Week of October 17

Here are 4 TIPS FOR WRITING A GOOD NARRATIVE ESSAY:


1. Clarity. Ideas should be clearly distributed between sentences and paragraphs.

Example: Although I have never been to the races before, I was very excited to behold them, yet also somewhat nervous, because of the type of people who go there.

Improved: I'd never been to a horse race. I was excited to go, but also a little nervous, since I wasn't sure about the people at the track.

2. Don't describe each and every one of your own movements.

Example: As I went in the door, I turned and saw a TV. I looked around and saw posters on the wall. As I went further in I noticed everyone was watching M*A*S*H.

Improved: I immediately noticed the posters on the wall, though everyone else's eyes were focused on a TV playing M*A*S*H.

3. Avoid the second-person narrative. An important part of the narrative essay is the fact that the writer experienced the events described.

Example: As you go in the door, you will turn and see a TV. You look around and see posters on the wall. As you go further in you notice everyone is watching M*A*S*H.

Writing in the present tense is okay, however.

4. To interest the reader, dynamic word choice is key.