How to Write a Narrative Paragraph

Purpose of a Narrative Paragraph

• Tells a story from your life.
• Makes the reader feel as if they were present during the event.

Key Components of a Narrative Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence

   • Provides background information.
   • Introduces the main character (you).
   • Indicates what will happen in the story.
   • Example: "One of the best lessons I ever learned about friendship actually happened later in life."

2. Supporting Sentences

   • Tell the story by explaining events in sequence.
   • Include sensory details (sight, sound, taste, emotions).

3. Concluding Sentence

   • Restates the topic sentence.
   • Explains the reason for writing the story or lesson learned.
   • Example: "Knowing when and how to help without being asked was one of the most valuable things I learned about being a true and thoughtful friend."

Tips for Writing Supporting Sentences

Verb Tense

• Use past tense for narrative paragraphs.
• Avoid switching between past and present tense.
• Example verbs in past tense: learned, happened.

Sentence Types

1. Simple Sentences

   • Subject and verb.
   • Example: "Marc ran a race yesterday."

2. Compound Sentences

   • Two independent clauses joined by a comma and conjunction.
   • Can be two simple sentences.

3. Complex Sentences

   • Includes a subordinator (e.g., because, while).
   • Cannot stand alone without the main clause.
   • Example: "Martha was hungry because she forgot to eat lunch."

Sequence and Simultaneous Words

• Sequence words: after that, eventually, then, next, later.
• Simultaneous words: at the same time, while.

Example Paragraph Structure

• Introduction: "One of the best lessons I ever learned about friendship actually happened later in life."
• Supporting Sentences: Provide context and introduce new characters/events.
• Conclusion: Summarizes lesson learned and reinforces the topic sentence.

Grammar and Style Tips

• Maintain verb consistency in past tense.
• Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences for flow.
• Use sequence and simultaneous words to enhance story clarity.
• Engage the reader emotionally by sharing your feelings.

Additional Resources

• Visit worldwidespeak.com for more English language resources and coaching.