection between the reader and the author's experiences. So, let's discuss each type in more detail:

  • A personal narrative essay is based on one's unique experience or event. It includes a story about overcoming a fear or obstacle or reflecting on a particularly meaningful moment in one's life.
  • A fictional narrative is a made-up story that still follows the basic elements of storytelling. Fictional narratives can take many forms, from science fiction to romance to historical fiction.
  • A memoir is similar to personal narratives but focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life. Memoirs might be centered around a particular relationship, a struggle with addiction, or a cultural identity. If you wish to describe your life in greater depth, you might look at how to write an autobiography .
  • A literacy narrative essay explores the writer's experiences with literacy and how it has influenced their life. The essay typically tells a personal story about a significant moment or series of moments that impacted the writer's relationship with reading, writing, or communication.

Pros and Cons of Narrative Writing

Writing a narrative essay can be a powerful tool for self-expression and creative storytelling, but like any form of writing, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let's explore the pros and cons of narrative writing in more detail, helping you to decide whether it's the right writing style for your needs.

  • It can be a powerful way to convey personal experiences and emotions.
  • Allows for creative expression and unique voice
  • Engages the reader through storytelling and vivid details
  • It can be used to teach a lesson or convey a message.
  • Offers an opportunity for self-reflection and growth
  • It can be challenging to balance personal storytelling with the needs of the reader
  • It may not be as effective for conveying factual information or arguments
  • It may require vulnerability and sharing personal details that some writers may find uncomfortable
  • It can be subjective, as the reader's interpretation of the narrative may vary

If sharing your personal stories is not your cup of tea, you can buy essays online from our expert writers, who will customize the paper to your particular writing style and tone.

Narrative Format and Structure

The narrative essay format and structure are essential elements of any good story. A well-structured narrative can engage readers, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. Whether you're writing a personal essay or a work of fiction, the following guidelines can help you create a compelling paper:

narrative essay

  • Introduction : The introduction sets the scene for your story and introduces your main characters and setting. It should also provide a hook to capture your reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. When unsure how to begin a narrative essay, describe the setting vividly or an intriguing question that draws the reader in.
  • Plot : The plot is the sequence of events that make up your story. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part building on the previous one. The plot should also have a clear conflict or problem the protagonist must overcome.
  • Characters : Characters are the people who drive the story. They should be well-developed and have distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist should have a clear goal or desire, and the antagonist should provide a challenge or obstacle to overcome.
  • Setting : The setting is the time and place the story takes place. It should be well-described and help to create a mood or atmosphere that supports the story's themes.
  • Dialogue : Dialogue is the conversation between characters. It should be realistic and help to reveal the characters' personalities and motivations. It can also help to move the plot forward.
  • Climax : The climax is the highest tension or conflict point in the story. It should be the turning point that leads to resolving the conflict.
  • Resolution : The resolution is the end of the story. It should provide a satisfying conclusion to the conflict and tie up any loose ends.

Following these guidelines, you can create a narrative essay structure that engages readers and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, a well-structured story can take readers on a journey and make them feel part of the action.

Want to Be Like an Expert Writer? 

Order now and let our narrative essay writer turn your experiences into a captivating and unforgettable tale

Narrative Essay Outline

Here is a detailed outline from our custom term paper writing :

Introduction

A. Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement, question, or anecdote that introduces the topic and draws the reader in. Example: 'The sun beat down on my skin as I stepped onto the stage, my heart pounding with nervous excitement.'

B. Background information: Provide context for the story, such as the setting or the characters involved. Example: 'I had been preparing for this moment for weeks, rehearsing my lines and perfecting my performance for the school play.'

C. Thesis statement: State the essay's main point and preview the events to come. Example: 'This experience taught me that taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards and personal growth.'

Body Paragraphs

A. First event: Describe the first event in the story, including details about the setting, characters, and actions. Example: 'As I delivered my first lines on stage, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a sense of pride in my hard work paying off.'

B. Second event: Describe the second event in the story, including how it builds on the first event and moves the story forward. Example: 'As the play progressed, I became more comfortable in my role and connecting with the other actors on stage.'

C. Turning point: Describe the turning point in the story, when something unexpected or significant changes the course of events. Example: 'In the final act, my character faced a difficult decision that required me to improvise and trust my instincts.'

D. Climax: Describe the story's climax, the highest tension or conflict point. Example: 'As the play reached its climax, I delivered my final lines with confidence and emotion, feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.'

A. Restate thesis: Summarize the essay's main point and how the events in the story support it. Example: 'Through this experience, I learned that taking risks and pushing past my comfort zone can lead to personal growth and unexpected rewards.'

B. Reflection: Reflect on the significance of the experience and what you learned from it. Example: 'Looking back, I realize that this experience not only taught me about acting and performance but also about the power of perseverance and self-belief.'

C. Call to action: if you're still wondering how to write an essay conclusion , consider ending it with a call to action or final thought that leaves the reader with something to consider or act on. Example: 'I encourage everyone to take risks and embrace new challenges because you never know what kind of amazing experiences and growth they may lead to.

Narrative Essay Examples

Are you looking for inspiration for your next narrative essay? Look no further than our example. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflections, this essay takes the reader on a journey of discovery and leaves them with a powerful lesson about the importance of compassion and empathy. Use this sample from our expert essay writer as a guide for crafting your own narrative essay, and let your unique voice and experiences shine through.

Narrative Essay Example for College

College professors search for the following qualities in their students:

  • the ability to adapt to different situations,
  • the ability to solve problems creatively,
  • and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Your work must demonstrate these qualities, regardless of whether your narrative paper is a college application essay or a class assignment. Additionally, you want to demonstrate your character and creativity. Describe a situation where you have encountered a problem, tell the story of how you came up with a unique approach to solving it, and connect it to your field of interest. The narrative can be exciting and informative if you present it in such fashion.

Narrative Essay Example for High School

High school is all about showing that you can make mature choices. You accept the consequences of your actions and retrieve valuable life lessons. Think of an event in which you believe your actions were exemplary and made an adult choice. A personal narrative essay example will showcase the best of your abilities. Finally, use other sources to help you get the best results possible. Try searching for a sample narrative essay to see how others have approached it.

Final Words

So now that you know what is a narrative essay you might want to produce high-quality paper. For that let our team of experienced writers help. Our research paper writing service offers a range of professional services that cater to your unique needs and requirements.

With our flexible pricing options and fast turnaround times, you can trust that you'll receive great value for your investment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed in your academic writing journey. 

Unlock Your Potential with Our Essays!

Order now and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals

What Is A Narrative Essay?

How to start a narrative essay, how to write a good narrative essay, related articles.

essay samples

Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Outline

Caleb S.

Crafting a Winning Narrative Essay Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Narrative Essay Outline

People also read

Narrative Essay - A Complete Writing Guide with Examples

Writing a Personal Narrative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

Best Narrative Essay Topics 2023 for Students

10+ Interesting Narrative Essay Examples Plus Writing Tips!

Are you a student struggling to bring your stories to life in a captivating way? 

Narrative essays provide the perfect canvas for your personal experiences, but without a well-crafted outline, your tale can easily lose its way. 

Don’t worry we are here with the solution!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of structuring an impactful narrative essay. By the end of this blog, you'll be able to create your own compelling narratives. 

So, let's start on this exciting storytelling adventure together. 

Arrow Down

  • 1. Understanding Narrative Essays
  • 2. Narrative Essay Outline Sample
  • 3. Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline 
  • 4. Narrative Essay Outline Format
  • 5. Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

Understanding Narrative Essays

A narrative essay is a short story with a central theme that revolves around it. It's typically told from the perspective of the author, and specific sensory details are included to pique the reader's interest in the story.

Unlike other types of essays , a narrative essay revolves around a central theme or event, making it an engaging and often emotionally charged piece of work.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically are composed in the form of a narrative and rely on personal experiences. This format is used in storytelling, as was stated previously. The following are the five components of a narrative essay:

  • Plot: The main event of the story.
  • Character: People involved in your play.
  • Setting: Timeline of the events.
  • Conflict: The challenges the characters face.
  • Theme: The moral of the story

Order Essay

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Narrative Essay Outline Sample

Here is a narrative essay outline template, let’s take a look: 

Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline 

Writing a narrative essay is much easier than any other type of essay. It doesn’t follow a set of essay writing rules, and it gives you freedom of expression. You can write an essay that reflects your stories in your own style. 

All you have to do is to follow a typical structure which is consist of 3 essential parts: 

  • Introduction 

Let’s dive into the steps of creating a perfect narrative essay outline:

Step 1: Brainstorming

  • Reflect on Personal Experiences: Think about your life experiences, both significant and everyday moments, that could serve as the basis for a narrative essay.
  • Gather Good Ideas: Jot down key events, emotions, or lessons learned that stand out in your memory.
  • Choose a Central Theme: Identify a central theme or message that you want to convey through your narrative.

Step 2: Selecting a Topic

  • Relevance: Ensure the chosen topic is relevant to the central theme and purpose of your narrative among different types of narrative.
  • Engagement: Select a topic that will gain your readers attention and keep them interested throughout your essay.
  • Significance: Consider the significance of the chosen topic in your life and its potential impact on your audience.

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement 

  • Clarity: Create a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the main message or lesson you want to share.
  • Alignment: Ensure the thesis aligns with the central theme and purpose of your narrative.
  • Guidance: Your thesis statement should guide both your writing process and your readers' understanding of your narrative.

Step 4: Write Introduction

Your introduction should catch the readers’ interest immediately. Here are the three main components of introduction: 

  • Hook: Start with a captivating hook that intrigues your readers. It could be an anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a surprising fact.
  • Scene Setting: Provide background information to set the scene and establish the context for your narrative.
  • Thesis Statement: Present your thesis statement clearly, giving readers a preview of the central message and the journey they are about to embark on.

Step 5: Body Paragraphs

The body is the section where you present your story’s details, share facts and guide readers through the plot. Here are the essential elements that should be included in each body paragraph:

  • Topic Sentence
  • Vivid description
  • Characters involved
  • Chronological order

Let’s discuss these elements briefly: 

  • Vivid Description: A narrative essay is all about setting up a scene. Hence, make sure you provide a vivid description of the event that paints a picture in the readers’ minds. The vivid description will help you take the reader to the actual happening of the event.
  • Dialogues: Usage of dialogues helps you present your story in an effective way. Dialogues give life to the story and support the story’s atmosphere.
  • Characters Involved: The characters are the people acting or behaving in the story. Incorporate all the characters that are involved in your story. Provide their detailed description and what role they have played in your story.
  • Chronological Order: As you are telling a story, it should be in the same order as the actual happening of the event. Start telling your story from the beginning and work through the end. Write your story in a proper sequence to keep your essay organized. 
  • Climax: The climax is the breaking point of the story, and it requires a detailed description. Include all the real emotion that engages the readers’ five senses, i.e. smell, sight, touch, hear, and taste. Don’t exaggerate and stray from the truth and provide the actual and accurate climax.

Step 6: Conclusion Section 

The essay conclusion is the final part, and it provides the final outcome of the story. It bears the same importance as the introduction paragraph. 

The conclusion paragraph should contain the following elements:

  • The moral of the story
  • The lesson that you have learned from the story (if any)
  • A call to action (if required)

Step 7: Transition Sentences

Use transition sentences between each section of your narrative essay to ensure a smooth and logical flow from one point to the next. These sentences help readers navigate through your story without feeling lost or disconnected.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Narrative Essay Outline Format

Here are general formatting rules for a narrative essay outline: 

  • Organizational Structure: Ensure your outline follows the standard structure of a narrative essay, which includes Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections.
  • Font and Size: Use a clear and easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size for consistency and readability.
  • Spacing: Double-space your outline. This enhances readability and makes it easier to distinguish different sections.
  • Text Alignment: Align your text to the left. This maintains a neat and organized appearance.
  • Margin Consistency: Keep consistent margins throughout your outline for a professional and well-structured presentation.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, which may include APA , MLA , Chicago , or other style requirements.
  • Section Labeling: Number or label each section in your outline to ensure clarity and organization, making it easy for readers to follow the structure of your narrative essay

Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

In this section, we offer a selection of PDF narrative essay outline examples. These samples provide practical templates and inspiration for crafting well-structured narrative essay outlines. 

College Narrative Essay Outline Template

Narrative Essay Outline High School

Narrative Essay Outline Middle School

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

5 Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

Reflective Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Examples

Looking for narrative essay samples to spark your inspiration? Dive into our narrative essay examples blog and explore a wide range of narrative essays!

In summary, crafting a strong narrative essay outline is a vital skill for all writers. A well-structured outline is the backbone of your narrative, guiding your writing and captivating your audience.  With the knowledge and step-by-step guide shared here, you can now create a narrative essay outline that is no less than perfect.

But if you need assistance with your narrative essay writing we have got you covered.

MyPerfectWords.com is top-rated essay writing website dedicated to delivering top-notch online writing assistance at highly affordable rates. Our team of professional essay writers excels at creating comprehensive essay outlines and crafting impeccably written essays.

Why wait any longer? Go ahead, place your order, and buy narrative essay today! 

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Caleb S.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Get Help

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Narrative essay

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWLÂŽ College of Liberal Arts

Narrative Essays

OWL logo

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

What is a narrative essay?

When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

  • If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story.

This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

  • When would a narrative essay not be written as a story?

A good example of this is when an instructor asks a student to write a book report. Obviously, this would not necessarily follow the pattern of a story and would focus on providing an informative narrative for the reader.

  • The essay should have a purpose.

Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?

  • The essay should be written from a clear point of view.

It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays oftentimes manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

  • Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.

  • The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed.

Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.

  • As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

narrative essay outline example college

narrativeessay.org

lear how to write a narrative essay here!

Narrative Essay Outline: Format, Worksheet and Example

Before you start writing any essay, it is wise to outline what you intend to include in your essay regardless of the type. This guides you in writing the information that needs to be given. It also helps you organize your thoughts and avoid any distractions by nonessentials.

Writing a Narrative Essay Outline

Usually, most narrative essays are written in three paragraphs. This is, however, not a rule that is etched in stone – the number of paragraphs you decide to use will depend on how much you need to write. The important thing to bear in mind is to ensure that you do not include unnecessary details that can make your essay too long. Your aim should be to write something that retains the interest of whoever is reading your essay without boring or confusing them. The outline of your essay should generally include an introduction, the body of the essay, and a conclusion.

For a three-paragraph essay, the narrative essay structure could look like this:

  • Introduction: This is where you introduce your topic and the theme you intend to address. Your introduction should start with a catchy phrase, quote, or saying. You could also use a rhetorical question that gets the reader thinking and wanting to read your story. Since you are giving a narration, the “hook” within the introduction should be very intriguing. A story is useless if it can’t capture and maintain interest.
  • Body paragraph one: this paragraph caters to the beginning of your story. It would be best if you started introducing the characters of your story here. This paragraph also gives a background to your story. In this paragraph, you should use descriptive and clear vocabulary to introduce your story. This would be a good place to give information such as your story’s place, time, and period.
  • Body paragraph two: The second paragraph begins to share details on actions, consequences, and other important details required by the essay. Build your story in this paragraph to the point of climax.
  • Body paragraph three: This paragraph should tell how your story ends. You could use anecdotes or quotes as a wrap-up for your story. Concluding details such as results and consequences can be added to this paragraph.
  • Conclusion: The resolution of your story in this paragraph should highlight important details you want your readers to pick from your story. Decisions made, lessons learned, changes made, etc., can be written out in this paragraph. This is also where you restate the reason or theme of your essay.

Narrative Essay Format

Writing a narrative essay is like writing a story, so you can import the style of writing a narrative story format into writing your essay. To form the outline of a story, some approaches have been itemized. These include:

1. The plot-based approach

The plot of a story is the series of acts and actions that make up the story. A plot-based format should itemize the different important actions you intend to include in the storyline. Example

  • I graduated from school.
  • Search for a job before college.
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen while waiting for college
  • Take refresher courses etc.

2. The scene-based approach

Every story, including a personal narrative essay, must have a scene(s). You could build the outline of your story based on the places of importance to your story.

Writing down the important places could help jolt your memory in the course of writing so that you don’t leave out any important detail. For example:

  • Grandpa’s house – I met the person who introduced me to photography.
  • Best friend’s party – I did my first photoshoot
  • My aunt’s office – I got introduced to magazine photoshoots etc

3. The theme-based approach

A theme-based outline maps out the central themes you intend to explore in your writing. This approach is suitable when you intend to address more than one theme. This approach does not work for all types of stories, so it may not work for your personal narrative essay. For example:

  • Willingness to learn – working with my uncle at his auto shop
  • Loyalty – staying with my uncle’s practice regardless of pay
  • Dedication – getting to work early to get in some work hours before the full day.

4. Freytag’s Pyramid Approach

Freytag’s approach is based on a pyramid that uses the five basic elements of a story to create an outline. The basic elements considered are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

There is no perfect format for writing a story outline, and it is up to you to choose the best format you can work with. The most important point to note as you write out the outline of your essay is to ensure that you capture all the details you need to cover. Remember to write keywords or phrases that can trigger remembrance of the events you desire to include in the essay.

narrative essay outline example college

Related Posts

Time-saving strategies for busy students: managing assignments with ease, academic support with integrity: ethical homework assistance, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Logo for Idaho Pressbooks Consortium

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

37 Student Narrative Essay Examples

The pot calling the kettle black….

“You aren’t acting normal,” my dad said with a dopy, concerned look on his face. He was a hard-working, soft and loving man. He was smaller than my mother, physically and figuratively. She sat beside him. She had a towering stature, with strong, swimmers’ shoulders, but she was hunched often. She didn’t really have eyebrows, but she didn’t need them. She had no problem conveying emotion on her face, especially negative ones.

“What’s wrong?” my mother asked. She took my hand frantically. Not the way one might take someone’s hand to connect with or comfort them. She needed reassurance more than I did.

My parents were sitting across from me on cushioned, bland-colored chairs in my dad’s office, while I sat on a rickety, torturous wooden chair. My dad’s office generally utilized natural light due to the expansive glass windows that allowed the light to drown the room, enclosing us in the chamber. I felt like an inmate being prepped for lethal injection. The weather was particularly gray and dismal. Perhaps it was the ambiguous, gray, confusing feelings I was breathing through. My parents had somewhat regular “interventions” to address my somewhat regular (sometimes public) emotional breakdowns, my self-medicating habits, and my general shitty attitude.

This week in particular, I had purposely destroyed two of my mother’s collectible horses. She had a maniacal obsession for them. She also maniacally collected sunflower artwork, which was the one obsession, of many, I found endearing. My old babysitter noted at one point there were 74 collectible horses in the house. After my outburst, there were 72.

I could see behind my parents, through the glass-paned door, my two younger sisters were secretly observing the altercation from the dining room, hiding under the table. They were illuminated by the ominous weather, which was also watching in on the dismal conversation through the windows. I was envious, jealous even, of my spectating sisters. My sisters didn’t have overflowing, excessive emotions. They didn’t have emotions that were considered “excessive.” I felt like an offender being put at the stocks: my parents were the executioners, and my sisters were the jesters.

“I’m angry.”

“What about?” my dad asked, puzzled. “Did someone do something to you?”

“Honey, were you—” my mother looked to my dad, then concealed her mouth slightly with the other hand, “ raped ?”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice. “No, Mom, I wasn’t raped, Jesus.” I took a moment to grind on my teeth and imagine the bit I was chomping at. Calm, careful, composed, I responded. “I’m just angry. I don’t feel—”

“What don’t you feel?” She practically jumped on me, while yanking my imprisoned hand toward her. She yanked at my reins.

“I don’t feel understood!” My mind was bucking. I didn’t know why I needed to react by raising my voice. It felt instinctive, defensive. Shouting forcefully, I jerked my hand away from her, but it remained in her clutches. I didn’t feel satisfied saying it, though what I said was the truth.

“What are you talking about?” my dad asked mournfully. I knew he felt betrayed. But he didn’t understand. He didn’t know what it’s like for things to be too much. Or to be too much. My dad looked at me longingly, hoping I would correct what I had said. He looked lost, incapable of understanding why I was doing what I was doing. My mother interjected, cutting off my dad’s hypnotic, silent cry for connection.

“You’re crazy!” she said, maintaining eye contact. My mother then let go of my hand, flipped it back to me. She reclined in her chair, retracting from me and the discussion entirely. She crossed her legs, then her arms. She turned her head away, toward the glass windows, and (mentally) left.

I was and am not “too much.”

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18 years old.

I had just stepped off a squealing MAX line onto a broken sidewalk slab, gnarled from tree roots, when I felt my phone buzz rhythmically.

“I need you to come to the hospital. Mom had a little accident.” My dad’s voice was distant and cracking, like a wavering radio signal, calling for help.

“What’s going on? Is she okay?” I asked while making my way to campus.

“Where are you?” He wasn’t going to tell me anything over the phone. Adrenaline set in. I let him know I was downtown and headed to campus, but that I would catch a Lyft to wherever they were. “We’re at Milwaukie Providence. How soon can you get here?

“I’ll let you know soon.” My assumption was that my parents had been in an argument, my mother left the house in a rage, and crashed her car. She’d been an erratic driver for as long as I could remember, and my parents had been arguing more than usual recently, as many new “empty-nesters” do. The lack of information provided by my dad, however, was unsettling. I don’t really recall the ride to the hospital. I do remember looking over the river while riding from the west to east side of town. I remember the menacing, dark clouds rolling in faster than the driver could transport me. I remember it was quick, but it was too much time spent without answers.

When I arrived at Providence, I jumped out of the sedan and galloped into the lobby of the emergency room like a race horse on its final lap. My younger sister and Dad were seated on cushioned, bland-colored chairs in the waiting room. There were expansive glass windows that allowed the light to drown the room. The weather was particularly gray and dismal. Perhaps it was the ambiguous, gray, confusing feelings I was breathing through. I sat down beside my dad, in a firmer-than-anticipated waiting room chair beside him. He took my hand frantically. He took it in the way one might take someone’s hand to connect with or comfort them. He needed reassurance more than I did.

“Where did she get in the accident?” I asked.

My sister, sitting across from me with her head in her knees, looked up at me with aquamarine, tear-filled eyes. She was staring through me, an unclouded window. “Mom tried to kill herself.”

“What?” My voice crescendoed from a normal volume to a shriek in the span of a single word. My mind felt like it was bucking. I grabbed at my hair, pulling it back tight with my spare hand. The tears and cries reared, no matter how hard I yanked my mane.

“We got in another argument this morning, and she sent me a message saying she didn’t want to be in pain anymore. She told me to tell you girls she’s sorry. I’m so sorry.” I’d never seen my dad cry before; I didn’t know he could. I didn’t know his tears would stream like gushing water from a broken dam. He looked lost, incapable of understanding why she was doing what she was doing. I looked from my dad to my sister to my hands. One hand remained enveloped by my dad’s gentle palm. At this point in life, I had not yet learned to be gentle with myself, or others. I cut off my dad’s hypnotic, silent cry for connection.

“She’s crazy!” I let go of my dad’s hand, flipped it back to him. I reclined in the

chair, retracting from the situation entirely. I crossed my legs, then my arms. I turned my head away, toward the glass windows, and (mentally) left.

“Crazy” is a term devised to dismiss people.

My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 50 years old.

Teacher Takeaways

“This essay makes excellent use of repetition as a narrative strategy. Throughout the essay, terms and phrases are repeated, generally with slight alterations, drawing the reader’s attention to the moment in question and recontextualizing the information being conveyed. This strategy is especially powerful when used to disclose the separate diagnoses of bipolar disorder, which is central to the narrative. I also appreciate the use of dialogue, though it mostly serves an expository function here. In itself that’s effective, but this narrative would be strengthened if that dialogue could serve to make some of the characters, especially the mother, more rounded.”

– Professor Dunham

My College Education

The following essay, “My College Education” is from Chapter 15.2 – Narrative Essay , Writing for Success , University of Minnesota Libraries.

The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay “The Myth of Sisyphus.” I was extremely nervous about the assignment as well as college. However, through all the confusion in philosophy class, many of my questions about life were answered.

I entered college intending to earn a degree in engineering. I always liked the way mathematics had right and wrong answers. I understood the logic and was very good at it. So when I received my first philosophy assignment that asked me to write my interpretation of the Camus essay, I was instantly confused. What is the right way to do this assignment, I wondered? I was nervous about writing an incorrect interpretation and did not want to get my first assignment wrong. Even more troubling was that the professor refused to give us any guidelines on what he was looking for; he gave us total freedom. He simply said, “I want to see what you come up with.”

Full of anxiety, I first set out to read Camus’s essay several times to make sure I really knew what was it was about. I did my best to take careful notes. Yet even after I took all these notes and knew the essay inside and out, I still did not know the right answer. What was my interpretation? I could think of a million different ways to interpret the essay, but which one was my professor looking for? In math class, I was used to examples and explanations of solutions. This assignment gave me nothing; I was completely on my own to come up with my individual interpretation.

Next, when I sat down to write, the words just did not come to me. My notes and ideas were all present, but the words were lost. I decided to try every prewriting strategy I could find. I brainstormed, made idea maps, and even wrote an outline. Eventually, after a lot of stress, my ideas became more organized and the words fell on the page. I had my interpretation of “The Myth of Sisyphus,” and I had my main reasons for interpreting the essay. I remember being unsure of myself, wondering if what I was saying made sense, or if I was even on the right track. Through all the uncertainty, I continued writing the best I could. I finished the conclusion paragraph, had my spouse proofread it for errors, and turned it in the next day simply hoping for the best.

Then, a week or two later, came judgment day. The professor gave our papers back to us with grades and comments. I remember feeling simultaneously afraid and eager to get the paper back in my hands. It turned out, however, that I had nothing to worry about. The professor gave me an A on the paper, and his notes suggested that I wrote an effective essay overall. He wrote that my reading of the essay was very original and that my thoughts were well organized. My relief and newfound confidence upon reading his comments could not be overstated.

What I learned through this process extended well beyond how to write a college paper. I learned to be open to new challenges. I never expected to enjoy a philosophy class and always expected to be a math and science person. This class and assignment, however, gave me the self-confidence, critical-thinking skills, and courage to try a new career path. I left engineering and went on to study law and eventually became a lawyer. More important, that class and paper helped me understand education differently. Instead of seeing college as a direct stepping stone to a career, I learned to see college as a place to first learn and then seek a career or enhance an existing career. By giving me the space to express my own interpretation and to argue for my own values, my philosophy class taught me the importance of education for education’s sake. That realization continues to pay dividends every day.

Model Student Essay

Innocence again.

Imagine the sensation of the one split second that you are floating through the air as you were thrown up in the air as a child, that feeling of freedom and carefree spirit as happiness abounds. Looking at the world through innocent eyes, all thoughts and feelings of amazement. Being free, happy, innocent, amazed, wowed. Imagine the first time seeing the colors when your eyes and brain start to recognize them but never being able to name the shade or hue. Looking at the sky as it changes from the blackness with twinkling stars to the lightest shade of blue that is almost white, then the deep red of the sunset and bright orange of the sun. All shades of the spectrum of the rainbow, colors as beautiful as the mind can see or imagine.

I have always loved the sea since I was young; the smell of saltiness in the air invigorates me and reminds me of the times spent with my family enjoying Sundays at the beach. In Singapore, the sea was always murky and green but I continued to enjoy all activities in it. When I went to Malaysia to work, I discovered that the sea was clear and blue and without hesitation, I signed up for a basic diving course and I was hooked. In my first year of diving, I explored all the dive destinations along the east coast of Malaysia and also took an advanced diving course which allowed me to dive up to a depth of thirty meters. Traveling to a dive site took no more than four hours by car and weekends were spent just enjoying the sea again.

Gearing up is no fun. Depending on the temperature of the water, I might put on a shortie, wetsuit or drysuit. Then on come the booties, fins and mask which can be considered the easiest part unless the suit is tight—then it is a hop and pull struggle, which reminds me of how life can be at times. Carrying the steel tank, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD) and weights is a torture. The heaviest weights that I ever had to use were 110 pounds, equivalent to my body weight; but as I jump in and start sinking into the sea, the contrast to weightlessness hits me. The moment that I start floating in the water, a sense of immense freedom and joy overtakes me.

Growing up, we have to learn the basics: time spent in classes to learn, constantly practicing to improve our skills while safety is ingrained by our parents. In dive classes, I was taught to never panic or do stupid stuff: the same with the lessons that I have learned in life. Panic and over-inflated egos can lead to death, and I have heard it happens all the time. I had the opportunity to go to Antarctica for a diving expedition, but what led to me getting that slot was the death of a very experienced diver who used a drysuit in a tropic climate against all advice. He just overheated and died. Lessons learned in the sea can be very profound, but they contrast the life I live: risk-taker versus risk-avoider. However, when I have perfected it and it is time to be unleashed, it is time to enjoy. I jump in as I would jump into any opportunity, but this time it is into the deep blue sea of wonders.

A sea of wonders waits to be explored. Every journey is different: it can be fast or slow, like how life takes me. The sea decides how it wants to carry me; drifting fast with the currents so that at times, I hang on to the reef and corals like my life depends on it, even though I am taught never to touch anything underwater. The fear I feel when I am speeding along with the current is that I will be swept away into the big ocean, never to be found. Sometimes, I feel like I am not moving at all, kicking away madly until I hyperventilate because the sea is against me with its strong current holding me against my will.

The sea decides what it wants me to see: turtles popping out of the seabed, manta rays gracefully floating alongside, being in the middle of the eye of a barracuda hurricane, a coral shelf as big as a car, a desert of bleached corals, the emptiness of the seabed with not a fish in sight, the memorials of death caused by the December 26 tsunami—a barren sea floor with not a soul or life in sight.

The sea decides what treasures I can discover: a black-tipped shark sleeping in an underwater cavern, a pike hiding from predators in the reef, an octopus under a dead tree trunk that escapes into my buddy’s BCD, colorful mandarin fish mating at sunset, a deadly box jellyfish held in my gloved hands, pygmy seahorses in a fern—so tiny that to discover them is a journey itself.

Looking back, diving has taught me more about life, the ups and downs, the good and bad, and to accept and deal with life’s challenges. Everything I learn and discover underwater applies to the many different aspects of my life. It has also taught me that life is very short: I have to live in the moment or I will miss the opportunities that come my way. I allow myself to forget all my sorrow, despair and disappointments when I dive into the deep blue sea and savor the feelings of peacefulness and calmness. There is nothing around me but fish and corals, big and small. Floating along in silence with only the sound of my breath— inhale and exhale . An array of colors explodes in front of my eyes, colors that I never imagine I will discover again, an underwater rainbow as beautiful as the rainbow in the sky after a storm. As far as my eyes can see, I look into the depth of the ocean with nothing to anchor me. The deeper I get, the darker it turns. From the light blue sky to the deep navy blue, even blackness into the void. As the horizon darkens, the feeding frenzy of the underwater world starts and the watery landscape comes alive. Total darkness surrounds me but the sounds that I can hear are the little clicks in addition to my breathing. My senses overload as I cannot see what is around me, but the sea tells me it is alive and it anchors me to the depth of my soul.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood.” … In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man in spite of real sorrows….” The sea and diving have given me a new outlook on life, a different planet where I can float into and enjoy as an adult, a new, different perspective on how it is to be that child again. Time and time again as I enter into the sea, I feel innocent all over again.

Write What Matters Copyright © 2020 by Liza Long; Amy Minervini; and Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

Examples

Narrative Essay

narrative essay outline example college

Most of us have written essays in school, where we had a formal theme book in which we wrote about our favorite literary works. Those were essential days. Essay writing continued to haunt us during high school and even college days.  This is an excellent opportunity to improve our writing. We should never be frightened if we make common trial mistakes because we can develop learning and get excited about writing an essay next time. Institutions would generally let us write a narrative essay. So this boils down to the question, what is a narrative essay?

What is Narrative Essay? A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a story. Unlike other essays that argue points or analyze subjects, a narrative essay tells a personal story, much like a storyteller. The main goal of this essay is to entertain and engage the reader by recounting interesting events in a clear, coherent manner. It often reflects the writer’s personal experience, allowing them to express themselves creatively and compellingly. Narrative essays use vivid descriptions and a structured plot, including characters, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion, to bring the story to life.

The Best Example of Narrative Essay

Title: The Day I Became an Environmentalist Introduction: One sunny afternoon, as I strolled through the lush, green park near my home, something extraordinary happened. It was a day that transformed my view of the world and carved a new path in my life. Body: I had always considered myself nature-friendly, but I hadn’t really taken any concrete steps towards environmental conservation. That day, as I walked, I noticed a group of volunteers, young and old, diligently picking up litter, their hands shielded by gloves, their faces beaming with purpose. Curious, I approached them, and they introduced me to their mission: a local environmental group dedicated to cleaning and preserving our community’s natural spaces. Intrigued, I decided to join in. As I picked up plastic bottles and discarded wrappers, a sense of responsibility began to burgeon within me. The leader of the group, Mrs. Thompson, shared staggering facts about pollution and its impact on our planet. Her words struck a chord in me. We continued our work, and as the pile of collected trash grew, so did my resolve. Climax: Then came the moment that sealed my commitment. We found a small bird, its leg trapped in a plastic ring, struggling helplessly. The group carefully freed the bird and tended to its injury. Watching the bird eventually fly away, a wave of emotion washed over me. It was a stark reminder of the impact our actions have on other living beings. Conclusion: As the day ended, I realized that my casual stroll in the park had turned into a life-changing experience. I signed up as a regular volunteer and started making more environmentally conscious choices in my daily life. That day, I didn’t just help clean a park; I embarked on a journey as an environmentalist, committed to making a difference in the world. This experience taught me the power of individual action in the fight against environmental degradation. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day, and through my narrative, I hope to inspire others to take their own steps towards protecting our planet.

Short Narrative Essay

Title: A Moment of Kindness Introduction: On a brisk winter morning, I experienced a small act of kindness that left a lasting impact on my heart. Body: I was running late for an important meeting, nerves frazzled, as I rushed towards the subway. In my haste, my bag snagged on a bench, spilling its contents. Papers fluttered like snowflakes in the wind. I felt a wave of panic, but then something wonderful happened. A young girl, no more than eight, stopped and began gathering my papers. Her small hands worked quickly, a smile brightening her face. Others passed by, but she stayed, helping me collect every last sheet. Her act of kindness in that chaotic moment was a beacon of calm. We exchanged no words, just a smile and a nod, a silent understanding of gratitude. As she handed me the last paper, her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. Conclusion: I made it to my meeting just in time, but the memory of the girl’s kindness stayed with me. It was a simple act, yet it reminded me of the profound impact kindness can have. In our busy lives, we often overlook these moments, but they hold the power to transform our day and touch our hearts.

Narrative Essay Format

A narrative essay tells a story, usually from the author’s perspective, and follows a clear and structured format. Understanding this format is crucial for effective storytelling in essay form.

Introduction

Hook: Begin with a compelling hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be an intriguing statement, a question, or a brief preview of the story. Setting the Scene: Provide background information that sets the stage for your story. This includes the setting, characters, and context. Thesis Statement: Though not always necessary in narrative essays, a thesis can be used to present the main theme or lesson learned.
Paragraphs: The body should be divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the story. Chronological Order: Narratives typically follow a chronological order, but flashbacks or non-linear storytelling can be used effectively. Character Development: Develop your characters through their actions, dialogue, and interactions within the story. Vivid Descriptions: Use descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader, making the experience immersive. Building the Plot: Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall plot, leading towards a climax.
Turning Point: The climax is the most exciting part of the story, where the main conflict or challenge peaks. Emotional Highpoint: This section should be emotionally engaging, capturing the essence of the conflict or experience.
Resolution: Wrap up the story by resolving the conflict or bringing the story to a close. Reflection: Reflect on the events of the story and their impact. This could include lessons learned or how the experience changed the narrator. Closing Remarks: End with final thoughts that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Essay Outline

Creating an outline for a narrative essay helps in organizing thoughts and ensuring a coherent and engaging story. Here’s a basic outline to guide your writing:

Hook: Start with an engaging opening to captivate your reader’s interest. Setting: Briefly describe the time, place, and context of your story. Characters: Introduce the main characters involved in your narrative. Purpose: State the purpose or theme of your essay, if applicable.

Paragraph 1:

Event 1: Describe the first key event or situation in your story. Details: Add relevant details to create a vivid picture. Character Reactions: Explain how the characters respond to Event 1.

Paragraph 2:

Event 2: Present the next significant event or development. Details: Include descriptive details to enhance the narrative. Character Reactions: Show how the characters react or change.

Paragraph 3 (and more, if needed):

Subsequent Events: Continue describing subsequent events, following the same pattern. Build-up to Climax: Gradually build tension or suspense leading up to the climax.
Main Event: Present the climax or the most critical moment of your story. Peak of Action: Highlight the peak of the action or conflict. Character Responses: Focus on the characters’ responses and emotions.
Resolution: Describe how the conflict or action is resolved. Reflection: Reflect on the events and their impact on the characters or yourself. Lesson Learned: If applicable, discuss the moral or lesson learned from the story. Closing Remarks: End with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Essay Topics with Samples

  • Narrative Essay on Childhood Memories
  • Narrative Essay on Road Accident I Witnessed
  • Narrative Essay on How I spent my holiday
  • Narrative Essay on On a Rainy Day
  • Narrative Essay on The Day I never forget
  • Narrative Essay on Friendship
  • Narrative Essay on A Trip I never forget
  • Narrative Essay on My First Day in School
  • Narrative Essay on Personal Experience
  • Narrative Essay on Overcoming a Challenge
  • Narrative Essay on Losing a Loved One
  • Narrative Essay on Earthquake
  • Narrative Essay on Being Judged

Types of Narrative Essay

1. Personal Narrative Essay : A story from the writer’s own life or experiences, often highlighting a personal journey or lesson learned.

2. Descriptive Narrative Essay: Focuses on detailed, sensory descriptions to create a vivid picture of a scene, event, or character.

3. Historical Narrative Essay: Tells a story set in a historical context, blending factual history with storytelling elements.

4. Biographical Narrative Essay: Relays the life story of another person, emphasizing their experiences and achievements.

5. Fictional Narrative Essay: A made-up story created entirely from the writer’s imagination, not based on real events.

6. Adventure Narrative Essay: Focuses on an exciting or adventurous experience, often involving action and suspense.

7. Mystery Narrative Essay: Centers around a mystery or puzzle, engaging the reader in uncovering secrets or solving a problem.

8+ Narrative Essay Outline Examples

1. narrative essay outline template.

Narrative Essay Outline Template

  • Google Docs

Size: 30 KB

2. Narrative Essay Outline For College Template

Narrative Essay Outline For College Template

Size: 29 KB

3. Narrative Essay Outline Template

Narrative Essay Outline Template

myperfectwords.com

Size: 247 KB

4. Personal Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline

houstonisd.org

Size: 87 KB

5. Sample Narrative Essay Outline

Sample Narrative Essay Outline

assets.ltkcontent.com

Size: 514 KB

6. Printable Narrative Essay Outline

Printable Narrative Essay Outline

Size: 277 KB

7. Outline for a Five-Paragraph Essay Template

Outline for a Five Paragraph Essay

Size: 96 KB

8. Narrative Essay Outline Format

Narrative Essay Outline Format

chrisrossarthur.com

Size: 465 KB

9. Narrative Essay Outline in PDF

Narrative Essay Outline in PDF

csustan.edu

Size: 42 KB

What purpose does a narrative essay serve?

Narrative writing allows writers to tell their stories uniquely. Also, it assists them in clarifying their thoughts and teaching them how to write them down in an organized manner. It also helps them in aiding in their quest for self-identity. They can learn about a variety of characters and settings through narrative writing.

How To Write a Narrative Essay?

Writing a narrative essay involves telling a story from your perspective and requires careful planning, detailed description, and a clear structure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective narrative essay:

1. Choose Your Story:

  • Select a meaningful event or experience from your life. It should be something you can write about in detail and has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

2. Create an Outline:

  • Plan the structure of your essay. Outline the sequence of events and decide how you will introduce your story, build the plot, and conclude.

3. Write a Strong Introduction:

  • Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a quote, a question, a vivid description, or an interesting fact.
  • Set the scene by providing background information and context.
  • Introduce the main characters involved in your story.

4. Develop the Body:

  • Describe the events in chronological order, but feel free to use flashbacks or non-linear storytelling if it serves your narrative.
  • Focus on making each paragraph a clear step in the progression of your story.
  • Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
  • Show emotions and conflicts through dialogue and inner thoughts.

5. Build Up to the Climax:

  • Lead the narrative towards the climax or the most critical point of your story.
  • This is usually where the main conflict or tension reaches its peak.

6. Write a Satisfying Conclusion:

  • Resolve the story and tie up any loose ends.
  • Reflect on the events and share what you learned or how you changed as a result of the experience.

Tips to Write a Best Narrative Essay

  • Choose a Meaningful Topic: Pick a story with personal significance or one that has impacted you deeply. This connection makes your narrative more authentic and engaging.
  • Start with a Hook: Begin with a sentence that grabs the reader’s interest, like a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a vivid description.
  • Use Descriptive Language: Employ vivid, sensory details to create a rich, immersive experience for the reader. Describe sights, sounds, smells, and textures.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of merely stating events, show them through action, dialogue, thoughts, and feelings to make your story more dynamic.
  • Develop Characters and Setting: Give life to your characters with distinct personalities and voices. Set the scene with clear, descriptive details about the environment.
  • Follow a Clear Structure: Organize your narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Ensure your story flows logically and is easy to follow.
  • Build to a Climax: Lead your story to a high point where the main conflict or tension reaches its peak. This keeps readers invested in the outcome.

What does the term “narrative format” mean?

In writing, the narrative format is an effective structure for narrating stories and sharing anecdotes and messages. While the narrative format does not have to follow a strict chronological order or sequence of events effectively, all compelling narratives or stories should include five major components.

What is the definition of a simple narrative?

The events that makeup stories are referred to as a narrative. It’s the way events in a story or book are connected and form the plot. A narrative is a collection of related events told in a sequence of written or spoken words to the reader or listener.

What is the format of a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is an essay in which the entire narrative revolves around a single motif or central point. All of the events, happenings, and characters in the story revolve around a single theme. In terms of format, a narrative essay is similar to a simple five-paragraph article.

It should be enjoyable to write a narrative essay. It does not bind you to a strictly linear format with no room for creativity.  That isn’t to say that breaking all the rules and writing something absurd is a good idea. If you’re still confused about what to write, consider your story as a coming-of-age story. An experience that shaped you into the person you are now. Your main goal is to take your readers on an adventure. Allow them to hear about your experience and learn something from it. The best stories are always those that take the audience outside of their usual comfort zones.

Twitter

Narrative Essay Generator

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

Write a Narrative Essay on your most memorable day.

Create a Narrative Essay about a lesson learned the hard way.

few logo

  • Free Essays
  • Essay Typer
  • Grammar Checker
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

Narrative Essay Writing

Narrative Essay Outline

Dorothy M.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

Published on: Jul 2, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 20, 2023

Narrative Essay Outline

On This Page On This Page

A narrative essay is the simplest and the most exciting type of essay that lets you share your story. It uses the ethos, pathos, and logos to help the reader understand the story. Similar to other types of essays, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

To make narrative writing more interesting and simpler, craft a good outline. Once you have an outline template in hand, you can easily organize your story.

Learn to craft a perfect narrative essay outline from this blog.

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is like a short story that has a central point around which the story revolves. It is told from a definite point of view, usually, the writers. So specific sensory details are provided to get the reader involved in the sequence of the story.

It is like a  descriptive essay  and  expository essay , where the writer informs the reader about a particular event. It offers writers a chance to think and write about themselves.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays rely on personal experiences and are written in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he uses the convention of storytelling. The five elements of a narrative essay are:

  • Plot:  The main event happened in your story.
  • Character:  People who played some role in your story.
  • Setting:  When and where the event happened
  • Conflict:  The problems faced by the characters
  • Theme:  Moral of the story

These five elements collectively make a strong narrative essay. Follow the narrative arc format to write a perfect essay. The narrative arc is a five stages process through which your plot passes to become a story.

Narrative Arc

The first step in writing a narrative essay is creating an outline. Let’s see how to start a narrative essay. Follow these steps to understand the outline writing process:

Let us discuss these steps in detail.

1. Choose an Essay Topic

A topic plays an important role in crafting a perfect essay. When writing a narrative essay, remember that you are telling a story, so you need to get the reader’s interest in the beginning. Choose a topic that interests you the most and gets the reader’s attention immediately.

2. Brainstorm

Before you get into the writing process, brainstorm for different ideas. Think of the things that happened in your story and try to recall the exact sequence. The brainstorming session helps you remember every important aspect related to your story. Make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

3. Write an Eye-catchy Introduction

The opening paragraph needs to accomplish three goals:

  • Get the reader involved in the essay with an eye-catchy hook statement.
  • Set the scene and give a glimpse of what happened in your story
  • State the thesis statement that provides an insight into what the story is all about.

4. Draft an Interesting Body

The body paragraphs comprise the major section of the essay. It describes the character, presents the setting, and discusses the conflicts. Here are the elements of the body paragraph:

  • Include a vivid description and present relevant details.
  • Incorporate dialogues effectively to get the reader involved in the story.
  • Write in the exact sequence in which the event happened.
  • Write in the first person while writing a personal story. Use the third person if you are writing someone else’s story.

5. Compose a Compelling Conclusion

In conclusion, you need to present the climax of the story. The following things should be included in the conclusion paragraph:

  • Present the climax of the story
  • Restate some of the key details
  • Share the lesson that you have learned from your story (if any)
  • Provide a call to action (if required)

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet (PDF)

Narrative Essay Outline Example

Narrative Essay Outline Format (PDF)

Narrative Essay Outline Structure (PDF)

Narrative Essay Outline MLA Format (PDF)

5 Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Sample Narrative Essay Outline for Middle school (PDF)

High School Narrative Essay Outline Template (PDF)

Narrative Essay Outline for College (PDF)

Personal Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Nonfiction Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Reflective Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Historical Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Biographical Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

What are the Five Rules of Narrative Writing

Now that you have a step-by-step guide and examples for crafting a narrative essay outline. Here are the five essential rules of narrative writing:

1. Keep It Clear

As you are telling a story, make sure it is clear for the reader. Do not mix things up. It should be clear and easy to understand for the reader. Moreover, use simple and clear language.

2. Do Not Exaggerate

The narrative essay has a main theme around which the whole story revolves. Don’t overuse the details; just tell the story in vivid detail. You should sound real.

3. Write in The First Person

Narrative essays are usually the writer’s personal experiences that they share with the reader. Therefore, they should be written in the first person. Do not use the second-person narrative.

4. Use Dynamic Words

The word choice should be dynamic. Avoid making your story monotonous. Avoid using the same slangs or idioms.

5. Limit References

The formatting styles like APA, MLA, etc., recommend including citations in the essay. But, the narrative essays are personal stories; you should limit the references.

Follow this step-by-step guide to craft a perfect outline for your essay. However, if you get into any trouble, feel free to contact us.  FreeEssayWriter.net  is a professional essay writing service that provides an academic writing help for every level.

Our  essay writer  is one of the capable writers who can craft top-notch essays, research papers in a short period of time. Check out our free essays to analyze the quality of our work and get some inspiration to place your  order .

Dorothy M. (Marketing, Literature)

Dorothy M. is an experienced freelance writer with over five years of experience in the field. She has a wide client base, and her customers keep returning to her because of her great personalized writing. Dorothy takes care to understand her clients' needs and writes content that engages them and impresses their instructors or readers.

People also read

Narrative Essay - A Complete Writing Guide

Personal Narrative Essay - An Ultimate Writing Guide

Best Narrative Essay Topics for Students of All Levels

Share this article

Keep reading

Narrative Essay Outline

Useful Links

If you have any queries please write to us

Join our mailing list

Please note that some of the content on our website is generated using AI and it is thoroughly reviewed and verified by our team of experienced editors. The essays and papers we provide are intended for learning purposes only and should not be submitted as original work.

Š All Rights Reserved 2024

all major debit / credit cards

Paypal

Š2022 - All rights reserved

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

  • I have read privacy policy and agree to the terms .

Forgot Password?

  • Send Password

Free Essay

We’ll research, write, and deliver a full-pro essay FREE to you under these easy terms:

  • We’ll provide 100% original research and writing to any new customer placing their initial order.
  • This is offer is available to new customers, one time only.
  • Your essay will be plagiarism-free, written by a seasoned writing professional.
  • Essay limited to 500 words (two pages). Additional pages at standard rates.
  • Policy changes upon written notice at the discretion of company.

Your first essay is FREE with a minimal admin fee of $20 that guarantees the security and prompt delivery of your order. Why an administrative fee?

  • To give you a 100% guaranteed Turnitin zero-plagiarism report.
  • To assure your total confidentiality and privacy behind our bullet-proof security firewall (which costs us a ton of money!).
  • To buy coffee for the amazing writer working on your essay (happy writers are better writers).
  • To make it possible to deliver QUALITY ESSAYS FOR FREE.

Original Price: $0

Offer 2 Pages Free: $0

Admin Fee: $20

narrative essay outline example college

Thank you for your order!

One of our agent will contact you shortly., if you have any other requirements or changes, please notify us immediately, as we are now working to deliver great writing that exceeds your expectations hard at work..

narrative essay outline example college

Narrative Essay Writing

Narrative Essay Examples

Cathy A.

20+ Top Narrative Essay Examples by Experts

12 min read

Published on: Apr 12, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 24, 2024

narrative essay examples

People also read

How to Write a Narrative Essay in Simple Steps

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

Personal Narrative Essay - Easy Guide & Examples

Share this article

Narrative essays are a common assignment in school, but many students struggle to write them. 

The problem with narrative essays is that they can be difficult to write. They require students to think about their own experiences and to put those experiences into words. This can be a challenge, especially for students who are not used to writing about themselves.

The solution to the problem of writing narrative essays is to provide students with examples. By reading examples of narrative essays, students can see how other students have successfully written about their own experiences. 

In this blog post, we will provide you with examples of narrative essays.By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of how to write a narrative essay.

On This Page On This Page -->

Before writing, go through narrative essay examples to ensure that outlining and formatting are done correctly. Moreover, looking at examples will allow the writer to understand sensory details and vocabulary to describe events, settings, characters, and emotions.

Here are some famous narrative essays that you can consider adding to your reading wishlist:

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

“Once More to the Lake” by EB White

“The Fourth of July” by Audre Lorde

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

“The Crisis” by Thomas Paine

But it doesn't end here! To help our students, CollegeEssay.org has gathered many other narrative essay sample. These examples will help you learn the correct formation of a narrative essay.

Read on to discover!

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Are you looking for a sample to draft a personal narrative essay ? Go through the example provided below to understand how the first-person and third-person perspectives are used in a narrative essay.

Sample Personal Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Example for Middle School

A narrative essay is frequently assigned to middle school students to assess their writing and creative skills. If you are a student looking for a sample narrative essay for your middle school assignment, go through the example provided below.

Narrative Essay Example: 7th Grade

Narrative Essay Example for Grade 8

Grade 9 Narrative Essay Example

Sample Narrative Essay Grade 12

Narrative Essay Example for High School

When drafting assignments for high school, professional writing is essential. Your essays and papers should be well structured and written in order to achieve better grades. If you are assigned a narrative essay, go through the sample provided to see how an effective essay is written.

Sample Narrative Essay For High School

Good Narrative Essay Examples for College

College essays are more complex in nature than other academic levels. They require a better understanding of the concept, following a proper writing procedure, and an outline.

Although you are to draft a narrative essay for your college assignment, make sure it is professionally written. Read the sample narrative essay provided below.

Descriptive Narrative Essay Example

If you are to draft a document on the recreation of an event, a descriptive narrative essay is written. It presents an incident that happened to the writer and the backed-up information that supports the story.

The following is a perfect example of a descriptive narrative essay.

Sample Descriptive Narrative Essay

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Literacy Narrative Essay Example

Academic assignments often require students to draft essays on education. Education is the most significant topic of discussion, and for this purpose, almost every essay type and research paper studies it.

If you are drafting a narrative essay on literacy, go through the sample provided.

Fictional Narrative Essay Example

Drafting a fictional piece of document requires a more vivid description and detail. If you are assigned a narrative essay to draft on a fictional theme, read the example provided below.

Sample Fictional Narrative Essay

The Essentials of Narrative Essays

In a narrative essay, the goal is to write a story from one person's perspective. To do this well requires incorporating all of these aspects: 

Below are some golden points that you should keep in mind when writing a narrative essay.

  • Chronological order is the most common way to present information.
  • A thesis statement has a function in an essay. This is typically evident in the opening paragraph.
  • The writer's argument is clearly communicated through the use of sensory details and vivid language.
  • This draws the reader in and makes them interested in what the writer has to say. Everything in the passage is somehow related to the main point.

How to Start a Narrative Essay?

When you start writing the narrative essay, you should follow some steps and make your writing process easy.

For your help, we gathered some steps that you should follow when starting writing the essay.

  • Choose a narrative essay topic that is engaging and interesting.
  • Do some research and then start writing the essay.
  • Create an outline.
  • Start writing the essay. The way you describe things should be creative and colorful. Thus, the reader can feel as if they are right there with what's happening.
  • Proofread the essay before submitting it.

Watch the video below for tips on how to write a narrative essay:

Narrative Essay Writing Tips 

Professional essay writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some tips and tricks for you to follow to make your narrative essay remarkable. Even if you are aware of the writing procedure, it is advised to use expert tips to make your documents flawless. 

Follow the tips provided below to draft an exceptional narrative essay.

  • Clear Content: The narrative essay content should be clear. All the details and descriptions provided should be readable and understandable by the audience. Avoid using complex words and distribute content into paragraphs.
  • Keep it concise: Avoid describing every minor detail or movement. Provide only explanations that are important for the readers to imagine. 
  • Use first-person perspective: To make something believable and interesting for the readers, state it from the first-person perspective. Share your personal experiences, stories, and opinions to make the content impactful. 
  • Use limited referencing: When drafting an essay, according to the instructed format, avoid using frequent in-text citations. 
  • Use Clear Stance: Write your point of view clearly, so the readers feel that it is a genuine piece of writing. 

Keep in mind that a narrative essay is different from an expository essay but the same as a descriptive essay .  

In conclusion,

Using the tips provided by the professionals and going through the narrative essay examples will let you draft an effective paper. 

Looking for top-tier essay writing help online ?

Our narrative essay writing service offers unparalleled expertise to bring your stories to life with clarity and creativity.

Also, elevate your writing journey with the best essay writer , our AI-driven tool that combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly functionality. Experience the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation in your next essay. Try it now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a narrative paragraph.

Paragraphs vary in length depending on the content, but a standard 5-sentence paragraph usually isn't enough to tell an interesting story. 

How do I write a narrative essay?

Here are some steps that will help you to write a great narrative essay. 

  • Consider the topic 
  • Start writing the draft 
  • Provide supporting facts 
  • Revise your essay 

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

narrative essay examples

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

narrative essay outline example college

Essay Freelance Writers

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline – Format, Templates, and Examples

Mar 25, 2024 | 0 comments

blog banner

Mar 25, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

A narrative essay is a form of storytelling that allows the writer to share a personal experience or perspective with their audience. To effectively convey this story, a well-structured outline is essential. A narrative essay outline acts as a roadmap for the writer, helping to organize their thoughts and ensure a clear and coherent flow of information. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a narrative essay outline and guide how to create one. We will explore different formats, templates, and examples that can help you craft a compelling narrative essay outline. Whether you are a seasoned writer looking to enhance your storytelling skills or a student working on a class assignment, understanding how to create a narrative essay outline can greatly improve the quality and impact of your writing. So, let’s dive in and explore the key aspects of crafting a successful narrative essay outline.

People Also Read

  • The Importance of an Argumentative Essay Outline: Tips, Examples and Templates
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples
  • 11 Essay Outline Templates to Structure Your Writing

Types of Narrative Essays

  • Personal Narrative Essay: This one’s all about you! Have you ever had an experience that changed you? Like scoring the winning goal or that unforgettable trip to grandma’s? You can spill those details into a personal narrative.
  • Descriptive Narrative Essay: Picture this as your chance to paint a vivid picture with words. Remember when the sun dipped behind the mountains, and everything felt magical? You can relive and share that moment through a descriptive narrative.
  • Literacy Narrative Essay: Have you ever had a eureka moment with reading or writing? This type allows you to delve into your journey with words. Did you struggle with reading before, but then a specific book changed everything? Share it in your literacy narrative.
  • Autobiographical Narrative Essay: Think of this as your mini-autobiography. It’s where you share a significant event and reflect on how it impacted your life. Have you ever had a life-changing moment that shaped who you are today? That’s what goes into an autobiographical narrative.

✍️ How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

If you need guidance on structuring and organizing a personal story or fictional tale, we will guide you on How to Write an Outline for a Narrative Essay. Follow these steps

  • Brainstorm your Personal Experience: Think about a moment you want to share in your life. Have you got one? Great! It could be anything from a heart-pounding adventure to a heartwarming realization.
  • Set the Scene with a Vivid Description: Think of how you can make your readers feel right there with you. What sights, sounds, and smells do you remember? Adding these details can make your narrative come to life.
  • Introduce the Main Point: What’s the big idea behind your story? Make sure your readers understand why this moment was so crucial.
  • Craft a Hooking Introduction: Grab your reader’s attention immediately. How about starting with an intriguing question or a captivating scene? Make them want to read more!
  • Organize in Chronological Order: Arrange your story in the order things happened. Did you go from feeling scared to feeling brave? Take your readers on that emotional journey, too.
  • Build Up the Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should unravel more of your story. Share the details that add depth and emotion to your narrative.
  • Restate Your Thesis in the Conclusion: Sum it all up! Remind your readers why this experience was so meaningful and what you learned from it.

Narrative Essay Outline Introduction

So, picture this: you’re about to embark on a storytelling adventure! In the introduction of your narrative essay, you’re setting the stage for your readers.

How do you make them feel right there with you, experiencing every detail?

Well, it’s all about creating a sense of intrigue from the get-go.

Think about an exciting moment from your story that you can use to hook your readers. Using a vivid description or dialogue can bring your narrative to life. This is where you lay the groundwork, giving your readers the background information they need to dive into your tale.

Remember, making the reader feel connected and intrigued is essential here. So, how can you do that? What essential elements must you include in this opening part of your essay? How do you make your narrative essay different from a descriptive essay or other types of essays? Well, let’s find out!

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

Ah, the thesis statement – it’s like the heart of your narrative essay!

It’s that one sentence that sums up the main point of your whole story. Think of it as the ‘takeaway message.’ When crafting your thesis statement, you answer, “What’s the big idea here?”

It’s always a good idea to make it clear and concise so your readers know exactly what to expect. Remember, this is your chance to evoke curiosity and set the tone for your essay. Now, when you’re creating an outline for your narrative, your thesis statement should guide the direction of your story. It’s like the map that helps you stay on track as you write your essay.

Need help creating an outline for your narrative essay? 

Well, don’t worry; plenty of essay templates and writing services can help you get started and ensure you’re on the right path to a great narrative essay!

Narrative essay body outline

Now, let’s see how to outline the body of your narrative essay.

Think of it as the meaty part where your story will shine! Since you’re writing a personal story, using the first person is the way to go. This helps your readers connect with you and feel like they’re experiencing everything alongside you.

Okay, so you’ve got your prompt and essay template, and you’re ready to start a narrative essay. The body of your essay should be divided into around three paragraphs, maybe more if your story is super juicy! Each paragraph should focus on a different part of your story.

Remember, you want to keep your readers engaged, so make sure each paragraph adds something important to your story. Your last sentence in each paragraph should be a bit like a cliffhanger – leaving your readers curious and excited about what happens next in your tale. This way, you’ll keep them hooked till the very end! And who knows, this might also come in handy for your college application essay !

Narrative essay conclusion outline

Let’s wrap it up with the conclusion outline for your narrative essay.

Think of it as the grand finale, where you tie everything together! You don’t want to repeat what you’ve said, right?

So, here’s where you bring it all home.

You can leave your readers with something to think about, maybe a rhetorical question that connects to your story. This will take the reader further into your world and leave a lasting impression.

Remember, your conclusion should reflect on what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown from your experience. It’s like the final piece of your writing puzzle, so make it count!

Your conclusion is your chance to write your story’s last chapter, so take your readers on an unforgettable journey that they’ll remember long after they’ve finished reading. Understanding the importance of a well-crafted conclusion is key to mastering the art of the writing process.

📝 Narrative Essay Outline Template

Personal narrative essay outline, narrative essay outline middle school, high school narrative essay outline, college narrative essay outline template, descriptive narrative essay outline, literacy narrative essay outline, reflective narrative essay outline, historical narrative essay outline, narrative essay outline worksheet, 5 paragraph narrative essay outline, narrative essay examples (pdf), get help with your narrative essay paper.

Feeling a bit stuck with your narrative essay? No worries! Essay Freelance Writers is your go-to destination for top-notch writing help. Our team of experts knows their way around a good narrative essay like nobody else. Whether you’re struggling with the perfect hook or need to fine-tune your thesis statement, we’ve got you covered. Click that ORDER NOW button above, and let’s start crafting an unforgettable essay that’ll impress your readers and get you those top marks!

What is the outline of a narrative essay?

A narrative essay outline typically includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It serves as a roadmap to guide the writer in organizing their thoughts and story.

What are the five parts of a narrative essay?

A narrative essay usually consists of an introduction, where the setting and characters are introduced, followed by the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, leading to the conclusion.

How do you structure a narrative essay?

Structure your narrative essay using a clear introduction that sets the Scene, followed by the body paragraphs that tell the story chronologically. End it with a conclusion that reflects on the significance of the experience.

How do you write an outline for a personal narrative essay?

Start with a catchy hook to grab the reader’s attention, provide background information to set the stage, and then organize the body paragraphs chronologically, each describing a specific event. Conclude with a reflection that evokes a sense of closure or insight.

Isabella Robertson

I am dedicated to creating engaging blog posts that provide valuable insights and advice to help students excel in their studies. From study tips to time management strategies, my goal is to empower students to reach their full potential.

  • How to Write a Perfect Synthesis Essay Outline (With Examples)
  • Exploring the Power of Storytelling: How to Write a Narrative Essay (With Outline, Topics, Examples)

discount

Most Popular Articles

Racism thesis statement example, how to rephrase a thesis statement, capstone project topic suggestions, how to write an abortion essay, should students wear school uniforms essay, list causal essay topics write, respect essay, signal words, great synonyms, informative speech examples, essay writing guide, introduction paragraph for an essay, argumentative essay writing, essay outline templates, write an autobiographical essay, personal narrative essay ideas, descriptive essay writing, how to write a reflective-essay, how to write a lab report abstract, how to write a grant proposal, point of view in an essay, debate topics for youth at church, theatre research paper topics, privacy overview.

Personal Narrative: my Experience at Nova Community College

This essay about the author’s experience at Nova Community College recounts their transformative journey of growth and discovery. It highlights the diverse perspectives encountered, the hands-on learning opportunities provided, and the supportive community that nurtured their academic and personal development. Through anecdotes and reflections, the essay emphasizes the importance of open-minded inquiry, experiential learning, and belonging in shaping the college experience.

How it works

My odyssey at Nova Community College has been an adventure teeming with discovery and growth, painting the canvas of my life with vibrant hues of knowledge and experience. As a fledgling scholar stepping onto the bustling campus grounds, I was greeted not just by the physical edifice of academia, but by a tapestry of diverse faces, each carrying their own story and dreams. In that kaleidoscope of humanity, I found not just classmates, but kindred spirits on a shared journey of exploration and self-realization.

What struck me most profoundly during my time at Nova was the kaleidoscope of perspectives that colored every interaction, turning each classroom discussion into a symphony of contrasting ideas and beliefs. From the impassioned debates in political science to the soul-searching discussions in philosophy, I was constantly challenged to reassess my assumptions, broaden my horizons, and embrace the richness of human diversity. In that crucible of intellectual exchange, I discovered that true growth lies not in the echo chamber of conformity, but in the fertile soil of respectful discourse and open-minded inquiry.

Moreover, Nova Community College served as a fertile ground for experiential learning, where theory and practice converged to create a holistic educational experience. Whether it was conducting experiments in the chemistry lab or immersing myself in community service projects, I found myself not just absorbing knowledge, but actively engaging with it in meaningful ways. These hands-on experiences not only deepened my understanding of academic concepts but also fostered the practical skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the real world.

Furthermore, what truly set Nova apart was its unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and support among its students. From the tireless dedication of faculty and staff to the camaraderie and solidarity among peers, I found myself enveloped in a nurturing community that embraced me for who I was and empowered me to become who I wanted to be. Whether it was seeking guidance from mentors or finding solace in the company of friends, I never felt alone on my journey through college.

In conclusion, my experience at Nova Community College has been a transformative voyage of self-discovery, empowerment, and growth. From the kaleidoscope of perspectives to the hands-on learning opportunities and the supportive community, every aspect of my journey has left an indelible imprint on my mind and heart. As I prepare to set sail towards new horizons, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories forged at Nova, knowing that they will continue to guide me on the path to realizing my dreams and aspirations.

owl

Cite this page

Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/

"Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/ [Accessed: 29 Apr. 2024]

"Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/

"Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/. [Accessed: 29-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Personal Narrative: My Experience At Nova Community College . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/personal-narrative-my-experience-at-nova-community-college/ [Accessed: 29-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

owl

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

IMAGES

  1. What is a Narrative Essay

    narrative essay outline example college

  2. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative

    narrative essay outline example college

  3. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative

    narrative essay outline example college

  4. FREE 8+ Essay Outline Samples in PDF

    narrative essay outline example college

  5. Writing a Foolproof Narrative Essay Outline

    narrative essay outline example college

  6. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative

    narrative essay outline example college

VIDEO

  1. Narrative essay

  2. create an outline of a good structure in the narrative

  3. The ultimate guide to writing an Essay in ONE night

  4. How to start a college essay. Improve your essays with AI essay generator

  5. Tips for writing your Research Papers ✍🏻

  6. Multimodal Literacy Narrative

COMMENTS

  1. Narrative Essay Outline

    The main body of a narrative essay is the most important part because it tells the whole story. This is where you state the facts, provide examples, give details, and guide the reader through the plot. According to the five paragraphs essay structure, it has three body paragraphs, but it can depend on the length and word count.

  2. How to Write a Narrative Essay

    When applying for college, you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities. For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay. College application prompt. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure.

  3. 1.7

    Here's the structure that most American films use. It's a structure as old as storytelling itself, and storytellers have been using it for thousands of years. I'll refer to it as narrative structure. You can think of this approach to writing an essay as breaking down into three basic sections: Challenges + Effects. What I Did About Them.

  4. Tips, Outline, Examples of Narrative Essay

    Choose a topic with rich sensory details: A good narrative essay should engage the senses and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Choose a topic with rich sensory details that you can use to create a vivid description. For example, you could write about a bustling city's sights, sounds, and smells.

  5. How to Write a Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, Outline ...

    4. Write a draft. Now, it's time to write your narrative essay. Follow the outline and start crafting each paragraph step by step. Stick to the narrative arc, but remember that you are writing an academic paper, not a fictional story. Operate within the structure of a standard college essay.

  6. How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline? Examples & Template

    Narrative Essay Outline Format. Here are general formatting rules for a narrative essay outline: Organizational Structure: Ensure your outline follows the standard structure of a narrative essay, which includes Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections. Font and Size: Use a clear and easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size for consistency and readability.

  7. How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

    📝 Narrative Essay Outline Template . Now, let's see what we have in the end. Have a look at the following narrative essay outline example: Introduction. Hook. It's a catchy and intriguing sentence. An interesting question or a surprising fact will do. Background information.

  8. Narrative Essay Outline: Structure, Examples, Tips

    Use it as an example or checklist while working on your outline. Introduction consists of the following parts: Hook - captivating readers is essential, especially in a narrative essay examples, that often wants to be personal, moving, reflective, or inviting feelings of appreciation or admiration. Also, it is highly advisable to set a proper ...

  9. College Essay Format & Structure

    There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay, but you should carefully plan and outline to make sure your essay flows smoothly and logically. Typical structural choices include. a series of vignettes with a common theme. a single story that demonstrates your positive qualities. Although many structures can work, there ...

  10. Narrative Essays

    When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways. Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay. If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a ...

  11. Narrative Essay Writing Guide

    Step 1: Choose a Captivating Topic. The first step in writing a narrative essay is selecting a topic that resonates with you. Consider personal experiences, memorable events, or significant moments in your life. Choose a topic that evokes emotion and has a clear storyline. Whether it's an adventure, a lesson learned, or a moment of triumph ...

  12. Writing a Foolproof Narrative Essay Outline

    A narrative essay outline can help ensure your writing tells a great story. Use the narrative outline essay template to get started.

  13. Narrative Essay Outline: Format, Worksheet and Example

    Writing a narrative essay is like writing a story, so you can import the style of writing a narrative story format into writing your essay. To form the outline of a story, some approaches have been itemized. These include: 1. The plot-based approach. The plot of a story is the series of acts and actions that make up the story.

  14. Personal Narrative Essay

    3. Create a Thesis Statement. The thesis statement is the most important sentence and tells the reader what your essay will be about. In a personal narrative essay, the thesis statement can briefly explore the story's events. Or it can tell the reader about the moral or lesson learned through personal experience.

  15. How to Write an Essay Outline

    Examples of essay outlines. Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay. Argumentative essay outline. This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet's impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

  16. Student Narrative Essay Examples

    The following essay, "My College Education" is from Chapter 15.2 - Narrative Essay, Writing for Success, University of Minnesota Libraries. The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay "The Myth of Sisyphus.".

  17. Narrative Essay

    Plan the structure of your essay. Outline the sequence of events and decide how you will introduce your story, build the plot, and conclude. 3. Write a Strong Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a quote, a question, a vivid description, or an interesting fact.

  18. Narrative Essay Outline

    1. Choose an Essay Topic. A topic plays an important role in crafting a perfect essay. When writing a narrative essay, remember that you are telling a story, so you need to get the reader's interest in the beginning. Choose a topic that interests you the most and gets the reader's attention immediately. 2.

  19. 20+ Easy Narrative Essay Examples and Writing Tips

    Good Narrative Essay Examples for College. College essays are more complex in nature than other academic levels. They require a better understanding of the concept, following a proper writing procedure, and an outline. Although you are to draft a narrative essay for your college assignment, make sure it is professionally written. Read the ...

  20. How to Write a Good Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, & Step-by-Step Guide

    The more passionate you will be - the more effective your assignment. Recall your story's details: people and objects, setting, and season. Think about the sequence of events and remember; no detail is too small. Remember: the small details reveal big ideas! Step 1. Choose Your Narrative Essay Topic.

  21. Write A Narrative Essay Outline: Templates, & Examples

    A narrative essay is a form of storytelling that allows the writer to share a personal experience or perspective with their audience. To effectively convey this story, a well-structured outline is essential. A narrative essay outline acts as a roadmap for the writer, helping to organize their thoughts and ensure a clear and coherent flow of ...

  22. Personal Narrative: my Experience at Nova Community College

    This essay about the author's experience at Nova Community College recounts their transformative journey of growth and discovery. It highlights the diverse perspectives encountered, the hands-on learning opportunities provided, and the supportive community that nurtured their academic and personal development.