Cathy A.
Cathy A.

20+ Top Narrative Essay Examples by Experts

12 min read

Published on: Apr 12, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 24, 2024

narrative essay examples

Narrative essays are a common assignment in school, but many students struggle to write them. 

The problem with narrative essays is that they can be difficult to write. They require students to think about their own experiences and to put those experiences into words. This can be a challenge, especially for students who are not used to writing about themselves.

The solution to the problem of writing narrative essays is to provide students with examples. By reading examples of narrative essays, students can see how other students have successfully written about their own experiences. 

In this blog post, we will provide you with examples of narrative essays.By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of how to write a narrative essay.

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Narrative Essay Examples

Before writing, go through narrative essay examples to ensure that outlining and formatting are done correctly. Moreover, looking at examples will allow the writer to understand sensory details and vocabulary to describe events, settings, characters, and emotions.

Here are some famous narrative essays that you can consider adding to your reading wishlist:

But it doesn't end here! To help our students, CollegeEssay.org has gathered many other narrative essay sample. These examples will help you learn the correct formation of a narrative essay.

Read on to discover!

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Are you looking for a sample to draft a personal narrative essay? Go through the example provided below to understand how the first-person and third-person perspectives are used in a narrative essay.

The Day I Learned to Swim

I was 10 years old when I learned to swim. I had always been afraid of water, but my parents decided it was time for me to learn how to swim. They signed me up for swimming lessons at the local pool.

I was terrified on my first day of lessons. I didn't want to get in the water, but my parents insisted. They helped me into the pool and I started to cry. The instructor was patient and kind. She told me not to worry and that she would help me.

We started with the basics. The instructor taught me how to float on my back and how to kick my legs. I was still scared, but I was also starting to have fun.

After a few weeks, I was starting to get the hang of it. I could float on my back and kick my legs for a long time. I could also paddle my arms and move through the water.

One day, the instructor told me that it was time to try swimming. I was nervous, but I agreed. I jumped into the water and started swimming. I was surprised at how easy it was. I swam all the way across the pool and back.

I was so happy that I had learned to swim. I was no longer afraid of water. I could go swimming with my friends and family. I could even go swimming in the ocean.

Learning to swim was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It gave me a new sense of freedom and confidence. I am so grateful to my parents for signing me up for swimming lessons.

I learned a lot from this experience. I learned that I am capable of more than I thought I was. I also learned that it is important to face my fears. If I had not learned to swim, I would have missed out on so much fun. I am glad that I took the risk and learned to swim. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Narrative Essay Example for Middle School

A narrative essay is frequently assigned to middle school students to assess their writing and creative skills. If you are a student looking for a sample narrative essay for your middle school assignment, go through the example provided below.

Narrative Essay Example for High School

When drafting assignments for high school, professional writing is essential. Your essays and papers should be well structured and written in order to achieve better grades. If you are assigned a narrative essay, go through the sample provided to see how an effective essay is written.

Good Narrative Essay Examples for College

College essays are more complex in nature than other academic levels. They require a better understanding of the concept, following a proper writing procedure, and an outline.

Although you are to draft a narrative essay for your college assignment, make sure it is professionally written. Read the sample narrative essay provided below.

The Day I Lost My Voice

I was 12 years old when I lost my voice. I had been sick with a cold for a few days, and my throat was so sore that I could barely speak. I went to the doctor, and he diagnosed me with laryngitis. He told me that I would need to rest my voice and that it would take a few weeks to heal.

I was devastated. I couldn't talk to my friends, I couldn't go to school, and I couldn't even sing. I felt like I was in a prison.

The first few days were the hardest. I was so bored and lonely. I couldn't even communicate with my family. I just wanted to be able to talk again.

After a few days, I started to get used to not being able to talk. I learned to communicate with my family and friends through writing and gestures. I also started to read more and watch more movies.

As the weeks went by, my voice slowly started to come back. I was so happy to be able to talk again. I could finally communicate with my friends and family, and I could go back to school.

Losing my voice was a difficult experience, but it taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. I also learned that it is important to be patient and to never give up hope.

I am grateful for the experience because it made me a stronger person. I am also grateful for the support of my family and friends. They helped me through a difficult time, and I will never forget their kindness.

I am now 18 years old, and I am still a strong and determined person. I am grateful for the experience of losing my voice because it made me who I am today.

Descriptive Narrative Essay Example

If you are to draft a document on the recreation of an event, a descriptive narrative essay is written. It presents an incident that happened to the writer and the backed-up information that supports the story.

The following is a perfect example of a descriptive narrative essay.

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Literacy Narrative Essay Example

Academic assignments often require students to draft essays on education. Education is the most significant topic of discussion, and for this purpose, almost every essay type and research paper studies it.

If you are drafting a narrative essay on literacy, go through the sample provided.

The Power of Words

I've always loved words. I remember being a little kid and being fascinated by the way they could be used to create stories, poems, and songs. I would spend hours in the library, just browsing the shelves and looking for new books to read. I loved the way books could transport me to other worlds and make me feel things I had never felt before.

As I got older, my love of words only grew stronger. I started writing my own stories and poems, and I even joined the school newspaper. I loved the feeling of being able to express myself through my writing, and I was always eager to share my work with others.

In high school, I took a creative writing class that changed my life. My teacher, Mr. Smith, was an amazing writer, and he really inspired me to be a better writer myself. He taught me how to use language more effectively, and he helped me to develop my own unique voice.

Mr. Smith also taught me the importance of reading. He said that reading was the best way to learn about the world and to become a better writer. He encouraged me to read as much as I could, and he even gave me a list of books that he thought I would enjoy.

I took Mr. Smith's advice to heart, and I started reading more than ever before. I read everything I could get my hands on, from classic novels to contemporary fiction. I also started reading poetry, and I was amazed by the power of words to evoke emotion.

The more I read, the better I became at writing. I started to develop my own style, and I was able to express myself more clearly and effectively. I also started to see the world in a new way, and I was able to connect with people on a deeper level.

I am so grateful for the impact that Mr. Smith had on my life. He taught me the power of words, and he helped me to become the writer that I am today. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to learn from him, and I will never forget his kindness and guidance.

I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I am passionate about helping people to share their stories through writing. I believe that writing is a powerful tool that can be used to make a difference in the world. I am committed to using my writing to promote understanding, compassion, and empathy. I believe that words can change the world, and I am determined to use my words to make a positive impact.

Fictional Narrative Essay Example

Drafting a fictional piece of document requires a more vivid description and detail. If you are assigned a narrative essay to draft on a fictional theme, read the example provided below.

The Essentials of Narrative Essays

In a narrative essay, the goal is to write a story from one person's perspective. To do this well requires incorporating all of these aspects: 

  • Beginning
  • Middle
  • End
  • Plot
  • Characters
  • Settings
  • Climax

Below are some golden points that you should keep in mind when writing a narrative essay.

  • Chronological order is the most common way to present information.
  • A thesis statement has a function in an essay. This is typically evident in the opening paragraph.
  • The writer's argument is clearly communicated through the use of sensory details and vivid language.
  • This draws the reader in and makes them interested in what the writer has to say. Everything in the passage is somehow related to the main point.

How to Start a Narrative Essay?

When you start writing the narrative essay, you should follow some steps and make your writing process easy.

For your help, we gathered some steps that you should follow when starting writing the essay.

  • Choose a narrative essay topic that is engaging and interesting.
  • Do some research and then start writing the essay.
  • Create an outline.
  • Start writing the essay. The way you describe things should be creative and colorful. Thus, the reader can feel as if they are right there with what's happening.
  • Proofread the essay before submitting it.

Watch the video below for tips on how to write a narrative essay:

Narrative Essay Writing Tips 

Professional essay writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some tips and tricks for you to follow to make your narrative essay remarkable. Even if you are aware of the writing procedure, it is advised to use expert tips to make your documents flawless. 

Follow the tips provided below to draft an exceptional narrative essay.

  • Clear Content: The narrative essay content should be clear. All the details and descriptions provided should be readable and understandable by the audience. Avoid using complex words and distribute content into paragraphs.
  • Keep it concise: Avoid describing every minor detail or movement. Provide only explanations that are important for the readers to imagine. 
  • Use first-person perspective: To make something believable and interesting for the readers, state it from the first-person perspective. Share your personal experiences, stories, and opinions to make the content impactful. 
  • Use limited referencing: When drafting an essay, according to the instructed format, avoid using frequent in-text citations. 
  • Use Clear Stance: Write your point of view clearly, so the readers feel that it is a genuine piece of writing. 


Keep in mind that a narrative essay is different from an expository essay but the same as a descriptive essay.  

In conclusion,

Using the tips provided by the professionals and going through the narrative essay examples will let you draft an effective paper. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a narrative paragraph?

Paragraphs vary in length depending on the content, but a standard 5-sentence paragraph usually isn't enough to tell an interesting story. 

How do I write a narrative essay?

Here are some steps that will help you to write a great narrative essay. 

  • Consider the topic 
  • Start writing the draft 
  • Provide supporting facts 
  • Revise your essay 
Cathy A.

WRITTEN BY

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

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