narrative essay topics for grade 5

31 Narrative Writing Prompts For 5th Grade

Narrative writing helps students develop storytelling skills by reflecting on their own experiences, or using their imagination, and writing about a series of events.

These assignments encourage students to think about the order of events, practice some of the most important aspects of writing, and use logic to learn from their experiences.

Below, you’ll find a list of narrative writing prompts that will help your 5th graders practice their narrative writing skills.

Some are nonfiction and some are fiction—but they’re all sure to have your students writing.

Using This Guide:

Our writing prompt guides are for you to use in whatever way makes sense for your classroom. As long as your students are working through the process of narrative writing, they’re already on the right track. 

But if you need a few ideas on how to help students get started, give one of these a try:

• Ask the student to count the number of letters in their whole name. That number will be the prompt that they use.
• Have students browse the list quickly, and use the first prompt that catches their eye.
• Students can use the date of their birth to choose their prompt.
• Have students pick their prompt using their favorite number.

Here are the Prompts:

• Describe the best birthday you’ve ever had.
• Write about the day you met your best friend. Where did you meet? Did you become friends instantly, or over time?
• Write a newspaper article with the headline: BOY BECOMES PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY!
• If you know the story, explain how you got your name.
• Have you ever told a lie and got caught? What did you lie about? How was the issue resolved?
• Write about your first day of kindergarten.
• Write a story using the following words: notorious, appreciate, dialogue, participate
• Tell a story about an ant who was determined to reach a piece of watermelon on a picnic blanket.
• Pretend you are planning a surprise party for your best friend. Who do you invite? How do they react?
• Write about the best prank you’ve ever pulled on someone.
• Write a spooky story that begins with, “The cabin in the woods was never meant to be found…”
• Tell a story about a time when you were afraid.
• Write a story using the following words: costume, bundle, exhausted, communicate
• Pretend you’re a superhero who protects your town. How did you become a hero? What do you do to protect people?
• Write about a time when you helped someone without being asked.
• Retell the story of the first day of this school year.
• Tell the story of your favorite vacation.
• Describe a time when you were in charge. What were you doing? How did you feel?
• Write a fairy tale that begins with, “The princess had a cold…”
• Write a story using the following words: bread, planet, yesterday, confused
• Write a newspaper article with the headline: GIRL FINDS BURIED TREASURE IN HER SANDBOX!
• Tell a story about a day when it felt like everything was going wrong.
• Pretend you were transported into your favorite game for a day. What do you do? How do you feel?
• Write a story about a dog who is trying to cheer up his person.
• Retell the story of your favorite holiday memory.
• Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? What did you do?
• You are at the beach when you find a message in a bottle. What does the message say? What do you do with it?
• Write about how you felt at the beginning of the pandemic. How do you feel about it now?
• Tell a story about a kid who always interrupts the teacher when she’s talking.
• Write about a crowd of moviegoers who get transported into the movie they are watching.
• There’s a loud crash, and you look out the window. A spaceship just landed on your school’s playground. Tell the story of what happens next.

Looking For More?

We have a ton of fun and engaging writing prompts and resources to keep young writers interested and help their teachers keep them on the right track.

If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it, reach out and let us know. We love to hear all of your wonderful ideas!

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50 Narrative Essay Topics

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a narrative essay can also tell an exciting story and create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind! We’ve got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment!

Narrative Essay Topics

• Your first day of school.
• Your most exciting day of school
• A field trip that your class took.
• Your favorite summer vacation.
• A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
• A time that you experienced something spooky.
• A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
• A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
• The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
• The day that you got your first pet.
• A move from one place to another.
• Something funny that happened to you.
• Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
• Something embarrassing that happened to you.
• Your favorite birthday party.
• A birthday that was disappointing.
• A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
• A time that the power went out.
• A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
• A time when you went to an amusement park.
• A time when you got lost somewhere.
• A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
• A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
• Your most exciting moment playing sports.
• Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
• An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
• An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
• A time that you experienced rejection.
• A weird encounter with a stranger.
• A random act of kindness.
• A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
• A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
• Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
• Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
• A time when you experienced a historic event.
• Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
• A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
• A dangerous experience.
• A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
• A difficult decision that you had to make.
• The end of a friendship or relationship.
• The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
• A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
• A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
• A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
• A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
• A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
• A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.
• A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
• An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

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100 Best Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade: Journal Prompts

• Prompts for Narrative Essays
• Prompts for Informative Essay Writing
• Prompts for Research Writing
• Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts
• Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing
• 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts
• Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders
• 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

As parents and teachers, we recognize the significance of writing as a fundamental skill that enables children to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. However, generating ideas and inspiration for writing can be challenging for many 5th-grade students. To aid students in this process, 5th grade writing prompts prove to be a valuable resource. Furthermore, Science Daily published an article that highlights the crucial connection between handwriting and brain activity. Writing can increase brain activity, leading to better memory retention and cognitive development. This is particularly important for students as it can positively impact their academic performance.

“Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

By using writing prompts, children can explore various topics, develop their imagination, and hone their writing skills. In this collection, we have compiled various writing prompts that are engaging, entertaining, and sure to inspire creativity in 5th grade students. This collection has something for everyone: Persuasive writing, descriptive essays, narrative stories, and imaginative writing. Fifth grade journal prompts can help inspire creativity and reflection in their writing. So, let’s get started and explore these exciting 5th Grade writing prompts.

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10 Prompts for Narrative Essays

Writing Narrative Essays? Here Are Ten 5th grade narrative writing prompts:

“A great story can lead us to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.” – Neil Gaiman

• Write about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe what you would do?
• Create a narrative about a magical adventure.
• Write about a time when you learned something important.
• Think about the prospect of time travel. How would you react, and where would you go?
• Develop a narrative about a superhero you create.
• Describe a time when you overcame a fear.
• Imagine you can do whatever you want. Tell me what it would be and how you’d use it.
• Create a narrative about a day in the life of your pet.
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.

10 Prompts for Informative Essay Writing

A list of ten 5th grade writing prompts to get you started on an informative essay:

• Write an essay about a famous person who inspires you.
• Research and write an essay about a historical event that interests you.
• Write about the benefits of physical activity and exercise.
• Write an essay about the effects of technology on society.
• Research and write an essay about a country you would like to visit.
• Write about the importance of reading books .
• Write an essay about the positive and negative effects of social media.
• Research and write an essay about an animal species that is endangered.
• Write about the importance of recycling and conserving natural resources.
• Please write an essay about the role of education in shaping our future.

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Here are ten Research writing prompts for 5th grade:

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” -Zora Neale Hurston, author and anthropologist.

• Research and write about your favorite historical figure.
• Choose a famous landmark and research its history and significance.
• Investigate and write about an important event in history.
• Research and write about a unique and interesting animal species.
• Study and write about famous inventors and their inventions.
• Research and write about the culture and traditions of a country you are interested in.
• Explore and write about a current scientific discovery or innovation.
• Investigate and write about the effects of climate change on a particular region or ecosystem.
• Research and write about a famous artist and their artwork.
• Study and write about a significant moment in space exploration history.

10 Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade:

• Write a funny story about a talking animal.
• Imagine speaking to your pet and writing about what you would say.
• Write a comic dialog between two unlikely characters.
• Write a humorous story about a mischievous character getting into trouble.
• Create a funny story using three random objects.
• Write a funny kids’ poem . This can be about your favorite food.
• Imagine a world where everything is opposite, and develop a narrative about it.
• Develop a narrative about a silly superhero with extraordinary power.
• Create a funny dialog between a parent and a child.
• Develop a narrative about a funny and unexpected event that happened to you.

10 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts

The following are ten writing topics for 5th graders seeking poetry writing prompts:

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Imagine you are a raindrop falling from the sky. Write a poem describing your journey.
• Write a poem about a place that makes you happy.
• Choose an object in the room and write a poem about it.
• Write a poem about a dream you had.
• Create a poem that includes the words “whisper,” “twist,” and “moon.”
• Write a poem about a memorable moment with a friend.
• Describe a beautiful sunset in a poem.
• Write a poem about the ocean and all its wonders.
• Create a poem about your favorite animal.

10 Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing

Opinion writing prompts 5th grade to help encourage critical thinking and self-expression in young students. Here are ten 5th grade writing prompt ideas to get them started:

• Create a story about a mysterious package that arrives in the mail.
• Develop a narrative about a person who can time travel.
• Create a story about a magic tree that grants wishes.
• Imagine being lost in the forest and creating a story about your adventure.
• Develop a narrative about a group of friends who discover a hidden treasure.
• Create a story about a person who can talk to animals.
• Create a narrative about a family vacation gone wrong.
• Imagine you could shrink to the size of an ant. Develop a narrative about your adventures.
• Create a story about a person who wakes up one day with superpowers.
• Develop a narrative about a group of people stranded on a deserted island.

10 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts

Here are ten writing ideas for 5th grade for animal-themed assignments:

• If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
• Create a narrative told from the point of view of a bear family as they emerge from their hibernation period.
• Describe the life of a whale in the deep sea.
• Write a persuasive essay on why zoos are important for conserving endangered animals.
• Describe the life of a squirrel gathering nuts for winter.
• Write a fictional story about a fox trying to outsmart a group of chickens.
• Describe the life of a butterfly from caterpillar to butterfly.
• Write a research paper on the migration patterns of birds.
• Describe the life of a lion in the savannah.
• Write a poem about the beauty of nature and the animals that live in it.

10 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for 5th grade writing prompts About Emotion:

• Describe a moment when you experienced a strong sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Describe a moment when you felt scared and how you overcame your fear.
• Create a narrative about a character who overcomes a difficult challenge.
• Describe a time when you felt happy for someone else.
• Write a letter to your future self about your dreams and aspirations.
• Describe a time when you felt angry and how you managed your anger.
• Develop a narrative about a character who learns the importance of forgiveness.
• Describe a moment when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write a poem about the different emotions that people feel.
• Describe when you felt sad and how you coped with your sadness.

10 Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

The following are ten suggestions for 5th grade journal prompts to use:

• Describe an instance where you successfully conquered a challenging obstacle.
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself and why.
• Write about a place that is special to you and why it is important.
• Describe a time when you helped someone else and how it made you feel.
• Write about your favorite book and what you learned from it.
• Describe an instance where you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
• Write about a person who inspires you and why.
• Describe a time when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write about your favorite hobby and why you enjoy it.
• Describe when you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.

When choosing 5th grade journal topics, consider selecting prompts that encourage students to explore their interests, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

10 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

Here are ten topics to consider when looking for descriptive writing prompts for 5th grade:

• Describe your favorite outdoor place and explain why it is special to you.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a delicious meal you recently enjoyed.
• Imagine you’re walking through a spooky forest. Describe what you see, hear, and feel.
• Describe the view from your bedroom window. What can you see in the distance?
• Write a paragraph describing a character from your favorite book. What do they look like, and what makes them interesting?
• Describe your dream bedroom. What colors would you use, and what kind of furniture would you have?
• Imagine you’re on a deserted island. Describe the island and the environment around you.
• Write a paragraph describing a memorable moment from a family vacation.
• Describe a special item you keep in your room. Why is it important to you?
• Imagine you’re in a bustling city. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells you experience.

Encourage Fifth Graders in Becoming Writers

Writing is a significant skill that is essential for communication, expression, and personal growth. As highlighted in an article published by UCONN , writing prompts play a crucial role in engaging students’ interest in a particular topic and encouraging them to write thoughtfully and creatively. While effective prompts should introduce and limit the writing topic, they should also provide clear instructions about the writing task. It is imperative to equip 5th graders with resources and guidance to help them develop their writing skills. 

Educators and parents can provide 5th grade journal prompts and creative exercises to assist students in exploring various forms of writing and finding their unique voice. Additionally, feedback and constructive criticism can help students improve their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, teaching 5th graders to write improves their academic and personal lives by promoting self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking.

Fifth Grade Writing Prompts for Developing Young Writers

5th-grade writing prompts can be a powerful tool for parents and teachers to help students develop their writing skills and creativity. By providing a starting point for writing, prompts can help students overcome writer’s block and find inspiration for their ideas. The prompts in this collection cover a wide range of topics and genres, encouraging students to explore their interests and experiences through writing.

“A well-crafted writing prompt can spark creativity and lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.” – Laura Robb

Parents and teachers can inspire students to develop regular writing habits and enhance their skills by utilizing 5th grade journal prompts. According to an article published by the Journal of Instructional Research , both approaches of writing i.e. direct and indirect, have positive effects on students’ writing abilities. This article dived into exploring these approaches for promoting writing. The direct approach focuses on teaching writing skills explicitly and providing feedback on children writing. The indirect approach, on the other hand, emphasizes creating a supportive environment that encourages writing.

We can motivate students to write on a variety of topics, experiment with different writing styles, and share their work with others. By nurturing a passion for writing, we can help our students become confident, creative, and effective communicators. Why not give these prompts a try and see where they take you? Let’s encourage our young writers to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these prompts suitable for all 5th class students.

These 5th grade writing prompts are designed to be accessible to most students, but they may need to be modified or adapted for students with special needs or English language learners.

How can I implement these ideas into my lesson plans?

Creative writing prompts 5th grade to use it for anything from journal entries to class discussions. Teachers can also have their students use these as a springboard for creative thinking and topic development.

Can these prompts be used for other grade levels?

Yes, many of these prompts can be adapted for other grade levels depending on the level of complexity and difficulty. Teachers can also modify the prompts better to fit the interests and abilities of their students.

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Narrative writing for grade 5

Fiction and non-fiction narratives.

Worksheets and writing prompts focused on the elements of narrative writing.

Developing plot structure : outline plots from introduction to resolution.

Create realistic settings : develop key elements of given settings.

Character traits : link character traits to feelings, sayings, thoughts and actions.

Settings & sensory details : use sensory details to create a setting.

Writing from different points of view : write in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd person.

Inner and outer dialogue : combine inner and outer dialogue in texts.

Perspective : describe the same events as seen by different characters.

Personal narrative writing : write a personal narrative from a prompt.

Fictional writing : write a fictional narrative from a prompt; hints provided.

Fantasy writing : write fantasy narratives from a prompt, with hints.

Nonfiction narrative writing : research and write non-fictional narratives. 

Narrative writing prompts : more writing prompts. 

Grade 5 narrative writing worksheet

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Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

PhotoAlto / Sigrid Olsson / Getty Images

By fifth grade, students are developing basic fluency as writers. In order to hone their skills, fifth graders should practice supporting claims with factual information, conveying information clearly, and writing narratives in a logical order. The following fifth-grade writing prompts encourage students to develop their skills through topics that are meaningful to them.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on a student’s personal experience. They encourage students to use descriptive writing to reflect on their experiences, explain them in a logical manner, and draw conclusions from them.

• New Beginnings . This is your last year of elementary school. What are you most excited or most nervous about when you think of starting middle school ?
• Betwixt . Students in 5th grade are often referred to as “tweens,” meaning that they are between the young child and the teen years. What is the hardest thing about being a tween in today’s society?
• Besties . What is the best book you’ve ever read? What made it so special?
• Reflections . Do you remember your first-ever day of school ? Describe one vivid memory from that day.
• Bullies . Have you ever witnessed someone bullying another student? What happened and how did it make you feel?
• Man’s Best Friend . Do you share a bond with your dog or other pet? Describe your pet, and explain what makes your relationship unique.
• Families . A family isn’t always a mom, a dad, and their children. Write about the ways your family is the same as and different from other types of families and what makes your bonds so strong.
• Holiday Memories . Think about one of your favorite holiday-related memories. Write an essay describing it and tell why it is so unforgettable.
• Guilty . Think about a time you did something that made you feel guilty. Describe what happened.
• The Ultimate Field Trip . If you could choose anywhere in the world to go on a field trip , where would you choose and why?
• Family Game Night . Do you enjoy playing games with your family? Describe your favorite family game or activity.
• Tasty Treats . What is your favorite food? Describe it as if you were introducing it to someone who has never seen or tasted it.
• Someday . Have you thought about what you want to be when you grow up? Write an essay explaining why you think you’d like that career.

Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

Persuasive essays are those written to convince another person to agree with the writer or take action. These persuasive essay prompts inspire 5th graders to share their passions with an audience.

• Pets Day . You’ve just gone to work with your parent for “bring your child to work day.” Write an essay convincing your school to have a “bring your pet to school” day.
• Yuck . What is your least-favorite cafeteria food? Give three compelling reasons why your school should quit serving it.
• Let’s Trade . Your friend’s lunches from home always look better than yours. Write an essay convincing your buddy that you should start swapping meals every day. Be sure to highlight the benefits of the food you bring!
• Home Alone . Write an essay convincing your parents that you are old enough and responsible enough to stay at home alone.
• Sunny Day . The weather outside is beautiful for the first time in weeks. Persuade your teacher not to assign any homework so that you’ll have time to go out to play.
• The Sequel . The long-awaited sequel to your favorite book or video game is now available. Convince your brother or sister to do your chores this week so that you have plenty of time for reading or gaming.
• Seating Chart . Because of your teacher’s seating chart, you’re not going to be able to sit next to your friend all year! Persuade your teacher to let students choose their seats.
• Birth Order . Are you an only child, the oldest sibling, the youngest, or the middle? What makes your birth order the best?
• The Ultimate Game . What is the best video game on the planet? Explain why it’s better than similar games.
• Life Lessons . What are the three most important lessons parents should teach their children and why?
• Test Time . Do you think standardized tests  are helpful or harmful? Explain your answer.
• Tunes . Some studies have shown that listening to music can help students concentrate. Should students be allowed to listen to music using headphones during independent work times at school? Persuade the reader of your answer.
• Catch-22 . You’re not a big fan of writing. Write an essay  convincing your teacher that you shouldn’t have to write any more essays this year.

Expository Essay Writing Prompts

Expository essays are often called how-to essays. They usually teach the reader something or provide facts about a particular topic.

• Let’s Play . Your family frequently attends community theater productions, but your friend has never seen one. Write an essay describing what he or she can expect during the evening.
• Band . You're graduating elementary school, and a younger student is taking your spot in the school band. Explain to him or her how to clean and care for your  musical instrument .
• Lessons Learned . Write an essay to a younger sibling explaining two or three key strategies for having a positive 5th-grade experience.
• Class Pet . You’ve cared for your class pet this week, but now it’s another classmate’s turn. Explain how to feed and care for the pet properly.
• Upgrade Ahead . You have an idea to improve your school. Explain it.
• Safety Zone . Explain three of the best steps kids can take to be safe online.
• Family Traditions . Does your family have any customs or traditions that might be unfamiliar to a classmate? Describe them.
• Pen Pal . Describe for your pen pal who lives in another state an animal native to your area, including its physical characteristics, behaviors, and any sounds that it makes.
• Creepy Crawlies . Compare and contrast two insects or animals that are similar, but have different characteristics such as a bumblebee and a yellow jacket or a horse and a mule. How are they alike and how are they different?
• Clean Up . Your class is going to spend a day cleaning up at a local park. You’ve done this with another group before, but some of your classmates haven’t. Explain the process.
• Action . Your favorite book was made into a movie. Compare and contrast the film and book versions.
• Team Players . Explain how contributing responsibly helps or how it hurts a group when someone doesn’t do his part.
• Tell and Show . Your class is having a “tell and show” day. You have to describe your item in as much detail as possible without naming it. Only when the class guesses or gives up can you show your item. Write out the description of your item.

Creative Writing Essay Prompts

Creative writing allows students to engage their imaginations and story-telling skills while also practicing vital writing skills such as sequence and description.

• Magic Lamp . You’ve just found a magic lamp. What happens when you rub it?
• Say Cheese . You are given an exceptional camera. Everything you take a picture of becomes yours, but you can only take three pictures. Tell a story about the photos you take.
• Invisible Man . One morning, you glance in the mirror and realize that you don’t have a reflection. You’ve become invisible! Write a story about your day.
• Gone to the Dogs . Write a story from your pet’s point of view.
• All Hail the King . Imagine that you discover an uncharted land that you claim as a new country. And, you’re the ruler! Describe your country, its people, and your newfound position of power.
• Part of the Story . One night, you doze off after reading the latest book in your favorite series. When you wake, you discover that you’re in the story! Write about your adventures.
• Before or After . Imagine that you live either 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future. What is your life like?
• Dr. Doolittle . You’re walking through a pet store when you discover that you can talk to the animals. What happens next?
• Meet and Greet . Imagine that you can meet anyone you’re studying in school right now from famous scientists to historical figures to the characters in the class read-aloud . Write a story about your meeting with that person.
• Switcheroo . If you could switch lives with anyone in your school, who would it be? Write about your day in the life of that person.
• Holiday Loop . Imagine you get to relive your favorite holiday every day. What’s that like?
• Tall Tales . Tall tales are possibly true stories that contain highly exaggerated actions or events. Create a tall tale about something that happened in your family.
• Teacher's Pet . Imagine that your teacher is actually your parent. Describe a day in class.
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Narrative Essay Topics — Prompts & Ideas For All Grade Levels

N arrative essays can present a serious challenge for even the most seasoned of writers, but fear not, we’ve compiled some great narrative essay topics to inspire your next paper! Follow along as we explore prompts relating to life, school, and more. By the end, you’ll be prepared to tackle narrative essays from a variety of different angles.

Good Narrative Topics

What is a narrative essay.

Before we jump into our narrative essay topics, we have to first answer the question: what is a narrative essay ? A narrative essay is a prose-written story that’s focused on the commentary of a central theme.

Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV , and are usually about a topic that’s personal to the writer.

Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

For more on narrative essays, check out this video on literacy narrative topics and structure:

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas  •  Narrative Essay Titles

In the world of literature, narrative essays are held to a rigorous structure. We’re not going to enforce that rigor here! So, follow along as we (hopefully) inspire you with a variety of narrative essay topics and argument essay ideas. 

Narrative Ideas

Narrative essay ideas for kids.

Narrative essay topics for kids usually focus on family, school, and friends.

Here are some easy narrative essay topics that work well for kids:

• Describe your most recent birthday party.
• Tell the story of your first day of school.
• Who is your best friend?
• Have you ever helped others?
• Describe your favorite animal(s)
• What is your dream for the future?

This next video from “Teaching Without Frills” explores narrative essay topics for kids in further detail. 

Narrative Essay Ideas  •  Titles of narrative essays

Sometimes it can help to visualize narrative essay topics with pictures, especially for younger kids. If you’re a teacher, consider using pictures to inspire your students!

Narrative essay ideas for teens

Middle school and high school students are often asked to write narrative essays too. But whereas narrative essay topics for elementary school students are usually structured around simple, positive topics, narrative essay topics for teens are generally more contemplative.

Here are some personal narrative essay topics that work well for teens:

• Describe a moment of loss.
• Describe a moment of serenity.
• Recount the story of a lost friend.
• Detail your greatest creation.
• Tell the story of your favorite teacher.
• How would you change the world?

Remember: not every person has the same circumstances as others. That's why they're called personal narrative essay topics.

It’s important to frame narrative essay topics for kids in a way that every kid can relate. For example: the prompt “a lost friend” could mean a friend who moved away or a dead pet. Make sure to word your prompts in such a way that participants can glean their own interpretation.

Related Posts

• What is a Narrative? →
• What is Narrative in Film? →
• FREE: The Ultimate Storyboard Creator →

Narrative Essay Ideas

Narrative essay ideas for young adults.

Young adults are sometimes asked to write narrative essays for school and or job applications. Narrative essay reviewers typically want to see writers demonstrate maturity and growth in their work. As such, their questions are generally structured around challenges and problem management.

Here are some narrative argument essay topics for young adults:

• Have you ever failed at your job?
• If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be?
• What is something you take pride in?
• Describe your childhood.
• How will you grow this year?
• What is the most important element of success?

Of course, the topics above are mostly focused on success and failure. Young adults can certainly respond to the other prompts too!

Narrative essay ideas for adults

Adults aren’t generally tasked with writing narrative essays unless they’re writers. But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are a lot of positives to writing narrative essays, whether you’re a literary professor or a wrestler looking to articulate your thoughts.

So, here are some things to write a narrative essay about for adults:

• What was your worst job?
• What (or who) was your first love?
• Who do you take care of?
• What is your most prized possession?
• If you could tell somebody who’s now gone from your life one thing, what would it be?
• Paint a picture of where you find peace.

Narrative essay titles  •  Easy narrative essay topics

In recent years, companies have been selling books with narrative essay prompts for adults (particularly elderly adults) to reflect on their lives.

Creative Writing Prompts & Exercises

Now that you're brainstorming good titles for personal narrative, time to learn about other forms of creating writing. A narrative essay is just one type of essay – there are dozens more! In our next article, we break down more creative writing prompts and exercises, including those suited to fantasy, romance, horror, and more. By the end, you’ll know a ton of different ways to approach your next story.

Up Next: Creative Writing Exercises →

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• Everybody gets afraid sometimes. If there were no fear, there would be no opportunity for bravery. Write about the scariest moment in your life.
• Some people avoid challenges. Others see them as opportunities to grow. Write about a time when you overcame a great challenge.
• One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Write about a time when you discovered something valuable that others had discarded or ignored.
• The golden rule states that you should treat others as you’d like to be treated. It’d be nice if everyone followed this rule, but its been broken more than once. Write about a time when you felt disrespected. How did you handle it and what did you learn?
• Everybody has a special talent. Write about the time when you discovered one of your talents.
• It’s no fun to be in pain, but it can be worse to watch someone you love suffer. Write about a time when one of your loved ones was hurt.
• The world can be a cold place, but a little bit of kindness can make it a lot warmer. Write about a time when you made the world a better place for someone by being kind.
• It’s a good thing that nobody’s perfect. Some of life’s greatest lessons are learned on accident. Write about a time when you learned an important lesson by making a mistake.
• It can be hard to see ourselves for who we really are at times. Write about a time when someone else taught you something about yourself.
• Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Write about a time when you got in trouble or made someone angry by doing what you thought was right.
• You don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Write about a time when you avoided trouble by taking someone’s advice.
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• You never know until you try. Write about a time when you learned something about yourself by trying something new.
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• You can’t make everybody happy. Write about a time when you made a decision that disappointed or hurt someone.
• Nobody said that life would be fair. Write about a time when you witnessed someone taking advantage of a weaker person. How did it make you feel?
• Sometimes two people just click. Write about a time when you formed a genuine connection with someone.
• So much in life is about the choices that you make. Write about a time when you had to choose between two things that were important to you.
• It’s the people we love that can hurt us the most. Write about a time when you had to confront a loved one over their decisions.
• Accomplishments mean so much more when work for them. Write about a time when you worked hard to earn something. How did it make you feel to meet your goal?
• Even the best of friends have the occasional argument. Write about a time when you got into a dispute with a friend. How did the situation get resolved?
• Appearances are important. Sometimes your appearance can work for you. Other times it can work against. Write about a time when someone treated you differently because of your appearance. You can share a negative or positive experience.
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• Some people are just looking for a reason to not like you. Write about a time when you got on someone’s bad side just by being yourself.
• No matter how badly someone messes up, they always have the potential to redeem themselves. Write about a time when you or someone you know made a mistake and found redemption.
• It’s good to play it safe, but sometimes you have to take chances. Write about a time when you took a risk. Did it work out for you?
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• Nothing sours an accomplishment like jealousy. Write about a time when you or someone you know was affected by the jealousy of another.
• The older that you get, the more responsponsibilities you gain. It can be too much at times. Write about a time when you felt overwhelmed by your responsibilities. How did you handle it?
• Part of growing up is facing your fears. Write about a time when you did something that you were afraid to do.
• It’s hard to think about anything else when danger is approaching. Write about a time when you felt unsafe.
• You wouldn’t be where you are today without the countless sacrifices of others. Once in a while you have to give back too. Write about a time when you gave up something that was important to you to help somebody else.
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• A little bit of gratitude goes a long way. Write about a time when you felt unappreciated.
• Bad habits are hard to kick. Write about a time when you gave up something that was bad for you.
• A hypocrite is a person who tells you not to do something that he or she does. Write about a time when a person acted hypocritically toward you. You may want to write about a teacher, parent, or friend.
• Not knowing your limits can be dangerous. Write about a time when you or someone you know took things too far.
• Laws were put in place for a reason. Still, not everyone follows them. Write about an experience that you shared with someone who broke a law.
• Sometimes we make decisions without fully considering the consequences. Write about a decision that you made which you later regretted.
• The only constant is change. People can change in ways that we find disappointing. Write about a time when someone you know turned out to be different than you thought they were.
• You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Write about a time when you succeed at something despite your doubts.
• Technology is supposed to solve our problems, but sometimes it just complicates them. Write about a time when technology made your life more difficult.
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• Our actions can have far reaching consequences that can be difficult to predict. Write about a time when you unintentionally hurt someone as a result of your actions. Did you make it up to them?
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• It can be hard to fit in when you feel awkward. Write about a time when you felt out of place. How did you adapt to the situation?
• Staying cool and calm helps you perform better, but this isn’t always easy. Some situations push you to the edge. Write about at time when you lost your patience.
• Sometimes the greatest conflicts come from within. Write about a time when you were challenged by an inner conflict. How did you resolve the problem?
• The world can be an overwhelming place. Write about a time when you just wanted to get away from everything.
• The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry. Write about a time when things did not work out the way that you planned.
• Not everyone is a good leader, and even good leaders can make bad decisions. Write about a time when you disagreed with someone who was in charge of you.
• Sometimes we think that we need help when all we really need to do is to put forth a decent effort. Write about a time when you learned to rely on yourself.
• Your national identity is complicated. Sometimes we are proud to be citizens of our country. Other times things are done in our country’s name that we dislike. Write about a time when you were either proud or ashamed of your nationality.
• You can’t always get what you want, but that doesn’t mean that you should stop trying. Write about a time when you fought for what you wanted and got your way.
• The world would be a better place if everyone treated each other with love and respect, but people don’t always act like that. The world can be unfair. Write about a time when you witnessed or were the victim of an injustice.
• Opinions can make or break you. Write about a time when someone misjudged you.
• Boys and girls are treated differently at times. It’s not fair, but it happens. Write about a time when you were treated differently because of your gender. It can be in a way that benefited you or worked against you.
• It’s been said that no good deed goes unpunished. Write about a time when you were trying to help someone and it backfired.
• Sometimes its best to keep your mouth shut. Write about a time when you got in trouble for sharing your opinion.
• The sense of smell is closely tied to memory. Think about scents that you have linked to experiences in your mind. Write about a time when an aroma became part of your memory.
• People are social by nature. Being alone can be torturesome. Write about a time when you felt lonely or abandoned.
• You can’t run from your past. It will always find a way to catch up with you. Write about a time when something from your past came back to haunt you.
• Many people are resistant to change, even when it is good for them. Write about a time when you grew to appreciate something that you once resisted.
• Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than talented. Write about a time when you benefitted just by being in the right place at the right time.
• Everybody has perfect vision when they look into the past. Write about a time when you learned something a bit too late to help.
• It’s been said that the thrill is in the chase. Write about a time when you worked hard to get something, only to find out that you didn’t really want it after all.
• It’s a lot easier to go with the flow, but sometimes our hearts won’t let us. Write about a time when you supported an unpopular position because of your feelings or ideals.

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Mishal raeel.

i really love the reading website .my mom twice a week tells me to do topics from here.i really like the fascinating topics in this website.thank u for making this website and this makes people helpful

Helped a lot thanks 100/10. This site is amazing

Whoever you are Mr. Morton, you are amazing! You’ve put in so much work on this site! Thank you!

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Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

Imagine yourself facing a blank page, ready to fill it with your memories and imagination. What story will you tell today?

As students, you often have to write narratives that capture people's attention. But with so many stories to choose from, where do you start? How do you find the perfect topic that will grab our readers' interest and make them think?

Join our essay service experts as we explore 200 topics for college where stories are waiting to be told, and experiences are ready to be shared. From everyday events to unforgettable moments, each topic is a chance to connect with your readers and make them feel something.

Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That Resonates 

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a personal story, including characters, plot, setting, and the order of events. Its main goal is to connect with readers emotionally and share a specific message or insight through the retelling of a meaningful experience.

Students write narrative essays as part of their studies for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to express themselves creatively by sharing their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Secondly, it helps them develop important writing skills like organizing ideas and thoughts effectively.

Choosing good narrative essay ideas involves looking at personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a simple guide to help you pick the right topic:

• Think about significant moments in your life that had a lasting impact, such as personal growth or overcoming challenges.
• Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise to make your story more engaging.
• Consider what your audience would be interested in and choose topics that resonate with them.
• Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful.
• Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level.
• Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics.
• Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic that fits.
• Get feedback from friends, peers, or instructors to see if your topics are interesting and impactful.
• Choose topics that evoke strong emotions for a more compelling narrative.
• Select a topic that you personally connect with to make your story authentic.

Once you've chosen a topic, brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. Follow your professor's instructions carefully and consider seeking help from our narrative essay writing service if needed.

Bring your stories to life with EssayPro. Select from a vast array of narrative essay topics and let our professionals help you weave your tales into captivating essays. Whether it's adventure, reflection, or imagination, we're here to assist.

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Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

After exploring how students write narrative paragraphs, we've put together a list of narrative essay topics designed specifically for college and school students. This list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one that speaks to you! If you want to see how to develop a topic into a written essay, check out our narrative essay example . 

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

How about delving into captivating literacy narrative essay topics designed specifically for college-level writing? Exciting, isn't it?

• How did learning to read change my perspective on the world?
• What was my favorite childhood book and why?
• How did writing my first story impact my love for storytelling?
• What challenges did I face when learning a new language?
• How did keeping a journal help me improve my writing skills?
• How did my family influence my attitude toward reading?
• What role did literature play in shaping my identity?
• How did participating in a book club enhance my reading experience?
• How did technology affect my reading habits?
• What was the most memorable book I read in school?
• How did my favorite teacher inspire my passion for literature?
• What impact did reading diverse perspectives have on my worldview?
• How did overcoming a reading difficulty shape my relationship with books?
• What lessons did I learn from writing my first poem?
• How did storytelling traditions in my culture influence my literacy journey?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and craft compelling personal narratives with these essay ideas.

• How did my relationship with my best friend change over time?
• What lessons did I learn from my first romantic relationship?
• How did my relationship with my sibling influence who I am today?
• What challenges did I face in maintaining a long-distance friendship?
• How did a conflict with a family member teach me about communication?
• What role do my pets play in my life and relationships?
• How did volunteering together strengthen my bond with a friend?
• What impact did a mentor have on my personal growth?
• How did a betrayal affect my trust in relationships?
• What did I learn from a failed friendship?
• How did traveling with a friend deepen our connection?
• What role does forgiveness play in maintaining healthy relationships?
• How did my relationship with my parents evolve as I grew older?
• What lessons did I learn about teamwork from a group project?
• How did a disagreement with a colleague teach me about compromise?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Consider the beauty of sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner through these ideas for personal narrative essays.

• How did a particular teacher inspire me to excel in school?
• What challenges did I face while adapting to online learning?
• How did participating in extracurricular activities shape my educational experience?
• What lessons did I learn from a memorable field trip?
• How did studying abroad broaden my perspective on education?
• What role does technology play in modern education?
• How did overcoming a learning obstacle impact my academic journey?
• What did I gain from tutoring a classmate in a challenging subject?
• How did a hands-on learning experience change my understanding of a topic?
• What impact did a mentor have on my educational and career aspirations?
• How did peer collaboration enhance my learning in a group project?
• What lessons did I learn from a failure or setback in school?
• How did my cultural background influence my approach to education?
• What role does self-directed learning play in my academic success?
• How did participating in a debate or public speaking event shape my communication skills?

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Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

Why not ignite your creativity with a range of narrative essay topics, from extraordinary moments to everyday experiences?

• How did confronting a fear change my view on courage and growth?
• How do family traditions shape my personal values and beliefs?
• What does success mean to me, and how has it evolved?
• Reflecting on friendships as a source of support in tough times.
• How have travel experiences expanded my global perspective?
• How do my hobbies and passions bring fulfillment to my life?
• Exploring the link between self-love and mental well-being.
• How can challenges lead to unexpected personal growth?
• Reflecting on the importance of setting and reaching personal goals.
• What pivotal moments mark my journey to self-acceptance?
• Investigating how forgiveness resolves personal conflicts.
• How do cultural expectations shape my idea of success?
• Reflecting on the significance of self-care for overall well-being.
• Exploring how technology influences my connections and worldview.
• What did I learn from facing a life-changing decision?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Engaging your readers with narrative essays on culture and society is a great way to spark interest, offering captivating ideas for exploration.

• How has my cultural heritage shaped my identity?
• Reflecting on a tradition or ceremony that holds significance in my culture.
• Exploring the impact of globalization on local traditions and customs.
• How does language influence the way I perceive the world around me?
• Investigating the role of food in cultural identity and expression.
• Reflecting on a cultural celebration or festival that left a lasting impression.
• How does media portrayal affect societal perceptions of different cultures?
• Exploring the intersection of culture and religion in shaping values and beliefs.
• Reflecting on experiences of cultural assimilation or integration.
• How do stereotypes impact individuals within a cultural group?
• Investigating the role of art and literature in preserving cultural heritage.
• Reflecting on the challenges and benefits of multiculturalism in society.
• Exploring the significance of storytelling in passing down cultural traditions.
• How do cultural norms influence gender roles and expectations?
• Reflecting on the cultural exchange experiences that have broadened my perspective.

Since you're working on essays, we think it's suitable to suggest you learn more about the case study format , which is another common college assignment.

Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Wow your readers by turning your passions and hobbies into compelling narrative essay topics that will get them thinking.

• Describe a memorable adventure or experience related to your favorite hobby.
• Reflect on how your hobby has evolved over time and its significance in your life.
• Write about a moment when your hobby provided a sense of escape or relaxation.
• Explore the role of hobbies in promoting mental health and well-being.
• Share a story of how you discovered your passion for a particular hobby.
• Describe a challenge you faced while pursuing your hobby and how you overcame it.
• Reflect on the impact of your hobby on your relationships with others.
• Write about a hobby-related achievement or milestone that you are proud of.
• Explore how your hobby connects you to a community or group of like-minded individuals.
• Describe the process of learning a new hobby and the lessons you gained from it.
• Reflect on the role of hobbies in balancing work, leisure, and personal growth.
• Write about a hobby-related project or creation that you are passionate about.
• Explore the connection between your hobbies and your broader interests and values.
• Describe a favorite memory or experience involving your hobby.
• Reflect on how your hobbies have influenced your perspective on life and the world around you.

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life is full of unexpected twists that can lead to life-changing moments. Take a look at these narrative essay titles for stories that have had a lasting impact on your life.

• How did meeting a lifelong friend change my life?
• What lessons did I learn from overcoming a major obstacle?
• How did traveling to a new country broaden my perspective?
• Reflecting on the day I discovered my passion.
• How did a health scare transform my lifestyle?
• What impact did volunteering in my community have on me?
• How did I find strength in a moment of loss?
• Reflecting on the decision that altered my path.
• How did a random act of kindness change my outlook?
• What lessons did I learn from a failed endeavor?
• How did confronting a fear empower me?
• Reflecting on the day I realized my potential.
• How did experiencing a natural disaster shape my priorities?
• What insights did I gain from a cultural exchange?
• How did a mentor's guidance impact my life trajectory?

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Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Consider creating intriguing titles for your narrative essay ideas by exploring thrilling travel adventures.

• What was my most unforgettable travel experience?
• How did a solo journey change my perspective on life?
• Reflecting on an unexpected adventure in a foreign land.
• How did traveling on a budget lead to unexpected discoveries?
• What lessons did I learn from getting lost in a new city?
• How did a cultural immersion experience broaden my understanding of the world?
• Reflecting on the friendships formed during a travel adventure.
• What was the scariest moment I encountered while traveling?
• How did volunteering abroad impact my outlook on life?
• What cultural differences surprised me the most while traveling?
• Reflecting on the beauty of nature experienced during a hiking trip.
• How did traveling to a remote destination challenge my comfort zone?
• What was the most delicious food I tried while traveling?
• Reflecting on the kindness of strangers encountered during a journey.
• How did a travel mishap turn into a memorable experience?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can uncover captivating narrative essay ideas by exploring potential career paths or reminiscing about past job experiences.

• What was my first job, and what did I learn from it?
• Reflecting on a challenging project that taught me resilience.
• How did a career setback lead to unexpected opportunities?
• What lessons did I learn from transitioning to a new career?
• Reflecting on a mentor who influenced my career path.
• How did a workplace conflict teach me about communication?
• What was the most rewarding moment in my career so far?
• Reflecting on the importance of work-life balance in my career journey.
• How did networking help me advance in my career?
• What challenges did I face as a new graduate entering the workforce?
• Reflecting on the decision to pursue a passion versus stability in my career.
• How did a career change impact my sense of fulfillment?
• What skills did I develop through volunteer work that helped in my career?
• Reflecting on the role of mentors in my professional growth.
• How did a career milestone shape my future aspirations?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're not sure what to write about for your narrative essay, think back to the tough times you've had and how you managed to get through them.

• How did I overcome my fear of failure?
• Reflecting on a time when I felt like giving up but persevered.
• How did a personal setback lead to unexpected growth?
• What lessons did I learn from navigating a difficult relationship?
• Reflecting on a time when I had to step out of my comfort zone.
• How did I overcome a major health challenge?
• What strategies did I use to overcome procrastination?
• Reflecting on the resilience I developed after facing adversity.
• How did I navigate financial challenges and come out stronger?
• What did I learn from failing at something I was passionate about?
• Reflecting on the obstacles I faced while pursuing my dreams.
• How did I overcome imposter syndrome in my academic or professional life?
• What role did self-care play in helping me overcome challenges?
• Reflecting on a time when I had to stand up for myself in the face of adversity.
• How did I find motivation and inspiration during tough times?

Final Remarks

As we wrap up, our list of 200 narrative essay topics is here to fuel your creativity for your next writing project! Whether you're sharing a memorable event, reliving a childhood memory, or expressing a profound insight, crafting a narrative essay can be an uplifting experience that resonates deeply with readers.

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 150+ Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

150+ Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

There are also other types of essays, such as:

• Description essays. In such an essay, we describe an object.
• Definition essays. Here we have one goal - to reveal this or that concept.
• Illustration essays. Your goal is to prove a statement.
• Argument essays. Here we give examples of persuasive facts that support your assertion.

Now let's look at the most popular narrative essay topics that we can board you with.

How to Know What Topic You Need?

If you were given a list of essay topics at schools or colleges , it would be logical if you choose a topic that is closer to you, on which you are not averse to reflecting.

If there is no list of topics, and you have only indicated the direction in which you should choose a problem for the essay, you will have to formulate the topic for narrative writing yourself.

Here are some tips on how to choose a topic for your essay:

• Before defining a narrative essay topic, it is worth finding the author's position. This is the moral instruction of the author, which can be written directly or encrypted in the words or thoughts of the hero-narrator. To find it, one should single out the topic and all the micro-themes in the text, and then formulate moralizing within their framework, that is, the author's position.
• From the author's position, it is worth asking a special question, that is, a question that requires a general answer, and not a short "yes" or "no". This question will be a problem.
• It is necessary to find two examples in the text that illustrate the transition from the question to the author's position, that is, to help answer the question posed. This will prove that such a problem is indeed raised by the author.

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas

Now, let’s take a closer look at topics for narrative essay examples you can choose. 

Personal Narrative Essay Topics 

Personal narrative essay examples and ideas are needed when you describe something that you experience in your life.

• The first time I visited another country.
• My first rock concert.
• Interesting places I have visited.
• The character I associate myself with.
• Why is it always important to believe in yourself?
• The most memorable moment of my life.
• How I helped a friend solve his serious problem.
• How I overcame my biggest fear.
• How I learned to accept myself the way I am.
• An event that changed my life.
• How positive thinking can change your life.
• I helped a person in need.
• How to overcome disagreements with your best friend?
• My last day at school .
• How to overcome bullying in school?

Cultural Narrative Essay Topics

Cultural topics for narratives allow you to highlight the topic of culture and at the same time present the story in an interesting way for the reader.

• How do you celebrate your favorite holiday in your family?
• What traditions are unique in your family?
• Which tradition surprised you the most?
• How does the media influence our perception of culture?
• How does culture define a person's personality?
• What culture do you identify with?
• What is your favorite holiday?
• How does your family celebrate Christmas?
• What was the best Christmas present in your life?
• What holiday has the most sacred meaning for you?
• What traditions does your family observe on the Easter holidays?
• Which of the cultural events you attended did you remember the most?
• What foreign tradition do you like the most?
• Holiday traditions in your family
• Which festival do you like the most?

Narrative Argument Essay Topics 

This type of narrative topics for an essay implies that you need to write about something that has had a big impact on you.

• Conflict case from your life.
• What disagreements did you have together with your friend?
• The case when someone deceived you.
• Has there been a choice in your life that you regret?
• Have you been in conflict with other people?
• A situation where you have to make a difficult decision between right and wrong.
• Have you been caught doing something bad?
• Have you ever had to win friends following the rules?
• Have you ever blamed another person for what you did?
• Have you helped someone for personal gain?
• Have you ever played pranks on your friends?
• What experience can you call the most difficult but important in life?
• Have you ever been in a car accident?
• Have you ever been humiliated?
• Have you ever helped a friend solve his problem?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics 

• Have you had to make a difficult decision in life?
• Have you ever flooded a neighbor's house?
• Has there ever been a person in your life who has changed it drastically?
• Would you like to relive any of those days again?
• Have you ever failed an exam?
• What was the scariest moment in your life?
• Have you ever been really sick?
• Have you ever saved another person's life?
• Have you ever worked up the courage to visit a haunted house?
• Have you ever won a prize?
• What was your first job in life?
• Have you ever participated in educational student exchange programs ?
• What do you do when you are all alone?
• What was your first meeting with the police?
• Have you ever been to the emergency room?

Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics 

Here you can describe people or events that influenced you in one way or another.

• How have you met a special person in your life?
• The person you enjoy the most.
• The best place in the neighborhood.
• The place you'd like to live your whole life.
• A productive art, you enjoy.
• What is your first job search ?
• Your biggest disappointment.
• Do you remember your first birthday?
• Tell us about a time when you learned something new.
• Have you ever encountered a wild animal?
• Tell about the first time you got home alone.
• How did you cook food for the first time?
• Tell how you helped someone.
• How did you overcome your fear?
• What games did you play when you were a child?

Relationship Narrative Essay Topics

Relationship narrative stories ideas help to describe our relationship and how our experience has influenced certain events in life.

• Have you ever fallen in love?
• What advice would you give to a couple who are just starting their relationship?
• How would you define family?
• If you have a best friend, how did you meet?
• Do you think that your parents are more sensitive than others?
• What is your attitude towards marriage?
• Have you ever experienced gender bias?
• How do you remember deceased family members?
• What do you know about the origins of your family?
• Have you ever ended a friendship?
• How did you meet your best friend?
• What can make you end a romantic relationship?
• Is the community in your area important?
• Do you think hatred can destroy a relationship?
• Have you ever experienced intergenerational conflict?
• What does honesty mean in a relationship?

Childhood Memories

In this type of essay, you need to describe the events and memories of childhood.

• What was my first pet?
• What are my first memories?
• Whom did I look up to as a child?
• How did I first go to the hospital?
• My first meeting with my uncle/aunt.
• What was my first day at school?
• My first terrible incident.
• What are my childhood fears?
• What was the happiest day of my childhood?
• My first time at the stadium.

Growing Up in High School 

Here you need to recall the most vivid impressions from high school.

• What lessons were my favorites?
• Who was my favorite teacher?
• What role in the school theater did I remember the most?
• How I lost a sports match.
• Topics forbidden to me.
• How did I feel when I failed the exam?
• How did I feel when I passed the exam with excellent marks?
• Is commuting to school a routine for me?
• My best adventure in school.
• What kind of extracurricular activities do I enjoy the most?

Moral & Ethical Dilemmas

In this type of essay, you have to describe the ideas of the complexity of moral choice.

• What is your attitude towards pro-life movement: argumentative essay on abortion ?
• How can we influence the fight against racism?
• How should a work ethic deal with sexism?
• Do you think euthanasia should be legal?
• Why can't war be ethical?
• What moral issues does workplace automation cause?
• What can we do about climate change?
• Is it ethical to have a lot of money?
• If drugs were legal, would their use be ethical?
• Is it possible to justify eating meat in the modern world?

College Student Life

Try to describe events and memories from your student's life.

• My first day at high school.
• My last day with my schoolmates.
• My favorite course.
• Meeting my better half.
• The story of my split-up.
• My brightest high school moment.
• How I met my old friend.
• My favorite professor.
• A funny adventure on my campus.
• The most symbolic episode from my college life.
• The day I moved.
• How I traveled to Harvard.
• My first impressions of the college campus.
• How I met my roommate.
• My first friends at college.

Narrative Essay Topics for Different Grades 

Let’s look at the narrative speech topics for different grades.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

• My first bicycle ride.
• My dad is my hero.
• A day with my grandmother.
• My first day at school.
• My best friend.
• My favorite teacher.
• A school trip to the zoo.
• My grandpa’s hands.
• The most exciting day of school.
• The best summer vacation.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 6

• A memorable teacher.
• My first trip abroad.
• A sad story from my childhood.
• My favorite vacation with my family.
• A fight with my best friend.
• My best birthday party.
• How we celebrate our parents’ wedding anniversary.
• My first day at a new school.
• Last Christmas was an interesting story.
• How I lost my sister.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 7

• Something that scared me the most.
• The best day of my life.
• Helping a stranger.
• How I met my best friend.
• My brother’s wedding.
• How I got my first pet.
• Once I called the dean's office.
• Conflict with my father.
• Unique family tradition.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 8

• School trip to the museum.
• My best day at school.
• The most exciting day of summer vacation.
• Worst day at school.
• The day I got my first pet.
• The hour we spent looking at our baby's album.
• My first attempt at cooking.
• My first Japanese pastry.
• My first foreign friend.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 9

• A visit to the countryside.
• How I lost my faith in humanity.
• A car accident.
• My friend had an accident.
• A trip I will never forget.
• The most enjoyable Christmas.
• A bad experience that completely changed my behavior.
• How I used to spend my summer vacations.
• My experience with a tornado.
• I got lost in the streets of venus.

Narrative Essay Topics for O Levels

• A special moment when I got my first bike.
• A disappointing birthday party.
• The most embarrassing thing that happened to me.
• A disastrous date.
• The moment of success.
• Growing up in New York.
• A sporting experience.
• A random act of kindness.
• The first six months of COVID-19.
• The end of my relationship.

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

Personal narrative ideas in high school include the classic moments that are stereotypical of the secondary school experience.

• Special homecoming court moment.
• A friendship that started long before high school.
• Prom dress shopping and your self-esteem.
• Anticipation for graduation.
• An award or scholarship you received.
• Participating in a school musical.
• A class or club trip.
• Your first love.
• A moment you stood up for what you believed in.
• How your relationship with your parents changed for the better.

Narrative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle school is a great time of self-discovery that’s filled with firsts and memorable moments. Use these milestones as the topic for your narrative essay.

• Making an unlikely friend.
• How bad relationships help you become a better person.
• The first time you opened your locker.
• The teacher that makes you feel smart.
• Moving from elementary school to middle school.
• A social media post that inspired you.
• A news story about a kid/teen that was uplifting.
• A comment from a teacher that made you feel good.
• A comment from someone you’re not friends with that made you feel good.
• Being yourself.

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

College is another time in your life that’s wrought with self-discovery and seeing the world as it truly is.

• Why did you choose to go to the college of Bellevue in Washington ?
• How did you choose your major?
• The impact of joining a team or club.
• A fellow student you see thriving against the odds.
• Examples of community on campus.
• A test experience that boosts your self-esteem.
• The moment you realized you were going into the right field.
• What does a college degree mean to you?
• College is a microcosm of the world.
• The feeling of independence.

Conclusion 

Teachers and students are very fond of narrative essay topics, as they are flexible enough that everyone can find a topic that is close to them. If you can’t decide on a topic yourself, then the list that we presented in our material will definitely help you. We sincerely wish you good luck and inspiration for writing the best essay. And the topics we have suggested will help you with this!

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150 Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas: Inspire Your Writing

If you are a high school or college student, you have probably been assigned to write a narrative essay at least once. This type of essay allows you to share your personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings with your readers, captivating them with your storytelling skills. However, coming up with a unique and captivating topic for your narrative essay can sometimes be a challenging task.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 150 great narrative essay topics and ideas to inspire your writing. Whether you are looking for something to write about your favorite memories, life-changing experiences, controversial or ethical situations, relationships with friends or family, or your thoughts on culture and society, you will find plenty of interesting topics to choose from.

When selecting a topic for your narrative essay, it is important to choose one that is personal to you and allows you to express your thoughts and feelings. Think about your interests, experiences, and future goals. What kind of story do you want to tell? What are your favorite memories? How have certain relationships or cultural experiences shaped your life? By narrowing down your interests and experiences, you can ensure that you choose a topic that you are passionate about and will enjoy writing about.

Now, without further ado, here are 150 great narrative essay topics and ideas to inspire your writing:

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

1. My favorite childhood memory and why it’s so special to me.

2. The day I moved to a different city/school and how it affected me.

3. A trip abroad and what I learned about a different culture.

4. The most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in and how I handled it.

5. My plans for the future and what steps I need to take to achieve them.

6. The class or subject that I enjoy the most in school and why.

7. A personal experience that taught me an important life lesson.

8. The cultural event that had the biggest impact on me.

9. How participating in high-quality after-school activities helped me grow as a person.

10. The time when I had to stand up for what I believe in, even if it was difficult.

11. The effect of social media on my life and relationships with others.

12. My favorite book or movie and why it’s so important to me.

13. The importance of healthy eating and how it affects my daily life.

14. The most memorable school project I’ve ever worked on and why.

15. The role of my family in shaping my values and beliefs.

16. How I overcame a problem or challenge that seemed impossible at first.

17. The first time I realized the importance of helping others.

18. A time when I felt extremely happy and why it was so special.

19. The scariest dream I’ve ever had and how it affected me.

20. The most interesting place I’ve ever visited and what made it so memorable.

21. The best piece of advice I’ve ever received and how it changed my perspective.

22. A time when I felt proud of myself for achieving a goal.

23. The role of art or music in my life and why it’s important to me.

24. The most challenging experience I’ve had so far and what I learned from it.

25. The most memorable family gathering or celebration I’ve ever attended.

These narrative essay topics will give you plenty of ideas to come up with an engaging story that reflects your personal experiences and values. Remember to follow the structure of a narrative essay, incorporating a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use examples and vivid descriptions to show your readers what happened and why it was important to you. By choosing an excellent topic and using high-quality sources, you can ensure that your narrative essay stands out and leaves a lasting effect on your audience.

A Collection of Engaging Narrative Essay Ideas

The power of personal experiences.

Your own life is a treasure trove of potential essay ideas. Whether it’s a life-changing moment or a childhood memory, the experiences you’ve had can provide great material for a narrative essay. Consider writing about situations that shaped your identity or the relationships that had a profound impact on you. Personal experiences can be a powerful source of storytelling.

Exploring Different Cultures and Perspectives

Another interesting area to explore is cultural diversity. Have you ever traveled abroad or participated in exchange programs? What did you learn from these experiences? Discussing the differences and similarities between your own culture and the ones you encountered can make for an engaging narrative essay.

8 A person or a story that has influenced you.

9 A personal success story that is useful or can be persuasive.

6 A dangerous situation you experienced.

8 A person you admire the most;

9 A significant life-changing experience.

6 A lesson you learned from a personal failure.

The Impact of Relationships

Relationships play an important role in shaping our lives. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a pet, the impact of these relationships can make for compelling narrative essays. Discussing the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of these relationships can provide a deeper insight into who you are as a person.

High-Quality Suggestions for High Grades

When it comes to narrative essay topics, quality matters just as much as the content. To ensure a high-grade essay, consider selecting topics that are both interesting and unique. It’s always better to choose a topic that hasn’t been overly discussed in your classes or among your friends. This will make your essay stand out and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

The Importance of Structure and Drafting

Angelina jolie and her impact on humanitarian causes.

Angelina Jolie is not only a talented actress but also a strong advocate for various causes. Writing about her influence and the initiatives she has taken can be an interesting topic for a narrative essay. Explore her work in humanitarian efforts and how it has inspired and influenced others.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a topic that you are passionate about. Writing about something that genuinely interests you will make the process more enjoyable and the final product more compelling. So go ahead, explore the list of narrative essay ideas, and find the perfect topic for your next writing adventure!

Choosing the Perfect Narrative Essay Topic

Know yourself and your audience.

Before you start brainstorming for narrative essay topics, take a moment to think about your own interests and experiences. Consider your future goals, school life, cultural background, and relationships – these can all be sources of inspiration for your essay. You need to select a topic that not only engages you but also resonates with your audience.

Consider Different Types of Stories

Narrative essays can be about any real-life experience, so think beyond the typical essay topics. Instead of solely focusing on major life-changing moments, think about everyday dilemmas or experiences that have shaped you as a person. These often make for unique and engaging narratives.

Brainstorm and Make a List

When brainstorming for narrative essay topics, start by making a list of potential ideas. Think about personal experiences, friendships, or moments that have helped you grow. Consider using popular or controversial topics as well, as they can make for interesting narratives.

Do Some Research

Once you have a list of potential topics, do some research to ensure that you have enough material to write a compelling narrative. Look for additional sources, examples, or real-life stories that you can incorporate into your essay.

Selecting the Best Topic

After you have compiled your list and done your research, it’s time to select the best topic for your narrative essay. Choose a topic that you feel passionate about and can confidently write about. It should be something that not only showcases your writing skills but also allows you to express your thoughts and feelings.

Outline Your Essay

Before you start writing, create an outline for your narrative essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. Outlining your essay also allows you to see if your chosen topic has enough substance to develop into a full-length essay.

Selecting the perfect narrative essay topic is crucial for the success of your paper. By following these tips, you can ensure that your topic is inspiring, engaging, and captivating. Remember to choose a topic that resonates with you and your audience, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. With the right topic, your narrative essay will not only be a success but also a reflection of your unique experiences and perspective.

Can you give me some ideas for a personal narrative essay topic?

Sure! Here are some ideas for a personal narrative essay topic: my most embarrassing moment, the day I realized the importance of family, the first time I traveled alone, a life-changing experience, the best lesson I’ve learned, my biggest fear, a time when I had to make a difficult decision, a memorable vacation, an event that changed my perspective, the day I achieved a personal goal.

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

218 Narrative Essay Topics

When some high school students get a narrative essay for their homework, they believe they must air out their laundry, but that's rarely the case. Anyone can create a beautiful and captivating story that describes memorable events in fine detail.

Your narrative essay could also be about your role model. The first thing you must do to come up with a masterpiece is to take your time coming up with great narrative essay topics. You can find numerous ideas online but scroll on to find the best selection prepared by experts.

Before you rummage around old assignments for a topic idea, look at this list of interesting narrative essay topics. They will inspire you in unimaginable ways and get you on your way to writing that masterpiece. Without further ado, let's get to the best narrative essay topics for your assignment!

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas • Narrative Essay Titles

The greatest responsibility you have when writing narrative essays is to make sure you are impressionable. This means writing great narrative essay topics. Let's get those juices flowing with some ideas for the essay.

• The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you
• The most embarrassing experience in the Iraq war
• An experience that gave you business acumen
• Your most frightening experience as a child
• An experience that showed you the value of trust
• How you learnt to overcome fear
• An unpleasant experience that showed you an important life lesson
• A harrowing experience that taught you to appreciate life
• One memorable day with a family member
• A personal narrative concerning a success story

While some are pretty straightforward, others are a bit of a thinker. You have the liberty to experiment with these topics by conducting a bit of research. For example, you could come up with life lessons from a memorable trip with family members. Go try it out. We'll explore some more personalized essay topics in the next section.

Best Narrative Essay Topics: Funny, Personal, Literacy, and Fictional Ideas

Are you looking for material for your research paper? Researching an engaging story is crucial to engaging high school students and faculty with your writing. Read this part for timely answers to questions on the best topic ideas for funny, literacy, personal, and fictional ideas.

• My virgin flight to Asia
• Best memories of my high school
• My hopes upon completing college
• A memorable trip to Mexico
• A friend in disguise: sheep-in-wolf clothing
• An accident I was involved in
• The journey ahead: Living through end-stage capitalism
• A life-changing event that happened in high school
• An experience with cybercrime and its personal effects
• Experiencing unequal employment opportunities as a teenager
• My favorite meal: Barbequed meat with anything on top
• Experiencing psychological torture as a teenage American
• How I maintain an effective work-life balance
• The most important life lesson I got from school
• My realization of the existence of double-faced people
• The most memorable people in my life
• How I survived a shark attack
• How do I keep my personal and professional lives separate?
• My favorite teacher in grade school
• My experience with Covid-19: physical, social, and economic issues
• My most memorable punishment at home
• My proudest moment in life

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Look at some of these personal narrative essay ideas that will hit home and spur up an idea or two about an experience you think would capture your audience.

• The reason why I love my family
• The toughest decision I ever made
• My favorite meditation spot: outdoors
• A complete day in the life of John Smith
• The best moment of my entire life
• The moment I will treasure in my life forever
• The best decision I have ever made
• How do I overcome my fears and turn them into strengths
• Why I don't particularly appreciate going to college
• My experience with racism as an international student
• My neighborhood's experience with the 2009 market crash

That last one was a bit of a stretch. But you get the idea. The possibilities are endless; all you have to think about is an experience in your life, and personal narrative essay topics are all around us. You just need a hot cup of coffee, a notebook, and a pen. Brainstorm ideas from different experiences in your life, and you'll find tons of them if you dig a bit deeper.

Well, it's not an exact science, but it is a pretty good way to open your mind to ideas and develop different topics for your essay. If you're stuck, some help might, well, help. You can buy narrative essays online . You'll get a well written research paper on time. Now, let's see some fictional narrative essay topics and ideas to see further how you can create your unique one.

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

Now this is where things start to get interesting. You can come up with any number of these. A story you heard from your best friend? Or a narrative essay topic on the most embarrassing moment you can place a human being. Go nuts with this one. Let's give you some insights into what you can consider writing on.

• Our worst "boys' trip" ever
• Stuck in the middle of nowhere without gas
• A terrible dream that morphed into reality
• How your best friend turned into your enemy
• How your friend was stuck in a foreign country
• An exciting story about your day at the horse tracks
• Personal stories from your grandpa
• How your favorite teacher helped with your first job interview
• A major turning point in your life
• A significant challenge facing your community
• Favorite childhood games that instilled adult character
• A weird encounter with a stranger on a train
• Dealing with a daunting task during the summer
• A Christmas present you'll never forget
• The first pet you owned
• A random act that changed your perspective on life
• The first person to start a community health center in your neighborhood

You could get a few tips from this list for your next fictional essay topics.

Good Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Take a look at some narrative essay topic ideas that benefit university students.

• My best memory when in college
• My favorite unit in college
• The most memorable incident in my life
• My favorite professor in college
• A reminder to my older self
• My favorite author in business
• A letter to future me
• The best roommate I had in college
• My best research project to date
• The best team member I had for a research project
• The best party I attended in college
• A life-threatening escape during a summer trip
• The best food I had in college
• The best trip I had in college
• How one event changed everything in my school
• My final day in college

These are but a few of the many topics about college you could write a narrative essay on. Personal experiences are the best because you only have to rely on memory, but looking at it from an outsider's viewpoint helps relate to the reader. Now let's check out some narrative essay topics you can enjoy writing on as a high school student.

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

Use this guide as you come up with a narrative paper to generate essay ideas for your personal narrative topic. You are bound to come up with an interesting story if you immerse yourself in the experience. Here are some personal experiences to help you start writing narrative essay topics that'll guide you through high school.

• My first day in junior high
• A terrible experience with a movie character at my high school
• How modern school environments almost gave me mental health issues
• My favorite subject in high school
• Interesting topics we learnt about in my literature unit
• The most amazing farewell party
• The best welcome party in high school
• The best teacher in my high school
• The two buddies in my high school
• The best decision I made for college life in high school
• The worst mistake I made in middle school
• The best streets we visited in my high school days
• The best teammate I met in high school
• The most amazing thing I learnt in high school
• The final exam in my high school
• How my last day went at my high school

You can write tons of other topics on ideas, such as your best friend, or come up with narrative essay topics involving less personal narrative ideas that border more on fiction than reality. Let's now dive into some topics you could write about as a K-level student.

Narrative Essay Ideas for Kids

As is the case with university students, writing narrative essays takes practice and depends on the level a student is on. Here's how we'll cover each of the narrative essay topics for each grade level.

Level: Grade 1

Level: grade 2, level: grade 3, level: grade 4, level: grade 5, level: grade 6, level: grade 7, level: grade 8, level: grade 9, level: grade 10, level: grade 11, level: grade 12.

Take a look at some essay writing topics for grade 1 kids.

• A day at the beach
• After-school games
• An important person at school
• A day in the library
• Food I do not like at school
• A day at the park with my family
• Games we play at recess
• My neighbor's dog, Butch
• What makes plants grow
• How to make my favorite snack
• How to talk to new people
• The reason I like summer
• My favorite hobby for Saturdays
• How I spend my weekend
• How to ride a bike
• My favorite toy in the world
• A day in the summer heat
• The best vacation last summer
• A wonderful place to go
• The best treehouse in our yard
• A sport I'd like to continue playing
• A trip on the train
• Amazing facts about birds
• The most amazing pony at the fair
• A trip to the supermarket

• Activities resulting from outdoor fun
• What you can do when you're indoors
• Amazing facts about airplanes
• An important person in the government
• The tiger: an amazing animal
• The best after-school games
• A day at the public library
• Dancing to music at home
• Food I find odd and disgusting
• How to make my favorite dinner
• The best toy to own right now
• A cartoon character that I like
• A day in the Moroccan desert
• A great place to visit in the summer
• The best friend I never saw
• The wooden treehouse in my backyard
• The best place to visit in spring
• A song that I like
• A trip on an airship
• An important time in history
• A secret place I visit
• A trip on a monorail
• Why do I find spiders creepy?
• Creatures that live in the desert
• Why dumping plastic is bad for the environment
• Going fishing with my father
• Going to the dentist
• Why I want to be famous
• How to cure hiccups
• I don't understand why we pollute the environment
• What I use a computer to do
• My best childhood games
• A school trip to the zoo
• A toy I have kept for many years
• Is pollution reversible if we continue using coal?
• What a new student to my school needs to know
• The best dream I have ever had
• The best trip I have ever taken
• How I see myself five years from now
• The impact of sharing with friends
• What I would do if I were the principal for a day?
• A big accident on the road
• Can American farmers feed everyone?
• How would I define the word honesty?
• I am the president for the day. Here is what I would do
• How can I change bad behaviors?
• My favorite chores
• My participation in tree planting outside the school
• My bedroom, from the door to all four walls
• The craziest hairstyle I have ever had
• One thing I want to do after finishing the 8th grade
• A big problem in the energy sector is...
• A cool new store in our neighborhood
• Dear governor
• Discover nature in Singapore
• My favorite teacher in gym class
• My favorite band as a small child
• Pet peeves that my best friend has
• The worst meal I ever ate
• The worst shave I ever had
• The best picture day in my school
• A day I will never forget
• A friend I will always cherish
• A project I am working on
• A typical evening at my house
• How Abraham Lincoln changed history
• A great scientific breakthrough
• An invention that transformed how we communicate
• Causes of global warming in the world
• Coping with many brothers and sisters
• My Website on good etiquette
• How a motorbike works
• How a crankshaft works in an engine
• A trip to the NASA space station
• If I had superpowers, I would...
• Is pollution a necessary evil?
• My first encounter with a cyberbully
• My dream car since I was a child
• My dream house will have...
• I admit it: I enjoy professional basketball
• Overcoming health problems related to gymnastics
• What did Americans make in Detroit?
• What makes pollution a danger in Australia?
• Environmentally-friendly ways to mine for petroleum
• Is fracking bad for the environment?
• What animals can teach people
• Tools I will need for my future dream job
• What if there were no school sports?
• The best summer job in my existence
• We all make mistakes
• The hardest thing I have ever done
• A funny thing that happened in 7th grade
• Do not let obstacles keep you from your goal
• The influence of greed in corporate America
• Foods I love during a hot day
• A change that would help you get better grades
• The summer job that I regret most
• Putting my foot in my mouth at the fair
• The argument for alternative sources of energy
• Something our community really needs is...
• If it's a rule, it's right...right?

Coming Up With Good Topic Ideas

The thought of writing sends a chill down many students' spines. Academic papers can be intimidating, but you only need to eliminate writer's block and unleash your writing potential. To this end, you may not have a clue about what you are writing about. You will likely have no problems flowing with a topic with which you have information ready. Use different strategies to come up with narrative essay topics that address your issues. Find what works best for you and which learning style suits you best.

Here are some steps you can follow to develop your narrative essay topics.

• Understand your assignment
• Determine the assignment's purpose
• Use a provided list

1. Understand Your Assignment

You must understand the length of your narrative essay and what type is required for your assignment to score highly. You must also discern the research level needed to determine your research scope.

2. Determine the Assignment’s Purpose

Your assignment's purpose will help you determine the type of paper you are writing. For instance, writing an argumentative essay topic will differ from developing personal narrative essay topics. Learn to recognize terms like describe, contrast, analyze, compare, and synthesize to determine what your teacher wants.

3. Use a Provided List

Your instructor may provide you with a list. Occasionally, choose a topic from the given list that interests you. Your instructor will have checked the scope and breadth of the research and seen that such papers elicited great narrative essay topics in the past. When given a list, one good habit of writing narrative essay topics that appeal to your audience is to write the main argument and a thesis for the topics and compare them for scope and breadth.

Select a topic that comes naturally and where you have greater insight to develop a good narrative essay.

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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.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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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Essay for Class 5 in English | List of Essay Topics for Grade 5 Students

Essay Writing is a great piece of work to teach or Improve your Child’s Writing Skills. We are with you in this and compiled Essay for Class 5 in English covering frequently asked essay topics from different categories. Increase your vocabulary and develop a strong command over English by reading and practicing various Essay Writing Topics. The Content in the Sample Essays for 5th Std Students is written in a simple and easy to understand language. You can access both Short and Long Essays on the Most Common Topics and use them as a part of your competitions or speeches.

Essay Topics List for Class 5 Children

All the Essay Topics for Grade 5 Students are written in a simple language keeping in mind the student’s level of understanding. Access the Essay Writing Topics & Ideas for 5th Standard Children available through the quick links and tap on the respective topic you wish to see. By reading and writing using the Class 5 Essays you can improve your vocabulary as well as get uniqueness to write an essay on your own. By doing so you can learn how to put your thoughts into words.

• My School Essay for Class 5
• Essay on Earth for Class 5
• Rainy Season Essay in English for Class 5
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• Essay on Christmas for Class 5
• Essay on My Mother for Class 5
• Essay on My Country for Class 5
• Essay on Television for Class 5
• Short Essay on Pollution for Class 5
• Essay on Discipline for Class 5
• Essay on New Year Resolution for Class 5
• Essay on Mahatma Gandhi for Class 5
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• Honesty is the Best Policy Essay for Class 5
• Essay on Earthquake for Class 5
• Essay on Flood for Class 5
• Essay on Water Pollution for Class 5
• Essay on Environment for Class 5

FAQs on Essay for Class 5

1. What is the best and simple way to write an essay?

The best way to write an essay is to jot down what you are going to write beforehand. Not just the Essay make sure you have a structure too in mind. This really helps and is the simplest thing to write an essay.

2. Where do I find Some Good Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 5 Students?

You can find some Good Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 5 Students on our page.

3. What Should a Good Essay Have?

A good essay should have a bang-on opening statement that draw’s the attention of the users followed by a thesis statement and then a conclusion or a closing statement supporting your ideas. The Idea of each paragraph should be well explained and try considering examples too in between.

Final Words

We believe the knowledge shared regarding the Essay Writing Topics for Class 5 has shed some light on you. If you have any other queries or want us to add more such topics do leave us your suggestions and we will look into them. Stay in touch with our site to avail latest updates on Essays for the Most Common Topics of Students belonging to Different Grades.

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