Personal Narrative Samples
essay guide
essay examples
When I woke up that morning, I had no idea that it would be, by far, the scariest moment of my life. I woke up bright and early to go to a tournament, at Drums Field with my team, Blaze. I got dressed and got …
Living away from America has been a really interesting and unforgettable, but at the same time it has had some very big impacts on my life. Most people just take it for granted that they live outside their native country. Since I have moved to …
Common App Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. My throat was parched with trepidation. “What is your …
The American Dream, attainable by anyone, has inspired many people to do the impossible, or what they think is impossible. Throughout history people have moved to our beautiful country to try to be as successful as they possibly could be. I will tell you what …
It was hot, too hot. My surroundings were slowly starting to melt: the trees, the houses, the sky and the pathway to my garage. It seemed that I was about to dissipate as well, becoming a puddle of glue-like substance left on the ground. …
Guerrilla artists display their work in public places with the intent of sending a message to the community. It’s a creative and effective way to make people think without using words. We had the same goal in mind when we brainstormed ideas for guerrilla art …
The business that I have decided to introduce is a Lewis Adult Day Care that I have been appointed as CEO that requires a process chain. As a process participant, my job description initially includes obtaining credentials such as a license and/or certification etc. to …
The first job one has is always special. There are many reasons for why the first job is so special. The experience will always stick with you. A first job gives you chills because you may not know how to do anything yet. Asking for …
The dark, damp soil dredges its way into the underside of your soles while they step ever so lightly over the carpet of brittle branches covering the forest floor. The slender shadows slip in and out of sight through the tall, never-moving trees instilling an …
Hearing is something I, and most likely many other people, take completely for granted. Going into this experience, I was a bit nervous, but mostly I was interested to find out what being Deaf would be like -like I expected or completely different. Knowing that …
I am working in this industry for the last 6 years, the most frequent words that I heard in these years are “Deployment”, “Moderation” and “Work-Life Balance”. Today I am going to share my version of the “Balance”. So, what is work-life balance? It is …
After the successful afternoon of shopping, my best friend Matilda and I headed back to the cottage from the unbearable heat and were dying for a swim; it was the perfect escape from ninety-eight degree heat. In a quick few seconds, we had our bathing …
It was the first day of the Spring 2015 semester. I made my way to the second floor of Walker Hall, Rm. 302. The space was filled with young minds, eager and anxious to learn about the Soviet past. Colleagues warned me of the intensity …
This personal account of my life and escape from Slavery is grounded in fact, not imagination, but though I have tried to depict the truth of my previous bondage as best as I am able, I know that this subject could be better portrayed in …
It was the worst day of my life on September 27, 2017 because I found out that my papa, Larry, had esophageal cancer. Papa found out he had esophageal cancer when he was having difficulty swallowing certain foods. He went to TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital …
I remember that early September sky, the day I saw “my first love.” I wanted to talk to him, but I couldn’t, I was way too shy. Brown hair, green eyes, and I could already tell his lips had told a million lies. “Don’t do …
What is a Personal Narrative Essay?
A personal narrative essay is a type of essay in which the author shares a personal story or experience. The essay typically follows a chronological order, starting with the author's initial experience or event and progressing through the various stages that led to a particular outcome or realization. The goal of a personal narrative essay is to convey a personal experience in a way that engages and resonates with the reader.
Personal narrative essays often include vivid sensory details and descriptive language to convey the emotions and feelings of the author during the experience. The author may also include their thoughts, reflections, and insights into the experience as it progressed. The essay may conclude with a reflection on the lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.
While personal narrative essays are typically based on personal experience, they should still follow basic essay structure and principles, such as having a clear thesis statement, well-organized paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together. Additionally, personal narrative essays should be written in a clear and engaging manner, using appropriate language and tone for the intended audience.
How Do You Write a Personal Narrative Essay?
To write a personal narrative essay, you should follow these steps:
-
Choose a topic: Select an event or experience that had a significant impact on you and that you can describe in detail.
-
Develop a thesis statement: Identify the central message or theme of your essay. Your thesis statement should be a sentence or two that summarizes the main point you are trying to make.
-
Create an outline: Use your thesis statement as a guide to create an outline for your essay. The outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
-
Write the introduction: The introduction should hook the reader and provide some context for the story you are about to tell. You can start with an interesting anecdote or a question that will pique the reader's curiosity.
-
Write the body paragraphs: The body paragraphs should describe the events or experiences that make up your personal narrative. Be sure to use descriptive language and sensory details to make your story come alive. You can also include dialogue to make your narrative more engaging.
-
Write the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize your main points and provide a sense of closure. You can also reflect on the lessons you learned or the insights you gained from the experience you are describing.
-
Revise and edit: Once you have written a draft of your essay, revise and edit it to make sure it is clear, concise, and well-organized. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your essay flows smoothly from beginning to end.
-
Get feedback: Have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. This could be a friend, family member, or teacher. Use their feedback to make any necessary revisions and improvements.
-
Proofread: After making revisions based on feedback, proofread your essay one more time to catch any remaining errors.
-
Submit: Once you are satisfied with your essay, submit it according to the instructions provided by your instructor or college application requirements.
By following these steps, you can write a compelling personal narrative essay that effectively communicates your experiences and insights to your readers.
Personal Narrative Essay Outline
The outline for a personal narrative essay typically follows a basic structure:
-
Introduction: This should include a hook that draws the reader in and sets up the story. It should also provide some background information and introduce the main point or thesis of the essay.
-
Background: This section provides context for the story and sets the scene for the events to come. It should describe the time, place, and any important details that are necessary to understand the story.
-
Narrative: This section is the heart of the essay, where the writer tells the story in chronological order. It should include vivid descriptions, dialogue, and sensory details to bring the story to life.
-
Reflection: After the story is told, the writer should reflect on what they learned from the experience and what insights or lessons can be drawn from it. This section should provide some deeper meaning and insight into the story.
-
Conclusion: The conclusion should wrap up the essay and leave the reader with a sense of closure. It should restate the main point or thesis and provide some final thoughts on the story.
Overall, the personal narrative essay outline should follow a clear and logical structure that helps the reader follow the story and understand its significance. It should also include enough detail and description to make the story come to life and engage the reader's emotions.
Popular Topics For a Personal Narrative Essays
There are a variety of topics that can be explored in a personal narrative essay. Some examples include:
-
Childhood memories - recounting a memorable event from your childhood or a time that shaped who you are today.
-
Life-changing experiences - writing about a significant event in your life that transformed your perspective, values, or goals.
-
Travel experiences - sharing your adventures from a meaningful trip or journey and the impact it had on you.
-
Overcoming challenges - describing a personal struggle or obstacle you faced and how you overcame it.
-
Relationships - exploring a significant relationship in your life, whether it be with a family member, friend, or romantic partner, and what you learned from it.
-
Identity - reflecting on your personal identity and how it has evolved over time.
-
Career or academic aspirations - outlining your future goals and ambitions, and how your past experiences have shaped them.
-
Cultural experiences - delving into your cultural background and how it has influenced your life.
These are just a few examples of potential topics for a personal narrative essay. Ultimately, the best topic will be one that is meaningful and relevant to your life, and that allows you to reflect on your experiences in a personal and engaging way.