essay difference story

The Difference between an Essay and a Story

There are several types of essays, and only a narrative essay resembles a story. The traditional length of a narrative essay would be comparable only to a short story in length.

A narrative essay is, in essence, a short version of a personal story from a writer's experience. In some ways, a narrative essay and a short story can feel similar to one another. Both require a certain amount of imaginative narrative from the writer and use descriptive words to convey emotions, lay out the scene, and place the reader inside the events.

However, there are quite a few differences, which is why you won't find a narrative essay in a compilation book of short stories.

Like all other forms of essays, a narrative essay needs a clear outline of ideas that organize the writer's thoughts. Essays will always include an introduction, a body of writing, and a conclusion that sums up the writer's points or describe what the writer learned from the experience they write about.

Short stories need no such structure. While there is technically a beginning, a middle, and an end, the linear structure of a narrative essay is often not followed in a short story. Some jump around in time and play with the reader's imagination to determine the sequence of events and how one event affects or leads to another.

Tell the Truth

One of the most notable differences between a narrative essay and a short story is that a short story does not always have to be true. A story can be fiction or non-fiction, as both fit the definition of a short story. A narrative essay, on the other hand, is expected by the reader to be an actual experience from the writer's life.

The intent of an essay is always to inform, so readers have an expectation that they will learn something by reading an essay regardless of its form. When reading a narrative essay, a reader expects to learn more on the topic being discussed through first-hand knowledge due to the lived experience of the writer.

The intent of a story is to entertain. Some short stories are fables, which include a moral that teaches a lesson. However, even the best lessons in short stories will not come across or even be remembered if the story itself isn't engaging and entertaining.

Essay vs. Short Story

What's the difference.

Essays and short stories are both forms of written expression, but they differ in their purpose and structure. Essays are typically non-fiction pieces that aim to inform or persuade the reader about a specific topic. They often follow a formal structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. On the other hand, short stories are fictional narratives that focus on character development and plot. They can be written in various genres and styles, allowing for more creativity and imagination. While essays prioritize facts and logical arguments, short stories prioritize storytelling and evoking emotions in the reader.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to literary forms, essays and short stories are two popular choices that captivate readers with their unique attributes. While both share the goal of conveying a message or exploring a theme, they differ in various aspects, including structure, length, and narrative techniques. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of essays and short stories, highlighting their similarities and differences.

One of the primary distinctions between essays and short stories lies in their structure. Essays typically follow a more formal and structured format, often consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the stage by presenting the topic and thesis statement, while the body paragraphs provide supporting evidence and analysis. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the main points and offers a closing thought.

On the other hand, short stories have a more flexible structure. They often begin with an exposition, introducing the characters, setting, and conflict. The plot then unfolds through rising action, climax, and resolution. Unlike essays, short stories allow for more creative freedom in terms of narrative structure, with authors employing various techniques such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, or nonlinear storytelling to engage readers.

Another significant difference between essays and short stories is their length. Essays are typically shorter in length, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand words. The brevity of essays allows writers to present their ideas concisely and directly, making them suitable for conveying arguments or exploring specific topics in a focused manner.

On the contrary, short stories are longer and more expansive in nature. They can range from a few pages to several dozen pages, providing authors with ample space to develop characters, build suspense, and create intricate plotlines. The extended length of short stories allows for a deeper exploration of themes and emotions, often leaving readers with a more immersive and satisfying reading experience.

Narrative Techniques

While both essays and short stories employ narrative techniques to engage readers, they differ in their approach. Essays primarily rely on logical reasoning, evidence, and analysis to convey their message. Writers use persuasive techniques, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to appeal to the reader's intellect and emotions. The narrative in essays is often more straightforward and focused on presenting a coherent argument or viewpoint.

In contrast, short stories utilize a wide range of narrative techniques to create a captivating and immersive experience. Authors employ descriptive language, dialogue, and vivid imagery to bring characters and settings to life. They can experiment with different points of view, shifting perspectives, and unreliable narrators to add depth and complexity to the story. The narrative in short stories is often more imaginative and allows for a greater exploration of the human experience.

Themes and Messages

Both essays and short stories aim to convey themes and messages to their readers, but they do so in distinct ways. Essays often focus on presenting an argument or discussing a specific topic, aiming to inform, persuade, or provoke thought. The themes in essays are typically more explicit and directly related to the subject matter being discussed.

On the other hand, short stories explore themes and messages through storytelling and the experiences of characters. They often delve into complex human emotions, moral dilemmas, or societal issues, allowing readers to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the narrative. The themes in short stories are often more implicit, requiring readers to analyze the story's events and characters to uncover the underlying messages.

In conclusion, while essays and short stories share the common goal of conveying a message or exploring a theme, they differ significantly in terms of structure, length, narrative techniques, and the way they approach themes. Essays offer a more formal and structured approach, focusing on presenting arguments and analysis concisely. On the other hand, short stories provide a more immersive and imaginative experience, allowing for the exploration of complex characters, plotlines, and themes. Both forms of writing have their unique merits and appeal, catering to different reading preferences and purposes.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

• Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
• Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
• Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

• Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
• How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
• Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
• In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

• When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
• What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
• What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
• What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

• What are they about?
• Did they originate at some particular time?
• Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
• What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
• How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
• Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
• What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

• What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
• What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
• Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
• Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
• For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
• Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
• What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
• What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
• What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s relevant to the assignment?
• What’s relevant to the course?
• What’s interesting and informative?
• What matters to the argument you are going to make?
• What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
• Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

• like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

• Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
• Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
• Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Narrative Essay

Definition of 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. It is only different in that it is a narrative, having characters, incidents, and dialogues.

Difference Between a Narrative Essay and a Short Story

A narrative essay has a specific format, specific aspects to discover, and a specific motif. It revolves around that motif set by the writer prior to writing the essay. A short story , however, is different from a narrative essay in that it does not revolve around a pre-set motif, and that it does not have a specific format. Also, a short story always leaves readers at a critical juncture with the desire to discover more. In contrast , a narrative essay ends when the readers are fully satisfied. They do not wish to read anymore or do not want to discover anymore.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay has three required elements: character , theme , and dialogue :

Characters are an important part of a narrative essay. Even if the essay is autobiographical in nature, the person writing the essay is a character involving some other characters who act, behave, and do like all other characters presented in stories and novels .

Theme or Motif

A narrative essay revolves around a theme or a motif. This theme or motif is presented in its thesis statement, which breaks it down into three distinct pieces of evidence . These three distinct pieces of evidence are then further elaborated through characters in body paragraphs .

Dialogue is used to capture the conversation between characters. In a narrative essay, dialogue is the third important element, without which the characters lose their worth and liveliness.

How to Choose a Topic for Narrative Essay

There are four major steps to choosing the topic of a narrative essay:

• Choose a theme or thematic strand around which to weave a story.
• Outline the character, events, and happenings.
• Think about the conversation of the characters and place them in a setting and plot
• Synchronize the characters with the plot and the setting to see if they integrate with each other.

MLA and APA Formats in Narrative Essay

MLA and APA are used in all types of essays. However, APA is mostly used in social sciences, while MLA is used in humanities. Whereas the application of MLA in a narrative is concerned, it is used in the format, intext citation , and in the Works Cited page. The first page comprises the student’s name, class, tutor’s name, and date with the topic of the essay given after all of them. However, in APA, all this information appears on the cover page. Similarly, both MLA and APA differ in intext citation, with MLA having only the author’s name and page without any comma. In contrast, APA has the author’s name as well as page number with a comma and ‘p’ with a period before the number of the page, such as (Hardy, p. 45). Regarding the sources, MLA shows Works Cited page at the end, while APA shows Reference at the end.

Reflective Narrative Essay

As the name suggests, a reflection narrative is an essay that presents the reflections of a person who is writing that essay. He takes an incident from his life and gives it an organization on the pattern of an essay with a narrative having a beginning, middle, and an end. The essay may or may not have moral lessons, which does not make a lot of difference if the experiences carry the deeper meaning. What matters is that the writer reflects on his own life, taking out some significant moment to make it a storied essay or a narrative essay with a theme in it.

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.”

This paragraph is an example from a narrative essay of Maya Angelou. She has described how a girl looks, and how she behaves. She has also written direct dialogues to show that it is a narrative.

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.”

In this piece from a narrative essay by Russell Baker of the famed Saturday Evening Post , the author has fully described the efforts of his mother by her dialogue. Both character and dialogue are very clear.

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.”

In this essay, the author has given a full description of a daughter – how she looks and how she behaves.

Function of Narrative Essay

A narrative essay describes people, presents their conversations, and narrates their experiences to teach lessons to readers. In fact, it is like a story, but different in that it is weaved around a motif. A motif is given before the incidents of the essay. Readers become aware of this single theme, central idea, or motif once they go through the essay. Its major aim is to provide information about life experiences and lessons learned from those experiences.

Synonyms of Narrative Essay

Some of the words closely related to the narrative essay are reflective account, chronicle, chronology , and historical narrative. However, these words cannot be interchangeably used to replace this title.

Related posts:

• Narrative Poem
• Elements of an Essay
• Definition Essay
• Descriptive Essay
• Types of Essay
• Analytical Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Critical Essay
• Expository Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Process Essay
• Explicatory Essay
• An Essay on Man: Epistle I
• Comparison and Contrast Essay

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Difference Between a Short Story and Narrative Essay

The art of writing information in a specific structure is what the essay is all about. The essay has a straightforward format and is written with a certain topic in mind. The essay’s three main parts are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Along with the factual data, the author also provides their opinion. What distinguishes writing essays from writing short stories, in more detail? Our team of thesis writers from the write my college essay service would love to help you figure it out.

• 1 Essay writing
• 2 Short stories
• 3 Essay and short story comparison
• 4 The short stories’ outlines
• 5 Arrangement of the Essay

Essay writing

Essay writing is a skill that students master as part of their academic courses. Essay topics vary from class to class based on the student’s maturity. Some of the topics for middle school include dangerous animals, risky activities, and sporting records that can never be broken. Essay ideas for college include whether or not gun regulation is the greatest way to reduce crime rates worldwide, the ideal age to be eligible to vote, and the documents that must be submitted to the court.

Short stories

The short story centers around various character types and is written with an incident. The reader is intrigued to read the story because of the story’s impact. There will be a character, actions, or events in a short story.

Essay and short story comparison

The length of an essay is longer than that of a short story. The essay writing is descriptive, but the short story is narrative. Some of the differences between an essay and a short story are in the storyline, the action, and the characters. While a short story has a plot, an essay does not. Although there is an intelligent flow of information in the essay, the short story character’s various behaviors show that there is also action. There aren’t any characters in the essay, but there are in a short story, and they all revolve around the main character.

The short stories’ outlines

The story’s point of view is crucial because it allows the reader to enter the author’s head. Short stories typically require flashbacks or flash forwards to keep readers interested. The initial line and the last line are crucial for grabbing the readers’ attention. Exposure, conflict, mounting action, climax, and denouement are the major plot elements. The readers might infer meaning from the expressions and feelings.

Arrangement of the Essay

A topic-related combination of ideas and arguments makes up an essay’s structure. The essay is divided into three sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction paragraph contains an eye-catching concept, a statement that is applicable, and a sample of the topics you will cover in the body paragraphs. The body paragraph introduces the topic, provides context for the facts, and provides an explanation with examples from real life. Rephrase the core theme, provide a reverse hook and restatement, and provide a call to action or concluding comment when you reach your conclusion. If you still have questions, then remember that you can always turn to an essay writing service for help, where experienced essay writers will write quality work for you and help with homework of any complexity (even python assignments). Good luck with your studies!

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Guide to Different Kinds of Essays

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An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly written in the first person ( I ), or third person (subjects that can be substituted with the he, she, it, or they pronouns).

There are many different kinds of essays. The following are a some of the most common ones:

Descriptive Cause/Effect Argumentative Definition Narrative Critical Compare/Contrast Process

Descriptive:

Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . .

The descriptive essay provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. It can also describe what something is, or how something happened. These essays generally use a lot of sensory details. The essay could be a list-like description that provides point by point details. Or, it could function as a story, keeping the reader interested in the plot and theme of the event described.

Definition:

Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . .

A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to pin down the meaning of a specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Compare/Contrast:

Examples:A compare/contrast essay may discuss . . .

The compare/contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences between two things, people, concepts, places, etc. The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain the reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or the other. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.

Cause/Effect:

Examples:A cause/effect essay may explain . . .

The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event happened, and what resulted from the event.

This essay is a study of the relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or the other. A cause essay usually discusses the reasons why something happened. An effect essay discusses what happens after a specific event or circumstance.

The example below shows a cause essay, one that would explain how and why an event happened.

If this cause essay were about a volcanic eruption, it might go something like this: “Pressure and heat built up beneath the earth’s surface; the effect of this was an enormous volcanic eruption.”

The next example shows an effect essay, one that would explain all the effects that happened after a specific event, like a volcanic eruption.

If this effect essay were about a volcanic eruption again, it might go something like this:

“The eruption caused many terrible things to happen; it destroyed homes, forests, and polluted the atmosphere.”

Examples:A narrative essay could tell of . . .

The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a “short story.” Generally, the narrative essay is conversational in style and tells of a personal experience. It is most commonly written in the first person (uses I ). This essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily experience.

Examples: A process essay may explain . . .

A process essay describes how something is done. It generally explains actions that should be performed in a series. It can explain in detail how to accomplish a specific task, or it can show how an individual came to a certain personal awareness. The essay could be in the form of step-by-step instructions, or in story form, with the instructions/explanations subtly given along the way.

Argumentative:

Examples: An argumentative essay may persuade a reader that . . .

An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade the reader to the writer’s point of view. The writer can either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince the reader of the validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade the reader by using irony or sarcasm.

Examples: A critical essay may analyze . . .

A critical essay analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, and methods of someone else’s work. Generally, these essays begin with a brief overview of the main points of the text, movie, or piece of art, followed by an analysis of the work’s meaning. It should then discuss how well the author/creator accomplishes his/her goals and makes his/her points. A critical essay can be written about another essay, story, book, poem, movie, or work of art.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Narrative Essays

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What is a narrative essay?

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

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

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

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

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

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

• The essay should have a purpose.

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

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

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

• Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

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

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

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

• As always, be organized!

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

The Ultimate Narrative Essay Guide for Beginners

A narrative essay tells a story in chronological order, with an introduction that introduces the characters and sets the scene. Then a series of events leads to a climax or turning point, and finally a resolution or reflection on the experience.

Speaking of which, are you in sixes and sevens about narrative essays? Don’t worry this ultimate expert guide will wipe out all your doubts. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Know About Narrative Essay

What is a narrative essay.

When you go through a narrative essay definition, you would know that a narrative essay purpose is to tell a story. It’s all about sharing an experience or event and is different from other types of essays because it’s more focused on how the event made you feel or what you learned from it, rather than just presenting facts or an argument. Let’s explore more details on this interesting write-up and get to know how to write a narrative essay.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of a narrative essay:

A narrative essay has a beginning, middle, and end. It builds up tension and excitement and then wraps things up in a neat package.

Real people, including the writer, often feature in personal narratives. Details of the characters and their thoughts, feelings, and actions can help readers to relate to the tale.

It’s really important to know when and where something happened so we can get a good idea of the context. Going into detail about what it looks like helps the reader to really feel like they’re part of the story.

Conflict or Challenge 

A story in a narrative essay usually involves some kind of conflict or challenge that moves the plot along. It could be something inside the character, like a personal battle, or something from outside, like an issue they have to face in the world.

Theme or Message

A narrative essay isn’t just about recounting an event – it’s about showing the impact it had on you and what you took away from it. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the experience, and how it changed your outlook.

Emotional Impact

The author is trying to make the story they’re telling relatable, engaging, and memorable by using language and storytelling to evoke feelings in whoever’s reading it.

Narrative essays let writers have a blast telling stories about their own lives. It’s an opportunity to share insights and impart wisdom, or just have some fun with the reader. Descriptive language, sensory details, dialogue, and a great narrative voice are all essentials for making the story come alive.

The Purpose of a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just a story – it’s a way to share a meaningful, engaging, and relatable experience with the reader. Includes:

Sharing Personal Experience

Narrative essays are a great way for writers to share their personal experiences, feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It’s an opportunity to connect with readers and make them feel something.

Entertainment and Engagement

The essay attempts to keep the reader interested by using descriptive language, storytelling elements, and a powerful voice. It attempts to pull them in and make them feel involved by creating suspense, mystery, or an emotional connection.

Conveying a Message or Insight

Narrative essays are more than just a story – they aim to teach you something. They usually have a moral lesson, a new understanding, or a realization about life that the author gained from the experience.

Building Empathy and Understanding

By telling their stories, people can give others insight into different perspectives, feelings, and situations. Sharing these tales can create compassion in the reader and help broaden their knowledge of different life experiences.

Inspiration and Motivation

Stories about personal struggles, successes, and transformations can be really encouraging to people who are going through similar situations. It can provide them with hope and guidance, and let them know that they’re not alone.

Reflecting on Life’s Significance

These essays usually make you think about the importance of certain moments in life or the impact of certain experiences. They make you look deep within yourself and ponder on the things you learned or how you changed because of those events.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Coming up with a gripping narrative essay takes serious writing chops, like vivid descriptions, powerful language, timing, and organization. It’s an opportunity for writers to show off their story-telling abilities.

Preserving Personal History

Sometimes narrative essays are used to record experiences and special moments that have an emotional resonance. They can be used to preserve individual memories or for future generations to look back on.

Cultural and Societal Exploration

Personal stories can look at cultural or social aspects, giving us an insight into customs, opinions, or social interactions seen through someone’s own experience.

Format of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are quite flexible in terms of format, which allows the writer to tell a story in a creative and compelling way. Here’s a quick breakdown of the narrative essay format, along with some examples:

Introduction

Set the scene and introduce the story.

Engage the reader and establish the tone of the narrative.

Hook: Start with a captivating opening line to grab the reader’s attention. For instance:

Example:  “The scorching sun beat down on us as we trekked through the desert, our water supply dwindling.”

Background Information: Provide necessary context or background without giving away the entire story.

Example:  “It was the summer of 2015 when I embarked on a life-changing journey to…”

Thesis Statement or Narrative Purpose

Present the main idea or the central message of the essay.

Offer a glimpse of what the reader can expect from the narrative.

Thesis Statement: This isn’t as rigid as in other essays but can be a sentence summarizing the essence of the story.

Example:  “Little did I know, that seemingly ordinary hike would teach me invaluable lessons about resilience and friendship.”

Body Paragraphs

Present the sequence of events in chronological order.

Develop characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Story Progression : Describe events in the order they occurred, focusing on details that evoke emotions and create vivid imagery.

Example : Detail the trek through the desert, the challenges faced, interactions with fellow hikers, and the pivotal moments.

Character Development : Introduce characters and their roles in the story. Show their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

Example : Describe how each character reacted to the dwindling water supply and supported each other through adversity.

Dialogue and Interactions : Use dialogue to bring the story to life and reveal character personalities.

Example : “Sarah handed me her last bottle of water, saying, ‘We’re in this together.'”

Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance.

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.”

Provide closure to the story.

Reflect on the significance of the experience and its impact.

Reflection : Summarize the key lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.

Example : “That hike taught me the true meaning of resilience and the invaluable support of friendship in challenging times.”

Closing Thought : End with a memorable line that reinforces the narrative’s message or leaves a lasting impression.

Example : “As we boarded the helicopters, I knew this adventure would forever be etched in my heart.”

Example Summary:

Imagine a narrative about surviving a challenging hike through the desert, emphasizing the bonds formed and lessons learned. The narrative essay structure might look like starting with an engaging scene, narrating the hardships faced, showcasing the characters’ resilience, and culminating in a powerful realization about friendship and endurance.

Different Types of Narrative Essays

There are a bunch of different types of narrative essays – each one focuses on different elements of storytelling and has its own purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the narrative essay types and what they mean.

Personal Narrative

Description : Tells a personal story or experience from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Reflects on personal growth, lessons learned, or significant moments.

Example of Narrative Essay Types:

Topic : “The Day I Conquered My Fear of Public Speaking”

Focus: Details the experience, emotions, and eventual triumph over a fear of public speaking during a pivotal event.

Descriptive Narrative

Description : Emphasizes vivid details and sensory imagery.

Purpose : Creates a sensory experience, painting a vivid picture for the reader.

Topic : “A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest”

Focus : Paints a detailed picture of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings experienced during a walk through a mystical forest.

Autobiographical Narrative

Description: Chronicles significant events or moments from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Provides insights into the writer’s life, experiences, and growth.

Topic: “Lessons from My Childhood: How My Grandmother Shaped Who I Am”

Focus: Explores pivotal moments and lessons learned from interactions with a significant family member.

Experiential Narrative

Description: Relays experiences beyond the writer’s personal life.

Purpose: Shares experiences, travels, or events from a broader perspective.

Topic: “Volunteering in a Remote Village: A Journey of Empathy”

Focus: Chronicles the writer’s volunteering experience, highlighting interactions with a community and personal growth.

Literary Narrative

Description: Incorporates literary elements like symbolism, allegory, or thematic explorations.

Purpose: Uses storytelling for deeper explorations of themes or concepts.

Topic: “The Symbolism of the Red Door: A Journey Through Change”

Focus: Uses a red door as a symbol, exploring its significance in the narrator’s life and the theme of transition.

Historical Narrative

Description: Recounts historical events or periods through a personal lens.

Purpose: Presents history through personal experiences or perspectives.

Topic: “A Grandfather’s Tales: Living Through the Great Depression”

Focus: Shares personal stories from a family member who lived through a historical era, offering insights into that period.

Digital or Multimedia Narrative

Description: Incorporates multimedia elements like images, videos, or audio to tell a story.

Purpose: Explores storytelling through various digital platforms or formats.

Topic: “A Travel Diary: Exploring Europe Through Vlogs”

Focus: Combines video clips, photos, and personal narration to document a travel experience.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Narrative Essay?

Selecting a compelling topic for your narrative essay is crucial as it sets the stage for your storytelling. Choosing a boring topic is one of the narrative essay mistakes to avoid . Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose the right topic:

Reflect on Personal Experiences

• Significant Moments:

Moments that had a profound impact on your life or shaped your perspective.

Example: A moment of triumph, overcoming a fear, a life-changing decision, or an unforgettable experience.

• Emotional Resonance:

Events that evoke strong emotions or feelings.

Example: Joy, fear, sadness, excitement, or moments of realization.

• Lessons Learned:

Experiences that taught you valuable lessons or brought about personal growth.

Example: Challenges that led to personal development, shifts in mindset, or newfound insights.

Explore Unique Perspectives

• Uncommon Experiences:

Unique or unconventional experiences that might captivate the reader’s interest.

Example: Unusual travels, interactions with different cultures, or uncommon hobbies.

• Different Points of View:

Stories from others’ perspectives that impacted you deeply.

Example: A family member’s story, a friend’s experience, or a historical event from a personal lens.

Focus on Specific Themes or Concepts

• Themes or Concepts of Interest:

Themes or ideas you want to explore through storytelling.

Example: Friendship, resilience, identity, cultural diversity, or personal transformation.

• Symbolism or Metaphor:

Using symbols or metaphors as the core of your narrative.

Example: Exploring the symbolism of an object or a place in relation to a broader theme.

Consider Your Audience and Purpose

• Relevance to Your Audience:

Topics that resonate with your audience’s interests or experiences.

Example: Choose a relatable theme or experience that your readers might connect with emotionally.

• Impact or Message:

What message or insight do you want to convey through your story?

Example: Choose a topic that aligns with the message or lesson you aim to impart to your readers.

Brainstorm and Evaluate Ideas

• Free Writing or Mind Mapping:

Process: Write down all potential ideas without filtering. Mind maps or free-writing exercises can help generate diverse ideas.

• Evaluate Feasibility:

The depth of the story, the availability of vivid details, and your personal connection to the topic.

Imagine you’re considering topics for a narrative essay. You reflect on your experiences and decide to explore the topic of “Overcoming Stage Fright: How a School Play Changed My Perspective.” This topic resonates because it involves a significant challenge you faced and the personal growth it brought about.

Narrative Essay Topics

50 easy narrative essay topics.

• Learning to Ride a Bike
• My First Day of School
• A Surprise Birthday Party
• The Day I Got Lost
• Visiting a Haunted House
• An Encounter with a Wild Animal
• My Favorite Childhood Toy
• The Best Vacation I Ever Had
• An Unforgettable Family Gathering
• Conquering a Fear of Heights
• A Special Gift I Received
• Moving to a New City
• The Most Memorable Meal
• Getting Caught in a Rainstorm
• An Act of Kindness I Witnessed
• The First Time I Cooked a Meal
• My Experience with a New Hobby
• The Day I Met My Best Friend
• A Hike in the Mountains
• Learning a New Language
• An Embarrassing Moment
• Dealing with a Bully
• My First Job Interview
• A Sporting Event I Attended
• The Scariest Dream I Had
• Helping a Stranger
• The Joy of Achieving a Goal
• A Road Trip Adventure
• Overcoming a Personal Challenge
• The Significance of a Family Tradition
• An Unusual Pet I Owned
• A Misunderstanding with a Friend
• Exploring an Abandoned Building
• My Favorite Book and Why
• The Impact of a Role Model
• A Cultural Celebration I Participated In
• A Valuable Lesson from a Teacher
• A Trip to the Zoo
• An Unplanned Adventure
• Volunteering Experience
• A Moment of Forgiveness
• A Decision I Regretted
• A Special Talent I Have
• The Importance of Family Traditions
• The Thrill of Performing on Stage
• A Moment of Sudden Inspiration
• The Meaning of Home
• Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
• A Childhood Memory at the Park
• Witnessing a Beautiful Sunset

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

• Discovering a New Passion
• Overcoming Academic Challenges
• Navigating Cultural Differences
• Embracing Independence: Moving Away from Home
• Exploring Career Aspirations
• Coping with Stress in College
• The Impact of a Mentor in My Life
• Balancing Work and Studies
• Facing a Fear of Public Speaking
• Exploring a Semester Abroad
• The Evolution of My Study Habits
• Volunteering Experience That Changed My Perspective
• The Role of Technology in Education
• Finding Balance: Social Life vs. Academics
• Learning a New Skill Outside the Classroom
• Reflecting on Freshman Year Challenges
• The Joys and Struggles of Group Projects
• My Experience with Internship or Work Placement
• Challenges of Time Management in College
• Redefining Success Beyond Grades
• The Influence of Literature on My Thinking
• The Impact of Social Media on College Life
• Overcoming Procrastination
• Lessons from a Leadership Role
• Exploring Diversity on Campus
• Exploring Passion for Environmental Conservation
• An Eye-Opening Course That Changed My Perspective
• Living with Roommates: Challenges and Lessons
• The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
• The Influence of a Professor on My Academic Journey
• Discussing Mental Health in College
• The Evolution of My Career Goals
• Confronting Personal Biases Through Education
• The Experience of Attending a Conference or Symposium
• Challenges Faced by Non-Native English Speakers in College
• The Impact of Traveling During Breaks
• Exploring Identity: Cultural or Personal
• The Impact of Music or Art on My Life
• Addressing Diversity in the Classroom
• Exploring Entrepreneurial Ambitions
• My Experience with Research Projects
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in College
• The Importance of Networking in College
• Finding Resilience During Tough Times
• The Impact of Global Issues on Local Perspectives
• The Influence of Family Expectations on Education
• Lessons from a Part-Time Job
• Exploring the College Sports Culture
• The Role of Technology in Modern Education
• The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Education

Narrative Essay Comparison

Narrative essay vs. descriptive essay.

Here’s our first narrative essay comparison! While both narrative and descriptive essays focus on vividly portraying a subject or an event, they differ in their primary objectives and approaches. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of comparison on narrative essays.

Narrative Essay:

Storytelling: Focuses on narrating a personal experience or event.

Chronological Order: Follows a structured timeline of events to tell a story.

Message or Lesson: Often includes a central message, moral, or lesson learned from the experience.

Engagement: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling storyline and character development.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, using “I” and expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a plot with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Focuses on describing characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Conflict or Challenge: Usually involves a central conflict or challenge that drives the narrative forward.

Dialogue: Incorporates conversations to bring characters and their interactions to life.

Reflection: Concludes with reflection or insight gained from the experience.

Descriptive Essay:

Vivid Description: Aims to vividly depict a person, place, object, or event.

Imagery and Details: Focuses on sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

Emotion through Description: Uses descriptive language to evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses.

Painting a Picture: Creates a sensory-rich description allowing the reader to visualize the subject.

Imagery and Sensory Details: Focuses on providing rich sensory descriptions, using vivid language and adjectives.

Point of Focus: Concentrates on describing a specific subject or scene in detail.

Spatial Organization: Often employs spatial organization to describe from one area or aspect to another.

Objective Observations: Typically avoids the use of personal opinions or emotions; instead, the focus remains on providing a detailed and objective description.

Comparison:

Focus: Narrative essays emphasize storytelling, while descriptive essays focus on vividly describing a subject or scene.

Perspective: Narrative essays are often written from a first-person perspective, while descriptive essays may use a more objective viewpoint.

Purpose: Narrative essays aim to convey a message or lesson through a story, while descriptive essays aim to paint a detailed picture for the reader without necessarily conveying a specific message.

Narrative Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

The narrative essay and the argumentative essay serve distinct purposes and employ different approaches:

Engagement and Emotion: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling story.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience or lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, sharing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a storyline with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Message or Lesson: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Argumentative Essay:

Persuasion and Argumentation: Aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s viewpoint on a specific topic.

Logical Reasoning: Presents evidence, facts, and reasoning to support a particular argument or stance.

Debate and Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and counter them with evidence and reasoning.

Thesis Statement: Includes a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position on the topic.

Thesis and Evidence: Starts with a strong thesis statement and supports it with factual evidence, statistics, expert opinions, or logical reasoning.

Counterarguments: Addresses opposing viewpoints and provides rebuttals with evidence.

Logical Structure: Follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, and a conclusion reaffirming the thesis.

Formal Language: Uses formal language and avoids personal anecdotes or emotional appeals.

Objective: Argumentative essays focus on presenting a logical argument supported by evidence, while narrative essays prioritize storytelling and personal reflection.

Purpose: Argumentative essays aim to persuade and convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, while narrative essays aim to engage, entertain, and share personal experiences.

Structure: Narrative essays follow a storytelling structure with character development and plot, while argumentative essays follow a more formal, structured approach with logical arguments and evidence.

In essence, while both essays involve writing and presenting information, the narrative essay focuses on sharing a personal experience, whereas the argumentative essay aims to persuade the audience by presenting a well-supported argument.

Narrative Essay vs. Personal Essay

While there can be an overlap between narrative and personal essays, they have distinctive characteristics:

Storytelling: Emphasizes recounting a specific experience or event in a structured narrative form.

Engagement through Story: Aims to engage the reader through a compelling story with characters, plot, and a central theme or message.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience and the lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s viewpoint, expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Focuses on developing a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Includes descriptions of characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Central Message: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Personal Essay:

Exploration of Ideas or Themes: Explores personal ideas, opinions, or reflections on a particular topic or subject.

Expression of Thoughts and Opinions: Expresses the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a specific subject matter.

Reflection and Introspection: Often involves self-reflection and introspection on personal experiences, beliefs, or values.

Varied Structure and Content: Can encompass various forms, including memoirs, personal anecdotes, or reflections on life experiences.

Flexibility in Structure: Allows for diverse structures and forms based on the writer’s intent, which could be narrative-like or more reflective.

Theme-Centric Writing: Focuses on exploring a central theme or idea, with personal anecdotes or experiences supporting and illustrating the theme.

Expressive Language: Utilizes descriptive and expressive language to convey personal perspectives, emotions, and opinions.

Focus: Narrative essays primarily focus on storytelling through a structured narrative, while personal essays encompass a broader range of personal expression, which can include storytelling but isn’t limited to it.

Structure: Narrative essays have a more structured plot development with characters and a clear sequence of events, while personal essays might adopt various structures, focusing more on personal reflection, ideas, or themes.

Intent: While both involve personal experiences, narrative essays emphasize telling a story with a message or lesson learned, while personal essays aim to explore personal thoughts, feelings, or opinions on a broader range of topics or themes.

A narrative essay is more than just telling a story. It’s also meant to engage the reader, get them thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s to amuse, motivate, teach, or reflect, these essays are a great way to communicate with your audience. This interesting narrative essay guide was all about letting you understand the narrative essay, its importance, and how can you write one.

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• What is the difference between an Essay and a Story?

An Introduction to the Differences between an Essay and a Story

Does a short story vary from an essay in any way? In actuality, we write essays and occasionally short tales in schools and other educational institutions. Do essays fall within the category of stories or are they of a whole distinct genre? A writing composition might be referred to as an essay.

Reading an Essay and Story

Essays can be of many different types, including academic and personal ones. Essays give readers a firsthand account of a certain subject. On the other hand, a short tale can be thought of as an artistic work that includes a storyline and tells a story. Let us read ahead to know more about the distinction between an essay and a short story.

What is an Essay?

A Boy Writing an Essay

A piece of writing about a particular subject is known as an essay. It offers a very methodical explanation of the subject to the reader. The author gives an analysis after looking at the subject's various facets.

Every essay has a standard format that consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The reader can learn all there is to know about a topic by reading an essay. The writer typically includes factual data, a range of viewpoints, attitudes, and even their own opinions.

Teachers in schools urge students to produce essays on a variety of subjects. The level of the student's maturity determines the topic's difficulty and standard. Lower grade pupils will be asked to write essays on subjects such as environmental pollution, the first day of school, someone I admire, and so on. 

However, if the children are significantly more educated, the lecturers would cover subjects like the death penalty, the present teen and technology, etc. Writing essays gives students the chance to express their ideas clearly.

What is a Story?

An Elderly Person Reading Stories to Children

A narrative that is shorter in length than a novel is referred to as a tale. It features fewer characters and only one plot, which serves as the foundation for the incident or story. It is constrained rather than having a wide scope and numerous plots. For instance, the focus of a narrative can be on a single day in the life of the main character. 

The primary character may interact with other minor characters, but they will not receive as much attention as they do. The reader will be able to understand the character's nature through their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Even though a narrative is brief, the author might nevertheless have a significant impression on the reader.

A story author can employ a range of literary techniques, including irony and satire, to achieve certain results. Another characteristic of a story is that it contains action, which also emphasises a key distinction between a story and an essay. An essay cannot show this characteristic.

Difference between Essay and Story

A Child Attempting to Write an Essay

The following are the points of difference between an essay and a story:

Essay and Short Story Definitions

Essay: An essay is a piece of writing about a particular subject.

Story: A narrative that is shorter in length than a novel is referred to as a story.

Experience and Explorations

An essay offers a detailed report on a certain subject by delving into its many facets and giving the reader accurate facts.

In contrast, a short tale focuses more on an individual's experience than a theme.

The plot of an essay is nonexistent.

 A short narrative has a plot that it is constructed around.

You cannot observe any action in an essay.

A short narrative contains action because the characters exhibit a range of behaviours that advance the plot.

There aren't any characters in an essay.

The main character is just one of several characters in a short story.

The main differentiation between a short story and a personal essay is that the former is typically autobiographical, while the latter is typically fictional. A short narrative will typically have invented characters and invented plots, though there are several exceptions to this norm. You can visit our website to read different types of short stories and essays and identify the differences between them.

FAQs on What is the difference between an Essay and a Story?

1. What distinguishes a long essay from a short essay and what does an essay conclusion mean?

In a classroom, a "brief essay" can be 300 words long. It might be 1,000 words in a major newspaper. In a classroom, anything over the threshold for "short"—301 words, for example—could be considered a "long essay." In a scholarly publication, a "long essay" could be 5,000 words lengthy.

The last paragraph of your essay is the conclusion. The key themes of the essay should be tied together in a compelling conclusion. Explain why your point is important and leave a lasting effect on the reader.

2. What does a story's conclusion mean and can a tale be present in an essay?

The conclusion paragraph should repeat your thesis. List the important points you made in favour of it throughout the paper, and provide your assessment of the main idea. The lesson of your tale or a revelation of a deeper reality should be included in the concluding summary.

In a narrative essay, a tale is told. Typically, this is a tale of a personal encounter you experienced. Contrary to most academic writing, this form of essay and the descriptive essay allows you to express yourself creatively and personally.

Difference Between a Short Story And A Narrative Essay

• Views 19524
• Author Sandra W.

Is A Narrative Essay Different From A Short Story?

The term "narrative” can refer to a type of essay, short story, or novel. However, each type of narrative has different elements. When writing a narrative essay, you will focus on telling a true story, usually something that happened in your past. When you write a short story, you create fictional characters and a plot. The following characteristics given by iwriteessays.com distinguish a short story from a narrative essay.

Distinction: Short story vs Narrative Essay

Fact vs. Fiction

Short stories and narrative essays differ in a few ways.

• In a narrative essay, you will use facts to tell the story, typically relying on your own memory.
• With short stories, you will make up the content, creating characters and events that suit the story
• A narrative essay needs a thesis statement. This sentence belongs in the first paragraph of the essay and informs the reader of the main idea of your essay. For example, your thesis statement may say, "After I passed my driver’s test, I learned how difficult it is to be a good driver.” As you tell the story throughout your essay, you will work towards proving or showing the accuracy of your thesis statement.
• Although a short story does not have a thesis statement, many short stories do have a central theme. Perhaps the writer aims to show the impact of loss, love or other concept. She will not typically state the theme for the reader, but, instead, she will show this through the characters, plot, and other story elements.

The general structure of narrative essays and short stories will vary slightly.

• In a short story, you might place the reader in the middle of action from the first word.
• However, in a narrative essay, you will need to have an introductory paragraph, a body, and a concluding paragraph. The introduction will give the reader background to the essay, and you will state your thesis, the main idea behind the essay. In the conclusion, summarize the content of your essay and show how the essay adheres to the thesis statement.

Similarities of a narrative and a short story

These two types of writing have differences, but they also have similarities.

Just as a short story contains characters and plot, a climax and resolution of the story, a narrative essay will also have these elements. You may also choose to put dialogue into your essay, something you will also find in a short story.

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Northwest Expedition Academy essays: 'How do support dogs make a difference?'

Murphy saves lives as a Search and Rescue dog. He was one of four support dogs Northwest Expedition Academy students focused on in a series of op-eds they submitted to The Press. Courtesy photo

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office therapy dog Rocket was one of four support canines written about by NExA students in a series of essays.

Fourth graders at Northwest Expedition Academy spent time this spring investigating the question, "How do support dogs make a difference in people’s lives?"

Four different support dogs from the community came into the classroom so students could learn more about their specific jobs. Students spent time researching dog’s specialized senses that make them so adept for support work.

Below is the second and final round of op-ed pieces written by the students.

Murphy: Search and Rescue dog By KADENCE TAYLOR

Did you know that dogs can hear from miles away?

Some People think Lucy’s better because she is a support and facility dog. Lucy goes to schools and courtrooms to make kids feel better. She snuggles with the kids and lets them pet her. Lucy is a great dog, but I think Murphy's better. Other people think Blue is the best because he is also a support and facility dog. Blue's job is to help students feel better at our school. Blue will let the students pet him. Blue brightens people's days! But I still think Murphy's better, and I am going to tell you why. 

My first reason is that Murphy saves lives. Murphy is a Search and Rescue dog. There are machines where it can detect someone's heartbeat, but did you know dogs can find someone way faster? Murphy was trained to find people in an earthquake or if a building fell on top of them. Murphy also finds people who got lost in the forest. Murphy works for the fire department. Murphy's handler says, “Dogs can sense someone's heartbeat faster than machines." This is important because it proves how incredible dogs' noses are! Therefore I think Murphy's job is so cool because he is a Search and Rescue dog!

My second reason is all about Murphy's senses. Did you know a dog's best sense is its nose? A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than a human's. Also, a dog's sense of smell can pick up things that can't even be seen. They can even smell what happened a few weeks ago! Dogs' hearing is a lot better than people. People can only hear from 20 feet away while dogs can hear from miles away. Dogs are not colorblind; they can see blue, yellow and gray colors. It's super interesting learning about dogs' senses!

For about eight months Murphy lived with his trainer. Murphy's trainer taught him all the basics. In the next eight months the trainer taught Murphy 30 commands. After special training, Murphy had to take a test to be a Search and Rescue dog. Murphy's training never stops

I hope you learned a lot in my essay, and all about Murphy's job, his senses and how he got trained. Next time you see a service dog in public, make sure you ask to pet them before you do. I hope you liked my essay!

Support dog essay By TANNA JOHNSON 

Did you know hearing is a dog's secondary sense over taste, sight and touch, but their first is smell?

Some people think support dogs aren't important. Other people think support dogs are really important. Rocket makes the biggest difference in people's lives because he's not there to judge you, he helps first responders when they're having a bad day and he goes to meetings and lets people pet him.

According to Rocket's owner Mr. John McSwain, Rocket is there to calm you down, not judge you. This is important because if he judges you by your looks and is mean, that's not being a therapy dog. A therapy dog is trained to provide support and comfort to people. 

Rocket helps first responders and calms them down. According to Mr. John, he calms down first responders when they're having a stressful day. This is important because if first responders are stressed from a call, Rocket can calm them down. A first responder is a policeman, a firefighter, a paramedic or a nurse. Service dogs are allowed in different places depending on their job.

Rocket goes to meetings and lets people pet him if they're having a bad day. This is important because if people are having a bad day he makes them happy. According to Mr. John, Rocket uses his nose the most because there's a chemical in your body that all dogs can smell when you're upset or angry or sad. Sense of smell is a dog's most developed sense. It is also the most heavily used sense. Smell is to dogs what sight is to humans. A dog's sense of smell could be 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than humans, even though they have smaller brains. The part of the brain that controls smell is much bigger and expanded than the human one.

If you want to meet Rocket, go to the North Idaho State Fair this summer. I hope you learn more about therapy dogs. 

Lucy By OLIVE BUTTICE

Did you know that Lucy is a snuggle dog?

Some people think that Blue is a better dog because he helps Mrs. Duncan in a crowd or public places. Blue offers education. He works at Northwest Expedition Academy. He keeps kids at NExA safe.

Other people think Rocket is the best dog because he works at the sheriff's department. Rocket’s handler can't go to some other places without Rocket. He lets first responders pet him. Rocket has a lot of energy but he still calms people down. Rocket is used as a tool.

Lucy makes the biggest difference in people's lives because she relies on her nose the most. She helps kids feel better when they're in court and she makes kids feel better when they talk to police officers. In my essay I'm going to tell you why Lucy makes the biggest difference in people’s lives.

When Lucy goes into a room, she sniffs and then she knows what people are feeling. Dogs' sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than our sense of smell. That means that Lucy can smell farther and stronger smells. Therefore, Lucy makes the biggest difference with her nose because she has a strong sense of smell.

Secondly, Lucy helps kids feel better when they're in court. When kids are feeling sad, Lucy lets them pet her and lies on their lap. Facility dogs that work for the court help sad and stressed kids feel better. This is important because the dog helps kids when they go through a hard time or when they are stressed. Lucy does the same as this type of dog. She makes the biggest difference in our lives because of how she helps makes the world a better place for kids.

Lucy helps kids feel better whey they talk with police officers about what they went through or what happened to them. She is right beside the kids. They feel safer talking to the police officers when she is right next to them. This is important because sometimes when dogs work in a facility they usually help people feel better or help them when they go through a hard time. 

In conclusion, in my essay I told you all about how she uses her nose the most, how she helps kids in court, and how she helps kids feel better when talking to police officers. Make sure you ask to pet a dog at work before you pet the dog.

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Your Guide to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.

Whether you’re a casual sports fan , a rabid must-watch-it-all viewer, or simply curious about what all the chatter is about, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is an event you’ll definitely want to mark on your calendar.

This historic international competition brings together the best of the best athletes from around the world for a thrilling few weeks of competitions, rivalries, and can’t-miss cultural moments. An anticipated 10,500 athletes across 32 sports will soon flock to France for the 33rd edition of the Summer Games, and trust us: You don’t want to miss any of the action.

With that in mind, we compiled the all-inclusive guide below to answer all your important Olympics questions. From intel on when and exactly where the Games take place to key stats on the different sporting events and how to tune in from home—plus a whole bunch more—here’s what you need to know. Let the countdown to Games begin!

So, when are the Olympics?

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will officially run from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, August 11, with the opening and closing ceremonies happening on those dates. A few sporting events, including handball, soccer, and rugby, will kick off earlier, on July 24, but the bulk of the competition will take place in between the opening and closing ceremonies.

And where exactly will the Games be held?

You’d expect all the events for the Paris Olympics to take place in, well, Paris. But here’s the twist: Competitions will actually be held throughout France, plus one will actually be in Tahiti (!), an island that’s part of French Polynesia. There are 35 different sporting venues, including 13 in the Paris area, 12 in the Île-de-France (a broader region that surrounds the capital city), and nine scattered across other parts of the country (and Tahiti).

These include a soccer stadium in Nice (a city on the southern coast of France), a sailing venue in Marseille (also on the country’s southern coast), and a basketball and handball arena in Villeneuve-d’Ascq in northern France. Then of course, there’s Tahiti, which will host five days of surfing competition off the shores of the coastal city of Teahupo’o.

Where will the Olympic stadium be?

The Olympic Stadium is the Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium, located in Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris. Constructed in the ’90s to bolster France’s chances of hosting the 1998 FIFA World Cup , the Stade de France will host the closing ceremonies, along with various sport events, including rugby matches and lots of track and field competitions.

How many sports and events will be at the Paris Games?

There will be 329 total events at the Games across 32 different sports. This includes breaking (a.k.a. break dancing, a brand-new Olympics sport this year!), plus a bunch of others. You can expect all the classics—like swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and athletics (i.e. track and field)—as well as more niche ones, like archery, skateboarding, and trampoline, to name a few.

How many countries are competing in the 2024 Games?

Athletes from more than 200 countries will participate in the Games, along with members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Refugee Olympic Team . The Refugee Olympic Team was first created for the 2016 Rio Summer Games to both offer a symbol of hope for and shine a light on the global refugee crisis; it formed again for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. The 2024 team is still in the works, but the IOC website currently lists several dozen athletes as members. They come from countries such as Syria , Iran , Eritrea , and others, and will compete in a number of different sports, like cycling , swimming , taekwondo , track and field , and more.

What will the opening ceremony be like?

Short answer: pretty cool. For the first time in Olympic Summer Games history, the opening ceremonies won’t be held in a stadium—instead, they’ll likely happen along the Seine, the iconic river that charts through the heart of Paris. (The caveat: There’s a chance the festivities could be moved to the Stade de France due to security threats, French president Emmanuel Macron announced in April, according to the Associated Press .)

If the Seine plans hold, there will be boats floating in the river for each national delegation, and the athletes will parade along a six-kilometer route that ends at the Trocadéro , an area facing the Eiffel Tower. That’s where the ceremonies will wrap up with several final shows and Olympic protocols.

What’s especially neat is that the opening ceremonies will be free to some 220,000 spectators, who will be granted access to watch it from the upper banks via invitation, the AP reported in March . (Originally, Olympic organizers planned for the event to be open to the general public, with no tickets required for most spots, but the French government scaled back those plans in March over concerns about logistics and security, per the AP .) Access to certain up-close areas along the river, though, will require paid tickets, which can get pretty pricey.

This all sounds so great that I kinda want to see it in person. Can I still buy tickets?

Eager to catch all the action IRL? You can buy tickets to the Games through the official ticketing website . The price varies widely based on which events you’re eyeing—for example, as of press time, tickets to certain soccer matches were as cheap as 24 euros while prime seats for the opening ceremonies cost a whopping 2,700 euros a pop.

Keep in mind: Tickets for the Games are only sold through the official ticketing website, meaning no other platforms are authorized to sell them. So, if you buy them from another source, there’s a chance it could backfire—you may not actually receive the tickets or they may not actually be legit. That would obviously be a a big bummer, which is why it’s probably wisest to just go through the official channels.

A trip to France isn’t in the cards right now. I can watch the Olympics at home, right?

Absolutely. NBC is the official US network, so it’ll be hosting all US coverage of the 2024 Games—-from live broadcasts of competitions throughout the day to nightly recaps of highlights.

You can watch via your local NBC channel, USA Network, GOLF Channel, CNBC, E!, Telemundo, and Universo, or stream coverage through a subscription to Peacock Premium, which will cost you $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year (plus tax). Another option: Access live streaming coverage, highlights, and commentary via various NBC platforms, including NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC Olympics app, the NBC Sports app, and the NBC app. Here’s a detailed schedule of when all the events are happening.

Will the time difference in Paris mess with watching the Games?

Potentially, depending on your schedule. Paris time is six hours ahead of Eastern Time here in the US, and nine hours ahead of Pacific Time. That means for us folks tuning in from North America, many of the live events will be held in the wee hours of the morning and during the earlier part of the day. So consider setting your alarm (and maybe brew some extra coffee) to catch any must-watch live events as they unfold in real time!

So…once the Paris Games are in the books, what comes next?

We still have plenty of competition to look forward to in France, but if you’re already wondering what happens after 2024, we’ve got you covered there too. Let us pass on the exciting news: The next iteration of the Summer Olympics will be held in the US— Los Angeles to be exact —in July 2028! So if you’ve always wanted to watch the Olympics live, well, now might be a great time to start planning and saving for a California trip.

• 14 Best Moments of the 2020 Olympics That Show the Grit, Power, and Passion of Sport
• 12 Women’s Sports Documentaries You’ll Want to Stream Immediately
• We Asked a Psychologist Why So Many Average Men Think They Can Beat a Top Female Athlete in Her Sport

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

I'm a British mom living in the US. In the UK kids get a shorter summer break and have mandatory uniforms.

• I'm British, and my kids go to school in the US, where we live.
• There are notable differences between the education system in America and my native UK.
• I envy the British version because it is much easier for children — and their parents.

When my British friends ask what it's like to educate my kids in the US, the first issue they raise is the risk of school shootings .

Last year, no fewer than 21 people died, and 42 were injured in incidents of gun violence in and around American schools .

In contrast, the last school shooting in the UK — when a gunman murdered 16 elementary students and a teacher — happened in 1996. As a result, the public called for tighter gun controls, which the British government enforced.

My friends' next question is often related to academic achievement.

In 2018 — the most recent year the research was performed — the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked the overall knowledge and skills of British 15-year-olds as 13th in the world in reading, literacy, mathematics, and science.

The same assessment found that 15-year-olds in the US were ranked 25th globally.

It's difficult to compare public school systems forensically because of the countries' vastly different populations and government infrastructures.

However, feedback from my British friends has convinced me that the setup in the UK is more user-friendly for kids and parents.

Here are three key reasons.

Kids in the UK start school as young as 4

By law, children in the UK enter the publicly-funded British school system as young as 4 .

Most begin full-time classes in "reception" — the first step on the educational ladder — in the September after their 4th birthday. Research has consistently shown that early childhood education helps kids develop academically and socially .

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It also relieves a huge financial burden on working parents, who no longer have to pay babysitters or nursery schools for private childcare .

The age at which American parents are mandated to send their children to school depends on the state. In New York, for example, they are only obliged to attend by law after first grade.

School breaks are better spread out in the UK

My friends in the UK can't believe my kids have an entire 10-week summer break from school.

"What on earth do you do with them for 10 weeks?" my daughter's godmother once asked. She grimaced when I told her we fork over thousands of dollars for day and sleep-away camps .

Almost every child in Britain gets a six-week summer break, two weeks at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. There is usually a one-week "half-term" in February, May, and October.

Responding to parents' complaints about the length of the standard summer break , some education authorities reduced it to five as an experiment. The extra week was added to the May half-term, giving kids 10 days off instead of five in the Spring.

Kids wear uniform

Most government-run schools in the UK require students to wear a school uniform . The protocols contrast those in the US, where most public school kids can wear what they want to class — albeit within reason.

As a mom whose teens can waste hours picking an outfit to wear every morning, I'd like uniforms to be compulsory nationwide. I'm tired of the endless arguments over what clothes are "appropriate" or not.

Meanwhile, I shudder when I hear about "elite" cliques of high schoolers dressed head to toe in Lululemon . I can't bear to think of a kid being bullied because they're wearing something from Old Navy instead.

A friend said her kids wear what they want for a few designated days on the UK school calendar, such as the last day of term. "The stress of competitive dressing is high-octane," she said.

Uniforms are not only levelers but also support the idea of a community or team. Kids look more put together in a uniform, and it's good training for entering a profession.

Do you have a powerful story highlighting the differences between education in the US and other countries? If you'd like to share it with Business Insider, please send details to [email protected] .

Watch: All the differences between Tim Hortons in the US and the UK

• Main content

Minority Business Development Agency's acting head on what's next for the 55-year-old agency

The Minority Business Development Agency serves the nation’s nearly 10 million minority business enterprises

NEW YORK — In March, a federal judge ruled that the Minority Business Development Agency, an organization that has helped thousands of minority-owned businesses over the last 55 years, had to begin serving people regardless of race. The agency has since made adjustments to give help to all businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged people in obtaining financing and government contracts.

The Associated Press recently spoke to Eric Morrissette, acting undersecretary of commerce for minority business development and leader of the MBDA, about what comes next for the agency. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you come to be the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development?

A: My mom dedicated her life to public service. She worked in New York City public schools for around 20 years. Every Sunday, my sister and I would help her prepare meals for her students, many of whom didn’t have enough to eat at home. I was inspired by my mother’s selflessness and service, and it helped me recognize there were families that couldn’t put food on the table. For some of those kids, that was the only meal they were guaranteed each day.

Q :How have you seen the agency make a difference in minority communities and for minority businesses?

A: MBDA’s mission is to help create an economy that gives every American the opportunity to build a successful business. There remains a $6.3 trillion opportunity gap between minority and non-minority-owned firms. If we are to out-compete the rest of the world and have the strongest, most resilient economy, it is in our national interest to close that gap once and for all.

Last year, we helped businesses secure over $5.4 billion in capital and contracts. That is up from $2.9 billion in capital and contracts the year before — a nearly 90% increase — and it is in large part thanks to our expansion under the Biden-Harris Administration.

Q: Since the ruling came down, what changes have you had to make? What happens next for the agency?

A: MBDA’s doors are open for business and we will continue to serve businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, and we get results.

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We are working closely with lawyers at the Department of Justice to weigh all of our options, but in compliance with the court’s order, we have updated our website and client engagement form and established new guidance for our Business Center operators, all while working with them to implement necessary changes.

MBDA, the Department of Commerce, and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring that all people in all communities have the resources, access, and opportunities necessary to succeed. We are going to keep fighting to close the opportunity gap and keep pursuing the mission Congress gave us.

Q: Has the racial and ethnic makeup of who is applying for programs changed significantly, or is it too soon to tell?

A: MBDA Business Center operators have been very supportive of MBDA. They want to know how they can help, they are committed to supporting their communities, and will continue to do extensive outreach to make sure people know that MBDA is there to provide assistance. To me, that’s the main takeaway while we learn more about how potential clients and Business Centers adapt to any changes.

Something that has been really motivating to me has been the impact of our Business Centers. Our Missouri Business Center played a major role in helping Kingsway Development secure $62 million in financing to purchase a major residential development at the center of the historically redlined district north of the Delmar Divide in St. Louis. Along with helping to uplift the historically underserved neighborhood, the project is expected to create and retain over 300 jobs.

Q: Is there anything you feel like people misunderstand about the agency or the ruling?

A: Ensuring every American has the opportunity to build a successful business is critical to bridging the gap between what America is and what America can and should be.

MBDA was founded in 1969 by President Nixon and permanently reauthorized by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in 2021. It has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. Challenging the constitutionality of this organization questions the value of equal opportunity itself, which is incredibly frustrating and hurtful.

The work we do at MBDA benefits the entire country, not just the individual businesses we serve. When minority business enterprises succeed, our nation succeeds. Our work creating opportunities is not a zero-sum game. It is not about diminishing opportunities for some to give to others.

This work is about expansion. It is about creating a bigger pie with more slices. If the United States closes the opportunity gap between minority and non-minority firms, we would add an estimated $6.3 trillion and 20 million jobs to our economy. That benefits everybody, and it makes our country and our economy stronger.

Q: What do you want people that seek out services at the MBDA to know?

A: I want to make clear that MBDA is open for business. We are going to continue providing the services that have made MBDA a reliable business resource for business owners from all backgrounds for more than five decades. We help businesses overcome the greatest challenges minority business enterprises face, which is access, including access to capital, contracts, networks, and markets.

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Guest Essay

Ketanji Brown Jackson Points to a Way Forward for the Court

By Linda Greenhouse

Ms. Greenhouse, the recipient of a 1998 Pulitzer Prize, reported on the Supreme Court for The Times from 1978 to 2008 and was a contributing Opinion writer from 2009 to 2021.

The Supreme Court’s recent rescue of an important federal agency from the hands of a hostile lower court was an exercise in the evolving definition of originalism.

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for all seven members of a surprisingly lopsided majority, excavated precedents deep in the country’s colonial history for the funding mechanism that Congress chose for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A mechanism that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit deemed unconstitutional was clearly known to and accepted by the Constitution’s framers, Justice Thomas concluded.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote a concurring opinion to say that while the old history was enlightening and adequate to support the agency’s constitutionality, modern practice supported it as well. “All the flexibility and diversity evident in the founding period,” she wrote, has “continued unabated” when it comes to financing government operations.

Notably, two of the court’s conservatives, Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, in addition to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined Justice Kagan’s endorsement of the significance of later, even contemporary, practice when interpreting the Constitution. A true “originalist” would reject such evidence as irrelevant, insisting that all that matters is what the framers did and how people at the time understood their actions. (The two dissenters were Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.)

It was a fascinating development, highly significant if it turns out to mean that the pure originalism invented in conservative think tanks during the 1970s and embraced by judges like Robert Bork and Antonin Scalia is no longer the only interpretive game that a conservative judge can play. The originalist theme was the focus of much of the commentary on the decision, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America.

However, it is another opinion in the case, one that did not deal with originalism at all, that interests me the most. It was by the court’s junior justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and it is a mere five paragraphs long.

A bit of background is necessary in order to understand Justice Jackson’s move. While most federal agencies rely on an annual appropriation, Congress set up the C.F.P.B. differently in order to insulate it from political pressure. Up to a specified cap, the bureau draws its spending money directly from the Federal Reserve system without relying on Congress to grant an annual budget request. In the Fifth Circuit decision that the Supreme Court overturned, a panel of three Trump-appointed judges declared that the Constitution’s Appropriations Clause didn’t permit Congress “to cede its power of the purse” in this way. According to the panel, the bureau’s funding mechanism violated the constitutional separation of powers.

Rejecting this analysis, Justice Thomas wrote that the country’s “pre-founding history supports the conclusion that an identified source and purpose are all that is required for a valid appropriation.” He noted that “under the Appropriations Clause, an appropriation is simply a law that authorizes expenditures from a specified source of public money for designated purposes.”

According to Justice Jackson, that simple definition sufficed to resolve the case. “In my view, nothing more is needed,” she wrote. She then turned to the deeper question of whether federal courts should even involve themselves in disputes of this kind, writing that “an essential aspect of the Constitution’s endurance is that it empowers the political branches to address new challenges by enacting new laws and policies — without undue interference by courts.”

The separation of powers argument actually cuts in the opposite direction, Justice Jackson continued. The trade groups representing payday lenders that challenged the bureau’s constitutionality “would have us undercut the considered judgments of a coordinate branch about how to respond to a pressing national concern.”

Her short opinion is worthy of more attention than it has received. What Justice Jackson is calling for, as a liberal, is what conservatives once said they wanted: judicial restraint. The case is one of several challenges to the modern operation of government that the justices will decide before the end of the current term. One such case asks the court to repudiate a 40-year-old doctrine known as Chevron deference , which requires judges to defer to an administrative agency’s policy choices as long as the choice is plausibly within the boundaries of the agency’s statutory authority. Chevron deference is basically a policy of judicial restraint, even of judicial humility. Even though the doctrine was once embraced by conservatives on and off the court, incumbent conservative justices are impatient for its demise, eager to untie judges’ hands to confront the administrative state.

In her opinion, Justice Jackson quoted from a 90-year-old decision, Nebbia v. New York , upholding a New York law that regulated minimum retail prices for milk. The majority opinion by Justice Owen Roberts was an encomium to judicial modesty. “With the wisdom of the policy adopted, with the adequacy or practicability of the law enacted to forward it, the courts are both incompetent and unauthorized to deal,” he wrote in the passage Justice Jackson quoted. The vote was 5 to 4, with the outcome in favor of economic regulation anomalous for a conservative court that would soon be at war with regulatory aspects of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

There are many more familiar expressions of judicial restraint that Justice Jackson might have selected. Without presuming to know why she chose this one, I like to think she shares my concern about the collapse of the settlement that emerged from the struggle between Roosevelt and the Supreme Court. The justices, having stared down the president’s “court-packing” plan and newly amenable to upholding New Deal legislation, made a bargain with the American people. It went something like this: We will back off from second-guessing the choices the political branches make about the country’s basic economic arrangements, and we will reserve our strictest judicial scrutiny for legislation that impinges on the welfare of members of “discrete and insular minorities,” to quote a famous footnote in a 1938 decision, United States v. Carolene Products Company .

That approach, having held for half a century, yielded to political reality as courts filled up with anti-regulatory judges and as a societal consensus over which group constitutes a minority in need of special judicial protection evaporated. Is that group defined as straight, white Christian men? Some people, even some justices, may think so.

While concurring with Justice Thomas’s majority opinion, Justice Jackson wrote only for herself. I understand why: Judicial restraint was not a subject the other members of the majority were drawn to at this time. But I take her opinion, modest in its brevity and measured in its tone, as a call to think deeply not only about the lessons of the past but also about the needs of the present.

Linda Greenhouse, the recipient of a 1998 Pulitzer Prize, reported on the Supreme Court for The Times from 1978 to 2008 and was a contributing Opinion writer from 2009 to 2021.

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