Narrative Essay: Definition, uses, and format

An essay that recounts a tale or about an individual perspective is referred to as a narrative essay. It usually follows a chronological order, meaning that the events are presented in the order in which they happened. The purpose of a narrative essay is to engage the reader and create a vivid experience for them.

To write a narrative essay, the writer must have a clear idea of what story they want to tell and how they want to tell it. The essay should have a clear and concise introduction that sets the tone and introduces the reader to the story. The body of the essay should consist of a series of events that build up to the climax or turning point of the story.

It is important to use descriptive language and sensory details to make the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The conclusion should tie up any loose ends and leave the reader with a clear message or lesson learned.

Overall, a narrative essay should be engaging, well-written, and have a clear message. It is a powerful tool for expressing personal experiences and connecting with readers on an emotional level.

Uses of Narrative Essay

There are several uses of a narrative essay, including:

1. Personal expression: Narrative essays are often used as a means of personal expression, allowing the writer to share a personal story or experience that has impacted them.
2. Entertainment: Narrative essays can be used for entertainment purposes, providing an engaging and interesting story for the reader to enjoy.
3. Education: Narrative essays can be used as an educational tool to teach the reader about a particular topic or subject through a personal story or experience.
4. Persuasion: Narrative essays can be used to persuade the reader to a particular point of view or opinion, by presenting a compelling and relatable story that supports the argument.
5. Reflection: Narrative essays can be used for self-reflection, allowing the writer to reflect on past experiences and learn from them.

Things to know when writing a narrative essay

When writing a narrative essay, there are several things to consider to ensure a successful and engaging story. Some important considerations include:

1. Clear and concise introduction: The introduction of the essay should grab the reader’s attention and set up the narrative by providing context and background information.
2. A clear point of view: Choose a point of view that works best for the narrative, whether it’s first-person, second-person, or third-person, and stick with it throughout the essay.
3. Detailed descriptions: Use descriptive language and sensory details to help the reader visualize the setting and characters and to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
4. Logical order: Present the events of the narrative in a logical and chronological order, which helps the reader follow the story and understand its significance.
5. Dialogue and pacing: Use dialogue to develop characters and move the story forward, and use pacing to create tension and maintain the reader’s interest.
6. Reflection: Conclude the essay with a reflection on the experience or event, and how it impacted you or changed your perspective.
7. Revising and editing: Once the first draft is complete, revise and edit the essay carefully to ensure that it is polished, free of errors, and flows smoothly.

Structure of a narrative essay

The structure of a narrative essay typically includes three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.

1. Introduction: The introduction sets up the narrative essay and should grab the reader’s attention. It includes background information and context for the story, a thesis statement, and an indication of the narrative’s point of view.
2. Body: The body of the essay consists of the events of the narrative, presented in a logical order. Each event should build on the previous one, leading to the climax or turning point of the story. The body of the essay should also use sensory details and descriptive language to create an engaging experience for the reader.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion of the narrative essay ties up the story and leaves the reader with a clear message or lesson learned. It should also reflect on the significance of the narrative and its impact on the writer.

Note: The structure of a narrative essay can be flexible and may include variations based on the writer’s preferences and the requirements of the assignment. For example, the body of the essay may be divided into multiple sections, or the conclusion may include a call to action or reflection on the future. However, a clear beginning, middle, and end are generally essential for an effective narrative essay.

Do’s and don’t of writing a narrative essay

Do’s:

1. Tailor your resume to the job: Customize your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific property management job you are applying for.
2. Use keywords: Use industry-specific keywords and phrases that the employer is likely to be looking for, such as “tenant relations,” “budgeting,” “property maintenance,” etc.
3. Quantify your achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate your accomplishments, such as how many units you managed, how many maintenance requests you fulfilled, or how much rental income you generated.
4. Highlight your soft skills: Property management requires strong interpersonal skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Highlight these skills on your resume.
5. Use a professional format: Use a professional-looking resume format that is easy to read, with clear headings and bullet points.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t make it too long: Keep your resume to two pages or less, focusing on the most relevant information.
2. Don’t include irrelevant information: Only include information that is relevant to the property management job you are applying for.
3. Don’t lie or exaggerate: Be honest and accurate in your resume, and only claim achievements that you can back up with evidence.
4. Don’t use unprofessional email addresses or social media handles: Use a professional email address and ensure that your social media handles are appropriate and in good taste.
5. Don’t neglect to proofread: Check your resume for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that the formatting is consistent and easy to read.