Guide to Writing Narrative Essays: Structure, Guidelines, and Tips - Prof. Linda M. Ferrar, Study notes of Grammar and Composition

Download Guide to Writing Narrative Essays: Structure, Guidelines, and Tips - Prof. Linda M. Ferrar and more Study notes Grammar and Composition in PDF only on Docsity! Narrative Essays Eng 110  When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story.  These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing the student to express herself in a creative and, quite often, moving way. What is a Narrative Essay?  The essay should have a purpose. ◦ Make a point! ◦ Think of this as the thesis of your story. ◦ If there is not point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all? Guidelines  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 often times manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective. Guidelines  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. Guidelines  What is the point of your narrative?  Will it be clear to readers by the end?  Eve if you don’t provide a thesis statement, your story should focus on a central idea. Thesis  Is your narrator’s position in the story appropriate for your purpose and consistent throughout?  Check for awkward or confusing shifts in point of view (participant or nonparticipant; first, second, or third person) and in the tenses of verbs (present past or vice versa). Point of View  Have you selected and emphasized events to suit your audience and fulfill your purpose?  Tell the important parts of the story in the greatest detail.  Summarize the less important, connective events. Selection of Events