Writing a Personal Narrative
Once you finish prewriting, you are ready to tell your story in writing. These activities will help you hook the reader's interest at the beginning, build interest through a sequence of events, and lead to a strong ending for your personal narrative. You'll also read another student's essay to see how all of the parts came together.
Writing the Beginning Paragraph
Write a lead.
Read each lead-writing strategy. Then write an example of your own.
The first sentence in your narrative should grab the reader’s attention. It is called a lead. The following strategies will help you write an effective lead.
- Start in the middle of the action:
I thought I was ready when I arrived at our school’s auditorium.
- Start with dialogue:
“Just wait a little longer,” said my grandpa.
- Start with an interesting fact or statement:
When Manny came to my school, I didn’t expect to become best friends.
Write your beginning paragraph.
Write your lead and give more details to introduce your experience.
Lead:
Introductory Details:
Writing the Middle Paragraphs
Write topic sentences.
For each middle paragraph, write a topic sentence that introduces a new action or new part of the story in the order that it happened.
- Write a topic sentence for your first middle paragraph:
We arrived at a pale building.
- Write a topic sentence for your second middle paragraph:
Then we walked inside, and I understood his warning.
- Write a topic sentence for your third middle paragraph:
At our table, we were served tacos and flaky pastries.
- Write topic sentences for any other middle paragraphs:
Next, everyone at our table argued about soccer players.
Manny nudged me onto the dance floor.
Write middle paragraphs.
Write your topic sentences. Add detail sentences to support them. Include dialogue and thought details. Use time-order transitions to connect your ideas.
Time-Order Transitions
first
next
then
afterward
to start
secondly
continue by
finally
once
later
next
by the end
before
when
during
after
Middle Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 4
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 5
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Writing the Ending Paragraph
Write your ending paragraph.
Try these ending strategies. Then combine some into an ending paragraph.
- Tell how the experience ended.
When the celebration ended, I was exhausted.
- Share your feelings.
I’m thankful for Manny. It was cool that he helped me experience something new.
- Show what you learned.
Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is the best thing you can do.
Ending Paragraph
Read a Sample Personal Narrative Draft
Read a sample.
Note how the writer put the parts together.
Listen to "Something New."
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Something New
LeadWhen Manny came to my school, I didn’t expect us to become best friends. Beginning ParagraphHe moved from Texas, and his parents were born in Mexico. I had lived my entire life in Kansas City. But we both liked soccer, and we became friends. That September Manny invited me to a party with his family to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day.
Middle ParagraphsWe arrived at a pale building. A few people in odd outfits were waiting outside, but everything else seemed normal. “You ready for this?” asked Manny. Thought DetailsI thought that was a weird question.
Then we walked inside, and I understood his warning. The entire space was filled with people, colors, sounds, and movements. I felt dizzy. Girls were dressed in bright pink, yellow, and red dresses. Guys wore big hats and suits. People were dancing to the beat of trumpets, guitars, and violins. “Welcome to the fiesta,” said Manny’s dad.
At our table, we were served delicious tacos and flaky pastries. There were also big green chilis covered in white sauce and bits of red fruit. Dialogue“Are you going to eat that or what?” asked Manny. I’d never seen or eaten anything like it. But I remembered when I made Manny eat lasagna for the first time at my house, so I took a big bite. It tasted like a soupy and spicy green pepper. “Yum,” I said. Everyone laughed because they knew I was lying. I gulped lime soda to get rid of the taste.
TransitionAfter lunch, trumpets blared, and people at our table started arguing about soccer stars. I said Messi was the best, and they gave me high fives. Just when I was feeling relaxed, Manny said, “It’s time to change into our costumes.” Before I knew it, I was wearing a sparkly black jacket, a red scarf, and a big cowboy hat. “You didn’t tell me I had to wear a costume,” I said. “I didn’t tell you about the dancing either,” said Manny. Now I felt really dizzy.
Next, Manny nudged me toward the dance floor. Everyone was moving so fast. “Just follow my lead,” he said. He bounced into the dance circle, while I stood still. When he made it all the way around, he pulled me in, and I had no choice but to dance. I spun and tapped my feet.
Ending ParagraphWhen the celebration ended, I was exhausted. Manny’s dad congratulated me on my moves. My mom still doesn’t believe I tried dancing. I’m glad Manny invited me. It was cool that he helped me experience something new.
Teaching Tip
Students will recognize many parts of this essay, such as the lead and topic sentences. Help them see the choices the writer has made in drafting.