narrative essays
TRANSCRIPT
Jeffrey SiegelHKSYU
English Writing 2112010-2010
Narrative Essays
Narration is
storytelling
Think about worst day you had this past year
Exercise:
Find a partner and sit facing each other.
One person shares his/her story while the other just listens.
In order for storytelling to be effective, it must
engage the self and other and provide a narrative
that is both intellectually and emotionally
compelling.
A narrative essay re-creates an experience for a central purpose:
Usually to reveal an insight about the action or people
involved.
A narrative should have a central focus, but it is not always necessary to express
the focus in a thesis sentence early in the essay; at times you will want to get
right to the action.
The sharper and more colorful the
detail, the greater the IMPACT the
narration will have.
Dull Description
“A fan was in the window.”
Colorful: Description
“The blades of the rusty window fan clattered and whirled as they blew out a
stream of warm, soggy air.”
Dull Description
Monday I have English Writing class. Although I don’t love writing, the
course is OK.
Better Description
Monday morning is the toughest part of the week. When the alarm goes off, all I want to do is return
to my comfy dream world. However, I know deep inside that I should pull myself out of bed and get ready for my English Writing class. Despite all my hesitation, I actually find class an excellent
way to shake off my early morning torpor.
OK Description
“We both sat and watched the game. We were nervous
because our team was loosing, but in the last minute
we scored winning goal.
Better Description
“I can’t believe we’re losing,” Jill remarked.
“Yea, our team sucks.” Jack said. “If we don’t win, I’m
burning my jersey. I knew I shouldn’t have spent money
on this stupid shirt.”“Hold on a sec. They’re moving downfield. Holy
$*#@! we scored.”
Use Dialogue
Build characters
Create vivid settings
Do Not Use Cliché Phrases:
• “Once upon a time…”• “Nowadays…”
• “Happily ever after.”• “There are two sides to every
coin.”• “ 加油”
?What should you write about?
You may want to write about…
An experience in which you encountered people from a
different culture
You may want to write about…
A turning point in your life
You may want to write about…
An experience in which you learned to do something new
You may want to write about…
An adventure that tested you in some
way
You may want to…
interview a person and learn about significant times/events in
that person's life. Then write a
narrative in the voice of that individual.
How did this story change your perspective?
Find a generalization which the story supports. This is the only way the writer's personal
experience will take on meaning for readers.
How To Get Started1. Chose a story; a well-defined incident or series
of related events. 2. Develop the plot, character, and setting with
specific details. 3. Orders events clearly
1. Construct a beginning, middle and end2. Use a logical and effective pattern of organization,
such as chronological order, flashback, or flash-forward.
4. Use description and dialogue as appropriate to bring the setting and characters to life.
5. Show events rather than just telling about them.
Assessment Criteria • Story (thesis)• Organization
• Setting• Characters• Dialogue
• Sensory Details • Take away message (conclusion)
• Grammar!
Write a Narrative Essay
• First Draft due next class • 600-1000 words; word count at end• Times New Roman• Font size 12• 1 inch margins• 1 ½ spaced• Cover Page with: Name (English);
Student ID#; Section #; First Draft; Date