Narrative+essay

Writing II | Narrative Essay | Compare and Contrast Essay | Cause and Effect Essay | Problem and Solution Essay | Persuasive Essay

=Student essays= Fernando | Cristian | Karol | Cristina | Alejandro | Eduardo | Ana | Clara | Belén | Nelva | Hugo | Montse | Paty | Roberto

What is Narration?
Narration may serve a variety of purposes in writing. It may serve as the primary mode in a narrative. Narration may also be used just like reasons and examples to support a thesis, based on either fact or invention. Often, it is used to increase reader interest or dramatize a point the writer wants to make. For example, Aesop wrote fables for his clients to use in their legal defense. They were short, easy to remember, and illustrated the client’s argument. Traditionally, narration was used to recount the facts of a legal case, in order to put them into context and structure them in the best possible light for the speaker’s purpose. Plutarch used narration as the basis for his comparison of Greek and Roman notables. In his 1989 history of the Civil War, //Battle Cry of Freedom//, James MacPherson uses narration to support the theme of the contingency of history. In short, narration has been used as proof for a long time.

Elements
The minimum requirements of narration include: [|The Ant and the Grasshopper]. One example of narration requirements - Aesop's Fables
 * A beginning, middle, and end
 * A main character, perhaps others as well
 * A setting in time and place
 * Motivated (or caused) action
 * Supports the thesis ("It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.")

Classical Arrangement
The classical arrangement indicates how narration may be used:
 * Introduction
 * Narrative
 * Proposition (thesis)
 * Confirmation (more examples, reasons, or narration)
 * Refutation (of competing explanations)
 * Conclusion1

Modern Practice
Today, writers commonly begin their essay with a short narrative which leads to the thesis: Or, they may use narration to support their argument: Many organizational methods exist for incorporating narration into writing. In the end, it will depend on your purpose and audience as to how and where (and even "if") you use it.
 * Short Narrative
 * Thesis
 * Supporting examples and reasons
 * Opposing viewpoints
 * Conclusion
 * Introduction
 * Thesis
 * Supporting examples and reasons
 * Narrative
 * Conclusion
 * [|"Shooting an Elephant"]
 * [|"Walden, Chapter 12"]

Student Essay
Below is a description of the process one might go through to write an essay supporting the thesis with narration. Answer the following questions: In our example essay, the writer may start with the events of his freshman year, going all the way through to his senior year.
 * What is the purpose of your essay? What point do you want to make?
 * What specific statement (thesis) do you want your story to support?
 * What audience do you wish to address? Your professor? Your classmates? Some fictional audience? This will determine how formal or informal you can be, what assumptions you have of what your audience knows and likes.
 * What is your setting, in time and place? Or, where and when does the story take place?
 * Which events best illustrate your purpose in telling the story? Which events are clear in your mind, and will be most easily related? What is the best order to relate the events? Treat this question like a brainstorming process, and list as many events as you can remember. Then narrow your list to the most pertinent to your thesis statement and inherent purpose.

*Freshman:
 * I learned to manage my time with practice, schoolwork, and my social life.
 * I learned what it means to earn your status within a group atmosphere.
 * Sophomore:
 * I learned to deal with adversity, as I was injured throughout most of the season.
 * I learned to ask for and rely on the help of others when I could not do things on my own.
 * Junior:
 * I learned to truly work together to achieve team goals, as we had a very successful season.
 * I learned to present myself as a role model, as I gained some community notoriety.
 * Senior:
 * I learned how to present myself as a true leader of a group, as I was elected team captain.
 * I learned to take pride in everything I do because it is the most rewarding.

**Events of the Narrative**

Once you have stated the purpose of your essay, formulated a thesis, selected an audience, identified a setting, and brainstormed the events of your story, it is time to begin writing. Keep in mind that the more detail and description you can fit into your essay, the more the story will come alive for the reader. Also, your conclusion should relate how the events in the story changed you as a person with regard to your purpose. AGLUYA, CRESCINTI BSA-1-C My experience playing High School basketball taught me skills which will benefit me throughout the rest of my life. It all started during the fall of my freshman year at Otucan Bila National High School, when I quickly found out how important time management is. I had my schoolwork, which was fourteen credits including an extremely difficult Mathematics class. I had basketball, which included meetings and practice every day and running and lifting a couple times of week. I also had my social life, another important aspect, especially to a twelve year old. My sophomore year taught me how to deal with adversity. I broke my leg during the second game of the season against Team Angels, and I learned how something that seems devastating can be seen in a positive light. I learned that life will always have something unexpected in store, but learning to deal with it makes us stronger people. My junior year taught me how to set goals and achieve them in a team atmosphere. Our team that year had a mission to make the playoffs, and we were not going to let anything get in our way. We really came together that year because we all had a common goal. I learned that a group can achieve wonderful things if all of the group members work together and believe in each other. My senior year in basketball taught me how to be a leader. I was elected team captain by my teammates, which showed me that my peers respected me and knew they could rely on me. Leadership does not come easily however. I learned that leadership must not only be earned, but it also must be kept. I was always conscious of the way I acted and spoke, because I knew my teammates were looking to me for strength. Each year I played High School basketball taught me something not only about myself but also about the nature of the world and the people who inhabit the world. I learned how to balance my time, deal with adversity, the true meaning of teamwork, and how to be a respected leader. These skill-building activities will benefit me throughout the rest of my life.

**Sample Narrative**

Revision Hints
As with any form of essay, it is always important to go back and revise the first draft. Proofread the essay carefully, and look for ways to improve its overall appearance. In the case of narration, make sure the story flows for the audience. Do the events of the story make sense? Also, look to make sure that each event relates directly back to the purpose and thesis. Does this particular event reinforce my thesis? When writing a narration, it is also important to look for ways to make the story more vivid for the audience. Go back and include as many descriptive words and details as possible. Once you are satisfied with your product, make a clean and neat final copy.