explain example of narrative essay

Narrative Essay

Definition of narrative essay, difference between a narrative essay and a short story, elements of a narrative essay, how to choose a topic for narrative essay, mla and apa formats in narrative essay, reflective narrative essay, examples of narrative essays in literature, example #1: new directions (by maya angelou).

“Annie, over six feet tall, big-boned, decided that she would not go to work as a domestic and leave her “precious babes” to anyone else’s care. There was no possibility of being hired at the town’s cotton gin or lumber mill, but maybe there was a way to make the two factories work for her. In her words, “I looked up the road I was going and back the way I come, and since I wasn’t satisfied, I decided to step off the road and cut me a new path.” She told herself that she wasn’t a fancy cook but that she could “mix groceries well enough to scare hungry away and keep from starving a man.”

Example #2: Saturday Evening Post (by Russell Baker)

“When I burst in that afternoon she was in conference with an executive of the Curtis Publishing Company. She introduced me. He bent low from the waist and shook my hand. Was it true as my mother had told him, he asked, that I longed for the opportunity to conquer the world of business? My Mother replied that I was blessed with a rare determination to make something of myself. ‘That’s right,’ I whispered. ‘But have you got the grit, the character, the never-say-quit spirit it takes to succeed in business?’ My Mother said I certainly did.”

Example #3: Only Daughter (by Sandra Cisneros)

“Once several years ago, when I was just starting out my writing career, I was asked to write my own contributor’s note for an anthology I was part of, I wrote: ‘ I am the only daughter in a family of six sons. That explains everything.’ “Well, I’ve thought about that ever since, and yes, it explains a lot to me, but for the reader’s sake I should have written: ‘I am the only daughter in a Mexican family of six sons.’ Or even: ‘I am the only daughter of a Mexican father and a Mexican-American mother.’ Or: ‘I am the only daughter of a working-class family of nine.’ All of these had everything to do with who I am today.”

Function of Narrative Essay

Synonyms of narrative essay, related posts:, post navigation.

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Narrative Essay: How-To, Structure, Examples, Topics

Narrative essays are most often used in subjects where student experience is the key. They often sound like they're harder than they actually are. If you're worried about your essay, don't worry. This guide will help you get it written with ease.

Table Of Contents

What is Narrative Essay?

Narrative essay structure, how to write narrative essay, narrative essay topics, narrative essay examples.

A narrative essay is one that details an experience you've had, and outlines it for the reader in a linear format. It's not just describing what happened, but also detailing what you felt at the time, how it affected you, and what you've learned from it.

Of course, your essay will be unique, as it's detailing an event that happened in your life. However, following a basic structure will make it easier to read and follow.

Introduction: Introduce the topic, and the incident that you're going to describe. Explain why it's important to you.
Thesis statement: Quickly sum up what you learned as a result of the incident you're describing.
Main body: You'll now talk about the incident involved. As you do so, make sure you're including all the important points. Who was involved? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? Describe exactly what happened, including your thoughts and feelings on the matter.
Conclusion: Refer to your thesis again, and how your experiences impacted your understanding of the topic at hand.
Check the topic you've been given, and think about what personal experience you can use to write around it.
Write some notes on the experience. What happened? Write a rough outline of the event.
Do your research, and find evidence to support your learning in text.
Write your outline. If you use the structure above, it'll be easy to decide where everything will fit in your essay.
Sit down to write. Use the structure as a road map, and you'll find essay writing is a lot easier than it seems.
Proofread and edit. Even if you think your essay's perfect, give it one last read through before you turn it in. You'll be amazed at the errors that you can miss.

Narrative essays are, by definition, personal to you. That's why the topics will focus on something you've experienced in the past. For example, you may need to write about a time you felt disrespected, or when you feel you really succeeded in a job.

If you want some practice, here are some topics you can try writing about:

What was the scariest moment of your life?
Write about a time you disagreed with someone. How did you resolve it?
Describe a time when you had to work hard to achieve something.

These examples will all let you explore what you learned from these experiences, and describe how you use those lessons in your everyday life.

With this help, you should be able to write an excellent narrative essay. Tell the story, but focus on what came of the events in question.

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

Common Writing Assignments

7 The Narrative Essay

A narrative essay recounts a personal experience. Not just any personal experience, but usually one that taught the author an important life lesson. It is a common high school writing assignment.

The template for a narrative essay is usually simple and straightforward because the essay is typically presented in a series of linear paragraphs, arranged in chronological order. The thesis is often implied, rather than stated explicitly, in the introduction, but its reaffirmation in the conclusion may be more explicit, especially if the writer wants to stress the nature of the life lesson he or she learned from the experience the essay recounts.

A good narrative essay shares most of the qualities of a good essay in other rhetorical modes. It should be clear, detailed, interesting, and informative. The difference between narrative and other essay forms lies in its tone. The tone or voice of a writing assignment refers to the level of formality or informality evident in the writing style. An email or text message to your friend, with its use of slang, relative indifference to grammar, emojis, and inside jokes, is written in a very informal style. An article in an academic journal, with its sophisticated diction and perfect grammar, is written in a formal style. Most of your writing assignments will have a relatively formal tone, not to the level of an academic journal article, but far more sophisticated than your text messages.

A narrative essay, however, since it recounts a personal experience, told from the first-person (“I was in Bangladesh to visit…”) point-of-view, will tend to have a more casual, informal tone. Diction your teacher might frown upon in an argument essay (“It was the last sailing of the night and it was one wild ride”) is usually deemed acceptable in a narrative essay, which might also contain dialogue, rarely used in other rhetorical modes. A less formal sentence structure may also be more acceptable in a narrative than in a more academic essay (“And the curried prawns simmered in coconut milk. So good.”) It is not essential to share with readers an experience they can relate to, but it does help add human interest to a narrative.

Here is a famous example of a narrative essay, “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell (1903–1950), the English novelist and essayist, best known for his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four . When he was a young man, Orwell worked for the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. “Shooting an Elephant” is based upon an incident he experienced there.

Example: Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell

In Moulmein, in lower Burma, [1] I was hated by large numbers of people—the only time in my life that I have been important enough for this to happen to me. I was sub-divisional police officer of the town, and in an aimless, petty kind of way anti-European feeling was very bitter. No one had the guts to raise a riot, but if a European woman went through the bazaars alone somebody would probably spit betel juice over her dress. As a police officer I was an obvious target and was baited whenever it seemed safe to do so. When a nimble Burman tripped me up on the football field and the referee (another Burman) looked the other way, the crowd yelled with hideous laughter. This happened more than once. In the end the sneering yellow faces of young men that met me everywhere, the insults hooted after me when I was at a safe distance, got badly on my nerves. The young Buddhist priests were the worst of all. There were several thousands of them in the town and none of them seemed to have anything to do except stand on street corners and jeer at Europeans.

All this was perplexing and upsetting. For at that time I had already made up my mind that imperialism was an evil thing and the sooner I chucked up my job and got out of it the better. Theoretically—and secretly, of course—I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British. As for the job I was doing, I hated it more bitterly than I can perhaps make clear. In a job like that you see the dirty work of Empire at close quarters. The wretched prisoners huddling in the stinking cages of the lock-ups, the grey, cowed faces of the long-term convicts, the scarred buttocks of the men who had been Bogged with bamboos—all these oppressed me with an intolerable sense of guilt. But I could get nothing into perspective. I was young and ill-educated and I had had to think out my problems in the utter silence that is imposed on every Englishman in the East. I did not even know that the British Empire is dying, still less did I know that it is a great deal better than the younger empires that are going to supplant it. All I knew was that I was stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible. With one part of my mind I thought of the British Raj [2] as an unbreakable tyranny, as something clamped down, in saecula saeculorum , [3] upon the will of prostrate peoples; with another part I thought that the greatest joy in the world would be to drive a bayonet into a Buddhist priest’s guts. Feelings like these are the normal by-products of imperialism; ask any Anglo-Indian official, if you can catch him off duty.

One day something happened which in a roundabout way was enlightening. It was a tiny incident in itself, but it gave me a better glimpse than I had had before of the real nature of imperialism—the real motives for which despotic governments act. Early one morning the sub-inspector at a police station the other end of the town rang me up on the phone and said that an elephant was ravaging the bazaar. Would I please come and do something about it? I did not know what I could do, but I wanted to see what was happening and I got on to a pony and started out. I took my rifle, an old .44 Winchester and much too small to kill an elephant, but I thought the noise might be useful in terrorem . [4] Various Burmans stopped me on the way and told me about the elephant’s doings. It was not, of course, a wild elephant, but a tame one which had gone “must.” It had been chained up, as tame elephants always are when their attack of “must” is due, but on the previous night it had broken its chain and escaped. Its mahout, the only person who could manage it when it was in that state, had set out in pursuit, but had taken the wrong direction and was now twelve hours’ journey away, and in the morning the elephant had suddenly reappeared in the town. The Burmese population had no weapons and were quite helpless against it. It had already destroyed somebody’s bamboo hut, killed a cow and raided some fruit-stalls and devoured the stock; also it had met the municipal rubbish van and, when the driver jumped out and took to his heels, had turned the van over and inflicted violences upon it.

The Burmese sub-inspector and some Indian constables were waiting for me in the quarter where the elephant had been seen. It was a very poor quarter, a labyrinth of squalid bamboo huts, thatched with palm-leaf, winding all over a steep hillside. I remember that it was a cloudy, stuffy morning at the beginning of the rains. We began questioning the people as to where the elephant had gone and, as usual, failed to get any definite information. That is invariably the case in the East; a story always sounds clear enough at a distance, but the nearer you get to the scene of events the vaguer it becomes. Some of the people said that the elephant had gone in one direction, some said that he had gone in another, some professed not even to have heard of any elephant. I had almost made up my mind that the whole story was a pack of lies, when we heard yells a little distance away. There was a loud, scandalized cry of “Go away, child! Go away this instant!” and an old woman with a switch in her hand came round the corner of a hut, violently shooing away a crowd of naked children. Some more women followed, clicking their tongues and exclaiming; evidently there was something that the children ought not to have seen. I rounded the hut and saw a man’s dead body sprawling in the mud. He was an Indian, a black Dravidian coolie, [5] almost naked, and he could not have been dead many minutes. The people said that the elephant had come suddenly upon him round the corner of the hut, caught him with its trunk, put its foot on his back and ground him into the earth. This was the rainy season and the ground was soft, and his face had scored a trench a foot deep and a couple of yards long. He was lying on his belly with arms crucified and head sharply twisted to one side. His face was coated with mud, the eyes wide open, the teeth bared and grinning with an expression of unendurable agony. (Never tell me, by the way, that the dead look peaceful. Most of the corpses I have seen looked devilish.) The friction of the great beast’s foot had stripped the skin from his back as neatly as one skins a rabbit. As soon as I saw the dead man I sent an orderly to a friend’s house nearby to borrow an elephant rifle. I had already sent back the pony, not wanting it to go mad with fright and throw me if it smelt the elephant.

The orderly came back in a few minutes with a rifle and five cartridges, and meanwhile some Burmans had arrived and told us that the elephant was in the paddy fields below, only a few hundred yards away. As I started forward practically the whole population of the quarter flocked out of the houses and followed me. They had seen the rifle and were all shouting excitedly that I was going to shoot the elephant. They had not shown much interest in the elephant when he was merely ravaging their homes, but it was different now that he was going to be shot. It was a bit of fun to them, as it would be to an English crowd; besides they wanted the meat. It made me vaguely uneasy. I had no intention of shooting the elephant—I had merely sent for the rifle to defend myself if necessary—and it is always unnerving to have a crowd following you. I marched down the hill, looking and feeling a fool, with the rifle over my shoulder and an ever-growing army of people jostling at my heels. At the bottom, when you got away from the huts, there was a metalled road and beyond that a miry waste of paddy fields a thousand yards across, not yet ploughed but soggy from the first rains and dotted with coarse grass. The elephant was standing eight yards from the road, his left side towards us. He took not the slightest notice of the crowd’s approach. He was tearing up bunches of grass, beating them against his knees to clean them and stuffing them into his mouth.

I had halted on the road. As soon as I saw the elephant I knew with perfect certainty that I ought not to shoot him. It is a serious matter to shoot a working elephant—it is comparable to destroying a huge and costly piece of machinery—and obviously one ought not to do it if it can possibly be avoided. And at that distance, peacefully eating, the elephant looked no more dangerous than a cow. I thought then and I think now that his attack of “must” was already passing off; in which case he would merely wander harmlessly about until the mahout came back and caught him. Moreover, I did not in the least want to shoot him. I decided that I would watch him for a little while to make sure that he did not turn savage again, and then go home.

But at that moment I glanced round at the crowd that had followed me. It was an immense crowd, two thousand at the least and growing every minute. It blocked the road for a long distance on either side. I looked at the sea of yellow faces above the garish clothes-faces all happy and excited over this bit of fun, all certain that the elephant was going to be shot. They were watching me as they would watch a conjurer about to perform a trick. They did not like me, but with the magical rifle in my hands I was momentarily worth watching. And suddenly I realized that I should have to shoot the elephant after all. The people expected it of me and I had got to do it; I could feel their two thousand wills pressing me forward, irresistibly. And it was at this moment, as I stood there with the rifle in my hands, that I first grasped the hollowness, the futility of the white man’s dominion in the East. Here was I, the white man with his gun, standing in front of the unarmed native crowd—seemingly the leading actor of the piece; but in reality I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind. I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys. He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalized figure of a sahib. [6] For it is the condition of his rule that he shall spend his life in trying to impress the “natives,” and so in every crisis he has got to do what the “natives” expect of him. He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it. I had got to shoot the elephant. I had committed myself to doing it when I sent for the rifle. A sahib has got to act like a sahib; he has got to appear resolute, to know his own mind and do definite things. To come all that way, rifle in hand, with two thousand people marching at my heels, and then to trail feebly away, having done nothing—no, that was impossible. The crowd would laugh at me. And my whole life, every white man’s life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at.

But I did not want to shoot the elephant. I watched him beating his bunch of grass against his knees, with that preoccupied grandmotherly air that elephants have. It seemed to me that it would be murder to shoot him. At that age I was not squeamish about killing animals, but I had never shot an elephant and never wanted to. (Somehow it always seems worse to kill a large animal.) Besides, there was the beast’s owner to be considered. Alive, the elephant was worth at least a hundred pounds; dead, he would only be worth the value of his tusks, five pounds, possibly. But I had got to act quickly. I turned to some experienced-looking Burmans who had been there when we arrived, and asked them how the elephant had been behaving. They all said the same thing: he took no notice of you if you left him alone, but he might charge if you went too close to him.

It was perfectly clear to me what I ought to do. I ought to walk up to within, say, twenty-five yards of the elephant and test his behavior. If he charged, I could shoot; if he took no notice of me, it would be safe to leave him until the mahout came back. But also I knew that I was going to do no such thing. I was a poor shot with a rifle and the ground was soft mud into which one would sink at every step. If the elephant charged and I missed him, I should have about as much chance as a toad under a steam-roller. But even then I was not thinking particularly of my own skin, only of the watchful yellow faces behind. For at that moment, with the crowd watching me, I was not afraid in the ordinary sense, as I would have been if I had been alone. A white man mustn’t be frightened in front of “natives”; and so, in general, he isn’t frightened. The sole thought in my mind was that if anything went wrong those two thousand Burmans would see me pursued, caught, trampled on and reduced to a grinning corpse like that Indian up the hill. And if that happened it was quite probable that some of them would laugh. That would never do.

There was only one alternative. I shoved the cartridges into the magazine and lay down on the road to get a better aim. The crowd grew very still, and a deep, low, happy sigh, as of people who see the theatre curtain go up at last, breathed from innumerable throats. They were going to have their bit of fun after all. The rifle was a beautiful German thing with cross-hair sights. I did not then know that in shooting an elephant one would shoot to cut an imaginary bar running from ear-hole to ear-hole. I ought, therefore, as the elephant was sideways on, to have aimed straight at his ear-hole, actually I aimed several inches in front of this, thinking the brain would be further forward.

When I pulled the trigger I did not hear the bang or feel the kick—one never does when a shot goes home—but I heard the devilish roar of glee that went up from the crowd. In that instant, in too short a time, one would have thought, even for the bullet to get there, a mysterious, terrible change had come over the elephant. He neither stirred nor fell, but every line of his body had altered. He looked suddenly stricken, shrunken, immensely old, as though the frightful impact of the bullet had paralysed him without knocking him down. At last, after what seemed a long time—it might have been five seconds, I dare say—he sagged flabbily to his knees. His mouth slobbered. An enormous senility seemed to have settled upon him. One could have imagined him thousands of years old. I fired again into the same spot. At the second shot he did not collapse but climbed with desperate slowness to his feet and stood weakly upright, with legs sagging and head drooping. I fired a third time. That was the shot that did for him. You could see the agony of it jolt his whole body and knock the last remnant of strength from his legs. But in falling he seemed for a moment to rise, for as his hind legs collapsed beneath him he seemed to tower upward like a huge rock toppling, his trunk reaching skyward like a tree. He trumpeted, for the first and only time. And then down he came, his belly towards me, with a crash that seemed to shake the ground even where I lay.

I got up. The Burmans were already racing past me across the mud. It was obvious that the elephant would never rise again, but he was not dead. He was breathing very rhythmically with long rattling gasps, his great mound of a side painfully rising and falling. His mouth was wide open—I could see far down into caverns of pale pink throat. I waited a long time for him to die, but his breathing did not weaken. Finally I fired my two remaining shots into the spot where I thought his heart must be. The thick blood welled out of him like red velvet, but still he did not die. His body did not even jerk when the shots hit him, the tortured breathing continued without a pause. He was dying, very slowly and in great agony, but in some world remote from me where not even a bullet could damage him further. I felt that I had got to put an end to that dreadful noise. It seemed dreadful to see the great beast lying there, powerless to move and yet powerless to die, and not even to be able to finish him. I sent back for my small rifle and poured shot after shot into his heart and down his throat. They seemed to make no impression. The tortured gasps continued as steadily as the ticking of a clock.

In the end I could not stand it any longer and went away. I heard later that it took him half an hour to die. Burmans were bringing dahs and baskets even before I left, and I was told they had stripped his body almost to the bones by the afternoon.

Afterwards, of course, there were endless discussions about the shooting of the elephant. The owner was furious, but he was only an Indian and could do nothing. Besides, legally I had done the right thing, for a mad elephant has to be killed, like a mad dog, if its owner fails to control it. Among the Europeans opinion was divided. The older men said I was right, the younger men said it was a damn shame to shoot an elephant for killing a coolie, because an elephant was worth more than any damn Coringhee [7] coolie. And afterwards I was very glad that the coolie had been killed; it put me legally in the right and it gave me a sufficient pretext for shooting the elephant. I often wondered whether any of the others grasped that I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool.

Shooting an Elephant

Study Questions

Respond to these questions in writing, in small group discussion, or both.

Do you think “Shooting an Elephant” is a well-written and entertaining narrative? Explain your answer.
The narrator’s decision to kill the elephant is influenced by the crowd of onlookers. Describe a time when you let other people’s expectations influence your actions.
How would you describe the tone or voice of “Shooting an Elephant”? How does the author establish this tone?
This narrative is notable for its long paragraphs, filled with vivid details. Select one such paragraph and analyze it in the context of the guidelines for effective paragraph development discussed in the previous chapter.
“Shooting an Elephant” is not a racist narrative, yet some racist views are evident on occasion in the story. Provide two examples of racist elements and comment on the effect they have on the story Orwell tells.

Writing Assignments

Keeping in mind the guidelines presented above for writing an effective narrative, write a narrative essay of approximately 750 words on a topic of your choice or one your teacher provides.
Write a brief essay in which you examine the reasons why—the causes—the narrator shot the elephant. See the section later in this chapter on the cause/effect essay.

Text Attributions

“Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell is free of known copyright restrictions in Canada.
Now known as Myanmar, it is a country in southeast Asia bordering Thailand, Laos, China and Bangladesh. ↵
British rule in India. ↵
A Latin phrase which expresses the idea of eternity. ↵
Latin, a legal threat; here, to inspire fear in someone. ↵
Dravidians are ancient race of southern India. Originally, “coolie” was a term meaning unskilled labourer; it is now considered a racially offensive term. ↵
A term used by native inhabitants of India under the Raj to address a European of official status. ↵
Dravidian labourer from the town of Coringa, India. ↵

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4.2: Student Sample- Narrative Essay

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Instructions: Read the student essay, “Melon Harvest,” by J. Workman. First read the NON-ANNOTATED student essay, and then compare it to the ANNOTATED version of the same essay. The purpose of annotation is to help you think deeply about a text as you read it. Notice how the annotated comments analyze and respond to the essay.

This is a model for how to engage with and annotate the writing you will encounter in this course.

Melon Harvest (Non-Annotated Version)

By J. Workman

At two in the afternoon I drove the five miles from our apartment complex into downtown Texarkana to drop off voter registration forms and mail paperwork about my recent change in residency to my employer. My husband’s job had brought me to this small city straddling the border of Texas and Arkansas, where everything still felt quaint and unfamiliar.

Driving home down Jefferson Avenue on the Arkansas side of town I passed a grocery store parking lot where a farmer had parked his beat-up truck and shoddy trailer under a faded awning. The trailer was loaded up with the last of his watermelon harvest—late season, probably sweet as they come. The truck bed held early season sweet potatoes. End of the summer fare and beginning of the winter stores, all in one load. The farmer’s back was facing me as he helped a woman buying watermelons. His arms were huge and his shoulders wider than a yardstick. He was tall, big, sunburned on his neck and upper arms.

Without warning, tears filled my eyes. Although this farmer was a stranger to me, I recognized his profile. I knew his stories, including the toil, drudgery and poverty that too often mark a hard-working farmer’s life. That life was just two generations back for me: my Grandma Wanda grew up a farmer’s daughter. Great Grandpa George was a farmer and cowhand and blacksmith and sheep shearer and whatever else he could do to put food on the table.

Although rural communities surrounded Texarkana, somehow I was surprised to see this hardscrabble farmer here, now today. He was the real thing. This man wasn’t like the hippie organic growers at the Santa Monica farmer’s market I visited every Saturday before I moved from L.A. He wasn’t a part-timer coming to town only seasonally with a load of grapes or melons. This man was no immigrant laborer from Mexico or El Salvador or Guatemala who came in the 1990s to work the farms on behalf of the white owners. He was not the descendent of Latin American or Asian laborers who came three generations ago and now own farms themselves.

This was a homegrown, Caucasian, American farmer, but the not-quite-Norman Rockwell kind. He was a “dirt farmer,” as my new neighbor Billy described the type, himself the son of a sharecropper. He grew whatever he could coax out of the land, working those acres generation after generation to hold onto the family homestead. This farmer was young, early thirties perhaps, close to my own age (although you can’t really tell after awhile because farmers take on the age of the earth). Seeing him hit close to home for me, too much a reminder of the hardship and poverty of my own family’s roots, uncomfortably manifest today in another family’s ongoing hardship.

Wiping my eyes, I realized I was projecting all this onto some random roadside farmer, and I didn’t even stop to buy a melon. I thought about it, but I didn’t really want to have to eat a whole watermelon on my own. More than that, I didn’t know how I would explain to him the tears I knew would stream from my eyes as I hefted the melon and counted out the bills.

Turning the corner into our apartment complex I passed the Greyhound station just in time to be a voyeur viewing a private moment between a mother and son. She was sending him off, probably to a city somewhere. He was a big, overweight, sloppy but good-natured looking boy. For the second time tears sprang to my eyes, and I couldn’t say quite say why. After all, my parents put me on a Greyhound bus to go back to college after the holidays one winter. My father said it was a mandatory life experience, taking the bus to school. When I complained, he told me it was good motivation to finish college and get a good job. I can’t say he was wrong about that.

But here in Texarkana my tears flowed again for that mother and son and the harshness of the big city world out beyond this place. I cried for the harshness of my citified eyes judging these homespun people in their quaint small place with its oddities and familiarities, its first names and slow-moving afternoons and churches bigger than stadiums.

I cried for how God must love the humility of a place like this, a town that unobtrusively preserves a Bible in the courthouse and trusts this nation could never do wrong. Perhaps in some ways this is a better place—better than me and the world I’m from. But in some ways it’s also a dying place, dying like a field of vines after the melons are harvested, wilting in the sunlight of America’s finest hour.

Annotated Version

Click on the link to view the annotated version of the essay: “Melon Harvest,” by J. Workman

Concept of Narrative Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

A narrative essay can be defined as a story written for a certain purpose and point. People have many stories they need to tell and they therefore write narrative essays for particular audiences or for their own satisfaction. In workplaces, narratives essays are not common occurrences but at times individuals might be asked to give a report on conferences they attended or give an account of something that happened. Narrative essays give the writers an opportunity to speak about themselves.

People have experiences they wish to share with their friends thus narrative essays provide the necessary tools for telling these stories in understandable ways. Narrative essays usually tell stories about the lives of individuals. They may also talk about memorable people or events that took place in the past (Essayinfo 3).

Although it is advisable not to begin narrative essays with I, this may be used to initiate creativity in a narrative essay. It is also a requirement that narrative essays be written in chronological order. However, it does not imply that the rules have to be always followed because narrative essays may be boring when told in this style.

Use of descriptive language is an effective way of drawing the attention of the readers into the experiences of the writer. Verbs adverbs and adjectives that make the reader create visual images should be used in narrative essays.

The writing of a narrative essay should be conversational for the writers to sound as if they tell the story verbally as opposed to a written one. This is made possible by applying metaphors, anecdotes and other related tales within the narrative.

The writer should think of the most comfortable way the story would have been told and write a narrative essay that way. It is always important to start with a draft then transform it into a complete narrative essay. Most narrative tales are told in the 1 st person and this applies to a narrative essay.

However, if the essay talks about the experiences of other individuals, she or he may be used. Consistency is crucial in the narrative essay thus if it starts in the first person, the whole essay should be written in the first person. The most important thing to note in writing a narrative essay is that its basis is real events. As a result, it follows all the rules of an essay as opposed to a mere story (Essayinfo 4 ).

Narrative essays start by explaining the topic and then introduce the characters. A basic premise is included in the introduction which in simple terms shows the lesson learnt from the experience and what makes the story important. From the draft of the essay, an individual writing a narrative essay should pick out the most suitable points that give a detailed explanation of the story.

The points should have a close link with the premise of the narrative essay. In the development of the essay, descriptive tests that imply that there is enough information to support the premise should be included.

Just like normal essays, the last paragraph in a narrative essay serves to conclude it. In the conclusion, the premise is restated and a summary of the events leading to such a conclusion presented. Descriptive language and a premise in narrative essays usually make the essays interesting to read. Explaining personal experiences or the experiences of others in narrative essays makes it possible for individuals to relate with memorable events in ways that are easy to understand (Essayinfo 5).

Works Cited

Essayinfo. Narrative Essay . 2010. Web.

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Student Sample: Narrative Essay

This is a model for how to engage with and annotate the writing you will encounter in this course.

Melon Harvest (Non-Annotated Version)

By J. Workman

Annotated Version

Click on the link to view the annotated version of the essay: “Melon Harvest,” by J. Workman

Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
Melon Harvest. Authored by : J. Workman. License : CC BY: Attribution
Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

Introduction to the Writing Process
Introduction to Writing
Your Role as a Learner
What is an Essay?
Reading to Write
Defining the Writing Process
Videos: Prewriting Techniques
Thesis Statements
Organizing an Essay
Creating Paragraphs
Conclusions
Editing and Proofreading
Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Peer Review Checklist
Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

Definitional Argument Essay
How to Write a Definition Essay
Critical Thinking
Video: Thesis Explained
Effective Thesis Statements
Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Introduction to Narrative Essay
"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
"Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
Video: The Danger of a Single Story
How to Write an Annotation
How to Write a Summary
Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
"She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
"April & Paris" by David Sedaris
Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
"Disability" by Nancy Mairs
"Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
"A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
"Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
"Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

Introduction to Argument Essay
Rogerian Argument
"The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
"The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
Writing for Success: Argument
Student Sample: Argument Essay
Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
Mini-lesson: Fragments I
Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
Mini-lesson: Parallelism
Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
Style Exercise: Voice

Examples of Narrative Essay Types

As you may already know that narrative essays are a good way for a writer to convey a particular experience, event, or moment in a vivid and engaging manner. But a new writer may struggle to achieve this in his write-up.

That’s where this blog post gets very helpful as we have tried to explain each narrative essay type with an example. So, it’s going to be a good 5 minutes for a newbie or experienced writer while reading this. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Examples of Narrative Essay Types to Help You Improve Your Understanding

Personal narrative essay.

A Leap of Faith

I was perched on the edge of the cliff, my heart racing as I looked out at the murky water below. It was a crucial moment where the decision I made would change the course of my life.

It was a blazing hot summer day, the kind that made the air feel like it was melting, and the buzzing of cicadas was everywhere. I ended up at the edge of a mountain cliff, with a stunning view of a hidden natural pool among the rocky terrain. This wasn’t just any old body of water; it was a hidden gem known only to those who love a good thrill.

As I looked at the sparkling water beneath me, I felt a combination of exhilaration and apprehension. My pals were urging me on, their enthusiasm echoing in my ears. “Go for it!” they yelled, their voices bouncing off the rocky ground.

I was really hesitant. The water seemed so far away, but also really tempting. I was filled with doubts and worries – what if I messed up? What if I got hurt? The worries were threatening to take away the excitement inside me.

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my rattled nerves. My heart was pounding, but a sense of determination started to rise up inside me. I had always been a cautious person, the one who stayed on the safe side, but in that moment, I felt a desire for something different. I wanted that thrill, the feeling of breaking away from the boundaries I set for myself.

I felt a rush of excitement as I shot forward, the wind stinging my face. I let out a loud yell of joy as I fell through the air, it felt like time had stopped. Everything around me was a blur.

The splash into the water was a shock to my system, but it was also so energizing. It was like getting a big hug from the ocean as I sunk below the surface. For a few seconds, I felt like I was floating, not being held down by anything. When I came back up, I was overwhelmed with joy. I had taken a chance, in a physical and mental sense.

When I swam up, I finally got it – that jump was more than just facing a physical fear. It was about accepting the uncertainty, letting go of any doubts and getting a rush from something unfamiliar. It was about experiencing the sheer joy that comes from pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Jumping off that cliff was more than just a plunge into the water; it really changed my outlook on life. It taught me an important lesson that sometimes the most satisfying experiences are just beyond our fears, if we just take the plunge and have some faith.

Unraveling Threads

Growing up in the small town where I did, it felt like time was in slow motion. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of the past. But it wasn’t all the same – there were lots of complexities and strengths that made up my childhood.

My mom was a total rock – she was always there for us, no matter what life threw at her. Our house was like a safe haven for us, keeping us away from the tough stuff going on outside.

I clearly remember the smell of freshly baked bread mixing with the sound of my mom’s soft singing as she sewed patches onto old clothes, piecing together parts of our lives. Even though it was a basic task, it had a big impact on me.

Life has a funny way of really messing up the best-laid plans. We were all rocked by a devastating loss that left us feeling overwhelmed by sorrow and confusion. The places I used to take comfort in now felt foreign and eerie.

In the middle of all the chaos, my mom stayed strong like a rock, putting the pieces of our broken life back together. Her determination was our beacon, showing us the way out of the gloomiest of times.

After going through a tough time, I realized how strong I really am. Every failure and misstep became a reminder of the determination I got from my mom. I figured out how to make a bright future for myself, with a mixture of hard work and optimism.

As I look back on those days, I can see that my life is like a patchwork quilt – made up of all the experiences I’ve had and held together with love and strength. The memories of growing up in a small town and the lessons I learned there still have an influence on my life today – a story of courage and the importance of family.

Autobiographical Essay

Footprints in Time

Growing up in the city, I was surrounded by the energy of the streets and the sound of everyday life. My parents taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance, and their guidance has helped shape my life. I’ve been through ups and downs, but I’m thankful for the experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I remember all the fun times I had running around the streets with my pals. From the little alleyways where we would play hide-and-seek to the bustling markets that had so much to explore, I always felt like I was in a new adventure. So many stories were waiting to be found in each and every place I went.

My education was like a compass, helping me figure out what to do with the possibilities that were in front of me. I spent a lot of time reading and found comfort and motivation from that. Learning became a really important part of who I am.

As I made my way through higher education, I faced some tough times that tested my strength. But I kept going and became even more determined. The obstacles I encountered were intimidating, but they motivated me to make an impact on the world.

My life has been a patchwork of different experiences and encounters. I’ve had moments of success and times of reflection, and each has added to who I am. The morals I was brought up with and the things I’ve learned throughout my journey have all influenced the person I am today.

As I navigate my way through adulthood, I’m bringing all the experiences of my past – a mix of recollections, goals and hopes that haven’t been met yet. The steps I take are a reminder of all I’ve been through, and my story is still a work in progress, with each step I take into the unknown.

Historical Narrative

Whispers of Revolution

In 1776, a wave of enthusiasm for freedom surged through the American colonies, and on that memorable July morning, a number of people met in Philadelphia to make their mark on history.

Among them were determined guys, their hearts burning with the strong wish for freedom. The respected chambers of the Continental Congress had passionate arguments and strong talks that would decide the fate of a growing country.

Amid the resounding steps of those who decided to take a stand against the established system, a statement appeared – a proclamation that would be remembered through the ages. The Declaration of Independence, a representation of the undeniable rights of life, freedom and the quest for joy, marked the start of a new era.

The words written on the paper carried a lot of emotion, ideas, and the shared desire for freedom from oppression. It was written with passion and assurance, expressing the feelings of people who wanted to be free from being controlled.

Despite the impressive words used, there was a fierce battle happening – a clash of ideas, people losing their lives on the battlefields, and a young country showing strength. All the blood spilled in the fight for freedom became a part of the story of the revolution.

The sound of cannons and the enthusiasm of patriots filled the air, sparking the fire of freedom that couldn’t be put out. Though it was won, it came with a price, leaving behind the marks of people who gave their lives for a brand-new nation.

After the war, a new nation was born, based on the principles written in that momentous piece of paper. The echoes of that important year still endure, reminding us of the brave spirit that created the nation and passed on the flame of liberty for many generations.

Learning to write a good narrative essay requires good practice along with taking care of important elements of such writing. Going through examples of narrative essay types is a good way to master this academic activity. That’s what this interesting blog post focuses on.

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UMGC Effective Writing Center Narration: Writing to Reflect

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Narration is one of the most common types of communication in our world. It seems we are either telling about something we did or hearing about something that happened to others on an almost hourly basis. This constant practice makes narrative writing--also called reflective writing--natural for us and a common writing assignment in school.

It seemed only logical that we ask a successful student to reflect upon and narrate her experience with narrative writing.

Meet Kris Nelson

Kris is a typical adult student: returning to school to complete degree work while holding down a job and raising a family. Her approach to this writing assignment was meticulous and thorough. Her description of the writing process, from pre-writing to final draft, also provides an excellent model for both beginning and experienced writers.

What follows is Kris' answers during an interview in which we asked how she went about producing an effective narrative or reflective essay.

How Did You Begin?

The first thing I did was to review the assignment instructions and make sure I understood everything my professor wanted. Then I looked up a definition of a narrative or reflection essay. The definition I liked was simple: an essay that shares a significant personal discovery . The discovery could be about anything—something you found out about yourself, about other people, even the world. In reflection writing you tell a story. Everybody loves a good story. Once I put those two things together--a good story about finding out something—the assignment came together for me.

I also tried to find a way to relate the assignment to the real world. I thought about how often I use narrative writing in the real world. I work in the medical field and we have to write patient histories that tell a story about that patient, including their presenting complaints, the doctor's treatment, the patient outcomes, and follow-ups. Sometimes we've been in legal depositions where we had to narrate our version of what happened in a certain patient's case. Knowing that I was practicing a skill that I needed at work gave me more motivation.

How Is a Reflection/Narration Organized?

There are usually five parts in this type of essay. First the introduction . You set the scene, but with a little mystery or something exciting or spicy to make it interesting. Next is conflict . There has to be some complication. Some drama, problem to be solved, or decision to be made. Then you present the effects of the problem or conflict. What happened? This is where the reader’s interest is usually most intense. Finally, the problem is over. There’s a solution . That’s why this section is usually called the resolution. Many reflections also have a conclusion. This part reinforces the point and circles back to the beginning, closing the loop, so to speak.

Describe Your Writing Process

I try to follow pretty much the same process, no matter what I'm writing. Sometimes there is stronger emphasis in one area because of the type of writing. In this narrative essay, for example, I really relied on my outline.

Prewriting : I start with a list of possible topics. I brainstorm them as fast as I can and do not worry about what is coming out. I want quantity, not quality. Then I pick one or two to play with. I brainstorm about it. For this topic, I tried to remember as much as I could about the summer of the infamous cookie dough incident.
Outlining : After the topic is set, I outline. I’m a big believer in outlines. My motto is: If I can outline it, I can write it . The writing just seems to take care of itself with a good outline. On one side of the page I put the five parts— intro, complication, effects, resolution and conclusion . Then I filled in each part with as much detail as I could as fast as I could. I ended up with more detail than I needed, but that’s a great position to be in! Then I did a last outline, the one I try to follow when writing.
Drafting : On a first draft, I write fast and don’t worry about anything except getting down my thoughts. I stick to the outline, but if I need to go in a different direction I will. It’s just a draft.
Revising : After the first draft, I go back and throw out anything that takes away from my point or the effect I’m going for. Then I find somebody else to read it and give me their reactions. That really helps me to understand how well I communicated the ideas and feelings I wanted to get across, what belongs and what doesn't.
Editing/Proofing : On the final draft, I edit and proofread. I like to use the spelling and grammar checker on my computer, then get someone else to look it over again for errors. For this essay, I felt like my cousins and my grandmother deserved my best writing so I really tried to make it shine.

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Narrative essay: definition, writing steps, examples, topics

A narrative essay is a type of expository writing whose general body focuses on a central point or a motif. In this type of writing, all the unfolding incidents, characters, narratives, and dialogues build to a central point. It allows you to think and write about yourself. Often, people have ideas and experiences worthy of sharing that are fixed in their minds. However, in many instances, these memories are mixed up with other ones, making it difficult to express in writing for the first time.

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Writing a narrative essay means that you are telling your story. These stories are told from a well-understood point of view, in most cases, the writer’s; thus it touches your emotions and gives sensory details that get the reader hooked to your piece all the way to the end. The verbs in the article are often well described and straight to the point. These essays put across a point, which in most cases, is explained in the opening sentence or might be found at the end of the opening paragraph.

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What are the steps to write a narrative essay?

It is not hard to find how to write a narrative essay step-by-step pdf or other educational materials that will help you create a good essay narrative. To create a masterpiece, you have to be creative, choose the right narrative essay topics and obey the narrative essay format.

The structure of a narrative essay is made up of three main sub-components. These are, the introduction, which is a single paragraph aimed at presenting your idea and topic to the reader, the body- which has a minimum of three paragraphs and allows you to tell the real story as it unfolds, and the conclusion – which is a brief text of your thought and results or consequences of your story.

Introduction

A good narrative essay introduction is an account of an event with clear details. It should be comprehensive, precise and limited based on the setting, characters, and plot. To achieve this, you can write about a story from your past and make it one of the greatest experiences through your writing. As a warning, you should avoid writing introductions that are broad like: In my youth... This type of introduction has a huge scope, making it difficult for you to concentrate ideas onto specifics of your story. Finally, you should ensure that you make a good choice of characters and limit them to a minimum.

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Once you have properly introduced your essay and given a clear picture of your idea, you need to tell your readers what happened, how it happened, and why it happened.

This section of your writing needs to be as creative as you can possibly think, without straying from your main point. The body has to explain your experiences exhaustively and effortlessly to pull the reader into your experience.

The conclusion is the last process in your writing. The conclusion should have neither dialogues nor conflicts. It should be a continuation of the facts that were outlined earlier, in the introduction and body of your essay. The conclusion should not be independent of the other part of the essay; instead, it should have clear timelines that will allow readers to follow to the last step. Make sure you have creatively wrapped up your writing to keep people interested in your work long after they are done reading the text.

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How to write a narrative essay step-by-step

Given that the main reason for writing narrative essays is to share your experiences chronologically with the readers, it is wise to write it in a specific order to ensure that your presentation of facts is done in the most effective way without disorienting the reader.

1. Preparation

The preparation phase helps you get ready for creative writing. At this stage, you are supposed to look for all the required components to make your essay effective. Look for the right topic and find the right information that you will use as a reference in your writing.

2. Writing process

The writing process can take a lot of time if you do not approach it right. Below are some of the things you can do to save time and be effective in your writing.

Make a structure and an outline

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In this structure and outline, you should split your plot into three parts that are set up, main part, climax, and an exciting conclusion. Your introduction should be objectively written to keep your reader interested in the rest of your writing. In your body, you should give each of your paragraphs a main point and briefly elaborate those points. Once these two have been written, write a conclusion with an unexpected and exciting twist.

Give your account in First-person narration

This type of writing is personal. Therefore, you should put more emphasis on the unfolding events in favor of your identity.

Characters and places

It is important for you to ensure that you provide a vivid description of the events and people in your story, especially for those individuals who contribute greatly to the total outcome of your story. It is wise to mention the places where the events are taking place, so as to create a pleasant ambiance of your location.

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Once you are done writing your first draft, go through it with a keen eye to note some of the obvious mistakes with structure, style, and content.

Take a break after writing. It is not wise to go straight ahead into editing your text. Once you feel confident and well rested, read through your text making the right changes. Some of these changes include changing ambiguous sentences into easy to understand sentences; delete all the repeated ideas; verify all the references used; paraphrase texts that do not make sense and finally look at the structure of the essay while making the right adjustments.

4. Proofread

Go through your essay to correct all the grammar and misspelling issues. You can use the help of software to correct grammar mistakes. Correct all the spacing issues by removing all the double spacing present in your essay. Finally, you should replace all the misspellings with properly spelt words.

These are the essential components of creating an enjoyable narrative essay. When you properly leverage these factors, you will be assured of delivering high-quality pieces. Nonetheless, you have to ensure that you infuse your creativity in your writing to achieve a masterpiece at the end of your writing.

Source: Briefly News

Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at [email protected].

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

Jackson Schroeder

It’s always a good idea to create an outline for your essay before embarking on the writing process. Outlines provide structure, which is one of the most important components of a good essay.

Without structure, you’ll have a difficult time telling your story in a compelling way and sustaining the attention of the reader.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is one of the four main types of essays you will be asked to write throughout nearly every level of education.

They are also often an important piece of the college application process. In fact, all seven of the prompts included in the 2020-21 Common App call for narrative essays.

In summary, a narrative essay is a piece of writing in which you tell a story from your point of view about a personal experience. Your goal, when writing a narrative essay, is to use description and voice to portray yourself to the reader. Ideally, the reader will walk away from your essay with the feeling that they know you.

Like any good story, your narrative essay should have a purpose, rather than just be a recount of events.

For example, consider this narrative essay prompt from the 2020-21 Common App:

“Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.”

Yes, those reading your essay do want to know what problem you’ve solved. But, more importantly, they want to gauge how you react to and overcome adversity. So, take the extra step to make sure your narrative essay serves a purpose and has an overall theme. This theme will serve as your thesis statement.

What should you do before writing your outline?

Before you get started on your outline, you need to take a moment to organize your thoughts.

Think hard about the story you want to tell. Try to remember all of the events and details. Jot everything down in a notepad and begin to separate your notes into categories.

Remember, you typically will only have about 500 or 600 words to tell your story. So, consider which details are necessary and which you could leave out.

Next, think about how you want to organize your essay. Compared to other types of essays, narrative essays grant you a good amount of structural freedom. For example, you don’t always have to have a clear thesis statement in your introductory paragraph. You could even write your essay in chronological order, as long as your main point isn’t buried too deep.

Once you have a solid idea for the overall structure of your essay and the information you want to include, it is time to outline.

Structure of narrative essay outline

I. Introduction

A. The hook

The hook, which should be the first sentence of your narrative essay, needs to make the reader want to continue reading. The hook could be a fact, a rhetorical question, or an intriguing sentence that sucks the reader in.

Say, for example, you’re writing about a time when you made pasta with your grandmother who lives in Italy. You could start the essay off with a fact about how many pounds of pasta come in and out of the village where she lives.

B. Stage your essay

After the hook, you want to give the reader a greater sense of the scene. When writing a narrative essay, you don’t have to reveal everything about the place or be too blunt about the setting, but you should at least give a few hints.

Sticking with the pasta example, you could start to explain the smell of the room, the view through the kitchen window, and the feel of the floor underneath your feet. These descriptions would give the reader a sense of your surroundings, the climate, and the age of the house. When writing a narrative essay, you want to show the reader, not tell them.

C. Thesis statement

Typically, the purpose of the thesis statement is to provide a digestible summary of the main point or claim you’re making in your essay. Using the same pasta example, you could draft a compelling sentence about how making pasta at your grandmother’s house in Italy inspired your passion for the art of cooking.

The reason thesis statements are so often placed in the introductory paragraph is so the reader can develop an early understanding of the purpose of your essay. However, because narrative essays are meant to be a personal story, you don’t always have to make the thesis statement so evident.

While writing a narrative essay, you could use the last sentence of the introduction simply as a way to naturally progress into the body of the essay. If you do this, though, you need to make sure that your theme is still evident. Although chronological order can make for an intriguing narrative essay, you don’t want your theme to be buried too deep.

II. Body

In the body of your narrative essay is where you dive into the full story of your experience. Each body paragraph should support your thesis.

Let’s, again, use the pasta example. If your thesis statement describes the theme that making pasta at your grandmother’s house in Italy inspired your passion for the art of cooking, you need to create body paragraphs that support that statement.

A. First paragraph

In the first paragraph, you could describe how cooking drew you in. You could explain how you felt when you smelled the pasta or what was going through your mind as you watched your grandmother roll homemade noodles. Remember, show don’t tell. Use adjectives and verbs to paint a picture.

B. Second paragraph

After describing how cooking drew you in, you could dive into how cooking in your grandmother’s kitchen made you feel. Was it therapeutic? Was it a fun challenge? Was it nostalgic? Do you revisit those feelings when you cook today? Let the reader view your emotions.

C. Final paragraph

In the last paragraph of the body, wrap up the story. After you left Italy and came back to the United States, did you immediately start cooking?

If your essay is in chronological order, make sure the story comes to a close naturally. Don’t rush it just because you’ve run out of space. If there is a word limit on your essay, check back through the previous paragraphs to see if there is anything that you can edit out. Reassess from there.

III. Conclusion

In the conclusion of the narrative essay, you could explain what cooking has taught and how it has helped you in other areas of your life. Maybe you’ve increased your patience. Maybe you’ve learned how to multitask. There’s a chance cooking has helped you develop a way to manage your emotions.

These skills can all be related back to other things in your life. For example, if you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, maybe point out how the skills you’ve developed from cooking translate to the subject you’re interested in majoring in. Explaining how cooking has helped you improve is a great way to naturally express your love for it, and, in turn, reinforce your thesis.

It is not breaking news that outlines can be a drag to create. But, they are a pivotal piece of a well-crafted essay. Without them, your essay runs the risk of lacking structure and being difficult for the reader to digest. So don’t underestimate the importance of your outline, and certainty do not skip over it. Take time before the writing process to outline, and it will save you the frustration of having to extensively edit and revise after you’re finished.

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The Narrative Essay Examples that Illustrate the Impact of Personal Experiences

Narrative essay examples are powerful tools for writers, as they allow readers to gain insight into a writer’s personal experiences and perspectives.

These types of essays are often used to illustrate a lesson or moral, or to simply give readers a glimpse into the writer’s life.

In this article, we will explore three different narrative essay examples that illustrate the impact of personal experiences.

Narrative Essay Examples Overview

The first example is about a young woman who discovers the power of forgiveness. This young woman had been holding onto a grudge for years, and it had been affecting her relationships and overall happiness. However, one day she decided to forgive the person who had hurt her and was amazed at how much better she felt. This narrative essay illustrates the importance of forgiveness and how it can lead to personal growth and happiness.

The second example is about a man who learns the importance of communication. This man had always struggled with expressing his feelings and was often misunderstood by others. However, he decided to take a class on communication and learned how to better express himself. This narrative essay illustrates the importance of communication and how it can lead to deeper connections and understanding.

The third example is about a woman who learns the importance of self-care. This woman had always been a caretaker for others and had neglected her own needs. However, after a health scare, she realized the importance of taking care of herself. This narrative essay illustrates the importance of self-care and how it can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

3 Examples of Narrative Essays that illustrate the impact of personal experiences

Example 1: “Forgiveness: The Key to Personal Growth”

I had always been a bitter person, holding onto grudges and resentments that had been eating away at me for years. I couldn’t understand why people would hurt me and I couldn’t forgive them for it. I thought that by holding onto my anger, I was making them pay for what they had done to me. But little did I know, it was only hurting me in the end. It wasn’t until I decided to forgive my ex-boyfriend for cheating on me that I realized the true power of forgiveness. I had been holding onto that grudge for so long, and it had been affecting my relationships and overall happiness. But when I decided to forgive him, I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I was able to move on from the hurt and pain and start living my life again. Forgiveness is not about forgetting what someone has done to you, or even about excusing their behavior. It’s about letting go of the anger and resentment that is holding you back and moving forward with your life. It’s about understanding that holding onto grudges will only hurt you in the end. And that’s something I have learned the hard way.

Example 2: “The Power of Communication”

I had always been a person of few words, struggling to express my thoughts and feelings effectively. I had always been shy and introverted, and it had always been difficult for me to communicate with others. I was often misunderstood and it led to a lot of frustration and disappointment. I knew I needed to change something, but I didn’t know where to start. It wasn’t until I decided to take a class on communication that I began to understand the true power of communication. The class was an eye-opener for me, as I learned how to better express myself, how to listen actively, and how to build deeper connections with others. I learned that communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening and understanding. Best porn site https://noodlemagazine.com – Watch porn. The class was not just a theoretical one, it was also a practical one, where we were given the opportunity to practice the skills we learned in class. We were given group assignments, and I was able to apply what I had learned to my group project. I was able to communicate my ideas effectively, and my group members started to see my value. I was able to understand their perspectives and ideas, and we were able to work together to achieve our goals. The training helped me realize that my lack of communication was harming not just my personal life but also my work life. I was able to apply what I learned in class to my career, which culminated in a promotion. I was capable of effectively explain my ideas and opinions, and my coworkers and employer began to recognize my worth. I was able to form stronger bonds with them, which resulted in a more pleasant working atmosphere. I also learned the value of active listening in this lesson. I discovered that listening entails not just hearing the words but also comprehending the message behind the words. I was able to grasp my coworkers’ and boss’s worries and challenges, and I was able to propose solutions that were helpful to everyone. In conclusion, the class on communication was a game-changer for me. I learned that communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening and understanding. I learned that effective communication is the key to building deeper connections with others, both personally and professionally. I learned that communication is not just about getting your point across, but also about understanding the perspectives and ideas of others. And that’s something I wish I had learned a long time ago. I am now a better communicator, and I am able to build deeper connections with others, and it has led to a better and more fulfilling life.

Example 3: “The Importance of Self-Care”

Self-care is something that I have always struggled with. As a caretaker by nature, I have always put the needs of others before my own. I felt guilty for taking time for myself, believing that I should always be available to help others. But that all changed when I had a health scare. It was a typical Wednesday morning, I woke up early and started my day as usual. I was feeling a bit tired and had a headache, but I didn’t think much of it. I went to work and tried to push through the day. But by lunchtime, I was feeling really sick. I had a fever, my head was pounding, and I was feeling weak. I decided to go home early, thinking that I just needed some rest. But the next day, I was feeling even worse. I went to see my doctor, and they did some tests. It turns out that I had been so focused on taking care of others that I had been neglecting my own health. I was exhausted, burnt out, and resentful. I had been pushing myself too hard for too long, and my body was telling me to stop. It was then that I realized the importance of self-care. I had been neglecting my own needs for so long, and it had taken a toll on my health. I was so focused on being there for others that I had forgotten to take care of myself. But when I started to take care of myself, everything changed. I started by taking small steps, like going for a walk every day or taking a yoga class. I also started setting boundaries with others, telling them that I needed time for myself. I was amazed at how much better I felt, both physically and mentally. I was able to be a better caretaker for others because I was taking care of myself first. Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. It’s about taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for others. It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and that you need to fill your cup first before you can help others. It’s about learning to say no when you need to, and it’s about taking the time to do things that make you happy. I realized that self-care is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional health. It’s about taking care of your mind and your emotions, and it’s about learning to cope with stress and anxiety. It’s about learning to be kind to yourself, and it’s about learning to love yourself. Self-care is about understanding that you are important, and that you deserve to be taken care of. It’s about learning to put yourself first, and it’s about learning to be your own best friend. It’s about understanding that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. And that’s something I wish I had learned a long time ago. In conclusion, self-care is essential for our well-being, it is important to learn the importance of self-care, and how it can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. It’s not always easy to put yourself first, but it’s essential for our health and happiness. It’s important to set boundaries and make time for yourself, and to engage in activities that make you happy. And most importantly, it’s important to be kind and loving to yourself.

Tips for writing winning narrative essays

Use personal experiences

Personal experiences are a powerful tool in narrative essays, as they allow readers to gain insight into the writer’s perspectives and emotions. In the examples provided, the writers use their own personal experiences to illustrate the importance of forgiveness, communication, and self-care.

Show, don’t tell

One of the key elements of a narrative essay is the use of descriptive language to show the reader the story, rather than just telling them. In the examples provided, the writers use vivid imagery and sensory details to bring their experiences to life for the reader.

Use conflict and tension

Conflict and tension are important elements of storytelling, and they can be used in narrative essays to keep the reader engaged. In the examples provided, the writers use conflict and tension to illustrate the challenges and obstacles they faced in their personal experiences.

Use dialogue and dialogue tags

Dialogue and dialogue tags can be used to add realism and depth to a narrative essay. In the examples provided, the writers use dialogue to illustrate the interactions and conversations they had with others during their experiences.

Use point of view and voice

Point of view and voice are important elements of narrative essays, as they allow the writer to convey their perspective and emotions. In the examples provided, the writers use first-person point of view and voice to allow the reader to experience the story through their eyes.

Use a clear theme and message

A narrative essay should have a clear theme and message that is woven throughout the story. In the examples provided, the writers use the themes of forgiveness, communication, and self-care to illustrate the importance of these concepts in their personal experiences.

Use a strong conclusion

A strong conclusion is essential to tie together the story and leave a lasting impression on the reader. In the examples provided, the writers use their conclusions to summarize their experiences and the lessons they learned, leaving the reader with a powerful message.

Revise and edit

Revising and editing are important steps in the writing process, and they are essential for creating a winning narrative essay. In the examples provided, the writers have revised and edited their work to ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and error-free.

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I'm working on a college essay that's in narrative format. Can anyone share examples of strong narrative story essays? It would be really helpful to get an idea of what to aim for. Thanks!

Sure, I can provide you with two examples of strong narrative story essays that can serve as inspiration for your own college essay.

Example 1: Rediscovering a Lost Passion

This essay could focus on the writer's journey of reconnecting with an old hobby or interest, such as painting, that they had set aside during their busy high school years. The story could begin with the writer's reflection on a frustrating day that led to an impulsive visit to an art store. As they experiment with different art materials and immerse themselves in the creative process again, they experience a sense of fulfillment and newfound purpose. The narrative could revolve around the growth the writer experiences during this rediscovery phase, including moments of self-doubt, breakthroughs, and ultimately, newfound confidence.

Example 2: An Unforgettable Family Road Trip

This essay could describe a unique family road trip that leads the writer to gain new perspectives and insights. The story could start with the family setting off for a two-week-long journey across the country. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and unexpected moments, like their car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, meeting fascinating people with inspiring stories, or discovering a tiny, secluded town with a rich history. Through these experiences, the writer learns the importance of adaptability, patience, and curiosity. The essay could end with the family completing the road trip and the writer expressing gratitude for the invaluable lessons they gained during the journey.

These examples both show narrative stories with a compelling theme and a clear beginning, middle, and end. With a strong focus on personal growth and self-awareness, these essays effectively convey the qualities that college admissions committees look for in applicants. Remember to choose a topic that is deeply meaningful to you, and weave in personal anecdotes and details to give your essay a unique, authentic voice. Good luck with your college essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Narrative Essay | Definition, Parts & Examples

Amanda Renaud has taught Middle School and High School English for 4 years. She has a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Development with a minor in Reading Intervention from Concordia University. She is certified to teach English and Humanities in Washington and Texas.

Kelly earned her Master of Mass Communication from Arizona State and has taught consumer behavior and communication courses at the undergraduate level.

What is a narrative essay, parts of a narrative essay, narrative essay examples, writing a narrative essay, lesson summary, what is the definition of a narrative essay.

A narrative essay is an essay that includes a story about a personal experience told from the author's perspective. Storytelling elements are used to engage the reader and reveal the point or theme of the story.

How do you write a narrative essay?

Using the writing process when writing a narrative essay will help writers include all important elements of a narrative essay.

Prewriting: Brainstorm a topic and create an outline that sequences the story using plot events
Drafting: Write the draft of the story by adding details and dialogue
Revising: Examine the essay for clarity and create meaning
Editing: Look for grammatical, punctuation, word usage, and spelling mistakes
Publish: Share the polished draft of the essay

What are examples of narrative essay topics?

Examples of narrative essay topics include: overcoming obstacles, a funny story with a lesson, a person that inspired you, or a memory or event that taught you a lesson.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative is a story that is narrated verbally or in writing. A narrative essay tells a story in essay format. It is about a personal experience and told from the author's perspective. It has a point or theme, and it uses storytelling elements to engage the reader.

What is a narrative essay with some examples?

Narrative essays are usually based on a personal experience told from the author's perspective. The essay always has a point or theme, which is the message the author wants the reader to take away. Examples of narrative essay topics include: an unforgettable experience, making a mistake and learning from it, or setting and achieving a goal.

A narrative essay tells a story. It is told from the author's point of view , and it always has a point or lesson that the reader will take away at the end of the story.

Narrative Essay Meaning

A narrative is a story or account that is narrated, verbally or in writing; therefore, a narrative essay is an essay that tells a story about a personal experience and is narrated by the author. The story reveals a purpose through the events and details that are shared. Narrative essays share an important experience or life event through storytelling elements. When writing a narrative essay, writers have room to write more creatively than with other academic essays, but it is important that the creative elements all connect to the purpose of the story.

Narrative Essays Tell a Story that Engages the Reader

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0:05 Defining a Narrative Essay
1:03 Characteristics: Perspective
2:18 Characteristics: Storytelling
4:31 Characteristics: Organization
5:41 Lesson Summary

Certain elements are essential to a narrative essay. These elements engage the reader and help the writer tell the story clearly.

The story is told from a first-person point of view .
The story includes sensory details .
The story will have a point, often expressed as a lesson or theme .
The story is typically told in chronological order .
Plot elements move the story along.
The essay is clearly organized to allow the reader to follow the storyline.

Perspective

Personal essays are told from the author's perspective. This is also known as first-person point of view. When essays are told from a first-person point of view, pronouns such as "I" and "my" are in the essay. Because the story is told from the writer's perspective, it can be slightly persuasive. It is being told from the writer's perspective, so it will include details and ideas the author finds important to communicate to the reader. The writer will communicate the experience or event in a way that helps the reader understand the writer's perspective.

It is important that the narrative always has a point; this is commonly a lesson or a theme. The theme of a story is the message that the writer would like to have the reader take away from the story. In a narrative essay, this is introduced creatively in the introduction and revisited in the essay's conclusion.

Storytelling

Narrative essays are usually told in chronological order, which is from beginning to end; it is important, however, to include more than just the beginning, middle, and end of the story. The story needs to follow a plot, which is the sequence of events in a story.

Exposition: introduces key characters and describes the setting; sets the stage for the story
Rising Action: the inciting incident happens in the story and tension starts to rise
Climax : the turning point where the story comes together; it is the most exciting and intense
Falling Action: events leading to the resolution; the intensity starts to decrease
Resolution: the story is resolved; there is a clear ending to the story

The climax is important in a narrative essay. This is the most intense part of the story; it is sometimes referred to as the "turning point in the story." It is the part of the story where everything comes together, revealing the point of the story.

The importance of climax to a narrative essay

The details leading up to the climax should all support and connect to the main point in the story. It is important for writers to use descriptive language when explaining key details; this can include story elements such as setting, figurative language, dialogue, and characters. Emphasis should be placed on important details, and less time should be spent on small details that do not contribute as much to the story. The amount of time spent on each plot element and detail will impact the pacing of the story. When writing a narrative essay, it is important to pay attention to pacing.

Organization

The organization of a narrative essay will have the most impact on the effectiveness of the essay. The story must be told in a way that allows the reader to follow the story and understand the point. The story is usually told in chronological order, but writers can use other literary devices, such as flashback or foreshadowing, to tell the story and engage the reader. The writer will just need to be sure that the essay is organized in a logical order that allows the reader to follow the story.

Most often, narrative essays tell a story about a personal experience. This gives writers a variety of topics to choose from when writing a narrative essay. Some examples include:

Meeting an important person for the first time
Making a mistake and learning from it
Setting and achieving a goal
Overcoming an obstacle
Trying something new for the first time
A life event that resulted in a big change

It is important to plan carefully when writing a narrative essay. Writers can follow the steps of the writing process to create a carefully organized and engaging narrative essay.

The Writing Process

The first step of the writing process will be to choose a topic for the essay. Because a narrative essay explains a personal experience, it is important that writers select an experience that they are excited to share and will be able to explain in detail.

After selecting a topic, writers should use an outline to organize their ideas and capture all the important events and details. The outline should include an introduction with a hook, summarize the story from beginning to end by discussing events in each of the plot events, and include a conclusion that identifies the theme. Writers can set the stage for a well-organized draft by developing a detailed outline.

During the drafting phase, writers will use the detailed outline to write their essay. It is important to add storytelling elements that make a narrative essay interesting to readers. Sensory details, or details that engage all five senses, can be used to describe the setting, characters, and events. Dialogue, or conversations between characters, engage readers and give insight into the theme of the story. Adding these storytelling elements will help communicate the story and theme in an engaging way, which will help the reader appreciate the story.

It is important for writers to get feedback at this point to effectively move on to the revising stage.

The revising stage is a time to examine the clarity of an essay and create meaning. Writers need to look for opportunities to add details or remove unnecessary information as well as reword or reorganize. When revising a narrative essay, it is important to pay attention to the organization of the story and the pacing of the story. Questions writers can use to guide the revising phase of the writing process include:

Does the introduction contain an interesting hook that will engage readers?
Is the story told in a logical order that readers can follow?
Are the events in each of the plot events explained?
Does the story lead up to the climax and have a resolution?
Are the important events and details explained well and in an engaging way?
Is too much time spent on any of the small details?
Are the sentences and words that are used clear and effective?

Grammar, usage, and mechanics are examined during the editing phase. It is important to correct spelling, capitalization, or punctuation mistakes, as well as identify any grammar or word usage errors. Although a narrative essay is a story, and it allows for more creativity, it is important to follow grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules (with the exception of some dialogue) to ensure the reader understands the story.

Once the editing process is finished and the essay is polished, it is time to share the essay. The instructions for the essay will include submission information as well as the formatting guidelines. Use these instructions to make sure you are meeting all publishing requirements. This is the final step in the writing process. The essay is complete after finishing the publishing phase.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

Outlines are created during the brainstorming phase of the writing process. Using an outline to organize thoughts and ideas before writing will help writers include all important details. Because a narrative essay tells a story, the outline will focus on the events of the story. It will also provide the opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the introduction and conclusion. Writers can start with the body of the outline and return to the introduction as needed, and the outline will only contain general details about the events. Narrative essays do not always follow the traditional five-paragraph essay rule, because stories will not necessarily fit neatly into three body paragraphs. Details, dialogue, and sensory details will be added during the drafting phase of the writing process.

Parts of Essay	Description
Introduction	– This includes a hook and introduces the theme of the essay
Body Paragraphs	– The exposition (setting, characters, background) – Rising action (beginning of the story and events leading to the climax) – The climax (including sensory details and dialogue) – The falling action (events that happen after the climax) – Story resolution (a clear ending to the story)
Conclusion	– Wraps up the essay – Revisit the theme of the story

A narrative essay tells a story. Narrative essays share an important experience or life event through storytelling elements and the author's perspective. The story reveals a purpose through the events and details that are shared.

Essential Elements of a Narrative Essay:

Told from first-person point of view
Uses sensory details
The story will have a point or theme .
Typically told in chronological order .
Plot elements are used.

Most often, narrative essays tell a story about a personal experience, such as:

An unforgettable experience
A funny story that resulted in a life lesson
A problem-solving experience

The organization and pacing of a narrative essay will have the most impact on the effectiveness of the essay, so it is critical to plan carefully when writing a narrative essay. Writers can follow the steps of the writing process to create a carefully organized and engaging narrative essay. Outlines are created during the brainstorming phase of the writing process. Then writers will write a draft, revise, edit, and publish the final essay to share their personal stories.

Video Transcript

Defining a narrative essay.

Meet my great uncle, Jeb. Jeb loves to tell a good story. In fact, his stories are often so good they seem a little too good to be true, if you know what I mean. Take for instance his tale of deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Just before a tropical storm hit, he single-handedly caught the largest red snapper ever seen. But, compelled by kindness, he released it back into the ocean before he thought to take a picture. And then was the time he was asked by NASA to join a team mission to Jupiter...

Turns out, while Jeb's stories may not be the most accurate, they are certainly engaging, which is one of the most important qualities of storytelling, or creating a narrative . Simply put, telling a story is narrating. A narrative essay gives an account of something for your reader. Do you remember your first day of school? What about the first time you rode a bike? If someone asked you to tell him or her about these things you'd be creating a verbal narrative essay.

Characteristics: Perspective

Now that you see what a narrative essay is, let's talk about the qualities of a narrative essay. A narrative essay most often tells a story from the writer's perspective. The essay defines a specific point of view. All this means is that the narrative essay tells the story how you see it.

Ever heard the saying, there are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth? In a narrative essay you are sharing your side of the story. Because you are telling the story as you see it, sometimes it can be persuasive, like that time you promised the police officer you didn't slow down for the school zone because you simply couldn't see the flashing sign since it was covered by Mrs. Jones' oleanders. It's your side of the story, and you are trying to convince the police officer to see it from your perspective, thus being persuasive and saving you a potentially expensive ticket.

Have you ever had a friend stop to tell you a story where they start setting up all of these details and going on and on, and you're just sitting, waiting, knowing that surely there will be a point, and it never comes? That's something you don't want to happen in a narrative essay. If a narrative is not being persuasive, part of the mission is at least to get you to appreciate the value of the story. There needs to be a point.

Characteristics: Storytelling

As we've discussed, a narrative essay is essentially storytelling. This means the characteristics that make for an engaging story usually make for a good narrative essay as well. Why, even when we're not sure Uncle Jeb is telling the truth, will we still sit for hours to listen about his fishing expedition or trip to Jupiter?

Telling a good story goes beyond just having a beginning, middle, and end. Closely related to having a point, there needs to be a plot that is developed and carried out through the narrative. Basically, a plot is all of the major events of a story working together to give it a point.

One reason we sit and listen to Uncle Jeb as he describes the stormy waters in the Gulf before he caught the red snapper is because we know it's building up to the main idea of his story. It's probably somehow related to the big catch he'll get to soon.

When he does finally make his way to the part of the story where he makes the big catch, that's another essential part of the narrative essay: the climax. Much like your rambling friend, a story or narrative essay without a climax leaves you unsure of the point. The climax is where it all comes together; it's the most important piece of the story and often the most intense and exciting.

Another key element to storytelling is pacing. Think about most action movies you've seen. As they get to really eventful or important parts, you'll notice things start to slow down, sometimes even moving in slow motion. For Uncle Jeb, he'll probably spend a good five minutes telling you all about his big catch, describing the struggle with the line, hoisting the fish into the boat, how it flipped and flopped around on the deck, and so on.

On the other hand, details that aren't as key to the plot move faster. While talking about driving to the marina, getting the boat ready to set sail, and the ride out to his favorite fishing spot, he might just spend a minute or less. While these details help round out the story, they aren't as essential to the plot or climax.

Choosing to spend five minutes, or in an essay, five paragraphs, on one part of the story and one minute on another is exactly what pacing is all about. A good story spends time emphasizing important details, while including, but not necessarily lingering on, less important ones.

Characteristics: Organization

Finally, all of these things aren't nearly as effective, or even useful at all, without clear organization. Most often, narrative essays are told in chronological order. We've all walked into a conversation at a point where things didn't really make sense because we missed the beginning.

This is why Uncle Jeb starts out by telling you about stopping for fried chicken for lunch at sea and getting caught in the storm before telling you about catching the giant red snapper using a piece of that chicken as bait when his lures were tossed overboard because of the storm. Otherwise it wouldn't make any sense. Where would the chicken have come from? Why would he not just use regular lures or worms? Not only does telling the story in chronological order make more sense, it works with the plot and helps to build up to the climax.

Although chronological order is typically the best way to organize your narrative essay, there are other ways to tell your story. You might open with a scene from the end of your story before coming back to the beginning to explain how it all happened, flashback style. However you put it together, the most important idea here is to organize your thoughts in some type of logical order that will help your reader follow your narrative.

To wrap up, creating a narrative essay is simply storytelling. The main function of a narrative essay is to share a point of view . This can be persuasive or simply help you appreciate the value of a point made with the story.

Because narrating is storytelling, it's vital to include all of the key parts of a story, too. A plot includes all of the major events of a story that work together to give it a point. These events usually lead up to the climax , or the most important part of the story.

Pacing and organization are key to making all of these elements work. As a writer, you should devote more time and detail to key parts of the story, and tell the story in an order that makes the most sense to your reader - usually chronologically.

Learning Outcome

After watching this lesson, you should be able to:

Define what a narrative is
Explain key characteristics that make narratives engaging for an audience.

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Narrative Essay and The Ways to Incorporate Stories In Writing

EssayEdge > Blog > Narrative Essay and The Ways to Incorporate Stories In Writing

Stories can be the heart of your essay, if you handle them effectively. Below are some tips on how to maximize their value whether you’re writing a narrative essay or any other piece of writing.

Table of Contents:

How to Incorporate a Narrative

Integrating your story effectively ensures that it flows well within the essay and has a strong impact. Failing to do so could lead to choppiness or confusion on the reader’s part. Here are some possible approaches, but what you ultimately use depends on your content:

The Origin —If your essay is about your passion for some subject or activity, you may want to begin with a story about how your interest originated. This tactic can be an effective way to grab the reader’s attention and offer insight into your fundamental values. You should be aware, however, of two concerns: a) it has been done many times before; and b) most early stories revolve around passive observation and therefore offer limited insight into your character and abilities. Despite these concerns, there is still much potential in this approach if you have a compelling, original story to tell.
The Flash Forward —Sometimes your essay’s main focus will be showing the progression or growth of your interests and abilities. That does not mean, however, that your essay must start from the beginning. Often it can be effective to open with a more recent episode to accomplish two purposes: a) establishing a clear context for the rest of the material; b) bringing to the forefront a significant experience with depth you could not have achieved in an earlier stage. It is the last point that distinguishes this approach from the previous one. Using a Flash Forward opening enables you to highlight your strongest points, as in the Hierarchy of Evidence structure, but then move backward to show your growth process.
The Bookend —Like the first two, this approach involves using a story in the introduction, but it leaves that story unfinished until the conclusion. For example, you might stop within the story to reflect on how you found yourself in that position. The body of the essay would then be a flashback to the experiences that led you to the place of the introduction, and the conclusion would return to complete the story. Another possibility would be a story that involved two distinct phases; the body of such an essay might discuss what you learned between the phases, and the conclusion would show how you applied what you learned to the second phase. Again, the precise approach depends on your content, but the Bookend method can be a very effective way to create a flowing, coherent piece.
Within the Body —Regardless of whether you choose to open with a narrative, you may find opportunities and reasons to insert a story within the body of the essay. This is the approach for which you have to worry most about integration. Unlike introductory anecdotes, you should not jump right into these stories without preface. You will need at least one sentence to make the transition from the previous paragraph and briefly hint at what themes your story will illustrate. Actually beginning your story will usually require some introductory phrase, such as the following:”One memorable incident involved…”

After the story, you should have some significant insight with which to conclude to justify the story’s inclusion. Ther line should not be a mere repetition of the transition from the beginning of the paragraph, because you now should have more concrete details from which to draw more in-depth conclusions.

How to Incorporate a Narrative into Your Essay - EssayEdge

What to Include

The basic rule here is the same as always: include specific details . The purpose of using stories is to illustrate your points with concrete evidence, thereby giving your ideas force and context. Telling one specific story enables you to achieve depth and convey personality beyond what you could achieve in brief, isolated descriptions. It is not enough, however, merely to decide to include a story. Some writers will start on the right track but end up conveying nothing meaningful. For example, they might name a specific personal incident and then jump to generic conclusions without demonstrating anything substantive about their character. Here are some more specific tips that have come up in other contexts but are especially important for stories:

Show Active Contribution —Many people tell stories in which the payoff is a lesson learned. While this can have some value, it does not say as much about your character because you are only responding passively.
Emphasize the Process —Do not set up a problem and jump to the solution. Show us the process of reaching that solution. Give details about your approach and your reasoning.
Paint a Vivid Picture —Try to draw the reader into your story by including details that bring the story alive. One effective way to accomplish this is to think visually. For example, if you are meeting a person in the story, describe the color of his hair or the expression on his face. Of course, you should not get carried away and go down tangents or become monotonous. For example, if you are recalling a conversation, do not bother recounting all the pleasantries with which it began.

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Gleaning Insights

Anecdotes should serve some clear purpose, but you have to be careful about sounding contrived. One common mistake is to start citing lessons before you have finished the story. This kind of interruption adulterates the force of the story itself. Be careful that your insights flow naturally from the details of your anecdote: Stay close to your personal story and avoid making grand pronouncements based on a minor episode.

Your writing should be a story itself. Besides, you must incorporate other small narratives to make your essay readable and captivating. There are many elements you can include, but be careful; not all of them will fit the concrete context. If you don’t know whether the narrative you added fits your essay or not, ask us to help edit my essay, and we’ll give you valuable feedback.

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Narrative Essay Explained

Updated 25 October 2023

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Category Literature

Topic Literature Review

One narrates out a story with a simple language where by the audience is able to understand the story and draw out lessons out of the story. One should use perception towards a person or object and the events that occurred during that time. This helps the reader to feel the connection with story and draw the diction of the narrative. An example; my mum and I were doing house chores and I came across an old box full of past secrets that my mum was ashamed of addressing them to me (Sen np). My mum convinced me not to open the box. Little did I know that all my past unanswered questions were in that old junk.

A narrative essay is where the story teller should be creative and allow the audience to come up with their own conclusions. For instance; there was this girl called Cecile and a boy called Jeff who used to school in the same class. “We should do something crazy” Jeff asks. No am afraid to do anything (Miller 246). Let’s just run away from a place where no one knows us. That made them closes ad they decided to get married. There was a problem when it came to their parents due to their difference in cultures and finally decided not to marry.

An argumentative essay is where the writer should have a set of ideas to support his or her reasoning. It should also be logical. For instance; almost everyone has dreamt of having a twin. Having a twin intends to have a dependable companion all through their entire lives, a mate for sharing various jokes and playing amusements, or a significant right hand who might dependably come to help in the critical moment.

Sen, Amartya. The idea of justice. Harvard University Press, 2011.

Miller, Carolyn Handler. Digital storytelling: A creator's guide to interactive entertainment. Focal Press, 2014.

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What is a Narrative Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

Narrative essays are a type of storytelling in which writers weave a personal experience into words to create a fascinating and engaging narrative for readers. A narrative essay explains a story from the author’s point of view to share a lesson or memory with the reader. Narrative essays, like descriptive essays , employ figurative language to depict the subject in a vivid and creative manner to leave a lasting impact on the readers’ minds. In this article, we explore the definition of narrative essays, list the key elements to be included, and provide tips on how to craft a narrative that captivates your audience.

What is a narrative essay, choosing narrative essay topics, key elements in a narrative essay, creating a narrative essay outline, types of narrative essays, the pre-writing stage, the writing stage, the editing stage, narrative essay example, frequently asked questions.

Narrative essays are often based on one’s personal experience which allows the author to express himself/herself in compelling ways for the reader. They employ storytelling elements to convey the plot and captivate the reader while disclosing the story’s theme or purpose. The author must always have a purpose or theme in mind when writing a narrative essay. These essays may be assigned to high school students to assess their ability to create captivating stories based on personal experiences, or they may be required as part of a college application to assess the applicant’s personal traits. Narrative essays might be based on true events with minor tweaks for dramatic purposes, or they can be adapted from a fictional scenario. Whatever the case maybe, the goal is to tell a story, a good story!

In narrative essays, the emphasis is not so much on the narrative itself as it is on how you explain it. Narrative essay topics cover a range of experiences, from noteworthy to mundane, but when storytelling elements are used well, even a simple account can have weight. Notably, the skills required for narrative writing differ significantly from those needed for formal academic essays, and we will delve deeper into this in the next section.

You can talk about any narrative, but consider whether it is fascinating enough, has enough twists and turns, or teaches a lesson (It’s a plus if the story contains an unexpected twist at the end). The potential topics for a narrative essay are limitless—a triumphant story, a brief moment of introspection, or a voyage of self-discovery. These essays provide writers with the opportunity to share a fragment of their lives with the audience, enriching both the writer’s and the reader’s experiences. Narrative essay examples could be a write-up on “What has been your biggest achievement in life so far and what did it teach you?” or “Describe your toughest experience and how you dealt with it?”.

While narrative essays allow you to be creative with your ideas, language, and format, they must include some key components to convey the story clearly, create engaging content and build reader interest. Follow these guidelines when drafting your essay:

Tell your story using the first person to engage users.
Use sufficient sensory information and figurative language.
Follow an organized framework so the story flows chronologically.
Include interesting plot components that add to the narrative.
Ensure clear language without grammar, spelling, or word choice errors.

Narrative essay outlines serve as the foundational structure for essay composition, acting as a framework to organize thoughts and ideas prior to the writing process. These outlines provide writers with a means to summarize the story, and help in formulating the introduction and conclusion sections and defining the narrative’s trajectory.

Unlike conventional essays that strictly adhere to the five-paragraph structure, narrative essays allow for more flexibility as the organization is dictated by the flow of the story. The outline typically encompasses general details about the events, granting writers the option to prioritize writing the body sections first while deferring the introduction until later stages of the writing process. This approach allows for a more organic and fluid writing process. If you’re wondering how to start writing a narrative essay outline, here is a sample designed to ensure a compelling and coherent narrative:

Introduction

Hook/Opening line: The introduction should have an opening/hook sentence that is a captivating quote, question, or anecdote that grabs the reader’s attention.
Background: Briefly introduce the setting, time, tone, and main characters.
Thesis statement: State clearly the main theme or lesson acquired from the experience.
Event 1 (according to occurrence): Describe the first major event in detail. Introduce the primary characters and set the story context; include sensory elements to enrich the narrative and give the characters depth and enthusiasm.
Event 2: Ensure a smooth transition from one event to the next. Continue with the second event in the narrative. For more oomph, use suspense or excitement, or leave the plot with cliffhanger endings. Concentrate on developing your characters and their relationships, using dialog to bring the story to life.
Event 3: If there was a twist and suspense, this episode should introduce the climax or resolve the story. Keep the narrative flowing by connecting events logically and conveying the feelings and reactions of the characters.
Summarize the plot: Provide a concise recap of the main events within the narrative essay. Highlight the key moments that contribute to the development of the storyline. Offer personal reflections on the significance of the experiences shared, emphasizing the lasting impact they had on the narrator. End the story with a clincher; a powerful and thought-provoking sentence that encapsulates the essence of the narrative. As a bonus, aim to leave the reader with a memorable statement or quote that enhances the overall impact of the narrative. This should linger in the reader’s mind, providing a satisfying and resonant conclusion to the essay.

There are several types of narrative essays, each with their own unique traits. Some narrative essay examples are presented in the table below.

	Narrative essay type	Features
1.	Personal	Based on personal experience, insight, reflection, and emotion
2.	Autobiographical	Covers life events, full length
3.	Descriptive	Emphasizes detailed description for reader immersion
4.	Experiential	Based on a specific experience, involving emotional responses
5.	Historical	Focuses on historical events, non-fictional, facts stated using figurative language
6.	Biographical	Explores an individual’s life, personality, achievements, and challenges
7.	Travel	Chronicles experiences and thoughtful observations during a journey
8.	Literary	Analyzes or interprets literature, includes a narrative element

How to write a narrative essay: Step-by-step guide

A narrative essay might be inspired by personal experiences, stories, or even imaginary scenarios that resonate with readers, immersing them in the imaginative world you have created with your words. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to write a narrative essay.

Select the topic of your narrative

If no prompt is provided, the first step is to choose a topic to write about. Think about personal experiences that could be given an interesting twist. Readers are more likely to like a tale if it contains aspects of humor, surprising twists, and an out-of-the-box climax. Try to plan out such subjects and consider whether you have enough information on the topic and whether it meets the criteria of being funny/inspiring, with nice characters/plot lines, and an exciting climax. Also consider the tone as well as any stylistic features (such as metaphors or foreshadowing) to be used. While these stylistic choices can be changed later, sketching these ideas early on helps you give your essay a direction to start.

Create a framework for your essay

Once you have decided on your topic, create an outline for your narrative essay. An outline is a framework that guides your ideas while you write your narrative essay to keep you on track. It can help with smooth transitions between sections when you are stuck and don’t know how to continue the story. It provides you with an anchor to attach and return to, reminding you of why you started in the first place and why the story matters.

Compile your first draft

A perfect story and outline do not work until you start writing the draft and breathe life into it with your words. Use your newly constructed outline to sketch out distinct sections of your narrative essay while applying numerous linguistic methods at your disposal. Unlike academic essays, narrative essays allow artistic freedom and leeway for originality so don’t stop yourself from expressing your thoughts. However, take care not to overuse linguistic devices, it’s best to maintain a healthy balance to ensure readability and flow.

Use a first-person point of view

One of the most appealing aspects of narrative essays is that traditional academic writing rules do not apply, and the narration is usually done in the first person. You can use first person pronouns such as I and me while narrating different scenarios. Be wary of overly using these as they can suggest lack of proper diction.

Use storytelling or creative language

You can employ storytelling tactics and linguistic tools used in fiction or creative writing, such as metaphors, similes, and foreshadowing, to communicate various themes. The use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense is encouraged in narrative essays.

Follow a format to stay organized

There’s no fixed format for narrative essays, but following a loose format when writing helps in organizing one’s thoughts. For example, in the introduction part, underline the importance of creating a narrative essay, and then reaffirm it in the concluding paragraph. Organize your story chronologically so that the reader can follow along and make sense of the story.

Reread, revise, and edit

Proofreading and editing are critical components of creating a narrative essay, but it can be easy to become weighed down by the details at this stage. Taking a break from your manuscript before diving into the editing process is a wise practice. Stepping away for a day or two, or even just a few hours, provides valuable time to enhance the plot and address any grammatical issues that may need correction. This period of distance allows for a fresh perspective, enabling you to approach the editing phase with renewed clarity and a more discerning eye.

One suggestion is to reconsider the goals you set out to cover when you started the topic. Ask yourself these questions:

Is there a distinct beginning and end to your story?
Does your essay have a topic, a memory, or a lesson to teach?
Does the tone of the essay match the intended mood?

Now, while keeping these things in mind, modify and proofread your essay. You can use online grammar checkers and paraphrase tools such as Paperpal to smooth out any rough spots before submitting it for publication or submission.

It is recommended to edit your essay in the order it was written; here are some useful tips:

Revise the introduction

After crafting your narrative essay, review the introduction to ensure it harmonizes with the developed narrative. Confirm that it adeptly introduces the story and aligns seamlessly with the conclusion.

Revise the conclusion and polish the essay

The conclusion should be the final element edited to ensure coherence and harmony in the entire narrative. It must reinforce the central theme or lesson outlined initially.

Revise and refine the entire article

The last step involves refining the article for consistent tone, style, and tense as well as correct language, grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Seeking feedback from a mentor or colleague can offer an invaluable external perspective at this stage.

Narrative essays are true accounts of the writer’s personal experiences, conveyed in figurative language for sensory appeal. Some narrative essay topic examples include writing about an unforgettable experience, reflecting on mistakes, or achieving a goal. An example of a personal narrative essay is as follows:

Title: A Feline Odyssey: An Experience of Fostering Stray Kittens

Introduction:

It was a fine summer evening in the year 2022 when a soft meowing disrupted the tranquility of my terrace. Little did I know that this innocent symphony would lead to a heartwarming journey of compassion and companionship. Soon, there was a mama cat at my doorstep with four little kittens tucked behind her. They were the most unexpected visitors I had ever had.

The kittens, just fluffs of fur with barely open eyes, were a monument to life’s fragility. Their mother, a street-smart feline, had entrusted me with the care of her precious offspring. The responsibility was sudden and unexpected, yet there was an undeniable sense of purpose in the air , filling me with delight and enthusiasm.

As the days unfolded, my terrace transformed into a haven for the feline family. Cardboard boxes became makeshift cat shelters and my once solitary retreat was filled with purrs and soothing meows. The mother cat, Lily, who initially observ ed me from a safe distance, gradually began to trust my presence as I offered food and gentle strokes.

Fostering the kittens was a life-changing , enriching experience that taught me the true joy of giving as I cared for the felines. My problems slowly faded into the background as evenings were spent playing with the kittens. Sleepless nights turned into a symphony of contented purring, a lullaby filled with the warmth of trust and security . Although the kittens were identical, they grew up to have very distinct personalities, with Kuttu being the most curious and Bobo being the most coy . Every dawn ushered in a soothing ritual of nourishing these feline companions, while nights welcomed their playful antics — a daily nocturnal delight.

Conclusion:

As the kittens grew, so did the realization that our paths were destined to part. Finally, the day arrived when the feline family, now confident and self-reliant, bid farewell to my terrace. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with a sense of love and accomplishment and a tinge of sadness.

Fostering Kuttu, Coco, Lulu, and Bobo became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Their arrival had brought unexpected joy, teaching me about compassion and our species’ ability to make a difference in the world through love and understanding. The terrace, once a quiet retreat, now bore the echoes of a feline symphony that had touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined.

The length of a narrative essay may vary, but it is typically a brief to moderate length piece. Generally, the essay contains an introductory paragraph, two to three body paragraphs (this number can vary), and a conclusion. The entire narrative essay could be as short as five paragraphs or much longer, depending on the assignment’s requirements or the writer’s preference.

You can write a narrative essay when you have a personal experience to share, or a story, or a series of events that you can tell in a creative and engaging way. Narrative essays are often assigned in academic settings as a form of writing that allows students to express themselves and showcase their storytelling skills. However, you can also write a narrative essay for personal reflection, entertainment, or to communicate a message.

A narrative essay usually follows a three-part structure: – Introduction (To set the stage for the story) – Body paragraphs (To describe sequence of events with details, descriptions, and dialogue) – Conclusion (To summarize the story and reflect on the significance)

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What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Experience — The Best Day Of My Life: A Personal Narrative

The Best Day of My Life: a Personal Narrative

Categories: A Day to Remember Personal Experience

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Published: Jun 6, 2024

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How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.

What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .

There are five key steps to writing a literature review:

Search for relevant literature
Evaluate sources
Identify themes, debates, and gaps
Outline the structure
Write your literature review

A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.

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What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.

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Step 1 & 2

When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:

Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context
Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
Position your work in relation to other researchers and theorists
Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate
Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.

Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.

Example literature review #1: “Why Do People Migrate? A Review of the Theoretical Literature” ( Theoretical literature review about the development of economic migration theory from the 1950s to today.)
Example literature review #2: “Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines” ( Methodological literature review about interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition and production.)
Example literature review #3: “The Use of Technology in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Thematic literature review about the effects of technology on language acquisition.)
Example literature review #4: “Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Chronological literature review about how the concept of listening skills has changed over time.)

You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.

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Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .

If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .

Make a list of keywords

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.

Social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok
Body image, self-perception, self-esteem, mental health
Generation Z, teenagers, adolescents, youth

Search for relevant sources

Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:

Your university’s library catalogue
Google Scholar
Project Muse (humanities and social sciences)
Medline (life sciences and biomedicine)
EconLit (economics)
Inspec (physics, engineering and computer science)

You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.

Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.

You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.

For each publication, ask yourself:

What question or problem is the author addressing?
What are the key concepts and how are they defined?
What are the key theories, models, and methods?
Does the research use established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
What are the results and conclusions of the study?
How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.

You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.

Take notes and cite your sources

As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.

It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.

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To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:

Trends and patterns (in theory, method or results): do certain approaches become more or less popular over time?
Themes: what questions or concepts recur across the literature?
Debates, conflicts and contradictions: where do sources disagree?
Pivotal publications: are there any influential theories or studies that changed the direction of the field?
Gaps: what is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that need to be addressed?

This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.

Most research has focused on young women.
There is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media.
But there is still a lack of robust research on highly visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat—this is a gap that you could address in your own research.

There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).

Chronological

The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.

Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.

If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

Methodological

If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:

Look at what results have emerged in qualitative versus quantitative research
Discuss how the topic has been approached by empirical versus theoretical scholarship
Divide the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources

Theoretical

A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.

You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.

Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.

The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.

Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.

As you write, you can follow these tips:

Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole
Analyze and interpret: don’t just paraphrase other researchers — add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transition words and topic sentences to draw connections, comparisons and contrasts

In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.

When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !

This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

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A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:

To familiarize yourself with the current state of knowledge on your topic
To ensure that you’re not just repeating what others have already done
To identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that your research can address
To develop your theoretical framework and methodology
To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic

Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.

The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 great narrative essay examples + tips for writing.

General Education

A narrative essay is one of the most intimidating assignments you can be handed at any level of your education. Where you've previously written argumentative essays that make a point or analytic essays that dissect meaning, a narrative essay asks you to write what is effectively a story .

But unlike a simple work of creative fiction, your narrative essay must have a clear and concrete motif —a recurring theme or idea that you’ll explore throughout. Narrative essays are less rigid, more creative in expression, and therefore pretty different from most other essays you’ll be writing.

But not to fear—in this article, we’ll be covering what a narrative essay is, how to write a good one, and also analyzing some personal narrative essay examples to show you what a great one looks like.

What Is a Narrative Essay?

At first glance, a narrative essay might sound like you’re just writing a story. Like the stories you're used to reading, a narrative essay is generally (but not always) chronological, following a clear throughline from beginning to end. Even if the story jumps around in time, all the details will come back to one specific theme, demonstrated through your choice in motifs.

Unlike many creative stories, however, your narrative essay should be based in fact. That doesn’t mean that every detail needs to be pure and untainted by imagination, but rather that you shouldn’t wholly invent the events of your narrative essay. There’s nothing wrong with inventing a person’s words if you can’t remember them exactly, but you shouldn’t say they said something they weren’t even close to saying.

Another big difference between narrative essays and creative fiction—as well as other kinds of essays—is that narrative essays are based on motifs. A motif is a dominant idea or theme, one that you establish before writing the essay. As you’re crafting the narrative, it’ll feed back into your motif to create a comprehensive picture of whatever that motif is.

For example, say you want to write a narrative essay about how your first day in high school helped you establish your identity. You might discuss events like trying to figure out where to sit in the cafeteria, having to describe yourself in five words as an icebreaker in your math class, or being unsure what to do during your lunch break because it’s no longer acceptable to go outside and play during lunch. All of those ideas feed back into the central motif of establishing your identity.

The important thing to remember is that while a narrative essay is typically told chronologically and intended to read like a story, it is not purely for entertainment value. A narrative essay delivers its theme by deliberately weaving the motifs through the events, scenes, and details. While a narrative essay may be entertaining, its primary purpose is to tell a complete story based on a central meaning.

Unlike other essay forms, it is totally okay—even expected—to use first-person narration in narrative essays. If you’re writing a story about yourself, it’s natural to refer to yourself within the essay. It’s also okay to use other perspectives, such as third- or even second-person, but that should only be done if it better serves your motif. Generally speaking, your narrative essay should be in first-person perspective.

Though your motif choices may feel at times like you’re making a point the way you would in an argumentative essay, a narrative essay’s goal is to tell a story, not convince the reader of anything. Your reader should be able to tell what your motif is from reading, but you don’t have to change their mind about anything. If they don’t understand the point you are making, you should consider strengthening the delivery of the events and descriptions that support your motif.

Narrative essays also share some features with analytical essays, in which you derive meaning from a book, film, or other media. But narrative essays work differently—you’re not trying to draw meaning from an existing text, but rather using an event you’ve experienced to convey meaning. In an analytical essay, you examine narrative, whereas in a narrative essay you create narrative.

The structure of a narrative essay is also a bit different than other essays. You’ll generally be getting your point across chronologically as opposed to grouping together specific arguments in paragraphs or sections. To return to the example of an essay discussing your first day of high school and how it impacted the shaping of your identity, it would be weird to put the events out of order, even if not knowing what to do after lunch feels like a stronger idea than choosing where to sit. Instead of organizing to deliver your information based on maximum impact, you’ll be telling your story as it happened, using concrete details to reinforce your theme.

3 Great Narrative Essay Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write a narrative essay is to look at a great narrative essay sample. Let’s take a look at some truly stellar narrative essay examples and dive into what exactly makes them work so well.

A Ticket to the Fair by David Foster Wallace

Today is Press Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and I’m supposed to be at the fairgrounds by 9:00 A.M. to get my credentials. I imagine credentials to be a small white card in the band of a fedora. I’ve never been considered press before. My real interest in credentials is getting into rides and shows for free. I’m fresh in from the East Coast, for an East Coast magazine. Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish. I think they asked me to do this because I grew up here, just a couple hours’ drive from downstate Springfield. I never did go to the state fair, though—I pretty much topped out at the county fair level. Actually, I haven’t been back to Illinois for a long time, and I can’t say I’ve missed it.

Throughout this essay, David Foster Wallace recounts his experience as press at the Illinois State Fair. But it’s clear from this opening that he’s not just reporting on the events exactly as they happened—though that’s also true— but rather making a point about how the East Coast, where he lives and works, thinks about the Midwest.

In his opening paragraph, Wallace states that outright: “Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish.”

Not every motif needs to be stated this clearly , but in an essay as long as Wallace’s, particularly since the audience for such a piece may feel similarly and forget that such a large portion of the country exists, it’s important to make that point clear.

But Wallace doesn’t just rest on introducing his motif and telling the events exactly as they occurred from there. It’s clear that he selects events that remind us of that idea of East Coast cynicism , such as when he realizes that the Help Me Grow tent is standing on top of fake grass that is killing the real grass beneath, when he realizes the hypocrisy of craving a corn dog when faced with a real, suffering pig, when he’s upset for his friend even though he’s not the one being sexually harassed, and when he witnesses another East Coast person doing something he wouldn’t dare to do.

Wallace is literally telling the audience exactly what happened, complete with dates and timestamps for when each event occurred. But he’s also choosing those events with a purpose—he doesn’t focus on details that don’t serve his motif. That’s why he discusses the experiences of people, how the smells are unappealing to him, and how all the people he meets, in cowboy hats, overalls, or “black spandex that looks like cheesecake leotards,” feel almost alien to him.

All of these details feed back into the throughline of East Coast thinking that Wallace introduces in the first paragraph. He also refers back to it in the essay’s final paragraph, stating:

At last, an overarching theory blooms inside my head: megalopolitan East Coasters’ summer treats and breaks and literally ‘getaways,’ flights-from—from crowds, noise, heat, dirt, the stress of too many sensory choices….The East Coast existential treat is escape from confines and stimuli—quiet, rustic vistas that hold still, turn inward, turn away. Not so in the rural Midwest. Here you’re pretty much away all the time….Something in a Midwesterner sort of actuates , deep down, at a public event….The real spectacle that draws us here is us.

Throughout this journey, Wallace has tried to demonstrate how the East Coast thinks about the Midwest, ultimately concluding that they are captivated by the Midwest’s less stimuli-filled life, but that the real reason they are interested in events like the Illinois State Fair is that they are, in some ways, a means of looking at the East Coast in a new, estranging way.

The reason this works so well is that Wallace has carefully chosen his examples, outlined his motif and themes in the first paragraph, and eventually circled back to the original motif with a clearer understanding of his original point.

When outlining your own narrative essay, try to do the same. Start with a theme, build upon it with examples, and return to it in the end with an even deeper understanding of the original issue. You don’t need this much space to explore a theme, either—as we’ll see in the next example, a strong narrative essay can also be very short.

Death of a Moth by Virginia Woolf

After a time, tired by his dancing apparently, he settled on the window ledge in the sun, and, the queer spectacle being at an end, I forgot about him. Then, looking up, my eye was caught by him. He was trying to resume his dancing, but seemed either so stiff or so awkward that he could only flutter to the bottom of the window-pane; and when he tried to fly across it he failed. Being intent on other matters I watched these futile attempts for a time without thinking, unconsciously waiting for him to resume his flight, as one waits for a machine, that has stopped momentarily, to start again without considering the reason of its failure. After perhaps a seventh attempt he slipped from the wooden ledge and fell, fluttering his wings, on to his back on the window sill. The helplessness of his attitude roused me. It flashed upon me that he was in difficulties; he could no longer raise himself; his legs struggled vainly. But, as I stretched out a pencil, meaning to help him to right himself, it came over me that the failure and awkwardness were the approach of death. I laid the pencil down again.

In this essay, Virginia Woolf explains her encounter with a dying moth. On surface level, this essay is just a recounting of an afternoon in which she watched a moth die—it’s even established in the title. But there’s more to it than that. Though Woolf does not begin her essay with as clear a motif as Wallace, it’s not hard to pick out the evidence she uses to support her point, which is that the experience of this moth is also the human experience.

In the title, Woolf tells us this essay is about death. But in the first paragraph, she seems to mostly be discussing life—the moth is “content with life,” people are working in the fields, and birds are flying. However, she mentions that it is mid-September and that the fields were being plowed. It’s autumn and it’s time for the harvest; the time of year in which many things die.

In this short essay, she chronicles the experience of watching a moth seemingly embody life, then die. Though this essay is literally about a moth, it’s also about a whole lot more than that. After all, moths aren’t the only things that die—Woolf is also reflecting on her own mortality, as well as the mortality of everything around her.

At its core, the essay discusses the push and pull of life and death, not in a way that’s necessarily sad, but in a way that is accepting of both. Woolf begins by setting up the transitional fall season, often associated with things coming to an end, and raises the ideas of pleasure, vitality, and pity.

At one point, Woolf tries to help the dying moth, but reconsiders, as it would interfere with the natural order of the world. The moth’s death is part of the natural order of the world, just like fall, just like her own eventual death.

All these themes are set up in the beginning and explored throughout the essay’s narrative. Though Woolf doesn’t directly state her theme, she reinforces it by choosing a small, isolated event—watching a moth die—and illustrating her point through details.

With this essay, we can see that you don’t need a big, weird, exciting event to discuss an important meaning. Woolf is able to explore complicated ideas in a short essay by being deliberate about what details she includes, just as you can be in your own essays.

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

On the twenty-ninth of July, in 1943, my father died. On the same day, a few hours later, his last child was born. Over a month before this, while all our energies were concentrated in waiting for these events, there had been, in Detroit, one of the bloodiest race riots of the century. A few hours after my father’s funeral, while he lay in state in the undertaker’s chapel, a race riot broke out in Harlem. On the morning of the third of August, we drove my father to the graveyard through a wilderness of smashed plate glass.

Like Woolf, Baldwin does not lay out his themes in concrete terms—unlike Wallace, there’s no clear sentence that explains what he’ll be talking about. However, you can see the motifs quite clearly: death, fatherhood, struggle, and race.

Throughout the narrative essay, Baldwin discusses the circumstances of his father’s death, including his complicated relationship with his father. By introducing those motifs in the first paragraph, the reader understands that everything discussed in the essay will come back to those core ideas. When Baldwin talks about his experience with a white teacher taking an interest in him and his father’s resistance to that, he is also talking about race and his father’s death. When he talks about his father’s death, he is also talking about his views on race. When he talks about his encounters with segregation and racism, he is talking, in part, about his father.

Because his father was a hard, uncompromising man, Baldwin struggles to reconcile the knowledge that his father was right about many things with his desire to not let that hardness consume him, as well.

Baldwin doesn’t explicitly state any of this, but his writing so often touches on the same motifs that it becomes clear he wants us to think about all these ideas in conversation with one another.

At the end of the essay, Baldwin makes it more clear:

This fight begins, however, in the heart and it had now been laid to my charge to keep my own heart free of hatred and despair. This intimation made my heart heavy and, now that my father was irrecoverable, I wished that he had been beside me so that I could have searched his face for the answers which only the future would give me now.

Here, Baldwin ties together the themes and motifs into one clear statement: that he must continue to fight and recognize injustice, especially racial injustice, just as his father did. But unlike his father, he must do it beginning with himself—he must not let himself be closed off to the world as his father was. And yet, he still wishes he had his father for guidance, even as he establishes that he hopes to be a different man than his father.

In this essay, Baldwin loads the front of the essay with his motifs, and, through his narrative, weaves them together into a theme. In the end, he comes to a conclusion that connects all of those things together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of completion—though the elements may have been initially disparate, in the end everything makes sense.

You can replicate this tactic of introducing seemingly unattached ideas and weaving them together in your own essays. By introducing those motifs, developing them throughout, and bringing them together in the end, you can demonstrate to your reader how all of them are related. However, it’s especially important to be sure that your motifs and clear and consistent throughout your essay so that the conclusion feels earned and consistent—if not, readers may feel mislead.

5 Key Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative essays can be a lot of fun to write since they’re so heavily based on creativity. But that can also feel intimidating—sometimes it’s easier to have strict guidelines than to have to make it all up yourself. Here are a few tips to keep your narrative essay feeling strong and fresh.

Develop Strong Motifs

Motifs are the foundation of a narrative essay . What are you trying to say? How can you say that using specific symbols or events? Those are your motifs.

In the same way that an argumentative essay’s body should support its thesis, the body of your narrative essay should include motifs that support your theme.

Try to avoid cliches, as these will feel tired to your readers. Instead of roses to symbolize love, try succulents. Instead of the ocean representing some vast, unknowable truth, try the depths of your brother’s bedroom. Keep your language and motifs fresh and your essay will be even stronger!

Use First-Person Perspective

In many essays, you’re expected to remove yourself so that your points stand on their own. Not so in a narrative essay—in this case, you want to make use of your own perspective.

Sometimes a different perspective can make your point even stronger. If you want someone to identify with your point of view, it may be tempting to choose a second-person perspective. However, be sure you really understand the function of second-person; it’s very easy to put a reader off if the narration isn’t expertly deployed.

If you want a little bit of distance, third-person perspective may be okay. But be careful—too much distance and your reader may feel like the narrative lacks truth.

That’s why first-person perspective is the standard. It keeps you, the writer, close to the narrative, reminding the reader that it really happened. And because you really know what happened and how, you’re free to inject your own opinion into the story without it detracting from your point, as it would in a different type of essay.

Stick to the Truth

Your essay should be true. However, this is a creative essay, and it’s okay to embellish a little. Rarely in life do we experience anything with a clear, concrete meaning the way somebody in a book might. If you flub the details a little, it’s okay—just don’t make them up entirely.

Also, nobody expects you to perfectly recall details that may have happened years ago. You may have to reconstruct dialog from your memory and your imagination. That’s okay, again, as long as you aren’t making it up entirely and assigning made-up statements to somebody.

Dialog is a powerful tool. A good conversation can add flavor and interest to a story, as we saw demonstrated in David Foster Wallace’s essay. As previously mentioned, it’s okay to flub it a little, especially because you’re likely writing about an experience you had without knowing that you’d be writing about it later.

However, don’t rely too much on it. Your narrative essay shouldn’t be told through people explaining things to one another; the motif comes through in the details. Dialog can be one of those details, but it shouldn’t be the only one.

Use Sensory Descriptions

Because a narrative essay is a story, you can use sensory details to make your writing more interesting. If you’re describing a particular experience, you can go into detail about things like taste, smell, and hearing in a way that you probably wouldn’t do in any other essay style.

These details can tie into your overall motifs and further your point. Woolf describes in great detail what she sees while watching the moth, giving us the sense that we, too, are watching the moth. In Wallace’s essay, he discusses the sights, sounds, and smells of the Illinois State Fair to help emphasize his point about its strangeness. And in Baldwin’s essay, he describes shattered glass as a “wilderness,” and uses the feelings of his body to describe his mental state.

All these descriptions anchor us not only in the story, but in the motifs and themes as well. One of the tools of a writer is making the reader feel as you felt, and sensory details help you achieve that.

What’s Next?

Looking to brush up on your essay-writing capabilities before the ACT? This guide to ACT English will walk you through some of the best strategies and practice questions to get you prepared!

Part of practicing for the ACT is ensuring your word choice and diction are on point. Check out this guide to some of the most common errors on the ACT English section to be sure that you're not making these common mistakes!

A solid understanding of English principles will help you make an effective point in a narrative essay, and you can get that understanding through taking a rigorous assortment of high school English classes !

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Ultra-processed foods: a narrative review of the impact on the human gut microbiome and variations in classification methods.

1. Introduction

2.1. upfs and the gut microbiome, 2.2. upf classification methods, 3. upfs and the gut microbiome, 3.1. analysis of the gut microbiome in studies with a focus on upf classification.

References	Gut Microbiome Collection Method and Frequency		Alpha Diversity	Beta Diversity	Microbiome Sequencing Analysis: Bacterial Composition Changes in Relation to UPFs		Composition Changes Related to Specific UPFs
References	Gut Microbiome Collection Method and Frequency		Alpha Diversity	Beta Diversity	Increase ↑	Decrease ↓	Composition Changes Related to Specific UPFs
Atzeni, 2022 [ ]	One stool sample collected by volunteers at home and frozen	METHODS	Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices analyzed with one-way ANOVA.	Euclidean distance analyzed by PERMANOVA.	16S rRNA analysis of the V4 variable region using Novaseq		No significant differences between bacterial taxa and UPF item categories.
Atzeni, 2022 [ ]	One stool sample collected by volunteers at home and frozen	RESULTS	No significant differences.	No significant differences.	Positive association between Alloprevotella spp. (p = 0.041) and Sutterella spp. (p = 0.116) vs. tertile 2. Positive association between Alloprevotella spp. (p = 0.065), Negativibacillus spp. (p = 0.096), and Prevotella spp. (p = 0.116) vs. tertile 3.
Cuevas-Sierra, 2021 [ ]	One fecal sample self-collected by volunteer using OMNIgene. GUT kits from DNA Genotek (Ottawa, ON, Canada)	METHODS	Chao1 and Shannon indices analyzed using a paired non-parametric test.	Bray–Curtis index analyzed using PERMANOVA test.	16S rRNA analysis of the V3–V4 variable regions using MiSeq		Women: dairy and pizza positively correlated with Actinobacteria (p < 0.05), and pizza positively correlated with Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05) Men: meat positively correlated with Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05)
Cuevas-Sierra, 2021 [ ]		RESULTS	Men consuming >5 servings/day of UPFs showed lower richness compared to men consuming <3 servings/day (observed p = 0.03, Shannon p = 0.01, Chao1 p = 0.04), yet no differences in women or whole population.	No significant differences.	Whole population: Gemmiger spp. (p < 0.001), Granulicatella spp. (p < 0.001), Parabacteroides spp. (p < 0.001), Shigella spp. (p < 0.001), Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.001), Anaerofilum spp. (p = 0.001), Cc_115 spp. (p = 0.007), Oxalobacter spp. (p = 0.008), Collinsella spp. (p = 0.008) Women: Acidaminococcus spp. (p < 0.001), Butyrivibrio spp. (p < 0.001), Gemmiger spp. (p < 0.001), Shigella spp. (p < 0.001), Anaerofilum spp. (p = 0.001), Parabacteroides spp. (p = 0.002), Bifidobacterium spp. (p = 0.006) Men: Granullicatella spp. (p < 0.001), Blautia spp. (p = 0.002)	Whole population: Lachnospira spp. (p = 0.003), Roseburia spp. (p = 0.003) Women: Melainabacter spp. (p = 0.002), Lachnospira spp. (p = 0.003) Men: Anaerostipes spp. (p < 0.001)
Fernandes, 2023 [ ]	One fecal sample collected at home; one aliquot was stored in a tube containing 3.5 mL of guanidine for genomic DNA conservation	METHODS	Chao1, Shannon, Simpson, and Observed Species indices analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.	N/A	16S rRNA analysis of the V2–V4 + V6–V9 (excluding V1 and V5) variable regions using Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine™		N/A
Fernandes, 2023 [ ]		RESULTS	No associations between food processing level and alpha diversity.	N/A	Clostridium butyricum, Odoribacter splanchnicus, Barnesiella intestinihominis Alistipes onderdonkii, Alistipes indistinctus,	Ruminococcus sp., [Ruminococcus] gnavus, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bacteroides plebeius	N/A
García-Vega, 2020 [ ]	One fecal sample self-collected by volunteer at home, refrigerated, and brought to the lab within 12 h	METHODS	Estimates calculated with BiodiversityR 2.11. Shannon and Shannon evenness (Jevenness) indices calculated using Vegan 2.5 and tested with ANOVA.	Estimates calculated with GUniFrac 1.1 and tree-based UniFrac distances tested with PERMANOVA.	16S rRNA analysis of the V4 variable region using MiSeq		OTUs from Oscillospira sp., unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcus sp., Lachnospira sp. positively associated with intake of plant-derived food groups, rich in dietary fiber; Bifidobacterium adolescentis associated with plant-derived food groups; bile-tolerant Bilophila sp., Prevotella copri, and the opportunistic pathogen Prevotella melaninogenica were associated with increased intake of animal-derived foods
García-Vega, 2020 [ ]		RESULTS	Higher in females than males (Shannon, p = 0.046), higher in middle-aged than younger individuals (Shannon, p = 0.012). No significant association between diet quality (including UPF intake) and alpha diversity.	Differences according to participants’ city of origin (p = 0.001), sex (p = 0.001), socioeconomic level (p = 0.024) and BMI (p = 0.002). No significant association between diet quality (including UPF intake) and beta diversity.	Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Prevotella melaninogenica, Subdoligranulum variabile, Veillonella dispar, Ruminococcus sp., Bilophila sp., Oscillospira spp.	Prevotella copri, Clostridium hathewayi, Ruminococcaceae unclassified sp., Gemella sp., Lachnospira sp., Oscillospira spp.

3.2. Plant-Based Diets: Health Conseqences and Effects on the Gut Microbiome

3.3. fast-food meals: effects on gut microbiota and metabolites, 3.4. upf meals/supplements with high nutritional value: effect on the gut microbiota and metabolites, 3.5. food additives, 4. methods for classifying upfs, 4.1. randomized controlled trials, 4.1.1. rcts that provided all food.

Hall et al. included parmesan cheese (Roseli, Rosemont, IL, USA), American cheese (Glenview Farms, Rosemont, IL, USA), provolone cheese (Roseli, Rosemont, IL, USA), Monterey Jack cheese (Glenview Farms, Rosemont, IL, USA), cream cheese (Philadelphia, Chicago, IL, USA), and shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (Glenview Farms, Rosemont, IL, USA) on their UPF menu, while no cheese was included on their non-UPF menu [ 62 ].
Capra et al. listed parmesan, cheddar, and American cheese as examples on their UPF menu, while parmesan and cheddar cheese were also featured on their non-UPF menu [ 31 ].
Rego et al. showed Kraft (Northfield, IL, USA) American Cheese on their sample UPF menu, and Kroger (Cincinnati, OH, USA) natural cheddar cheese on their non-UPF menu [ 64 ].
Hall et al. included white bread (Ottenberg, Bethesda, MD, USA), croissants (Chef Pierre, Oatbrook Terrace, IL, USA), English muffins (Sara Lee, Downers Grove, IL, USA), hoagie rolls (Ottenberg, Bethesda, MD, USA), and plain bagels (Lender’s, Horsham, PA, USA) on their UPF menu, while the non-UPF menu featured other types of grains (rice, bulgar, oatmeal, quinoa, farro, etc.) [ 62 ].
Capra et al. listed commercial white buns and commercial whole-wheat buns as examples on their UPF menu, while homemade bread was included on their non-UPF menu [ 31 ].
Rego et al. showed Wonder bread (Thomasville, GA, USA) as an example on their UPF menu, while homemade bread was part of their non-UPF menu [ 64 ].
Hall et al. included blueberry muffins (Otis Spunkmeyer, San Leandro, CA, USA), Fig Newtons (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA), honey buns (Little Debbie, Collegedale, TN, USA), Graham crackers (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA), applesauce (Lucky Leaf, Peach Glen, PA, USA), oatmeal raisin cookies (Otis Spunkmeyer, San Leandro, CA, USA), and shortbread cookies (Keebler, Battle Creek, MI, USA) on their UPF menu, while only fresh, frozen (without added sugar), or dried (raisins) fruits were provided in the non-UPF diet [ 62 ].
Capra et al. listed Skittles (Mars Wrigley, Chicago, IL, USA) and Chips Ahoy! Cookies (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA) as snack examples in their UPF diet, and natural fruit licorice candy in their non-UPF diet [ 31 ].
Rego et al. also showed Skittles (Mars Wrigley, Chicago, IL, USA) and Chips Ahoy Cookies (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA), along with Pop Tarts (Kellanova, Battle Creek, MI, USA), Keebler (Battle Creek, MI, USA) Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies, and Welch’s (Concord, MA, USA) Fruit Snacks in their UPF diet, while homemade sugar cookies, homemade banana muffins, and Panda (Vaajakoski, Finland) Natural Raspberry Licorice were included in the non-UPF diet [ 64 ].
Hall et al. included potato chips (Lay’s, Plano, TX, USA), baked potato chips (Lay’s, Plano, TX, USA), baked Cheetos (Frito-Lay, Plano, TX, USA), tortilla chips (Tostitos, Dallas, TX, USA), dry roasted peanuts (Planters, Austin, MN, USA), cheese and peanut butter sandwich crackers (Keebler, Battle Creek, MI, USA), and Goldfish crackers (Pepperidge Farm, Norwalk, CT, USA) in their UPF diet, while savory snacks were replaced with raw nuts (almonds, walnuts) in the non-UPF diet [ 62 ].
Capra et al. listed Ritz Crackers (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA) in their UPF diet, compared to Good Thins rice crackers (Mondelez International, East Hanover, NJ, USA) in their non-UPF diet [ 31 ].
Rego et al. showed plain Pringles (Kellanova, Battle Creek, MI, USA) and Ritz Crackers (Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ, USA) in their UPF diet, compared to Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Chips (Charlotte, NC, USA) and Good Thins rice crackers (Mondelez International, East Hanover, NJ, USA) in the non-UPF diet [ 64 ].

References	Food Collection Method and Frequency	Nutritional Program for Data Entry	Classification Method	Discrepancy Resolution	Examples of ‘Difficult’ Food Categorization/UPF Brands Used in Menus/Comments
Capra, 2024 [ ]	N/A (Plan to collect three 24 h dietary recalls of habitual diet, then study food will be provided)	NDS-R 2022, Nutrition Coordinating Center, University of Minnesota	Nutrition label for each food item was used to classify menu foods manually using NOVA. Recipes for non-UPFs were developed to provide alternatives for commercial items like bread. Ingredient and menu examples provided in original article.	Not described	UPF breakfast menu contains Eggo waffles vs. non-UPF menu contains homemade waffles UPF snack menu contains apple slices with peanut butter vs. non-UPF menu contains natural fruit licorice candy Most common food additives (eaten ≥ 10 times per week) in the UPF menus: high-fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, citric acid, sodium citrate, annatto color, artificial flavors, sorbic acid
Fagherazzi, 2021 [ ]	Two 24 h recalls administered during the third and fifth appointments (6–8 and 12–14 weeks of intervention)	Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet validated by Campos et al. [ ]	Foods were classified according to NOVA and Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. When inadequate details provided, foods were categorized based on the typical form in which they are consumed.	Not described	Processed fruit juices and yogurts categorized as UPFs when brands were not provided
Fangupo, 2021 [ ]	FFQ completed by parent on at least one of three occasions: 12, 24, and 60 months of age	N/A	Foods were classified based on the NOVA system. Product/recipe ingredients taken into consideration. Less straightforward items were disaggregated when able or discussed.	Consensus reached by researchers regarding how to disaggregate and categorize unclear foods	Categorized bacon, peanut butter, and cheese as NOVA 3 Categorized bread, commercial hummus, chocolate as NOVA 4 Items requiring disaggregation or discussion: porridge, canned fruits, pasta or tomato sauce, other fresh or canned fish, yogurt, Subway sandwich, kebabs or wraps, sushi, etc.
Gonzalez-Palacios, 2023 [ ]	FFQ collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months	N/A	Specialized working group of experts in nutritional epidemiology and dieticians classified all FFQ items using NOVA. of original article shows classification of the 143 items in FFQ into each NOVA group, 36 of which were classified as UPFs. UPFs were further subdivided into six subgroups.	Not described	Coffee classified as NOVA 1, but decaffeinated coffee classified as NOVA 3 Items classified as NOVA 3: bacon or similar, homemade potato chips, homemade pastries, jams, dessert wine Items classified as NOVA 4: breakfast cereal, pastries or similar, chocolates and chocolate, cocoa powder
Hall, 2019 [ ]	Study-designed diets provided for two weeks each (inpatient) without a washout period	ProNutra software (version 3.4, Viocare, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA)	Food and beverages categorized according to NOVA. Detailed 7-day rotating menus with food brands provided in supplement.	Not described	UPF snack menu contains baked potato chips (Lay’s), dry roasted peanuts (Planters) and applesauce (Lucky Leaf) vs. non-UPF menus contain raisins (Monarch), fresh fruits, and raw nuts (Giant & Diamond)
Konieczna, 2021 [ ]	FFQ collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months	N/A	Two dietitians independently classified all FFQ items using NOVA, then reviewed by nutritional epidemiologists.	Discrepancies in categorizations of food and drinks were discussed and consensus reached	The FFQ does not differentiate between plain, sweetened, or flavored yogurts and whole-grain cereals so they were grouped together as NOVA 1 Fruit juices, milkshakes, meatballs, hamburgers, and pizza, regardless of whether they are artisanal or industrial, were categorized as NOVA 4
O’Connor, 2023 [ ] Refers to Hall, 2019 [ ]	Study-designed diets provided for two weeks each (inpatient) without a washout period	ProNutra software (version 3.4, Viocare, Inc., Princeton, NJ)	Food and beverages categorized according to NOVA. Detailed 7-day rotating menus with food brands provided in supplement.	Not described	Refer to Hall, 2019 [ ], above
Phillips, 2021 [ ]	Smartphone app (myCircadianClock) used to record food and drink, and upload photos of food, drink, and medications daily	myCircadianClock entries categorized using Python scripts	Text entries classified by 4 independent reviewers. Food collected in German was classified by one reviewer due to language barriers. Some foods categorized by assumptions on base recipes and ingredients. Foods were assumed homemade unless stated otherwise or when processing was more common. Mixed dishes were classified to the highest NOVA group based on base recipe. Added new categories for beverages grouped into “Alcohol-containing drinks” (A), “Caffeinated drinks” (C), “Sweet drinks” (S), and “Other drinks” (D). Each drink could be assigned to multiple categories (e.g., soda Coca-Cola was ultra-processed, caffeinated, and sweet, abbreviated NOVA4-CS).	Consensus was reached for entries by at least 3 of 4 reviewers	Foods were assumed to be homemade with limited exceptions (i.e., chocolate-containing food and drinks, biscuits, toast and soft bread, croissants, pizza, burgers, plant-based drinks)
Rego, 2023 [ ]	Study-designed diets provided (breakfast eaten in lab daily, remaining meals provided in portable cooler) Habitual diet determined using three 24 h dietary recalls	Open Food Facts app and NDS-R 2022, Nutrition Coordinating Center, University of Minnesota	Menus developed by a research dietician to meet UPF and other nutritional requirements and reviewed by a second dietician. Habitual diet UPF intake determined manually by trained evaluators using NDS-R output files and recall forms.	Not described	Breakfast cereal in UPF (Lucky Charms cereal) vs. non-UPF (Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes Cereal) diet Snacks in UPF (Pringles, plain; Keebler Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie) vs. non-UPF (Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Chips; homemade sugar cookie) diet
Sneed, 2023 [ ]	Three 24 h recalls each collected at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months	NDS-R, Nutrition Coordinating Center, University of Minnesota	Some foods categorized by one expert coder to start, then six pairs of trained coders using NOVA and a set of decision rules adapted by the study team. Discrepancies resolved by defaulting to the higher processing level. Classification of mixed dishes were based on the processing level of the main ingredient contributing the highest calorie content and/or the methods used to prepare the food such as frying and not disaggregated.	Weekly meeting to discuss and resolve questions; study team made final decision to resolve coding discrepancies	Fast-food items typically considered minimally processed (e.g., 2% milk, apple slices, white rice, etc.) were further evaluated using ingredient label for industrial processing/food additives Difficulty distinguishing processed fruits (e.g., canned with added sugar) vs. ultra-processed fruits (e.g., canned with high-fructose corn syrup or sweeteners) Breads were generally classified as “industrial” and labeled as UPF unless explicitly noted as homemade or artisanal

4.1.2. RCTs Using FFQ, Recalls, or Records

4.2. observational studies.

Bonaccio et al. categorized all bread as NOVA 3 [ 81 ].
Cordova et al. assumed bakery breads from Italy and the UK to be NOVA 3 and commercial packaged bread to be NOVA 4 [ 76 ].
Houshialsadat et al. categorized commercial white bread as NOVA 4, while other breads were NOVA 3 [ 90 ].
Kityo et al. categorized most loaf bread (‘ sikppang ’) as NOVA 4 [ 84 ].
Lane et al. called some breads NOVA 3 (e.g., focaccia, ciabatta, baguette, corn bread) while others were NOVA 4 (e.g., bagels, breadcrumbs, all light breads with added fiber, vitamins, and minerals) [ 85 ].
Park et al. categorized all bread as NOVA 4 [ 91 ].
Wolfson et al. called some breads, excluding restaurant breads, NOVA 3 (e.g., sourdough, Italian, naan) [ 80 ].
Zancheta Ricardo et al. counted traditional Chilean bread as NOVA 3 and industrially produced and packaged bread as NOVA 4 [ 92 ].
Cordova et al. categorized cooked tomato (as an Italian pizza ingredient) as NOVA 1 if it was fresh, but NOVA 4 if on a commercial pizza [ 76 ].
Pant et al. counted tomato sauce and tomato paste as NOVA 4 [ 86 ].
Samuthpongtorn et al. called tomato sauce without sufficient detail non-ultra-processed in their main analysis [ 87 ].

References	Food Collection Method and Frequency	Nutritional Program Used	Classification Method	Discrepancy Resolution	Examples of ‘Difficult’ Food Categorization
Ashraf, 2024 [ ]	24 h dietary recall using ASA24	ASA24-Canada-2016, Canadian Nutrient File 2015 and FNDDS	Food items were classified according to the NOVA system manually using primarily the “Food Description” variable within the ASA24. The “Food Source” variable (e.g., fast food or vending machine) was also used to identify UPFs. In cases of ambiguity, the least processed category was chosen. Zero kcal foods (e.g., water) not classified and excluded from analysis.	Not described	Cheese was considered NOVA 3, but cheese products categorized as NOVA 4 Mass-produced bacon called NOVA 4
Bonaccio, 2023 [ ]	188-item FFQ	Specifically designed software linked to Italian Food Tables	Two researchers independently coded each food into one of four categories. Conservative classification was used for challenging items. Only unequivocal foods were classified as NOVA 4 (e.g., margarine, sweet or savory packaged snacks, etc.). Some uncertain foods were classified using the most common brands in the Italian Food composition Database with the Open Food Facts database.	Discrepancies in classification were discussed with a third researcher and conservative classification was used	Bread was categorized as NOVA 3 Breakfast cereal and biscuits classified using the most consumed brands in the Italian Food composition Database with the Open Food Facts database
Cho, 2024 [ ]	103-item FFQ	N/A	Three study researchers classified food items on the FFQ into NOVA categories. The senior author supervised and checked for accuracy. Limited information was available to determine if some items were UPFs, so in this case, they were called non-UPFs and then sensitivity analysis was performed with them as UPFs.	Not described	Items called non-UPFs then UPFs in sensitivity analysis: chicken (e.g., drumstick and wing), canned tuna, dumpling, yogurt, coffee, and soy milk Another sensitivity analysis excluded pizza/hamburgers from the UPF category since they can be made without UPF ingredients
Cordova, 2023 [ ] Referred to Huybrechts, 2022 [ ]	Country-specific FFQ; combination of FFQ and 7- and 14-day food records were used in Sweden and the UK, respectively	EPIC database	Generic or multi-ingredient foods were decomposed into ingredients. Because data collection started in the 1990s and the food environment has changed over the years, “middle-bound” scenario or the most likely environment was used for food processing.	Not described	Bread in Italy: lower and middle bound assumed NOVA 3—bakery; upper bound assumed NOVA 4—commercial Bread in UK: lower bound assumed NOVA 3—bakery; middle and upper bound assumed NOVA 4—commercial Cooked tomato (as pizza ingredient in Italy): lower and middle bound assumed NOVA 1—fresh; upper bound assumed NOVA 4—commercial pizza
García-Blanco, 2023 [ ]	147-item FFQ	N/A	Two researchers independently coded each food into one of four categories based on the NOVA system.	Discrepancies resolved by consensus	Foods that were unknown if they are homemade or industrialized (e.g., pizza, popcorn, lasagna) were classified as UPFs because most traditional foods have been replaced by industrial food products in supermarkets
Houshialsadat, 2023 [ ] Referred to Machado, 2019 [ ]	Two 24 h dietary recalls, second recall was ≥8 days after the first	Australian Food Composition Database	Two expert evaluators classified foods into one of four categories based on the NOVA system, then a second set of two experts checked classifications. Decisions were made based on lists of ingredients from food packages or company websites. Homemade recipes were disaggregated and classified by underlying ingredients.	Discrepancies were discussed until consensus reached among all researchers	When classification not clear (e.g., cake or cupcake, honey, commercial or homemade), the conservative alternative was chosen (e.g., homemade and disaggregated) In Australia, many commercially produced breads are processed rather than ultra-processed, so coded two commercial white breads as NOVA 4 and the rest as NOVA 3
Kityo, 2023 [ ] Referred to methods by Khandpur, 2021 [ ]	106-item FFQ	N/A	A nutritionist classified each FFQ item using the NOVA system with slight modification developed by Khandpul et al., then a registered dietitian validated each classification. Mixed dishes or aggregated foods were disaggregated and weights were applied using Korean food recipe information.	When a consensus was not reached, the nutritionist visited stores and websites to verify food labeling information and manufacturing processes and/or referred to previous publications	Most loaf bread (‘sikppang’), toast bread, and buns consumed in Korea are mass-produced, packaged, contain additives, and are commonly sold in convenience stores/marts, so categorized as NOVA 4 The major brand of yogurt consumed in Korea is ‘Yoplait’, which is sweetened, flavored, colored, and has artificial additives according to the labeling information, so categorized as NOVA 4 Dumplings, black bean and spicy seafood noodles were disaggregated into basic ingredients and called NOVA 1 or 3
Kong, 2024 [ ]	Two 24 h dietary recalls	FNDDS and NNDSR	NHANES food codes were obtained which categorized foods according to NOVA. Homemade dishes with unknown ingredients were classified according to their expected components. Foods lacking sufficient information to determine the degree of processing was usually solved by selecting a lower degree of processing.	Not described	“Yogurt, NFS” was classified as NOVA 1 “Restaurant, Chinese, Sesame Chicken” was coded as “Orange chicken” and classified as “meat” and NOVA 1
Lane, 2023 [ ] Referred to methods by Machado, 2019 [ ]	121-item FFQ	Nutrient Data Table for Use in Australia 1995	Two authors with Australian food and dietary intake knowledge classified all FFQ food items into NOVA categories. For items that could not be discriminated (e.g., ‘bread’, ‘pasta or noodles’, ‘low fat cheese’, ‘yoghurt’, ‘fruit juice’), the authors referred to the National Nutrition Survey 1995-96 and NNPAS 2011-12 for comparison and decision making. When lacking details, foods were disaggregated and the conservative alternative was chosen (i.e., homemade or processed vs. UPF).	Not described	When classification not clear (e.g., cake or cupcake, honey, commercial or homemade), the conservative alternative was chosen (e.g., homemade and disaggregated) NOVA 3 breads: focaccia, ciabatta, baguette, pane di casa, sour dough, flats (naan, paratha, chapatti, roti, injera, and pita), pumpkin bread, corn bread and tortillas NOVA 4 breads: bagel, breadcrumbs, hot dog breads, fast-food breads, pizza bases, all light breads and with addition of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Morales-Bernstein, 2024 [ ]	Country-specific FFQ; combination of FFQ and 7- and 14-day food records were used in Sweden and the UK, respectively	N/A	Food items were categorized using the NOVA system. Food preparations using traditional methods (e.g., homemade) were disaggregated using standardized recipes.	Not described	Preserved vegetables, legumes and fruits categorized as NOVA 3 Potato products, vegetable spreads and fizzy drinks were categorized as NOVA 4
Pant, 2023 [ ] Referred to Machado, 2019 [ ] and Lane, 2023 [ ]	101-item FFQ	N/A	Food items from the FFQ were classified into one of the four NOVA groups and cross-checked between two independent reviewers. If classification was unclear, the NNPAS 2011-12 was consulted or lesser degree of processing was selected.	Discrepancies were resolved by group consensus	Pizza and peanut butter were classified as NOVA 1 Tomato sauce and tomato paste were classified as NOVA 4
Park, 2024 [ ]	One 24 h dietary recall	Standard Food Composition Table by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences	Two researchers classified each food item using the NOVA system. Product names, manufacturer, and nutritional information used to classify food as accurately as possible.	Items with discrepancies were discussed and resolved by consensus	Most or all fruit jams and canned fruits categorized as NOVA 3 Most or all bread and bakery products categorized as NOVA 4
Price, 2024 [ ]	Two 24 h dietary recalls	NHANES Nova 2015–18 database Food coded for NHANES using FNDDS and NNDSR	Food classifications made using underlying ingredients. Foods were categorized using NOVA as UPFs in three ways: (1) using original NOVA methods, (2) excluding ≥25% whole grains from UPFs, and (3) excluding ≥50% whole grains from UPFs.	Not described	Commercial whole-grain bread and ready-to-eat cereals categorized as NOVA 4 reanalyzed as non-UPFs
Samuthpongtorn, 2023 [ ] Referred to Hang, 2023 [ ]	One FFQ every 4 years between 2003 and 2017	N/A	Three researchers independently assigned each food item to a NOVA group. Foods lacking consensus were discussed with an expert group and additional resources (research dieticians, cohort-specific documents, and online grocery store scans) were used.	Items lacking consensus were discussed with an expert group and additional resources used	Foods lacking sufficient detail (i.e., “popcorn”; “soy milk”; “pancakes or waffles”; “pie, home-baked or ready-made”; “beef, pork, lamb sandwich”; “tomato sauce”) were assigned to a non-UPF group, then later to a UPF group for sensitivity analysis
Sullivan, 2023 [ ]	124-item FFQ completed at baseline, year 2, and year 4	Diet History Questionnaire nutrient and food group database; Diet*Cal Analysis Program (version 1.4.3, NCI Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program)	Two researchers independently categorized all items using the NOVA system. Discordantly assigned items were placed in the less-processed group. Sensitivity analysis performed with items assigned to more-processed group.	Not described	Tofu and honey were grouped into UPF categories because they could not be disaggregated from mixed foods
Wolfson, 2024 [ ] Refers to Martinez Steele, 2016 [ ] and 2023 [ ]	Two 24 h dietary recalls, 3‒10 days apart on different days of the week	Food coded using FNDDS and NNDSR	Food items were classified according to the NOVA system using a unique 8-digit food code. Foods likely to be homemade or artisanal were linked to scratch ingredients while foods likely purchased ready-to-eat were not disaggregated.	Not described	Several uncertain breads, such as sourdough, Italian, and naan, excluding from fast-food restaurants, categorized as NOVA 3 Some uncertain breakfast cereals such as corn flakes, frosted corn flakes, puffed rice, and raisin bran categorized as NOVA 3 Some uncertain salty snacks such as chips, crackers, and popcorn categorized as NOVA 3
Zancheta Ricardo, 2023 [ ]	24 h dietary recall	SER-24 (CIAPEC)	Three different methods used to identify UPFs based on the NOVA system: (1) using the usual NOVA categories, (2) if they contained at least one ingredient not commonly used in home cooking, and/or (3) cosmetic additives. Food was classified by one dietitian and reviewed by a second dietitian. A third person classified a small random subset of records to verify. Homemade recipes were disaggregated into their components and classified.	Disagreements were discussed and resolved by consensus	Unbranded traditional Chilean bread assigned NOVA 3, while industrially produced, packaged, and branded bread assigned to NOVA 4

5. Future Directions

5.1. future directions for food classification, 5.2. future directions for determining upfs’ impact on gut microbiome and other health outcomes, 6. conclusions, supplementary materials, author contributions, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

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Brichacek, A.L.; Florkowski, M.; Abiona, E.; Frank, K.M. Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods. Nutrients 2024 , 16 , 1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111738

Brichacek AL, Florkowski M, Abiona E, Frank KM. Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods. Nutrients . 2024; 16(11):1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111738

Brichacek, Allison L., Melanie Florkowski, Esther Abiona, and Karen M. Frank. 2024. "Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods" Nutrients 16, no. 11: 1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111738

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Narrative Essay
A narrative essay is a type of essay that has a single motif, or a central point, around which the whole narrative revolves. All incidents, happenings, and characters revolve around a single motif presented in the narrative. A narrative essay is similar to a simple five-paragraph essay, in that it has the same format.
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.
A Complete Narrative Essay Guide
Purpose: Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance. Elements: Turning Point: Highlight the most crucial moment or realization in the narrative. Example: "As the sun dipped below the horizon and hope seemed lost, a distant sound caught our attention—the rescue team's helicopters.".
Narrative Essay: How-To, Structure, Examples, Topics
Narrative Essay Structure. Of course, your essay will be unique, as it's detailing an event that happened in your life. However, following a basic structure will make it easier to read and follow. Introduction: Introduce the topic, and the incident that you're going to describe. Explain why it's important to you.
The Narrative Essay
7. The Narrative Essay. A narrative essay recounts a personal experience. Not just any personal experience, but usually one that taught the author an important life lesson. It is a common high school writing assignment. The template for a narrative essay is usually simple and straightforward because the essay is typically presented in a series ...
What are some solid examples of narrative essays?
Narrative essays typically focus on personal experiences and tell a story that teaches a lesson or shares a unique perspective. Here are some potential topics and examples of how you can approach them: 1. Overcoming a challenge: Think of a time you faced a difficult situation and how you overcame it. Focus on your initial feelings of fear or ...
5 Narrative Writing Examples
For good narrative essay examples, these application prompts are a great place to start. Take a look at some of the suggestions and then try writing a narrative essay.They usually keep them open-ended so that any student can use them—something like "recall a time when you faced a struggle or challenge, how you were impacted by this, and what you did to overcome it" is typical for this ...
4.2: Student Sample- Narrative Essay
This page titled 4.2: Student Sample- Narrative Essay is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.
Concept of Narrative Essay
Descriptive language and a premise in narrative essays usually make the essays interesting to read. Explaining personal experiences or the experiences of others in narrative essays makes it possible for individuals to relate with memorable events in ways that are easy to understand (Essayinfo 5). Works Cited. Essayinfo. Narrative Essay. 2010. Web.
Student Sample: Narrative Essay
The truck bed held early season sweet potatoes. End of the summer fare and beginning of the winter stores, all in one load. The farmer's back was facing me as he helped a woman buying watermelons. His arms were huge and his shoulders wider than a yardstick. He was tall, big, sunburned on his neck and upper arms.
4 Comprehensive Examples of Narrative Essay Types
Checkout these examples of narrative essay types to get an idea of how to write one like a pro. ... That's where this blog post gets very helpful as we have tried to explain each narrative essay type with an example. So, it's going to be a good 5 minutes for a newbie or experienced writer while reading this. So, without further ado, let's ...
Narration: Writing to Reflect
Academic Area of Interest *. U.S. Military Affiliation (if applicable) Narration is one of the most common types of communication in our world. It seems we are either telling about something we did or hearing about something that happened to others on an almost hourly basis. This constant practice makes narrative writing--also called reflective ...
Narrative essay: definition, writing steps, examples, topics
A narrative essay is a type of expository writing whose general body focuses on a central point or a motif. In this type of writing, all the unfolding incidents, characters, narratives, and dialogues build to a central point. It allows you to think and write about yourself. Often, people have ideas and experiences worthy of sharing that are ...
How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline
Structure of narrative essay outline. I. Introduction. A. The hook. The hook, which should be the first sentence of your narrative essay, needs to make the reader want to continue reading. The hook could be a fact, a rhetorical question, or an intriguing sentence that sucks the reader in. Say, for example, you're writing about a time when you ...
The Narrative Essay Examples that Illustrate the Impact of Personal
3 Examples of Narrative Essays that illustrate the impact of personal experiences. Example 1: "Forgiveness: The Key to Personal Growth". I had always been a bitter person, holding onto grudges and resentments that had been eating away at me for years.
Examples of great narrative story essays?
The narrative could revolve around the growth the writer experiences during this rediscovery phase, including moments of self-doubt, breakthroughs, and ultimately, newfound confidence. Example 2: An Unforgettable Family Road Trip This essay could describe a unique family road trip that leads the writer to gain new perspectives and insights.
Narrative Essay
A narrative is a story that is narrated verbally or in writing. A narrative essay tells a story in essay format. It is about a personal experience and told from the author's perspective. It has a ...
Narrative Essay and The Ways to Incorporate Stories In Writing
Paint a Vivid Picture —Try to draw the reader into your story by including details that bring the story alive. One effective way to accomplish this is to think visually. For example, if you are meeting a person in the story, describe the color of his hair or the expression on his face.
Essay
Essays of Michel de Montaigne. An essay is, generally, a piece of writing that gives the author's own argument, but the definition is vague, overlapping with those of a letter, a paper, an article, a pamphlet, and a short story.Essays have been sub-classified as formal and informal: formal essays are characterized by "serious purpose, dignity, logical organization, length," whereas the ...
Narrative Essay Explained
This sample was provided by a student, not a professional writer. Anyone has access to our essays, so likely it was already used by other students. ... A narrative essay is where the story teller should be creative and allow the audience to come up with their own conclusions. For instance; there was this girl called Cecile and a boy called Jeff ...
Illusions of Love and Reality in Hemingway's "A Very Short Story"
This essay aims to provide a literary analysis of "A Very Short Story," focusing on Hemingway's narrative technique, the thematic exploration of love and disillusionment, and the symbolic elements that enhance the story's depth.
Short Story: The Third Floor Bedroom: [Essay Example], 771 words
Body Paragraph 1. The setting of "The Third Floor Bedroom" plays a crucial role in establishing the story's atmosphere and advancing its thematic concerns. The third-floor bedroom is depicted as an isolated, almost forgotten part of the house, symbolizing the hidden recesses of the protagonist's mind. The dim lighting, dusty furniture, and ...
My First Encounter with Basketball: A Personal Narrative: [Essay
Body Paragraph 1. The day I first played basketball remains vividly etched in my memory. I was a twelve-year-old, awkwardly tall for my age and eager to try my hand at a sport that seemed to hold a magical allure. The local community center had organized a summer basketball camp, and my parents encouraged me to join.
Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab
Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.
What is a Narrative Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)
0 comment 2. Narrative essays are a type of storytelling in which writers weave a personal experience into words to create a fascinating and engaging narrative for readers. A narrative essay explains a story from the author's point of view to share a lesson or memory with the reader. Narrative essays, like descriptive essays, employ ...
The Best Day of My Life: a Personal Narrative
These days are often marked by profound experiences, significant milestones, or moments of sheer joy. For me, the best day of my life was not just a day of personal achievement or a moment of happiness, but a day that fundamentally changed my perspective and shaped the trajectory of my future. This day was characterized by an amalgamation of ...
How to Write a Literature Review
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
3 Great Narrative Essay Examples + Tips for Writing
A narrative essay delivers its theme by deliberately weaving the motifs through the events, scenes, and details. While a narrative essay may be entertaining, its primary purpose is to tell a complete story based on a central meaning. Unlike other essay forms, it is totally okay—even expected—to use first-person narration in narrative essays.
Reference examples
More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual.Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual.. To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of ...
Nutrients
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that are industrially processed and are often pre-packaged, convenient, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor. UPFs are widespread in the current Western diet and their proposed contribution to non-communicable diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease is supported by numerous studies. UPFs are hypothesized to affect the body in multiple ways ...

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