narrative essay vs descriptive essay

Narrative vs Descriptive Writing: Understanding the Key Differences

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on May 13, 2023

Categories Storytelling , Writing

Narrative and descriptive writing are two of the most common writing styles used in literature. Both styles are used to convey a story, but they differ in their purpose and approach. Narrative writing is designed to tell a complete story, while descriptive writing conveys an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative writing involves telling a story with a beginning, middle, and end. It is often used in novels, short stories, and memoirs. Narrative writing can entertain, inform, or persuade the reader. It is a powerful tool for writers to convey their message and connect with their audience.

On the other hand, descriptive writing creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind. It is often used in poetry, descriptive essays, and travel writing. Descriptive writing allows the writer to use sensory details to create a picture in the reader’s mind. It is a powerful tool for writers to create a mood or atmosphere. Descriptive writing can entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or describes an event. It can be fiction or non-fiction and is often written in the first-person point of view. The purpose of narrative writing is to entertain, inform or persuade the reader.

Narrative writing aims to engage the reader by telling a story that captures their attention. Narrative writing is often used in fiction writing, but it can also be used in non-fiction writing, such as memoirs or personal essays. The purpose of narrative writing is to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and make them feel like they are part of the story.

Narrative writing has several key elements that help to create a compelling story. These elements include characters, plot, point of view, narration, chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Characters are the people or animals that are involved in the story. The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. Narration is how the story is told, such as first-person or third-person narration. Chronological order is the order in which events occur in the story. Action is the events that take place in the story. The setting is the time and place in which the story takes place. The theme is the underlying message or meaning of the story.

Examples of narrative writing include novels, short stories, and narrative essays. In fiction writing, the protagonist is the main character who drives the story forward. In a narrative essay, the writer tells a personal story that has a point or lesson to be learned. Narrative writing often uses first-person narration to create a more personal connection between the reader and the story.

In summary, narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or describes an event. It has several key elements that help to create a compelling story, including characters, plot, point of view, narration, chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Narrative writing can be used in fiction and non-fiction and is often used to entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is a type of writing that aims to provide a detailed description of a person, place, object, or event. It uses sensory details to create an image in the reader’s mind. The writer tries to make the reader feel like they are experiencing the scene.

Descriptive writing aims to create a vivid and detailed picture in the reader’s mind. It is often used to set the scene in a story or to provide a detailed description of a character or place. Descriptive writing can also create an emotional response in the reader.

Descriptive writing uses sensory details to create an image in the reader’s mind. It should be written in a logical order, so the reader can easily follow along. The following elements are commonly used in descriptive writing:

• Sensory detail (smell, taste, sight, sound, touch)
• Appearance and characteristics of the subject
• Description of the place or object
• Exposition of the subject
• Figurative language (metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia)

Here are a few examples of descriptive writing:

• The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a warm glow across the valley. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and birds singing in the trees.
• The old house sat at the end of the street, its peeling paint and broken shutters a testament to its age. The front porch creaked as I stepped onto it, and the door groaned as I pushed it open.
• The chocolate cake was rich and decadent, with a moist crumb and a smooth, velvety frosting. Each bite was like a little slice of heaven, the flavors blending perfectly.

In conclusion, descriptive writing is a powerful tool for creating vivid and detailed images in the reader’s mind. The writer can transport the reader to another time and place using sensory details and logical order.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Writing

Differences.

Narrative writing and descriptive writing are two distinct forms of writing that have different purposes. Narrative writing is used to tell a story, while descriptive writing is used to describe something in detail. The following table summarizes some of the key differences between the two:

In narrative writing, the writer is trying to convey a specific message or theme through the story they are telling. In contrast, descriptive writing is more concerned with creating a sensory experience for the reader. Descriptive writing often uses figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create vivid images in the reader’s mind.

Similarities

Despite their differences, narrative writing and descriptive writing also share some similarities. Both forms of writing require the writer to use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Both can also be used in both fiction and non-fiction writing.

Another similarity is that both forms of writing can create emotional connections with the reader. In narrative writing, this is achieved by creating relatable characters and situations. Descriptive writing is achieved by using sensory details to create a visceral experience for the reader.

In conclusion, while narrative writing and descriptive writing have different purposes, they require the writer to use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two forms of writing can help writers choose the appropriate style for their writing project.

Narrative Writing Techniques

Narrative writing is a form of storytelling that conveys a series of events or experiences through a particular perspective. This section will explore some of the key techniques used in narrative writing.

The narrator is the voice that tells the story. They can be a character within the story or an outside observer. The narrator’s perspective can greatly affect the reader’s interpretation of events. For example, a first-person narrator may provide a more personal and subjective account of events, while a third-person narrator may offer a more objective perspective.

Dialogue is the spoken or written words of characters within the story. It can reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide insight into relationships between characters. Effective dialogue should sound natural and reflect the character’s personality and background.

Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which the story is told. It can be first-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. The choice of point of view can affect the reader’s understanding of the story and its characters.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each event building upon the previous one. A well-crafted plot should be engaging and keep the reader interested.

Characterization

Characterization is the process of creating and developing characters within the story. This can be achieved through various techniques, including dialogue, actions, and inner thoughts. Effective characterization should create characters that are believable and relatable to the reader.

In conclusion, narrative writing techniques are essential for creating a compelling and engaging story. Using techniques such as a well-developed narrator, natural-sounding dialogue, and effective characterization, writers can create stories that captivate and entertain their readers.

Descriptive Writing Techniques

Sensory details.

One of the most critical aspects of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means including information that appeals to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Sensory details help the reader experience the scene or object being described, making the writing more vivid and engaging.

For example, instead of simply stating that a flower is beautiful, a writer might describe the vibrant colors of its petals, the sweet fragrance it emits, and the soft texture of its petals. This level of detail allows the reader to fully imagine the flower and feel like they are experiencing it themselves.

Logical Order

Descriptive writing should also be organized in a logical order. This can mean starting with a general description and moving on to more specific details. For example, describing a room starts with an overview, then moves on to describe individual items.

It’s also important to consider the perspective of the reader. For example, if describing a landscape, the writer should consider the reader’s viewpoint and describe the scene from left to right, top to bottom, or in another logical order that makes sense for the reader.

Descriptive writing should create a clear mental image in the reader’s mind. This can be achieved through the use of vivid imagery and figurative language. For example, a writer might describe a sunset as a “golden blanket draped over the sky” or a forest as a “lush, green cathedral.”

It’s important to balance detailed descriptions and allow readers to use their imagination. The goal is to provide enough detail to create a mental image but not so much that the reader feels overwhelmed or bored.

Finally, descriptive writing should aim to evoke emotions in the reader. This can be achieved through descriptive language conveying a mood or feeling. For example, a writer might describe a storm as “fierce and unrelenting,” creating a sense of danger and foreboding.

It’s important to consider the emotions that the reader should feel based on the subject being described. For example, if describing a peaceful meadow, the writer should use language that conveys a sense of calm and relaxation.

By using these techniques, writers can create engaging and vivid descriptions that allow the reader to experience the scene or object being described fully.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Essays

When it comes to writing essays, there are two main types: narrative and descriptive. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences in purpose, structure, and examples.

The purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story. It typically includes characters, a plot, and a setting. It is meant to engage the reader and create an emotional response. Narrative essays can be based on real-life experiences or fictional stories.

On the other hand, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed description of a person, place, or thing. It is meant to paint a picture in the reader’s mind and create a sensory experience. Descriptive essays can be based on real-life experiences or imaginary scenarios.

Narrative essays typically have a chronological structure, meaning they follow a timeline. They often include dialogue and sensory details to create a vivid picture for the reader. The structure of a narrative essay can vary depending on the story being told.

On the other hand, descriptive essays typically have a spatial structure, meaning they describe something in a specific order. They often use sensory details and figurative language to create a vivid picture for the reader. The structure of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the topic being described.

A narrative essay example could be a personal experience, such as a memorable vacation or a life-changing event. It could also be a fictional story, such as a short story or novel.

A descriptive essay example could be describing a favorite place, such as a beach or a park. It could also be a description of a person, such as a family member or a celebrity.

In conclusion, narrative and descriptive essays have distinct differences in purpose, structure, and examples. It is important to understand these differences when deciding which type of essay to write.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays are a type of writing that requires the writer to take a position on a topic and defend it using evidence and reasoning. This type of essay is often used in academic settings, such as in college courses or on standardized tests like the GRE or SAT.

An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. To do this, the writer must present a clear and compelling argument supported by evidence. The writer must also anticipate and address counterarguments to strengthen their argument.

An argumentative essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure, which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should include a clear thesis statement that states the writer’s position on the topic. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis statement in a new way.

Rhetorical Analysis

To write an effective argumentative essay, it is important to consider the rhetorical situation. This includes the audience, purpose, and context of the essay. The writer should also consider using ethos, pathos, and logos in their argument. Ethos refers to the writer’s credibility, pathos refers to emotional appeals, and logos refers to logical appeals.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most important part of an argumentative essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. The thesis statement should state the writer’s position on the topic and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. It should also be arguable, meaning there should be evidence and reasoning to support the writer’s position.

Expository Essays

Expository essays are a common type of academic writing that aims to inform or explain a topic to the reader. This section will discuss the purpose, structure, and examples of expository essays.

The purpose of an expository essay is to present a balanced analysis of a topic or issue. The writer aims to explain or clarify the topic to the reader, using evidence and facts to support their arguments. Unlike narrative or descriptive writing, expository writing is focused on presenting information clearly and concisely.

The structure of an expository essay typically follows a five-paragraph format. The first paragraph is the introduction, which includes a thesis statement that summarizes the essay’s main point. The following three paragraphs are the body, which presents the evidence and arguments to support the thesis. Finally, the last paragraph is the conclusion, which restates the thesis and summarizes the essay’s main points.

Here are some examples of topics that could be covered in an expository essay:

• The causes and effects of climate change
• The history and significance of a particular event or invention
• The benefits and drawbacks of a particular technology or practice
• The process of learning a new skill or language

In conclusion, expository essays are academic writing that aims to inform or explain a topic to the reader. They follow a five-paragraph structure and present a balanced analysis using evidence and facts.

In conclusion, narrative and descriptive writing are two important styles of writing that serve different purposes. Narrative writing tells a story and conveys events, while descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Both styles can be used in various types of writing, such as fiction, poetry, biographies, and human interest stories.

When it comes to narrative writing, it is important to consider the basic elements of a story, such as the characters, plot, setting, and theme. Dialogue can also be used to add depth and realism to the story. On the other hand, descriptive writing focuses on sensory details, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

It is important to note that narrative and descriptive writing are distinct styles, but they can also be used together to create a more engaging and compelling piece of writing. For example, a narrative essay can include descriptive elements to enhance the reader’s understanding and emotional connection to the story.

Overall, the key to effective narrative and descriptive writing is to use clear, concise, and engaging language. By mastering these styles, writers can create powerful and memorable works that resonate with readers long after they have finished reading.

Narrative Essay vs. Descriptive Essay: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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• How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A narrative essay tells a story. In most cases, this is a story about a personal experience you had. This type of essay , along with the descriptive essay , allows you to get personal and creative, unlike most academic writing .

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Table of contents

What is a narrative essay for, choosing a topic, interactive example of a narrative essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about narrative essays.

When assigned a narrative essay, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my teacher want to hear this story? Topics for narrative essays can range from the important to the trivial. Usually the point is not so much the story itself, but the way you tell it.

A narrative essay is a way of testing your ability to tell a story in a clear and interesting way. You’re expected to think about where your story begins and ends, and how to convey it with eye-catching language and a satisfying pace.

These skills are quite different from those needed for formal academic writing. For instance, in a narrative essay the use of the first person (“I”) is encouraged, as is the use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense.

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Narrative essay assignments vary widely in the amount of direction you’re given about your topic. You may be assigned quite a specific topic or choice of topics to work with.

• Write a story about your first day of school.
• Write a story about your favorite holiday destination.

You may also be given prompts that leave you a much wider choice of topic.

• Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
• Write about an achievement you are proud of. What did you accomplish, and how?

In these cases, you might have to think harder to decide what story you want to tell. The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to talk about a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

For example, a trip where everything went according to plan makes for a less interesting story than one where something unexpected happened that you then had to respond to. Choose an experience that might surprise the reader or teach them something.

Narrative essays in college applications

When applying for college , you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities.

For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay.

In this context, choose a story that is not only interesting but also expresses the qualities the prompt is looking for—here, resilience and the ability to learn from failure—and frame the story in a way that emphasizes these qualities.

An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

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If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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Home » Language » Difference Between Narrative and Descriptive Essay

Difference Between Narrative and Descriptive Essay

Main difference – narrative vs descriptive essay.

Though there is a difference between narrative and descriptive essay, these two types of essays are often confused to be the same. Both narrative and descriptive essay can be written by any age group, as they do not contain many facts or information. They are usually used in creative writing activities for students. The main difference between narrative and descriptive essay is that a descriptive essay describes a certain person, an object or a scene while a narrative essay narrates a story .

What is a Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay is a piece of writing that includes lot of descriptions. A descriptive essay can be about a person, a place, an object, or a feeling. In this type of essay, we can describe sensory details (sights, smells, sound, taste, touch). A good descriptive essay writer can describe his subject in such a way that vivid images are created in readers’ mind. Common descriptive essay topics include my pet, my family, my favorite place, my best friend, etc.

Extract from a Descriptive Essay:

“My best friend is my own cousin. Her name is Lily Adams and, she is in the same age as me. She is a pretty, tall girl with long black hair. Her deep green eyes like emeralds. Lily is a very talkative girl and she loves to help poor people. She often carries extra food in her bag to give to the poor people she meets on the road……”

What is a Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay is a piece of writing that narrates a story. A narrative essay can describe a writer’s personal experience or an imaginary incident. A good narrative essay writer can make the readers feel that he is writing about a true incident. First point of view is generally used in this type of an essay. A narrative essay also contains a plot, setting, and characters. Some narrative essay writers use dialogues as well. Some examples for narrative essays topics are an unforgettable day, my first day at school, an experience that changed, A day at the beach etc.

Extract from a Narrative Essay:

“….As I started to swim in the warm ocean, jumping over waves, I left others behind. I was still wearing my long back skirt which was quite heavy in the water, but my feet was touching the ocean floor, so I was not worried. But at one instant, I felt my feet could not touch the ocean floor anymore and I was  plunged into the water, weighed down by my clothing. Giant  waves kept coming and I was getting sucked into the depths every time they came. I tried to call out to my friends, but no sound came out my mouth……”

How to Write a Narrative Essay

As described above, the main difference between narrative and descriptive essay is their purpose. A narrative essay is written to narrate a certain incident or experience while a descriptive essay is written in order to describe a person, a thing, or a place. In a narrative essay, first person point of view is generally used and both first and third points of views are used in a descriptive essay. A narrative essay uses a logical, more often a chronological order, but a descriptive essay does not take time factor into account. Another significant difference between narrative and descriptive essay is that a narrative essay has a plot, setting and characters as it tells a story. In addition, a narrative essay can also contain dialogues.

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Down and Dirty Tips: Narrative and Descriptive Essays: Home

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Down and Dirty Tips for Drafting a Narrative Essays

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Descriptive Essays

Down and Dirty Tips for Drafting a Descriptive Essays

Helpful Links

• Narrative / Descriptive Tips from Roane State Community College
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Down and Dirty Tips: Narrative & Descriptive Essays

The point of a narrative essay to tell a story, and the point of a descriptive essay it describe something in such a way that the reader can "see" it for himself or herself. The most difficult part of a narrative essay is its narrow focus while the most difficult part of a descriptive essay is its organization.

Frequently students are asked to write a narrative essay that includes lots of description; thus, these two modes have been combined into one guide. Take what you need from the guide and ignore the rest.

This guide will walk you through the steps of getting started and organizing your essay, just the information you need to complete the assignment. For more in-depth information, consult your instructor and course materials.

NOTE: The advice offered here covers the bare minimums in an attempt to help those who are running short on time or unsure of how to get started. Wherever information here conflicts with information provided by your instructor, follow what your instructor says. He or she is the one grading your paper, afterall.

Down and Dirty Tips: Narrative and Descriptive Essays Handout

• Down and Dirty Tips: Narrative & Descriptive Essays Handout Provides the down and dirty tips for creating a narrative and descriptive essays.
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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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Descriptive Essay Vs. Narrative Essay

Table of Contents

Understanding and appreciating the differences.

Even before the advent of civilization and modern society, writing existed in a rudimentary form. The major communication channel was the talk but writing took off and started to penetrate the social fabric. In the beginning, it was hard to differentiate between fact and fiction because of a biased approach toward personal history, but human beings, as a specie, learned to keep the differences and appreciate them.

In schools and colleges, students need to write for the most part to learn and show what and how much they learned. In terms of creative writing, essays still reign supreme. There are two major types of essays that are still used by school authorities to gauge the capabilities of students. These are descriptive essays and narrative essays. The focus of this blog is on the similarities and differences between the two.

Introduction To Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is one of the most ubiquitous forms of writing. The literal meaning of narrative is a story or an interconnected account of an event. In academics, a narrative essay is a subjective account of a personal experience or incident that changed the course of history for the writer and other characters involved in the process. The major elements of a narrative essay include a well-grounded theme, believable characters, a concrete yet symbolic setting, and a conflict to disrupt the status quo. 

A narrative essay is written to make the readers care and entertain so that they can draw parallels from the characters and contents of the narrative essays. Apart from this, narrative essays offer a ripe ground for writers to experiment with language, prose, and its application.

Descriptive Writing 101

Compared to a narrative essay, a descriptive essay is much more focused and devoid of any deeper meaning. It is defined as a personal account of a person, an object, a place, an event, or an experience. Writers rely on figurative language and sensory details to infuse life and vigor through the subject. Sometimes, the topic for a descriptive essay and a narrative essay can be the same but the contents differ a lot because of the focus on the details. 

The purpose of writing a descriptive essay is to make things and people come alive for the readers. It follows a standard essay format with three major sections, comprising different yet complementary information to bridge the gap of space and time for the readers. 

Differences Between Descriptive Essay Vs. Narrative Essay

This section is dedicated to covering the differences between writing a descriptive essay and a narrative essay. The differences range from the primary motive to literary devices, a range of subjects, and more. Students should keep in mind that the main difference between the two is their treatment and scope related to the given subject, even when a topic or a title is somewhat similar or related.

Purpose of Writing

One of the things that make a descriptive essay different from a narrative essay is its purpose of writing. The purpose of writing a narrative essay is to present a relatable and believable story to the readers. It should have a well-grounded theme, a set of characters, especially a protagonist and an antagonist, and a setting where all these things play out.

Readers can draw parallel to the things based on the narration provided by the writer. On the other side, a descriptive essay is written to describe a person, a thing, an event, or a place to the readers through figurative language and sensory details.

Dependence On Literary Devices

Another thing that sets the two types of essays apart is their dependence on literary devices. In a narrative essay, writers do not have any compulsion to rely on these to make a point. Even minimalist, simple prose can do the trick for the writers. We have seen many master storytellers such as Samuel Beckett and Ernest Hemingway who showed the writers that more can be said by saying very little or none at all. The other side of the spectrum does not correspond with that notion. In a descriptive essay, a writer has to rely on literary devices such as similes, metaphors, analogies, and more to make a point. 

Range of Subjects

The range of subjects is another aspect where the two diverge, to some extent. A narrative essay is a personal account of an incident or happening that was influential in its content and character, for both the writer and the readers. It does not revolve around a specific subject, but rather a story that leads to the conflict and then moves through it. A descriptive essay, however, focuses on the physical and metaphysical aspects of a subject under consideration. It can be a person, a thing, a place, or an event that was special for the writer. In any case, the scope and treatment of the subject can make or break the deal for both types of essays.

Essential Elements To Balance

The elements of an essay are the fundamentals that are necessary for their existence. A narrative essay has around five elements without which one cannot exist. These include a theme, a thesis statement, characters, a setting, and a conflict. For a descriptive essay, it is necessary to have vivid details, figurative language, sensory details, and a rigid structure and organization of the content to be qualified as such. The job of a writer is to balance all these elements for the benefit of the story or the description. He should play the cards right in terms of connecting the readers with the content. If this is not true, the essay is lacking in many aspects.

Tips To Write Riveting Essays

In addition to understanding the similarities and differences between the two  different types of essays , it is necessary to have a look at some of the tips and tricks. They can help students tackle different issues related to different elements and their manifestations in the content.

This section is dedicated to helping novice writers with the mechanics of writing and connecting the story or description with the readers.

Clarity of Prose And Purpose

Writing requires precision and focus to provide the exact meaning to the readers. Whether you are writing a descriptive essay or dabbling into the vocation of writing a narrative essay, it is best to understand that readers find pretentious details hard to understand and remember. No matter what your writing style is, it is best to strive for clear prose with simple sentence structure. Whenever in doubt, always err for short sentences and paragraphs. This also helps in providing a single purpose to the prose which is the part and parcel of writing an essay in the first place.

Masterful Use of Language

For a writer, the command and use of language are everything. It is as much a science as it is an art. While writing an essay, a writer should be mindful of the need for the level and depth of language. Many make the mistake of using dense and heavy words thinking they would enrich the prose. On the contrary, it can put readers off the course because they make it hard to read and not much pleasant to recite. So, masterful use of language and reliance on literary devices and moments, such as minimalism, alliterations, and more can bear exceptional fruit for the end product.

The show, Don’t Tell Rule

This adage has been used by many experts to help novice writers understand the importance of getting readers into the scene, instead of describing the scene to them. While writing an essay, you will be entrusted to provide the necessary context and details. Instead of merely stating them, you can get the reader invested in them by helping them understand and visualize the scene better. This “show, don’t tell” philosophy is at the heart of both narrative and descriptive essay writing, especially for the latter, because without it, the purpose of writing falls flat. So, the prose should be enriching and enticing in every major section of the essay.

In simple terms, an essay is a focused piece of writing that either explains, argues, describes, or narrates. Depending on the subject matter and topic of the essay, students need to write an essay focusing on one of the aspects. The common elements of an essay, of any kind, include a theme, a thesis statement, a setting, and an agent of change.

A hook is a literary device that writers employ to lure the readers into reading an essay and get them invested in the story. There are many ways a hook manifests itself, such as through a direct question, a bold statement, or a statistic that connects directly with the content of the essay. Without a working hook, it often becomes harder for readers to get past the title or the introduction.

There are three major sections in a standard essay, whether it is a narrative essay or a descriptive essay:

• An introduction/ opening sets all the things in motion for an essay. Its contents include a hook, setting or context for the main body, and a thesis statement
• The main body is the bulk of an essay. It is where all the essential elements of the essay come into play
• A closing/ conclusion summarizes the main ideas and ties all the loose ends before signing off. This is what readers often remember the most from an essay

A thesis statement is a distilled version of the main theme or the idea of an essay. It covers the dynamics of topics in a single or a couple of bold sentences. The ideal place for a thesis statement is at the end of the introduction where it can transition into the main body and foreshadows the upcoming content.

Argumentative essays are considered to be the most common types of essays that are written in universities. In these essays, writers need to make a stance in a debate, either for or against the statement. Still, narrative and descriptive essays are also common in schools and colleges to gauge the writing and thinking capabilities of the students.

Having a working outline after research and gathering the necessary information is necessary to prevent bottlenecks and writer’s block along the way. It keeps the content focused and helps writers keep the destination in mind, even after numerous detours. That’s why many experts suggest outlining to be the proper first step in writing an essay.

Final Thoughts

Even though there are many similarities between narrative and descriptive essays, they are different in their form, scope, and reach. Where one is about describing a subject under consideration, the other one is about telling a story leading to a certain point and beyond.

In this post, we have covered the major differences between a descriptive essay and a narrative essay, thus providing the launch pad for students to write great essays in both categories. Apart from the content provided in this post, we urge students to study literary figures and try to emulate their style in their prose. Ultimately, it will become easier to create worlds and people in them through the power of description and narration.

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Narrative Vs. Descriptive Writing

Kristie sweet.

The most common types of writing assignments students encounter in composition classes are exposition, argument, narration and description. While all these modes allow a writer to explain an idea or event, they differ in the specific intent. A narrative tells a story about an event, while description creates a picture of a person, place, thing or event for the reader.

Explore this article

• A narrative often reflects your personal experience
• Description
• Description uses sensory detail
• Similarities
• Follow essay format
• Differences
• Employs first person point

1 Narration

2 a narrative often reflects your personal experience.

A narrative often reflects your personal experience, explaining what happened during some sort of experience. Stories are narrative, and narrative essays have a similar purpose of telling the events to a reader. Narrative essay topics include recounting an experience where you learned something significant, your first day at school, your first job interview, a frightening encounter, an experience that changed your life and two differing versions of the same event. Narration is not always a personal experience, though; a book report is narrative since it typically spells out the plot of the book or story.

3 Description

4 description uses sensory detail.

Description uses sensory detail (sights, sounds, tactile sensations, tastes and smells) to describe a scene, person or feeling to a reader. As you describe, you create a three-dimensional picture so your reader can experience the item, place, person or emotion along with the reading. Descriptive essay topics include your favorite place, your bedroom, your best friend, the most unusual object you own, an art exhibit, the best or worst teacher you ever had, your ideal job or dream home.

5 Similarities

6 follow essay format.

Both narrative and descriptive essays should follow essay format with an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph. At the end of the introduction, place a thesis, a sentence that explains the overall purpose of your paper. You should give a reason for your narration or description in that thesis, explaining why this event, person, place or thing is important enough for you to write about. The thesis might express that you are telling a story because you learned something significant or that you are describing a place that creates a sense of calm in your life. In both narration and description, include specific details in the body paragraphs to support the idea set forth in your thesis.

7 Differences

8 employs first person point.

Narration often employs first person point of view, using words like "I" and "me," while other modes including description do not. The biggest difference between the two is that a narrative essay includes action, but the descriptive essay does not. Narration follows a logical order, typically chronological. In contrast, description typically contains no time elements, so organize descriptive essays by some other reasonable means, such as how you physically move around in a space or with a paragraph for each of the senses you use to describe.

• 1 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Narrative Essays
• 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Descriptive Essays
• 3 The Writing Center at McDaniel College: A Basic Essay Format

About the Author

Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive vs. narrative essay, helpful tips, ​1. keep your sentences clear and concise., 2. dissect the subject you're describing..

• How it works

Descriptive and Narrative Essay Styles

Published by Grace Graffin at August 17th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

Argumentative essays are the most common type of essays , but you could be asked to write a descriptive or narrative essay by your tutor.

These two types of essays are different from argumentative essays, as they permit the writer to express the content in a natural yet comprehensive manner. Hence, readers can grasp the exact concept without any confusion.

Argumentative essays , as the name suggests, are more about arguments and providing counterarguments. On the contrary, descriptive and narrative essays can be used to win an argument by appealing to the audience’s emotions.

This tactic can be really helpful, particularly when starting a  personal statement  for admission to a college or university.

Descriptive and narrative essays are structured so that a deliberate effort is made in portraying a specific meaning to drive the reader’s perception. This is usually in a style that alters the meaning of something that one perceives.

Differences Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays

In this article, we will come to know the characteristics of descriptive as well as narrative essays. Let’s discuss these below:

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays need to share experiences and events with readers so that they experience the same feelings. You should express the subject-object relationship so that the readers feel so close to the experience it is like they went through it themselves.

Which Approach Should You Take?

There are two main approaches to a descriptive essay. The personal essay will require you to talk about your feelings and responses. This is the type of essay where you will use evocative and vivid language in order to describe an experience and gain empathy from your readers.

A more academic descriptive essay that describes, for example, political or historical events, will likely require writing in more academic language . This type of essay will describe in detail something that is not connected to you personally. The essay can still be engaging, as long as it is not excessively formal.

The Theme of Your Descriptive Essay

There are different themes that you can be instructed to write about in a descriptive essay:

• Describe someone who has had an impact on your life.
• Describe a situation or experience that changed your opinion on something.

Essays such as these will require you to draw from your own experience and memory. The aim is to show the reader how something impacted your life or how an experience taught you a valuable lesson. In doing so, you should work to make this as real as you can for your readers.

Imaginative

• Describe the experience of a slave in 18th century USA.
• Describe how it might feel to have to flee your home country because of war.

Themes like these are likely to be outside of your lived experience and as such you will have to best portray them using your imagination.

• Describe the feeling of inspiration.
• Describe how it is to be in despair.

Describing feelings and emotions in detail can be quite challenging, and many people struggle . People know the meanings of the words, but it will be down to your writing skills to convey them to your reader. How can this be done without writing something that appears like an extended dictionary definition?

Tips for Writing Descriptive Essays

Find appropriate words.

Writers with good essay writing skills pay attention to each word they write in an essay. They want to make sure the words convey the intended meanings to the reader.

To make their writing more understandable, many writers prefer to use sensory language (related to the senses) in their essays over cerebral language (related to the intellect). Expert writers will describe things using the five senses, bringing a descriptive essay to life. Using figurative language in metaphors and similes allows for memorable images, and it is acceptable to use very strong descriptions where needed.

Your essay will benefit if you employ this use of language. But you should be careful not to overuse things. And there are some things you should not do.

Use Writing Tools in Moderation

Try to resist the habit to overuse certain writing tools. Sometimes more is less, meaning that if you use something too much, it ends up being less effective. Avoid the use of clichés; describing something as “dry as a bone” is the same as saying “it is dry”. Everyone knows the meaning and it adds nothing to your work. Using a thesaurus will increase your vocabulary and help you structure original descriptions and sentences.

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Design the Sentence Structure Carefully

The structure of a sentence depends on its length. Keeping your sentences too short can make your writing appear unsophisticated and your ideas seem disconnected. On the other hand, consistently writing very long sentences, despite having properly placed  transitions , could make the essay lose its focus.

Also Read: How to Use Parallel Structure in Writing?

The best way to cut down a  long sentence  is to figure out your main points. The length of sentences in an essay creates the essay’s overall mood, which can divert the reader’s attention if not paid necessary attention. This is also true of formal academic writing in a descriptive essay; the tone and voice are important.

What is the Difference between Essays and Reports?

If you have made notes on a certain experience that you are going to describe, it will allow you to gather and present your statement more compactly. Whether you share the actual experience or your imagination of it, it always helps deliver your message fully to the readers when you provide all the relevant information.

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Narrative Essay Topics

It is advisable to study the keywords in your essay prompt. There might not be quite enough detail in the prompt, so you could find that you have to choose and develop a topic . There are many themes you may be expected to cover in your essay. The following list covers some of the main principles:

• Showing conflict or challenge – An event or experience where you or another encountered a conflict, challenge, or were tested.
• Prevailing against the odds – Either where two parties are in opposition to each other or one party prevails against natural forces, for example.
• Personal growth – An honest account of how an experience changed you for the better.
• Something of value to you – An explanation about why something is important to you. Make the reader really feel how strongly you value this.

Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Make an outline for your narrative essay.

It is recommended to plan your essay , as the idea of narrative essays is to communicate to your readers about the subject clearly. Tell your readers what you intend to talk about, why you chose this subject, and why it is important.

To make a better sentence structure for your narrative essay, you can use foreshadowing and past events. Remember to tell the story in chronological order, do not deviate from the plot, and try to show rather than tell as much as possible.

Bring Your Narrative to Life

You cannot show your reader pictures, you only have words to use. But you can use words to create pictures in the reader’s mind with visual, descriptive language. You can also give them words to listen to: Instead of he told me to stop , use direct quotes, “ Stop right there! ” he said, and jabbed a thick finger menacingly into my chest . These are the kind of quotations you can use freely, likely with no need for referencing .

Explain the Narrator as a Character

If you want to play the role of the narrator yourself, you need to pick the character traits you can share as a narrator. A compact narrative essay will explain the narrator’s identity, which will consequently have a deep impact on the story and its focus.

Readers will not get to know the narration’s main theme unless they get to know about the narrator. Let’s understand this through an example: If the narrator is not reliable or trustworthy, you can let him narrate his story in his own voice and indirectly raise questions about the approach.

In contrast to this, you can use a reliable narrator and support the argument by providing evidence and opinions that support the narrator’s arguments.

Also Read: How to Write an Essay?

To conclude, a narrative essay is all about narrating a story, while the idea of a descriptive essay is to describe something in a way that the reader should perceive perfectly for himself. Essayists find it challenging to narrowly focus on a narrative essay, while a descriptive essay is difficult in terms of organisation . Order Your Essay Now   View Sample Essay Essay Writing Help

Descriptive and Narrative Essays Checklist

Frequently asked questions, can an essay be both descriptive and narrative.

Yes, an essay can combine descriptive and narrative elements. A well-crafted essay can use descriptive language to vividly portray scenes and events while incorporating a narrative structure to tell a story, engaging readers on both sensory and storytelling levels for a richer experience.

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A Clear Guide to Descriptive Narrative Essay

Table of Contents

A descriptive narrative essay is often confused by students due to the similarities between a descriptive and narrative essay. Both of these essays can be written by people of any age as they don’t contain facts but rather involve a creative approach.

This article will guide you through the difference between descriptive and narrative essays in detail.

Descriptive Vs. Narrative: What’s the Difference?

A descriptive paragraph gives the reader a lively experience by using vivid language and details of the subject and surroundings.

They’re not necessarily personal in nature. However, narrative paragraphs incorporate personal ideas, feelings, and growth.

The key difference between the two essays is:

• A descriptive essay is supposed to provide a detailed description of a specific place, object, or concept. The art of descriptive writing involves paying attention to sensory details.
• A narrative essay is intended to present a whole story. These essays are often personal, anecdotal, or experiential, which allows students to express themselves more creatively.

What Is a Descriptive Narrative Essay?

Descriptive narrative essays are essays that attempt to capture or recreate events from the audience’s point of view. They are not intended to be a guide to how to feel about said events but to convey what occurred in a facilitated manner.

Descriptive Essays in Detail

Descriptive essays involve many descriptions of a person, place, object, or feeling . The five sensory details, sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch, are employed in this type of writing.

Good descriptive writing should paint vivid pictures of the situation in the reader’s mind about the subject or surroundings. Examples of descriptive essay topics could be a haunted place, my pet, my best friend, my family, our new house, and more.

Narrative Essays in Detail

As the name suggests, a narrative essay is used to narrate a complete story in a sequence. The author could share an imaginative story or a personal experience.

A good narrative story contains a plot, setting, and characters that make the reader feel like it is a true incident. Writers often use the first point of view in this type of essay and also employ dialogues. Examples of narrative essay topics could be a trip to remember, the first day at school, an exciting Christmas Eve, and more.

Benefits of Teaching Descriptive Writing

Let’s look at some of the key benefits of teaching descriptive writing to students:

• It helps students make their writing more captivating and interesting to the readers.
• This allows students to practice using new words in meaningful contexts, which is a crucial aspect of building vocabulary.
• It enables students to observe and reflect on the methods employed by other authors to create vivid descriptions.
• Descriptive essays use figurative language, mostly similes, metaphors, personification, and onomatopoeia. Students can develop their critical verbal reasoning abilities by noticing figurative language in mentor texts and using it in their own work.
• Students can clarify their understanding of new subject matter material and remember more of what they have learned through it.

Wrapping Up

The differences between a descriptive and narrative essay are much more than merely a different type of essay. Some of the most significant differences lie in the nature of the topics discussed and the reasons for writing.

People prefer descriptive essays when they want to explore a topic by providing a detailed description of an individual or event . But narrative essays let you be creative while telling a personal story you have experienced.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Narrative Essay Vs Descriptive Essay

It is really easy to confuse the narrative and the descriptive essay, because they are so often intertwined.  Think of the last novel or short story you read. There was a plot – that was the narrative. Then, there were passages that provided descriptions of people, places, things, or events that appealed to our senses and gave us good “pictures” in our minds. Those passages were descriptive but did not add specific plot details.

When you are given assignments that involve writing personal narrative essays or writing descriptive essays, the focus must be on the operative word – narrative or descriptive, and the purpose of each of these terms.

Purpose Determines Focus

Each of these types of essays has a purpose. The purpose of a descriptive essay , for example, is to provide a vivid “picture” of a place, a person, a thing or an idea (these are nouns, get it?). The writer is required to paint this picture through the use of figurative language and appeals to as many senses as possible. Thus, you might be asked to write a descriptive essay of bustling market in a village. You will focus on the sights, the sounds, and the smells of that market place.

On the other hand, if the essay is a narrative, and you are in that same bustling market in a village, you will be focusing on your experiences, and the events that occurred as you experienced that market. You would speak to your interactions with vendors, things you bought, etc.

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The Lines Can Get Blurred

Sometimes you cannot think in terms of the narrative vs. descriptive essay, for they often mesh. If you are writing a personal essay, for example, you may very well need to describe other people and events that make your story “real.” Thus, you engage in descriptive writing. If, as well, you are writing a descriptive essay and it involves you (e.g., describing a favorite vacation spot), you cannot help but place yourself in a narrative writing mode. So, stop thinking always of descriptive vs. narrative essay and start thinking about the primary focus of the essay itself. Yes, the lines will blur, but the focus must be either narrative or descriptive dependent upon the assignment given. If it is complicated for you, GrabMyEssay will  help writing college papers  for you.

Write Your Essay According to the Assigned Type

When children write their first narrative essay, they are purely telling a story. There will be almost no description in that essay whatsoever. This is to be expected, and the narratives are pretty boring, for the most part. As students progress through school, they may be given great narrative essay prompts that will allow them to write about things from personal perspectives but, as well, begin to add descriptive passages that make their narratives “come alive.” For example, a narrative essay prompt may be given to recall an incident in which one had true fear. A student who chooses being caught in a snow storm would not be able to write a compelling narrative without vivid descriptions of that storm. On the other hand, if a descriptive essay were the assignment, then the student would of course spend more time describing the snowstorm but could not leave out being in it! The point is this: personal narratives will require descriptive features in order to be interesting and/or entertaining; descriptive essays may need to involve personal involvement as well. So long as you write your essay and keep the focus on its type, you can add elements from the other in order to make your essay more appealing to the reader. If you are describing a funeral or a wedding that involves people close to you, how could you not address your feelings? Your essay would lack any personalization and some very necessary elements!

Read also: Where to find a reliable admission essay service for applicants?

It is Never a Bad Idea to Seek Assistance

Some students are great essay writers as long as they are able to focus on certain types – expository, explanatory, definition, compare and contrast – because they have a left-brain dominance. When it comes to personal narratives and descriptive essays, however, they struggle, for these types involves more “right-brain” activity – the need to be creative and somewhat unique in presentation. If this sounds like you, don’t stress about it. Everyone has specific skill sets and talents as well as areas of challenge. If you are not “into” writing personal narratives or descriptions, order essay online at GrabMyEssay. Also we can rewrite essays for you. We have lots of creative writers who engage their “right brains” every day!

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Hello there! I am Laura Callisen, and I fancy myself to be a modern “Renaissance person.” I suppose my 30-something self began my incredible journey after having been born in Stavanger, Norway and then immigrating to the U.S. (Utah, actually) at the age of 5. I am certain that this change was more of a cultural “shock” for my parents than for me, because I quickly mastered the language and was clever enough to “play the game” of public education in America. After graduating from Skyline High School, where I spent two years as the school newspaper editor, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from the University of Utah was a natural culmination of my love for writing.

My inclination to be socially conscious led me to lots of community outreach and volunteering during my college years, especially in the areas of educational and housing improvement for the poor and a number of environmental crusades. My passion for philosophy and travel have now taken over, and I am enthralled with the widely varied value systems of all cultures in which I can immerse myself, if only temporarily. My life as a freelance writer allows a freedom I never want to sacrifice for a stuffy office!

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Narrative Essay vs. Descriptive Essay — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Narrative Essay and Descriptive Essay

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The Difference between an Essay and a Narrative

When you tell your mom all about the horrible day you've had, or you tell a friend a story about what happened on your first day of school, or even when you're just describing how you felt when you woke up this morning, you're offering a narrative. Sometimes, you may even want to write that narrative down in a diary or a story. For an essay, you're going to have to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

What is an Essay?

An essay is a short, informative piece of writing. It includes an introductory paragraph, a body of at least three paragraphs, and a conclusion. The tone of an essay varies among the different types, but the intention of an essay is to make a specific point and inform readers.

There are four basic types of essays: persuasive, expository, descriptive, and narrative. A narrative essay tells a story in a first-person point of view to make a specific point.

What is A Narrative?

In short, a narrative is any story told in first-person through the recounting of a sequence of events. In fiction writing, the story may be told through either the writer's voice, a fictional character's view, or through the voices of a group of characters that vary by chapter or section. The term is used in a more abstract way outside of writing. For instance, one political party may accuse another of using a false narrative around a news event or social issue. In other words, there is a story being created around that topic. Narratives can be both written and spoken and can be both fiction and non-fiction.

Written Narratives

If the narrative, or story, you're writing makes a specific point and is written using the structure of an essay, you've written a narrative essay. However, narratives come in many other forms, as well. Some books are narrative, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, because the authors tell their story using a character's (or narrator's) voice that takes a reader through a sequence of connected events. Poems, reflections, journals, and speeches can all be narrative as long as they recount events using first-person perspective.

A good narrative is believable and makes a reader or listener feel as if they are living the story themselves. Using descriptive language and expressing your own or your character's emotions well help make a narrative one that readers and listeners will enjoy.

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Descriptive Essays vs. Narrative Essays

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: narrative

Many people have different preferences on what type of writing style they think is more superior to another, I believe descriptive writing to be more excellent writing style then narrative. I can tell you that there are a few similarities and a few differences between the two. I prefer Descriptive essays, rather than narrative essays. In my belief, it’s that the descriptive essays are more effective when an author is trying to convey a story or get a message across than narratives. Descriptive essays keep the reader engaged throughout the story. It provides the reader with more in depth details, and it allows the reader to better envision the picture that the author is trying to paint. Descriptive and narrative essays have a few traits in common. Typically both almost make you feel as if you are present with the author. They both usually tell you of an event that the author went thru or a message the author wants you to receive.

Whether you are reading the Personal Narrative or Descriptive Essay both are very creative form of writing. The difference between a narrative essay and descriptive essay is that the narrative essay is more catered to someone’s point of view in order to tell a story, whereas the descriptive essay describes a person or the place or an event by using vivid images. The writer describes a behavior or personality or uses our sense of smell, touch, sound, taste. Descriptive essays show a reader and do not tell them. Descriptive essays give a lot of details for instance, would you prefer to read an essay with a sentence like, “the girl ran down the street” or “the young girl ran down the street wearing light blue shorts and a white top, as her blonde hair blew in the wind”. The second sentence would catch a reader’s attention more than the first. This is a example as to why I believe descriptive essays are better than narrative essay, because they paint a better picture.

The Essay on A Descriptive Narrative of Jonathan Swift

A Descriptive Narrative of Jonathan Swift The greatest satirist of the English history was not merely a prestigious critic whom made people laugh about general trivial topics. Jonathan Swift criticized the human race’s deficiency as a species into shameful awakening. He brought about change to English government and fought for the rights of his countrymen. He was by no means a mono-faceted man. He ...

“On Christmas Eve I saw that my mother had outdone herself in creating a strange menu. She was pulling black veins out of the backs of fleshy prawns. The kitchen was littered with appalling mounds of raw food: A slimy rock cod with bulging eyes that pleaded not to be thrown into a pan of hot oil. Tofu, which looked like stacked wedges of rubbery white sponges. A bowl soaking dried fungus back to life. A plate of squid, their backs crisscrossed with knife markings, so they resembled bicycle tires.” Tan, A. (2013).

This is an excerpt from the descriptive essay Fish Cheeks. When we as a writer provide our readers with such descriptive details you can almost picture yourself in that kitchen, and I became engaged from this point on. It is easy for the reader to get wrapped up in the story when the author is using descriptive language to paint a vivid picture. The audience can visualize the food, and the way it looks. Narratives are more direct and straight to the point, and that can cause a lot of readers to get lost or disengaged. A descriptive essay takes the dialogue to a different height by the details given by the author allowing us as a reader the ability to share the authors experiences by explaining and to show us rather than just telling us.

When giving more details, the reader obtains more of the story. When reading the article I Want a Wife (Brady, 1971), the author gives a brief description of their friend who had recently become divorced and was now looking for a new wife. The author goes into explain how she also, would like a new wife. She then explains the “duties” her new wife would complete for her. The new wife would be preparing meals and keeping a clean home. Here comes my issue with this narrative, I am left wondering about this woman’s story. I want to know who she is. Is this description of her own marriage? What is her husband like? Is she not happy? Does she like being a wife? Narrative essay focus more on the information, and again telling the reader the story from the point to point they may use different forms of dialogue to convey this message to the audience. The author may use intriguing humor or tell the story first hand in first person to try to make the reader interested. The benefit of writing a story that contains many details is that it also allows the reader to visualize and feel the emotions that the author is trying to convey.

The Essay on Author Text Reader Story

"The striking peculiarity of Shakespeare's mind is its power of communication with all other minds." This is the first quotation that really jumped out at me. I have always wondered what make some books really popular while other books tend to just fizzle out and never really get much acclaim. Why do books like The Da Vinci Code go to the top of the New York Times bestseller list while others like ...

The descriptive language presented in Fish Cheeks; the reader is able to visualize them as a fourteen year old who describes a Christmas Eve dinner when she as fourteen, how she felt when the boy she had a crush on, who, was also a minister’s son and his family had been invited to have a traditional Chinese dinner with her family. Her being afraid of what he would think of her and her culture, and of how she just wanted to fit in: When she finds out he is invited to dinner, she cries because she fears what he might think of her and her families Chinese Christmas celebrations. Her fears came to life just as her mother brought out the steamed fish, with its eyeballs still on. Also, her father added to her worries by poking the fish’s cheeks and announcing that it was her favorite. When everyone left Amy’s mother handed her a gift a mini skirt, and told Amy that she could look like an American girl on the outside, but she would remain a Chinese girl on the inside, saying to Amy “Your only shame is to have shame.” It was a lesson that she would understand many years later. When Amy describes, this all I can visualize every piece of her story.

In conclusion, by the author providing descriptive language and more in depth details to captivate and engage their audience, and by also allowing the reader to become wrapped up in the moments and emotions being depicted and painted throughout the story and providing a more engaging experience for the reader, this means to me that a descriptive essay is more beneficial than a narrative essay. A descriptive essay has a larger and long lasting impression and impact on the reader, and the audience walks away as if they just lived the story or event described themselves. It not only has that but, also the message that the author was trying to convey been instilled into the reader to remember forever.

The Essay on Reader Jurgis Sinclair Family

At the beginning of the twentieth century, a massive wave of immigrants from the southern and eastern parts of Europe came to America in search of economic opportunities. They carried to America all the dreams and hopes of wealth. When finally reaching America, these naive immigrants faced a new struggle and learned the harsh reality of America. In Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle, he describes ...

Tan, A. (2013).

Fish cheeks. Retrieved from http://redroom.com/member/amy-tan/writing/fish-cheeks

Brady, J. (1971).

I want a wife. Retrieved from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everythingsanargument4e/content/cat_020/Brady_I_Want_a_Wife.pdf

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