IELTS Fever

Talk about a time when you helped someone

Talk about a time when you helped someone or Describe a time when you helped a Friend You should say:

  • Who was he?
  • How did you know him?
  • How did you help?
  • Talk about a time when you helped someone?

Sample  1:-

Well, We all need help at some point in time in our lives. I also received help much time and help others too. When we help others, It makes us happy and polite, also shows our behaviour towards others. Today, I have asked to talk about a time when I helped someone else. I remember an incident when I was in 10th standard. I helped my needy friend who was my class fellow.

His name was Avneet Singh and belong to a poor family. He didn’t have enough money to buy books. And I used to receive a hundred rupees per month pocket money in those days. Usually, I spent that money on chocolates and  I love chocolates.

I decided to help him by giving all my pocket money to him. So, he could be able to buy books. I remember his face that how he became happy. Then, he bought books. Since then, we have been best friends. To be honest, I felt happy at that moment that feeling was extremely different which I never felt before.

Writing Task 2 Course

I realized that some things can give more happiness than eating chocolates.

Sample 2:- Talk about a time when you helped someone

Well, it is a moral value to help someone in any difficult situation. And here I would like to talk about a time when I helped an unknown person. I describe it briefly.

About a couple of months ago, I was going to college. Actually, my college is located at some distance from my hometown. I go there via bus. Once a day, I took a bus at about 9:30 am to reach my destination. On this bus, I sit down on a seat and felt relaxed.

But suddenly, I felt something in my feet. I thought it is a paper or a small notebook of someone other. But when I stooped down to take it, I saw that it was a passport. I checked it and asked about it to all the people who were available on that bus. But everyone said no to this passport. that passport was of someone other.

I read the address on it and that address was of a village named “Malliana” which is nearby my hometown. I took it with me. Then, on the next day, I went to “Mariana” village and asked a villager about a home address which was available on that passport.

I easily found that home address. I went there and knocked on the door. A lady opened the door. I told her about the lost passport.

She felt immensely glad after listen to it from me. Because of that passport of her son. She gave respect to me and thanked me. I also felt highly elated by helping a human being.

All in all, that was the time when I helped an unknown person.

Sample 3:- Talk about a time when you helped someone

Although, I belong to an educated family consists of 5 members, my father. my mother, my two siblings and myself, We are all spending our lines with great enthusiasm.

Even though, I have remembered all the moral values given by my parents to me such as help others, respect to elders, love with the country and so on.

Generally, about two months ago, I had helped an old and feeble person. On one Sunday, I was sitting on my home’s roof in the evening. Then, I saw that an old person was wondering in my locality here and there.

Unfortunately, he was not looking well. It seemed that he was asking about an address or location.

Hence, I went outside and asked that person about the matter. He told me that he is looking for an address. At the same time, the weather was too hot because this happened during the summer season.

So, I took that old person to my house and gave water to him for drinking. He felt relax and cool. Then, I asked him about the address for which he was wandering. He told me everything.

Initially, after it, I went with him on my motorbike and dropped him at the same address which was that old person searching.

Eventually, I had helped him by dropping him at his destination. He blessed me a lot. I felt very much glad after seeing a smile on his face. I felt myself on the ninth cloud by happiness.

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IELTS FEVER

3 thoughts on “talk about a time when you helped someone”.

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Hi , it happened with me when I was in 1 standard her name was Ardhya I gave her all money of my pocket money but when my mom asked me to show the piggy bank it was nothing so, first she asked where is it I told I gave all my pocket money to my best friend because she have to buy books 📚 my mother was very happy and I day when I want to buy 1 book 📖 but that time I don’t have money so I meet to my best friend she gave me some money I was happy I bought the book and we read it together 😊😊

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i like sample 2 it is so nice

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Essay on Meeting A Stranger

Students are often asked to write an essay on Meeting A Stranger in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Meeting A Stranger

Introduction.

Meeting a stranger can be an exciting event. It can be a chance to learn about new people, their lives, and their cultures. It’s like opening a new book, full of unknown stories.

The Excitement of Newness

Meeting a stranger brings a sense of newness. You don’t know anything about them. This makes the conversation thrilling. You get to know about their life, their likes, dislikes, and their views on different things.

Learning From Strangers

Every person has a different story to tell. When you meet a stranger, you get a chance to learn from their experiences. Their stories can teach you important life lessons.

Building Connections

Meeting a stranger can lead to new friendships. Sometimes, a casual meeting can turn into a strong bond. It’s a way to expand your social circle.

250 Words Essay on Meeting A Stranger

Meeting a stranger can be an exciting event. It can lead to new friendships, learning new things, and even open doors to new opportunities.

First Impressions

The first time you meet a stranger, you might feel a bit scared or unsure. This is normal. It’s important to remember that the stranger might feel the same way. A friendly smile and a kind greeting can help put both of you at ease.

Communication

When you meet a stranger, it’s important to talk and listen. You can ask about their hobbies, likes, and dislikes. You should also share about yourself. This helps to build a connection. It’s important to be respectful and polite while talking.

Learning from Strangers

Meeting a stranger can be a great way to learn new things. They might come from a different place or have different experiences. By talking to them, you can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. This can help you understand the world better.

While it can be fun to meet new people, it’s also important to be safe. You should always meet strangers in public places. If you ever feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave or ask for help.

500 Words Essay on Meeting A Stranger

Meeting a stranger can be a thrilling and exciting event. It can also be a bit scary. We meet strangers every day. They could be new classmates, people at the park, or even people we meet online. Each meeting is a chance to learn something new, make a friend, or gain a new experience.

The first few moments of meeting a stranger are very important. This is when we make our first thoughts about the person. Are they friendly? Do they seem mean? These thoughts are called first impressions. They can be wrong sometimes, but they can also guide us in how we approach the person. It’s important to be open-minded and not judge too quickly.

Talking to a stranger can be hard. What should you say? What if you say something wrong? The key is to be kind and polite. Ask about their interests, their day, or anything else that seems safe. Listen to their answers and respond in a friendly way. This is how you start a good conversation.

Body Language

Body language is another important part of meeting a stranger. This means how you stand, where you look, and what you do with your hands. Good body language can show the other person that you are friendly and interested in what they have to say. Bad body language can make them think you are bored or rude. It’s important to be aware of your body language when meeting a stranger.

Safety is very important when meeting a stranger. Always meet in a public place where there are other people around. Never give out personal information like your home address or phone number. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s okay to leave. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Learning and Growing

In conclusion, meeting a stranger can be a wonderful experience. It can be scary at first, but with the right approach, it can lead to new friendships, learning experiences, and personal growth. Remember to be open-minded, polite, aware of your body language, and always prioritize your safety. So next time you meet a stranger, remember these tips and make the most out of the experience.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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A Belief in Helping Strangers

The collision of the two vehicles startled me. I swerved to the side of the road to ensure that I did not become a victim. My husband jumped out of the car before it had even stopped and rushed towards one of the cars that had been involved in the accident. Instinctively, I rushed towards the other car in an attempt to try and save the victim. From inside it, I heard the voice of a woman, calling faintly for assistance, “someone help me… my back! My hips! I can’t breathe, please help me!” carefully, I pulled at the door. Immediately, it flung open. The woman was trapped between the driver’s seat and the steering wheel. She was trying to pull herself from the entrapment but her attempts were all in vain because she did not move an inch. Slowly, I tagged at the seat and unfastened the seat belt. Luckily, there were no more complications and to our great relief, she was finally free! Pulling her from the smashed car, I carefully stretched her on a blanket offered to me by my husband, from my memory of first aid that I received in senior school, I covered her hastily to prevent the incidence of shock and waited for the arrival of the ambulance. This incident was stamped in my memory and it has never faded in my mind. It could be as a result of how much I received than I got. The assistance I gave this stranger gave me peace, inner satisfaction, and calm. Above all, it gave me one of life’s greatest lessons; giving unconditionally is a virtue that should be put to use because all kind of giving without other intentions helps to elevate human suffering and makes life more bearable.

One of the benefits of being helpful to people is the fact that all manner of kindness has the tendency to spread. This means that it may just start with you helping a couple of people that you don’t even know and probably they will never get the opportunity to know you and soon, the number grows and you realize that a dozen more people have joined in to help, the number continues to increase to up to a hundred and even thousands. These people do not know each other but kindness still has a positive influence on the receivers and just like ripples of water in a lake, there will be a whole sea of people with happy faces across the country who are just gaining happiness from a mere action of help. This just serves to show that helping makes life bearable to both the sufferers and the helping parties (Lowe, par. 20; L’Armand & Pepitone 193)

Good deeds rarely go unrewarded. There are three ways in which helping can be rewarding, one of them being that the probability of one receiving help later on in the future is high when they help other people. Another reward that can be obtained from helping is the fact that the person who is helped is relieved from the personal distress they were going through before they received help and finally, the last reward that can be obtained from helping others is that people can be able to gain approval from the society and thus increasing their self-worth (Burnstein 775).

Another good thing about helping is that help emanates purely from people’s hearts. Pure altruism comes by when someone experiences empathy towards an individual who is in need. This means that pure giving comes in when one is able to put themselves into the shoes of the people who are suffering and personally feel the emotional torment that the person is undergoing. When we are empathetic with someone’s troubling situation then we are willing to go through any options to attempt for purely altruistic reasons and this is done irrespective of what rewards one is likely to acquire through the help accorded (Darley 105)

Works Cited

Burnstein, Eric, Crandall, Earnest, & Kitayama, Evans. “Some Neo-Darwinian decision rules for altruism: Weighing cues for inclusive fitness as a function of the biological importance of the decision.” Journal of Personal Social Psychology74.6 (1994) : 773-789.

Darley, Johnson & Batson, Cole. “From Jerusalem to Jericho: A study of situational and dispositional variables in helping behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social  Psychology 27.3 (1973) : 100-108.

L’Armand, Katrina, & Pepitone, Arwin. “Helping to reward another person: A cross-cultural analysis.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 31 .7(1975): 189-198.

Lowe, Richard. “Being helpful.” Online mind , 2009. Web.

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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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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/narrative-essay/

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Student Essays

Essay on Essay on helping others

11 Best Written Essays on Helping Others in Life-Need & Importance

Helping others refers to an act whereby human beings help the fellow human in one way or the other. The concept of helping others has strong basis upon respecting, identifying and accepting the needs and issues of others and taking practical steps to resolve others issues. The following Essay on helping others talks on why helping others is important in our life, why we need to mutually support and cooperate other people in life.

1. Essay on Helping Others in Life |Need, and Importance of Helping others in Life

Helping others in the times of need is the basic instinct of human nature. It is the feeling of happiness and satisfaction that comes with being able to help someone in need that drives us towards doing good deeds. It is not only restricted to lending a helping hand during difficult times but also extends to small, everyday gestures that make a big difference in the lives of others.

>>>> Read Also : ” Essay on My Idea of Happy Life “

There are many benefits of helping others in life. The most obvious one is that it makes us feel good about ourselves. When we help someone in need, our brain releases serotonin, which is a hormone that makes us feel happy and satisfied. It also gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Helping others allows us to connect with people on a deeper level and form meaningful relationships. It also gives us a sense of belonging and strengthens our bond with the community.

Apart from the personal satisfaction that comes with helping others, there are also many practical benefits. Helping others can boost our career prospects and open up new networking opportunities. It can also lead to positive changes in our society. When we help others, we set an example for others to follow and inspire them to do good deeds as well.

>>>> Read Also : ” Short Paragraph On Friendship & Its Importance  “

Therefore, helping others is not only beneficial for the person in need but also for the helper. It makes us feel good about ourselves and gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It also has many practical benefits that can boost our career prospects and lead to positive changes in our society. So, next time you come across someone who needs help, don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. It will make a big difference in their life and yours too.

2. Essay on helping others is Important:

Helping others is a fundamental aspect of human nature. We are all connected in this world, and our actions have the potential to impact those around us. Whether we realize it or not, helping others can bring immense satisfaction and fulfillment into our lives.

The act of helping others goes beyond just lending a hand or offering material assistance. It’s about showing compassion, empathy, and understanding towards others. It’s about being there for someone when they need it the most, without expecting anything in return. Helping others is not just a selfless act; it can also be a source of personal growth and development.

One of the main reasons why helping others is important is because it promotes a sense of community and belonging. When we help others, we create a sense of unity and togetherness, which is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a supportive environment. It can also help break down barriers and promote understanding between different individuals or groups.

Furthermore, helping others can have a ripple effect in the community. When one person helps another, it often inspires others to do the same. This creates a domino effect of kindness and can lead to significant positive changes in society.

Helping others is also crucial for our own personal well-being. Studies have shown that acts of kindness can boost our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve our physical health. When we help others, we release feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, which can contribute to overall happiness and well-being.

Moreover, helping others can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and lose sight of the bigger picture. By helping others, we are reminded that there is more to life than just ourselves and our own struggles.

It’s also important to note that helping others does not always have to be a grand gesture. Simple acts of kindness and compassion, such as listening to someone who is going through a difficult time or offering words of encouragement, can make a significant impact on someone’s life.

In conclusion, helping others is crucial for our own personal growth and well-being, as well as for creating a more compassionate and supportive society. It may seem like a small act, but the impact it can have on someone’s life is immeasurable. So let’s all strive to make helping others a priority in our lives and spread kindness wherever we go.

3. Short Essay on Helping Others:

Helping others is a selfless act that brings about joy, contentment and fulfillment in one’s life. It is an innate human characteristic to extend our hands towards those who are in need and offer whatever assistance we can provide. Whether it be helping a friend with their studies, aiding a stranger on the street or volunteering at a local charity organization, lending a helping hand not only benefits the receiver but also brings about a sense of satisfaction and purpose to the giver.

In today’s fast-paced world, where individualism and self-centeredness are on the rise, acts of kindness and generosity towards others have become scarce. However, it is important for individuals, especially students, to recognize the importance of helping others and make it a part of their daily lives.

By helping others, we not only make a positive impact on their lives but also contribute towards building a better society. Small acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating clothes to those in need, can go a long way in making a difference in someone’s life.

Additionally, by actively participating in community service and helping those less fortunate, students can develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, which are essential qualities for building strong relationships and fostering a more inclusive society.

Moreover, helping others can also have positive effects on one’s mental health. Research has shown that individuals who engage in acts of kindness and generosity tend to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This is because helping others releases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Furthermore, lending a helping hand can also serve as a learning experience for students. By actively engaging in community service or volunteering at organizations that work towards social causes, students can gain valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication

4. Short Essay on Motivation for helping others:

Motivation is a powerful force that can drive individuals to act in ways that benefit not only themselves, but also those around them. One of the most selfless and altruistic forms of motivation is the desire to help others.

Helping others can take many forms, from volunteering at a local charity or donating money to a worthy cause, to simply lending a helping hand to a friend or stranger in need. But why do some people have such a strong motivation to help others, while others seem more focused on their own interests?

Research has shown that there are various factors that can contribute to an individual’s motivation for helping others. These may include personal experiences, values and beliefs, cultural influences, and even genetics.

For some people, the desire to help others may stem from a personal experience of receiving help themselves. This can lead to a sense of gratitude and a desire to pay it forward by helping others in need.

Others may be driven by their values and beliefs, such as the belief in equal rights and opportunities for all individuals. These individuals may see helping others as not only a moral obligation, but also as a way to create a more just and equitable society.

Cultural influences can also play a role in an individual’s motivation for helping others. In some cultures, the concept of community and collective well-being is highly valued, which can lead to a strong desire to help others in need.

Lastly, research has also suggested that genetics may play a role in an individual’s level of empathy and compassion, which can in turn influence their motivation to help others.

In conclusion, the reasons for an individual’s motivation to help others are complex and multifaceted. But regardless of the underlying factors, one thing is clear: helping others brings about a sense of fulfillment and purpose that cannot be achieved through self-interest alone.

5. College essay on helping others:

As a college student, it is easy to get caught up in our own personal goals and obligations. With the pressure of maintaining good grades, participating in extracurricular activities, and building a strong resume for future job prospects, helping others may not always be at the top of our list. However, being selfless and giving back to those in need can have numerous benefits for college students.

First and foremost, helping others is a great way to gain perspective and appreciate the things we have in our own lives. Many of us are fortunate enough to have access to higher education, a privilege that not everyone in the world has. By volunteering our time and efforts to help those less fortunate, we can learn to be grateful for what we have and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges faced by others.

In addition, helping others can also provide valuable learning opportunities. Through volunteering or participating in community service projects, college students can develop important skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are not only beneficial for personal growth but are also highly valued by potential employers. Volunteering can also expose students to diverse cultures and perspectives, promoting a more well-rounded and empathetic outlook on life.

Moreover, by helping others, we can make a positive impact in our communities and contribute to the greater good. Whether it is through organizing a fundraiser for a local charity or tutoring students in need, our actions can have a meaningful impact on the lives of those around us. By being active members of our communities, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and inspire others to do the same.

Lastly, helping others can also have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that acts of kindness and generosity can increase happiness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being

6. Essay on Kindness to others:

As human beings, we have the ability to choose how we treat others. One of the most powerful ways we can impact those around us is by displaying kindness. It may seem like a small gesture, but showing kindness to others can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. When we show kindness to others, we are displaying empathy and compassion towards them. It can be as simple as offering a smile, lending a helping hand, or listening without judgment.

The power of kindness lies in its ability to bring people together. In a world that is often divided by differences, acts of kindness can bridge the gap and create connections. It allows us to see beyond our own perspective and understand the struggles of others. It reminds us that we are all human and deserve love and respect.

Not only does kindness benefit those who receive it, but also those who give it. Studies have shown that acts of kindness can boost our mood, increase happiness, and reduce stress. It can even lead to a healthier heart and improved relationships.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about those around us. But kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, saying “thank you,” or offering a compliment. These small acts of kindness may seem insignificant, but they can make a huge difference in someone’s day.

Furthermore, kindness is not limited to only those we know. It can also be extended to strangers. In fact, random acts of kindness towards strangers can have an even greater impact as it shows that there are still good and caring people in the world.

7. Inspirational Story on helping others:

Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by lush green fields and blooming flowers, there lived a young boy named Rohan. He was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others without expecting anything in return.

Rohan grew up with his parents who were farmers. They taught him the importance of hard work and helping those in need. Every day, Rohan would help his parents in the fields, and after finishing his chores, he would spend time with the villagers.

The villagers adored Rohan for his kind nature and willingness to lend a helping hand. They often shared stories of how he had helped them during difficult times. But little did they know that Rohan’s kindness was not limited to just humans.

One day, a severe storm hit the village and destroyed most of the crops. The villagers were worried about how they would survive without food. Rohan’s parents were also affected by the storm, and they had no other option but to leave their village in search of better opportunities.

Seeing his family and villagers in distress, Rohan knew he had to do something. He remembered how his parents had taught him to help others in need, and he decided to put that lesson into practice.

Rohan went from house to house, asking the villagers if they needed any help. He helped them fix their homes, gather whatever food was left after the storm, and even offered his own food supplies to those who needed it desperately.

However, Rohan’s helping nature did not end there. He ventured into the forest to find wild fruits and berries, which he distributed among the villagers. Some even called him a hero for his selfless acts.

But Rohan remained humble and continued to help without seeking recognition or praise. His kindness was contagious, and soon other villagers joined in to help each other during difficult times.

Slowly but steadily, the village was back on its feet, and the crops were growing again. Everyone in the village had learned an important lesson from Rohan – that helping others not only benefits them but also brings joy and satisfaction to oneself.

Years passed, and Rohan grew up to be a kind-hearted man who continued to help those in need. The villagers never forgot his acts of kindness, and they passed on his lessons to their children and grandchildren.

Rohan’s selfless actions had a lasting impact on the village, and it became known as the village of kind-hearted people who always helped each other. And Rohan’s name was remembered for generations to come as a symbol of kindness and compassion.

From this story, we can learn that helping others is not just about lending a hand during difficult times, but it is also about spreading kindness and making the world a better place. As they say, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” So let us all follow Rohan’s example and make helping others a way of life

8. Essay on helping hand:

In our fast-paced and competitive world, the concept of a “helping hand” has become more important than ever before. In simple terms, a helping hand refers to an act of assisting or supporting someone in need. This could be in the form of physical, emotional, or financial support.

One might argue that the idea of extending a helping hand is not new and has been a part of our society for centuries. However, the changing dynamics of our global community have made it even more crucial for individuals to lend a helping hand to those around them.

In today’s world, where people are constantly chasing success and material possessions, there is a growing sense of isolation and loneliness among individuals. This is where the concept of a helping hand comes into play. By reaching out and supporting those in need, we not only make a positive impact on their lives but also create a sense of community and belonging.

Moreover, extending a helping hand is not only beneficial for the receiver, but it also has several benefits for the giver as well. It allows us to step outside of our own problems and focus on someone else’s needs. This can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Additionally, helping others can also boost our self-esteem and confidence, knowing that we have made a positive difference in someone’s life.

Furthermore, a helping hand can also have a ripple effect. By assisting one individual, we may inspire them to pay it forward and help others in need. This creates a chain reaction of kindness and compassion, ultimately leading to a more caring and supportive society.

In today’s interconnected world, where news of tragedies and disasters spread rapidly, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. However, by extending a helping hand to those affected, we can make a tangible difference and contribute towards rebuilding communities and lives.

In conclusion, the concept of a helping hand is more relevant now than ever before. It not only benefits individuals in need but also has positive effects on our own well-being and society as a whole. So let us all strive to be someone’s helping hand and create a world where kindness and compassion are the norm rather than the exception. As the saying goes, “A helping hand is no farther than at the end of your sleeve.” So let us all extend our sleeves and lend a helping hand whenever possible. And remember, every act of kindness matters.

9. Short Essay on how helping others benefit you:

Helping others is a fundamental human trait that has been ingrained in our society for centuries. It is an act of kindness that not only benefits the recipient, but also brings immense joy and satisfaction to the person who is offering help. In this short essay, we will explore how helping others can have a positive impact on your life.

Firstly, helping others allows us to develop empathy and compassion. When we lend a helping hand to someone in need, we put ourselves in their shoes and try to understand their struggles. This helps us build stronger connections with others and become more understanding individuals. Moreover, by seeing the impact of our actions on others, we learn to appreciate what we have and not take things for granted.

Secondly, helping others can boost our self-esteem and confidence. When we use our skills and knowledge to assist someone, it gives us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This, in turn, helps us feel more confident about ourselves and our abilities. It also reminds us that we are capable of making a positive impact on others’ lives.

Thirdly, helping others can improve our mental health. It is a well-known fact that acts of kindness can release feel-good hormones in our brain, such as oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones are responsible for making us feel happy and content. By helping others, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression levels in ourselves and others around us.

In addition to the above benefits, helping others also allows us to expand our social circle and make meaningful connections. When we volunteer or engage in acts of kindness, we meet like-minded individuals who share the same values as us. This can lead to long-lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.

Lastly, helping others is a powerful way to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world. By giving back to our communities, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and inspire others to do the same. This can lead to a more empathetic and compassionate society, creating a better world for future generations.

10. Short Essay on Satisfaction Comes from Helping Others:

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s better to give than receive.” And while it may sound cliché, there is truth to this statement. There is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others. Whether it be through volunteering, lending a helping hand, or simply being there for someone in need, the act of helping others brings a sense of fulfillment that cannot be replicated by any material possessions.

So why is it that helping others brings us satisfaction? One of the main reasons is that it gives us a sense of purpose. In today’s fast-paced world, we often get caught up in our own lives and forget about the needs of those around us. By taking the time to help someone else, we are reminded that there is more to life than just our own personal pursuits. We are able to make a positive impact on someone else’s life and in turn, feel good about ourselves.

Moreover, helping others allows us to step outside of our comfort zones and gain new perspectives. It’s easy to get stuck in our own routines and thought patterns, but when we help someone else, we are exposed to different ways of thinking and living. This can broaden our understanding of the world and also help us appreciate what we have.

Another aspect of helping others that brings satisfaction is the connections we make with people. When we lend a helping hand or volunteer, we are often working alongside like-minded individuals who share similar values and goals. These shared experiences can lead to meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, the act of helping others can also boost our own self-esteem and confidence. By making a positive impact on someone else’s life, we are reminded that we have something valuable to offer. This can give us a sense of purpose and worth that may have been lacking before.

In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive, true satisfaction does not come from acquiring material possessions or achieving personal success. It comes from the act of helping others and making a positive impact in their lives. So, let us strive to be kind, empathetic, and selfless individuals who find joy in giving rather than receiving. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

11. Short Essay on My Greatest Passion is Helping others:

My greatest passion in life is helping others. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world around me. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of kindness and compassion towards others, and this has stayed with me throughout my life.

I believe that there is no greater joy than being able to bring a smile to someone’s face or make their day a little bit brighter. Whether it is through small acts of kindness, volunteering my time, or using my skills and knowledge to help those in need, I am always looking for ways to lend a helping hand.

One of the reasons why helping others is my greatest passion is because it allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and each interaction has taught me something valuable. By helping others, I am also able to learn and grow as a person.

Furthermore, helping others is not just about making a difference in someone else’s life; it also brings immense fulfillment and happiness in my own life. Knowing that I have made a positive impact, no matter how small, fills me with a sense of purpose and motivates me to continue helping others.

In today’s world, where there is so much negativity and division, I believe that acts of kindness and compassion towards others are more important than ever. My greatest passion for helping others will always be a driving force in my life, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. After all, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Q: How do you write an essay about helping others?

A: To write an essay about helping others, start with an introduction that highlights the significance of the topic, provide examples and personal experiences to support your points, discuss the benefits of helping others, and conclude with a strong summary.

Q: Why is it important to help others essay?

A: An essay on why it’s important to help others emphasizes the value of compassion, empathy, and the positive impact that helping others can have on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Q: What is the importance of helping others?

A: The importance of helping others lies in fostering empathy, building stronger communities, and creating a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Q: Why am I passionate about helping others?

A: Your passion for helping others may be driven by the sense of fulfillment, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, a desire to contribute to positive change, and personal values or experiences that underscore the importance of altruism and empathy.

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The Write Practice

A Stranger Meeting

by Becoming Writer | 1 comment

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By  Elizabeth Cooper

I wake to the loud bang of gunfire. Jumping instinctively out of bed, ducking low across the hardwood floor. I peer slowly over the heating vent down to the street three stories below. The shooting seems to have stopped for now, I hear the rustling of the gentle breeze against the trees outside. I barely make out a lone figure, lying prone on the sidewalk, he wrestles against the pavement clutching his side. Maybe, there was a drive by shooting?

Quickly, I toss on a pair of jeans, grabbing them off the floor and throw on a green t-shirt. My apartment door slams against the wall, as I race down the stairs. Throwing my body against the front door, I push the glass open. Glancing around the street, looking, searching for the figure I saw lying on the sidewalk below. Desperately needing to find whoever they were.

There a few feet down the road, I see the figure, dressed all in black, lying motionless. I’m unsure of whether or not I should proceed. This kind of unfamiliar territory would have landed me a large, red X in training. I can’t help, but feel drawn closer and closer, until suddenly I am kneeling by his side. Pulling back his black hood, I reveal the brown furrowed eyebrows of someone in pain. Questions swiftly cross my mind; as if I’m being bombarded by my parents. Why hasn’t anyone stopped to help him? Why am I helping him? I should run, leave this behind me, like I was taught many years ago, but I need to know. Can I save him? I search his body looking for the gunshot wound.

“Who are you?” The man asks, opening his eyes for the first time since I’ve knelt beside him. “Are you my guardian angel?”

“I am far from an angel,” I reply, watching the reel of my life, quickly cascade across my mind. I find the source of his pain, the gunshot wound to the left of his belly button, gushing blood forth as the man coughs. This kind of wound would have pierced his liver. I need to get him to a hospital fast, if he is going to survive this. My instincts scream against me as I help the man to his feet, lifting his fragile body into the front seat of my car. I know these moments are going to change my life forever, whether for good or bad I am not sure.

The race to the hospital begins and my heart beats rapidly in my chest. I’m not sure what to say, what to do, every part of me knows I should have walked away, I never should have looked out the window this morning. The man next to me groans in his seat as take a sharp right turn, blood drips down his pants and onto the leather seats of my Mercedes. The hospital is just a few more blocks away.

‘Why are you doing this?” The man asks, sharply inhaling with each breath, the effort to speak must be painstakingly difficult.

“Honestly, I really don’t know, everything in me says I am making the wrong decision. Yet, I couldn’t just leave you to die on the pavement alone.” I think back to the first time my mother stopped to help a man on the side of the road. She was always the nurturing and caring type, always extending a helping hand. He had been hit by a car while riding his bike, gently she lifted him into her car and stayed in the hospital until he came around. I’ve become just like her. No matter how hard I have tried to harden myself I am still my mother’s child. “Why was someone shooting at you?”

“I’m a witness to an upcoming trial against the Victory League. I guess there’s a lot of people that want me dead.”

The Victory League, I knew there was a reason my subconscious was telling me to run. This man is going to trial against everything I believe in. He will condemn my cause, make me a fugitive.

“Aww,” he says. “You want me dead too?”

“Ah, no. I…I just…”

“You just think I am making the wrong decision. Have you ever thought about the other side of the story?”

“No I haven’t.” I was raised, trained and conditioned into the Victory League ever since I could walk. I don’t know another way of life. I don’t know how else to live.

“I see,” he says. “They are close to you.”

I pull into the hospital parking lot, quickly stopping in front of the entrance to the emergency department. I push open the man’s door and lift him out of my car.

“Why are you still helping me? You should've left me to die like everyone else.”

“I don’t know, I just feel the need to help you, whether or not you will ruin my life, I will find out later.”

We walk through the doors and are instantly surrounded by doctors, nurses with clip boards. Everyone starts asking a million questions, then poking and prodding the man standing next to me. They lift him onto a stretcher and begin pushing him through the hospital. I stay at the door, knowing I have done everything I can for now. The man reaches over and holds onto my hand, looking up into my eyes with his dark green emeralds.

“Stay with me,” he says, pleading for companionship. I grab onto his hand once again pressing back all of my instincts, forgetting that this man is standing against me. I follow as the hospital team pushes the stretcher into surgery and wait outside to hear the news. I can’t believe I am here, sitting in a hospital waiting. I missed my mother’s last days, I never got to say good bye to her, yet I’m sitting here on the brink of my seat, waiting for a total stranger to come out of surgery. A stranger that may just end everything I’ve ever known, he could end the Victory League for good.

The doors open just a few hours later and I stand to see the now hoodless man asleep on the stretcher. His brown hair now delicately pushed to the side of his forehead The Doctor waves me over, as if I am someone important to this man lying before me.

“He made it through surgery,” the doctor says. “We had to take out part of his liver but he will survive.”

“I…you don’t understand I don’t even know this man.”

“Are you Victoria Knight?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure…how do you know my name?”

“He named you his guardian for the next few days while he recovers in the hospital. You are responsible for Peter.”

“But…is that his name…I don’t know how he knows me, but I just met him. I found him on the sidewalk nearly dead.”

“I don’t know,” the doctors says. “One way or another your information was put down for him, you will have to take care of him for now. I have to be on my way, there are many other surgeries that require my attention.”

I watch as the doctor walks away and I look back to the stretcher. Silently, I follow the nurses pushing him into the recovery unit. What is happening? How does this Peter know me, yet I was debating whether or not to even save him.

I sit down in the chair opposite his bed, I can’t leave now. There are a lot of questions that need answering before this day is over. I watch as his chest slowly rises and falls with the steady breathing that comes with sleep. He’ll have a lot to answer for when he wakes up.

I think back to the moment I decided to run down the stairs and find the mystery man on the sidewalk lying dead. I remember the pull my body felt towards him. Why is this happening? I have been trained to know better than this. The League has taught me to forget my past, to move onto the future. Yet, my past seems to be surrounding me these days. I have to find out just who this man is when he wakes up. I can’t leave before I have some answers.

Kenneth M. Harris

Elizabeth, what a wonderful piece of writing. In a lot of ways, he has become the person that his mother had been. I, too, am wondering about the answers. Kenneth M. Harris

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200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

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A narrative essay tells a story about a specific event or experience. A well-written essay helps readers visualize the exciting story clearly and vividly. However, students often struggle to write a narrative essay because they don’t have the best topic.

To tell the reader an exciting story, first, you must choose good narrative essay topics for your story. Once you select the right idea, it means you are half done with your essay.

Table of Contents

What Is A Narrative Essay

A narrative essay uses primarily descriptive and sensory information to validate the author’s point and story.

In simple words, a narrative essay is all about storytelling from the author’s perspective, which attracts the reader’s attention and helps them create a vivid and exciting image of the story.

According to (Students” writing: 84-91), A narrative essay has three mandatory elements:

  • Character:  The essay has two main characters, the author and some other characters, who relate to each other and the story.
  • Theme:  A theme or motif is always the central point of the narrative essay, primarily portrayed in the thesis statement.
  • Dialogue:  The conversation between the characters is referred to as dialogue.

Whenever you come up with  writing a narrative essay , please consider these elements to make it perfect.

How Do We Make A List of Top Narrative Essay Topics?

To create lists, we start by brainstorming our experiences, emotions, and situations that happen most often. Then, we note our ideas by focusing on which are most common in other students and how they can engage and inspire the readers.

We are sure that our crafted list includes a mix of narrative essay topics, including personal experiences, funny topics, fictional ideas, and sports events. Finally, we develop a wide collection that showcases our creativity and connects with our audience on a deeper level.

Our efforts are the key to your solution to the narrative essay topic. With that in mind, let’s begin.

Choose Topics For A Narrative Essay In 4 Simple Steps

Choosing a narrative essay topic can be straightforward if you follow these four simple steps:

Recall Your Personal Experiences

Think about the critical events, challenges, and moments of joy in your life. Consider the moments that have shaped you and left a lasting impression. Using this practice, you can choose a specific moment of your life from the narrative essay topics below.

Identify Themes and Emotions

Determine the central theme or emotion you want to convey in your essay. Every student has their own emotional state, allowing them to write about their interests. Choose a topic that matches your desired message, whether you want to talk about personal growth, school life, or sharing a funny incident.

Keep your audience in mind

Think about what would engage and resonate with your readers. For example, pick a motivational incident from your life if your target audience is broader. Furthermore, if your target audience is just a class of teenagers, try to choose funny topics for a narrative essay.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Make a list of top narrative essay topics and check out each one by one based on their significance and the details you can provide. Select a topic on which you have a lot of information, offer the wealthiest narrative, and allow you to tell a compelling story.

By following these steps, you can select a  narrative essay writing  topic that is meaningful and engaging.

70 Most interesting and trendy Narrative topics for Students

Interesting and trendsetter narrative essay topics always remain the top priority for students. What sets these ideas apart from others? The topics were primarily adopted from everyday student life, and after brainstorming, we evaluated 70 mostly relatable issues.

We have further categorized these topics on different academic levels in the section below. Read further and find a suitable topic of interest from the lists below.

Narrative Essay Ideas for Middle School

  • Things to do when bored in the classroom
  • A funny classroom incident that makes us laugh
  • The day when I met my best friend for the first time
  • A unique family tradition that inspires me a lot
  • Why did I learn to play a musical instrument
  • A Christmas day I will never forget
  • Riding a bike for the first time: my review
  • The time I got lost in the jungle
  • Helpful advice from my Grandparents
  • My first sports game in school
  • It was the best summer vacation I spent
  • A time when I stood up for my rights
  • My experience in solving mathematical problems in fun ways
  • A school trip to a historical place
  • The most exciting book I’ve read
  • A time I got in trouble
  • Making new friends in school
  • The best gifts I’ve ever received
  • What I learn from a challenging school project
  • I learn to perform publicly

Narrative Essay Topics for High School

  • My experience with high school bullying
  • My major academic achievement
  • A mentor helps me in creative learning
  • My experience with peer pressure
  • How do I manage to overcome school obstacles
  • The moments when I make the difficult decision
  • How I prepare myself for future career
  • The Impact of social media on my life
  • My challenge in sports
  • Volunteering myself for student councils
  • The Importance of friendship in my life
  • My tricks to balance school and extracurricular activities
  • A book or movie that inspired me a lot
  • My plans to get admission to college
  • How do I overcome my lack of confidence
  • I set myself aside from school violence activities
  • How do I manage my expenditure with an online paying job
  • The moment when I discovered my passion
  • Powerful quotations that I read for self-motivation.

Choosing a topic is a little bit easy, but writing a narrative essay is a little bit hard. To overcome writing barriers, we have compiled some  examples of a narrative essay , which will ultimately help you out in writing a compelling essay on your own.

Narrative Essay Topics Ideas for College

  • How do I find the best college for my study
  • A significant turning point in my life
  • What challenges do I face in living away from home
  • A time when I failed and bounced back
  • My life-changing Internship experience
  • My personal experiences of studying abroad 
  • Excitement of the day when I got my driver’s license
  • My favorite subject in college and why
  • My efforts in time management
  • An Inspirational guest lecture 
  • A significant personal growth moment
  • Dealing with homesickness
  • How my college roommate became my buddy 
  • I tried to manage my budget in college life
  • My tips to avoid distraction

Good Narrative Essay topics on Learning and Education

  • How do I overcome a learning challenge
  • My most memorable school project
  • A field trip to remember in whole life
  • Hurdles I face in learning a new language
  • Positive impacts of technology on my education
  • My experience with remote learning
  • A memorable time I failed and what I learned from the failure
  • The book that inspired me a lot
  • My experience in participating in a Science fair
  • My opinion about extracurricular activities on learning
  • My interesting group study session with friends
  • The Importance of education in my family
  • My passion for reading books
  • An Inspiring educational speaker to which I listen
  • My techniques for preparing for a significant exam

These above-mentioned ideas for narrative essays are common and relatable to every student’s academic life. If you have chosen a topic but don’t know how to write an essay, just read these  tips to improve narrative writing  for your essay.

70 Good Narrative Essay Topics for Students: Personal To Sports Life

Writing an effective narrative essay allows students to explore the depth of their experiences. These essays can range from author reflections to humorous anecdotes. 

Here are 70 narrative essay topics: personal life tales, literary adventures, and funny and thrilling sports moments. Each topic offers a unique opportunity to engage the readers and reflect on the actual factors of life.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics About Life

  • What happens to me on my first day at school
  • It was a memorable birthday that gave me a lot of surprises
  • A family vacation in beautiful mountains
  • My first day in learning to ride a bike
  • My favorite pet, which is no longer with us
  • My feeling when I Win a competition at school
  • A day at the beach with my friends
  • Funny moments in my first time cooking
  • A surprise gift that I got from my father
  • A visit to the zoo for the first time
  • My academic journey with my best friend
  • How I overcome my fear of dogs
  • Challenges in moving to a new house
  • A holiday tradition in my village
  • A time when I got lost
  • A remarkable achievement in my career
  • Helping a stranger was the best moment in my life
  • Crying on my last day at school
  • A day well spent in the park with school friends
  • How did I develop my interest in literature 

Literacy Narrative essay topics

  • What I feel when someone motivates me
  • My personal opinions towards book reading
  • Learning to write essays is easy for me: you know why?
  • Discovering a new genre of literature helps me
  • I learned a way to write assignments that leave a positive impact
  • Why my teachers love me more than others in school
  • Assisting others in hardships makes me feel proud
  • Influence of my favorite author and why?
  • The best advice that I have ever got from parents
  • Online gaming helps me a lot with critical thinking
  • A collection book of poems which I gave to my little sister
  • How I benefit from the writing guide 
  • The first time I wrote a story
  • A literary character I relate to myself
  • Why do I not watch horror movies?
  • The first time I enjoyed poetry.
  • My favorite science fiction novel
  • How reading helps me in overcoming a challenge
  • My poor writing skills make me feel embraced in class
  • My recommendations on books to read about religion 

Funny Narrative Essay topics

  • The day I wear mismatched shoes
  • Prank my friend once, which goes wrong
  • An experience when I got stuck in the elevator
  • A hilarious miscommunication moment occurred during my presentation
  • A disaster happens to me at a costume party
  • The worst haircut makes my friends laugh at me
  • The time I got lost in my neighborhood
  • A funny camping experience with my friends
  • My first and probably last dance experience in school
  • The funny moment when my cell phone got caught in the classroom
  • My pet caused chaos on the day of my brother’s wedding
  • The funniest mistakes I have made in my science project
  •  The Day I Played a Joke on My Teacher
  • My Funniest Social Media Mishap
  • The moment when I tried to speak a foreign language for the first time

Bonus tip:  Funny narrative essay writing is sometimes hard for students because of its limited humorous nature. To overcome this issue we have developed a free  AI essay writer  tool which will add fun and humor in your essay.

Ideas for Narrative Essay about sports

  • My first sports team experience
  • How do I heal from a bad injury in sports
  • Cheering moments when I scored the winning goal
  • Why do I always try to learn new sports?
  • Sports helped me build confidence
  • The most challenging game I have ever played
  • My relationship with a coach
  • My major sports rivalry, which ends up with a fight
  • My team-building experience
  • Personal recommendation to deal with sports pressure
  • Sports helped me develop discipline
  • Share your first childhood sports mishap
  • Motivate my friends to get involved in sports
  • The Impact of sports on my life
  • My funniest sports moment

Blunders while narrative writing happens when you choose a topic on your own without preparation. Worry not, just pick the best topic from the above list and then follow these common  mistakes to avoid in narrative essay  to make it error free.

60 Unique Topics about Narrative Essay

If your narrative essay is unique compared to the others, then it is a win-win situation. In the lists below, you will find unique topics, whether you want to write about a fictional story, hobbies, motivational stories, or say something about some cultural and societal issues. 

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

  • A mysterious package arrives at my door
  • The night when I dream about time travel
  • My survival on a deserted island for months
  • It’s a story about my four friends and a magician.
  • My childhood dream was to become a professional athlete.
  • A World Where Animals Can Talk
  • Living in a world without electricity
  • I discover a portal in my backyard
  • Dreaming about being friends with an alien, which turns out to be true
  • A tale about a person who walks on water with superpowers
  • A secret behind the haunted house in my neighborhood
  • Imagining a school where children have magical capabilities
  • My opinion on the diary of a Pirate Captain 
  • A day when everyone speaks the truth
  • A robot becomes my best friend

Best Narrative Essay Ideas On Hobbies and Interests

Every student has a natural instinct to develop hobbies and interest in their lives. Below are some narrative essay topics which primarily focus on hobbies and interests.

  • My love for painting makes me feel proud
  • My journey in learning a new language
  • I found pleasure in planting trees in my garden
  • My friend’s passion for hiking
  • My thrill for collecting vintage items
  • Creating my first DIY project
  • My love for playing chess
  • My passion for cooking and trying new recipes
  • My collection of books, which I read a lot
  • Hearing birds chirp in the morning gives me a boost
  • Writing my first short story
  • Why I volunteer myself at an animal shelter
  • Learning to dance: my first class
  • My passion for traveling to discover new cultures
  • Benefits of creating my blog on the Internet

Narrative Essay Topics Related To Culture And Society

  • My experience of a cultural festival for the first time
  • Growing up in a multicultural family makes your experience more enjoyable
  • A tradition that has been passed down in my family
  • The positive effect of my cultural heritage on my identity
  • Why I found it challenging to adapt to a new cultural environment
  • Learning about my ancestry and heritage
  • My experience in participating in a traditional ceremony
  • The role of food in my culture
  • My experience with cultural exchange programs
  • A memorable visit to a historical, cultural site
  • The Influence of Media on Cultural Perceptions, in my opinion
  • My recommendations on how to preserve cultural heritage
  • The challenges of being bilingual
  • The role of religion in my society
  • Positive impacts of social media on society, according to my opinion

Best Motivational Ideas for Narrative Essay

  • A story of personal growth
  • Rebuilding my life after a significant loss
  • It was a precious time when I made a difference in my community
  • How do I conquer my biggest fear of life
  • The power of positive thinking in shaping your life
  • My strategy to turn failure into success
  • A journey of self-discovery
  • How do I find inspiration in unlikely places 
  • How I stay motivated during tough times
  • The influence of a mentor in my life
  • Finding a way to utilize my inner strength
  • Family support in my achievements
  • Random acts of kindness return with a big reward in my life
  • My motivation to stay strengthened in hardships
  • My secret ways to appreciate the little things

Writing a narrative essay is a daunting task for many students. To understand the reason behind why it is hard to write you must go through these  examples of narrative essay types  and find out the differences for each one.

Questions to help you choose a narrative essay topic

If you still need clarification about selecting the best topics for a narrative essay even after watching out from the above list. Just stay calm and think about these questions mentioned in the list below, and you will find a solution to choosing a topic.

1What are the earliest memories of my life? Think about your early life incidents.
2Think about some memorable moments, especially from middle or high school.
3Remember some special events you have seen in your early life that you remember clearly.
4Some harmful incidents happen to you that stay in your mind forever.
5Positive moments are when you do something extraordinary that changes your life.
6Consider when you make your friends, parents, or family feel proud.
7Furthermore, think of your sports life, such as your first sport, relation with your coach, funny sports moments, or injuries you suffered in the game.
8Ask yourself questions about some places you have visited and have good memories.

Focusing on these questions will help you uncover the best moments in your life. These questions are most common and generic in every student’s life.

Use our words as your narration

Writing a narrative essay to express your experiences is difficult, as it requires words that show emotions and feelings to engage the reader. Consider using our  professional essay writing service  to make the process easier and more helpful. Our skilful and experienced team will provide a polished, well-structured essay that effectively communicates your narrative to your audience.

No Confusion Left In Your Mind Now

You can now easily choose suitable narrative essay topics from the above lists. These rewarding topics allow you to explore and share meaningful experiences with the readers.

Whether you write about personal narrative essay topics, educational journeys, funny incidents, or memorable sports events, we have covered each aspect. Take out your pen, choose a topic, and begin writing down your experiences and thoughts to make the reader remember your words.

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These 26 Stories About Strangers Helping People In Need Will Remind You That Humanity Is Not Doomed

Take comfort in these stories of the best of humanity.

Ali Velez

BuzzFeed Staff Writer

We asked the BuzzFeed community to share their favorite stories of a time they received an act of kindness from a stranger . The results were overwhelmingly heartfelt and moving.

1. a nurse that went above and beyond:.

"One time I had an ovarian cyst and had to go to the hospital. I had no one to watch my 1-year-old son so I had to bring him with me. I was crying really hard because I couldn’t get my son to sit still with me and he kept trying to pull on my tubes. I just broke down. My phone was dead so I couldn’t call anyone. One of the nurses came up to me in my room and asked me if it was alright if she tried to calm my son down and give me a break. She brought some toys and a blanket back for him, and she held him in her arms and played with him so that I could calm down until my mother-in-law showed up. I didn’t even get her name, but it was so meaningful that she would show enough compassion to help us. Angels are REAL."

— pattiecolvin23

2. A guardian angel at the gas station:

"I was 40 miles from home in a high-crime area for a work obligation and I had driven with my empty gas tank light on for the entire trip there. I had $1.67 on my debit card and as I asked the clerk at the sketchy gas station I stopped at to put $1.00 on my pump, a man walked in. My card was declined so I sat in my car trying to find any change or singles I might have stashed. The man came up to my car and told me he put $5.00 on my pump. I don't know if this man has any idea how much he helped me but it got me home safe even though I cried tears of appreciation for most of my drive."

— oliviaf41947d6af

3. A good samaritan on a bicycle:

"I had just moved to a new country with my husband and 6-month-old baby. I had nothing to do and knew no one, so I went for a walk with the baby in the stroller and was about three miles from our apartment when the stroller tire got a puncture and went flat. I knew my son was going to start crying if we took too long and I was getting anxious about embarrassing myself in a foreign country. A very nice man was riding his bike and hopped off and said he had a tire repair kit and patched up my tire, inflated it, and even topped up the air in the rest of the tires. It only took him about five minutes and then he just hopped back on his bike and left, but it saved me so much time and stress and I am so grateful still."

— luvalatte

4. Generosity at the grocery store:

"I was grocery shopping when I received a call that my grandpa had died. My grandpa and I were close my whole life, everybody called me his little shadow. We knew it was coming, but to hear it over the phone put me into a shock. I just stood there and went white and numb. An older couple happened to be standing near me and sensed something was wrong. They asked but I couldn’t make words come out. They sat with me for a while, got ahold of my best friend to come pick me up, AND bought the groceries in my cart. Then, not too long after, they sent flowers to my house! Apparently they had my friend’s phone number from when they called her and they paid her to send a bouquet to me. That was one of the worst days of my life and I miss my grandpa every single day, but that kindness and humanity makes me cry in a good way."

— susieunderpants

5. A gentlemanly gesture:

"It was raining really hard one afternoon and I was walking back to my car with my groceries for the week and an old man offered to share his umbrella with me and walked me all the way to my car."

6. A quiet gesture of comfort and care:

"I'm a burn survivor. I was injured when someone neglectfully tossed chemicals on a bonfire. I spent a month in the hospital, had to have surgery, etc. When I got home I was severely depressed and struggled with PTSD. My mom decided to get me out of the house and took me to get my nails done and a pedicure. My usual nail girl was aware of the incident and was quietly asking me questions while I got my pedicure. When it was time to pay, they told me the woman seated next to me paid for my entire treatment and tip. It was a small gesture, but it made me burst into tears. I was so grateful. I never got to thank her."

— taylorb461b6566d

7. A grateful tribute for a veteran:

"We went to have all-you-can-eat steamed crabs at a local seafood joint here in Maryland. It was a nice break from our grandchildren that we raise. A friendly gent next to us asked my husband if he was in the Marines — he was wearing a T-shirt with USMC — and he said that he was. They chatted on and off while I enjoyed my steamed crab. He and his family got up and thanked my hubby for his service. After they left, the waitress came over and said that the man and his family paid for our meal. I will forever remain grateful and humbled by this experience. We have paid uniformed military tabs a time or two, paid for the car behind us in toll booths or a fast food joint but have never had it happen to us. Amazing feeling. We should all do things like this when we can."

— tangeemckenrickw

8. A kind word in the middle of a toddler meltdown:

"One time while I was out shopping, my toddler was in the cart having an absolute meltdown over a toy. I was mortified. My kid was literally screaming like she was being stabbed and people were giving me all sorts of disapproving looks. I felt like a total failure as a mom and I am sure that my face was as red as a tomato. A random man was walking by me with his cart and put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Been there, done that. It happens to the best of us,' and walked away. His tiny little comment made me feel so much better about myself. Thank you sir for calming me in my time of need. I appreciated it."

— jesskelleherf

9. A server who went beyond the call of duty:

"I was a kid on vacation in France . Being a teenager, I was starving and asked the waitress for a French classic, a croque monsieur. Sadly, the kitchen at that place had been closed for the day. However this wonderful waitress ran all the way to the restaurant across the street to find me a sandwich. It was such a big deal to me because I was starving and this woman who didn’t even speak much English, went out of her way to do something kind for a random tourist."

— michelleg45101cb41

10. A warm meal for a tired worker:

"When I was working at Hobby Lobby during the Christmas season, I was sick and had almost lost my voice, but kept my attitude very upbeat. It was almost at the end of the night when this elderly couple came through my line. We started joking about them going to Cracker Barrel and the man asked me what I wanted. I joked about meatloaf and green beans with a sweet tea. About 20 minutes later, the elderly couple came back into the store with a bag from Cracker Barrel with my exact order, down to the sweet tea. The lady whispered, 'Merry Christmas' to me and I literally cried right there in the store."

— hollye4bc461713

11. A Bubbie to the rescue:

"I took my then 3-year-old to Florida to see my grandma. While waiting to board the plane my son fell asleep. I had him in my arms, his stroller, my diaper bag, and our carry-on luggage. Out of nowhere a little old lady came up to me and said, 'My darling there you are! Let Bubbie help you with the baby!' There I was with my blue hair, tattoos and piercings, and a sleeping child and this Jewish grandma came to save the day. I hugged her and thanked her and handed her my sleeping son so we could board together. When we finally got to my seat, she asked the man next to me if she could sit next to us and he very quickly gave up his seat. I looked at her and said, 'This was Bashert,' which means 'meant to be' in Yiddish. She smiled and said, 'Yes it was.' And there we sat on our flight to the motherland, Florida. Two very different Jewish mothers and a little boy who slept through the whole thing. I'd love to find my mystery Bubbie and thank her again but I'm sure she knows."

— lisar4b4c8cc6c

12. A Christmas miracle:

"My parents got divorced when I was 10. My mom and I struggled financially after that and our first few holidays were hard. My first Christmas after the divorce was difficult and emotional for both of us. On our first Christmas Eve without my dad our doorbell rang, and when I opened the door no one was there, but someone had left an envelope. In the envelope was a card from 'Santa' with a few hundred dollar bills. Someone had anonymously tried to give us a great Christmas, and to this day we still have no idea who it was! I’ll remember that forever."

13. A celebration of life:

"When I was 23, I was going through chemo and the day I found out it was working and I would survive, my friend and I went to lunch and an anonymous person covered the bill. That was the most important day of my life and the person who covered the bill will never know just how much it meant to me. I wish I could say thank you but since I cannot I try and pay it forward."

— rebeccanealonr

14. A single mom's new hero:

"I was a single mom, working at a well-known Italian restaurant, pulling doubles whilst putting myself through school. After picking my son up from my dad's house, I took him for an ice cream . I left my server book, with all my cash, at the ice cream shop downtown. About $180 in all. By the time I realized it and went back it was gone. I got to work the next day, and found out that a gentleman had brought my server book back to the restaurant, every dollar accounted for. He guessed which location to bring it to and they knew it was mine because I had a picture of my son taped inside. It still makes me tear up."

— smurakami86

15. Two habitual do-gooders:

"My husband and I went to the San Diego Zoo on our honeymoon. Before we could pay the $50 per person entry fee, two older ladies approached us and offered to take us in on their membership passes. Turns out they had both purchased memberships that allow you a guest entry every visit, and went walking at the zoo often. Every time they went, they take a couple of strangers in for free with them. Not necessarily life changing, but wonderful for a couple of newlyweds on a budget."

— scarfmonster

16. A life-saving love story:

narrative essay about helping a stranger

"I moved to California last month completely on my own. Two weeks after I got here, I was in a huge car accident. Not only had I just arrived but I had absolutely no one to call in an emergency. Going through such a major trauma with no one by your side was the worst feeling in the world. However, that day a ton of strangers banded together to make sure I didn't feel alone. The paramedics and firefighters not only saved me at the scene, but ended up falling in love with my dog who was in the accident with me, so they brought him back to their fire station and kept him while I was in the hospital recovering. And my nurses were out of this world. When they heard I didn't have anyone to come get me and no way to get home and had pretty much lost everything in the crash, they banded together and raised hundreds of dollars of their own money to pay for me to get home and have something in my pocket to start rebuilding. They were my literal angels and I don't even have the words to express adequate thanks.

I'm now dating one of the paramedics who saved my life and took care of my dog. So maybe everything happens for a reason." — frodofreaklotr

17. A generous lift:

"A woman drove me 30 miles to work when my car broke down at the gas station." — courtiepaigee

18. A hug and a braid to remember:

"When I was in high school, I struggled really badly with depression and anxiety. One day I left class because I started having a panic attack. I was crying in the bathroom alone when a girl came in. I didn't know her, but she hugged me hard and let me cry, and then she re-braided my hair for me, which had come undone while I was crying. It was such an act of kindness when I was at a low point, and even though this was six years ago now, I still remember it."

— mairesequin

19. A life-saving donation:

"A young man passed away and donated his kidney to me. I don't know anything more about him, not even his name, but he saved my life and the lives of many other people. Thanks to his generosity and the kindness of his family during an impossible time I wake up healthy everyday." — damnitno

20. A concerned stranger:

"After my family and I lost our home in the Tubbs fire last year, I found myself sobbing in a McDonald's parking lot a day or two later. I didn't think anybody could hear or see me but a woman came over to my car, gave me a huge hug, and pulled out her wallet to give me a fifty dollar bill. I kept trying to give it back to her, but she insisted. I felt like I could do nothing but cry more and tell her thank you, while the only thing she told me was, to keep it and help my family. I never even got her name." — lionesserin91

21. A hand-picked bridal bouquet:

"On my wedding day, my husband and I were taking pictures after our courthouse wedding, and a woman from afar saw us taking pictures by the river walk. She noticed that I didn't have a bouquet of flowers so she cut some flowers from her garden and brought them over to us. She said it was just what I needed to be a perfect bride. To this day, I'm always grateful that this wonderful and kind woman exits." — i487aca532

22. Some much-needed shelter during a house fire:

"My house had caught on fire from the backyard, resulting in the whole house up in flames. I had been running around outside barefoot panicking, and had an asthma attack from the smoke in the air while people filmed me and my home. A woman living on the same street quickly opened her home to me and my three younger siblings, lending me a pair of shoes when we found out a firefighter had rescued one of our cats so I could take her to a vet. I am still so shocked and thankful for her kindness and generosity to people who were sobbing on the street, knowing nothing about us, giving my family a safe space in a moment of despair." — calliam

23. An unexpected pizza delivery:

"I used to work the front desk at the YMCA. There was a dad who used to come in pretty regularly with his little girl, who I always made sure to greet with a big smile and ask how she was. One night, as they were leaving he was talking to her about getting pizza, and I jokingly said that I could really go for a pizza too. He asked me what kind, and I told him, thinking he was just playing along. Twenty minutes later, he comes back in and hands me an entire pizza. Easily my favorite memory from working there." — ljvincent

24. An impressive display of respect from some young kids:

"I live in South Carolina, so our southern roots tend to melt like butter on a hot day when we witness or receive kindness. My Grandma had died and as we were driving from the church to the cemetery, three little boys, roughly aged 6-9, who had been riding their bicycles got off of their bikes, took their tiny little baseball caps off, and put them over their hearts and stayed in that position until I could no longer see them. That’s the only thing from that day 20 years ago that I remember. Even my black, nasty teenage heart melted over that small gesture." — tracyp10

25. An angel who opened her home to a complete stranger:

"I was in grad school and 70 miles from home when my car blew a gasket in a snowstorm. On a Sunday. No mechanic shops open, and no one would tow my car back to my place until the snowstorm lifted because of the dangerous roads. I was crying in a coffee shop on the phone, and a woman approached me and offered me a place to stay for the night. She did not know me at all, and she took me back to her house where I ate dinner with her, her mom, and her kids and slept in borrowed pajamas in her office. The next day she drove me back to my car and I got towed home. I will never forget what extreme kindness it must have taken to bring a stranger into your home with your kids like that." — raphaelahops

26. Ladies helping ladies:

"I was at a football game tailgating and unexpectedly got my period. I have a wallet-style phone case so all I had with me was my phone, ID, and credit card. The game was starting in about an hour so everyone was trickling into the stands. I found the closest bathroom, ran in, and it was packed. There was a line of about 25 girls waiting for stalls. I screamed, 'Ladies!! Please help me! It’s an emergency, does anyone have a tampon??' And I kid you not almost every damn one of them held one up and there were hands with tampons coming out from under stalls and if that’s not enough to make a girl on her period cry, they then all let me skip the line to take care of business. I love girls' girls."

— dutchtritan

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“The Kindness of Strangers” by Ruben Martinez Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Martinez is a Mexican-American who writes about the current national debate into immigration using the las posadas of Mexican tradition as a metaphor for those North Americans who “turn away” from their sense of humanity. As President Bush advocated the “guest worker” legislation over the Christmas period Martinez cleverly chose a parable that has deep meanings for both North Americans and Mexicans – the narrative of Mary and Joseph seeking refuge and being turned away on the night of Christ’s birth. The choice of parable is apt given the season and that both nations embrace Christianity as part of its social philosophy. A core principle of Christianity is compassion and being there for others.

Similarly to the experiences of Mary and Joseph so long ago, illegal immigrants in the USA are stereotyped as potential “thieves” and socially excluded from the mainstream community. Like many immigrants from Mexico, Mary and Joseph’s story has many present day parallels; not being welcomed by the wider community because of their poverty status (immigrants tend to live in rural areas or on the fringe of townships; Mary and Joseph were not able to find lodging in the town of Bethlehem); sub-standard housing (many immigrants are transient farmers living in make-shift shelters, vans or decrepit housing; Mary and Joseph were relocated to a stable); and poor sanitation and over-crowding (the norm for immigrants is to have extended family groups living together and western houses are not built for families beyond the norm of four to five; Mary and Joseph shared their accommodation with a myriad of barnyard animals).

Martinez also points to the irony of North Americans, most immigrants themselves (i.e., at least those not of Native American heritage) have such hostility toward immigrants. It is self-evident from historical records that North Americans have had a “contradictory relationship” with immigrants which have been ongoing since the colonial days. The USA may promote itself to be the “land of immigrants” with the Statue of Liberty as a shining reminder of what the rhetoric of residency means.

However, citizens continue, in general, to view social others from other nations seeking to immigrate as “them”. There is a dichotomy of social thought that promotes “liberty” (freedom, human rights, community relationships, family safety and personal achievement) on the one hand, and ethnic stereotyping, marginalization, social exclusion, social exploitation in the form of sweatshops and menial work, and media portrayals that are simplistic and aggressive. In the words of Martinez, “We are immigrants who despise immigrants”. It appears to Martinez that the concept of “erasing borders” (opening a door to a stranger) is one that most North Americans want to distance themselves from; which is demonstrated in an attitude that is inhospitable toward illegal immigrants.

Martinez use of the parable urges North Americans opposing equal opportunities and resources for illegal immigrants to consider their moral stance on “hospitality” and their conceptualization of reciprocity. Instead of interpreting the influx of immigrants as being “”thieves” intent on taking from us and giving nothing in return” (p. 1) to find one’s sense of humanity and aid those on their journey toward “a better life” (p. 2).

Ultimately, Martinez questions the logic of decisions such as that of voters in Arizona in November of 2007 who chose to deny public benefits to illegal immigrants when they passed Proposition 200. Basically, Martinez suggests that the North American public drop their paranoiac stance toward immigrants and see their presence as part of a “journey” which involves all people encountered through travels. The hand that is helped today may be the hand that is held out to one in time of need tomorrow.

I think Martinez is quite clever to identify the socio-cultural link to North American psyche by highlighting the analogy of Mary and Joseph’s experiences that night in Bethlehem with the current political debate on immigration which was occurring over the Christmas period. That’s serendipity. He delivers deep insight into the meaning of what it is to be human . Moreover, Martinez asks each North American to consider their moral duty in providing welfare and protection (hospitality) to those in need. The use of parables has been used since times of early civilizations to provide humans with guidelines as to how to live their lives.

We are social beings and as such reciprocity is essential to our existence. Humans survive because we help one another. Survival of the fittest is about social group strength, not individualistic goals grounded in competition. Instead, those of us in positions of power and advantage could look to the true purpose behind illegal immigrant migration into the USA; by what criteria do immigrants define “a better life”?

Personally, I find it highly unlikely that families living in poverty would, en masse, consider immigration from their home to another nation simply to steal and take what they can. Mexican illegal immigrants tend to be farmers and travel along the East Coast and Central territories. Farmers tend to be hard workers, particularly when there is a large family that must be fed and housed and kept in hiding from immigration officials.

People who are living a substance lifestyle are unlikely to take risks that expose them to the authorities and jeopardize the family’s ability to look after one another. More research into the perceptions and attitudes of immigrants would educate the general public as to immigrants’ dreams, aspirations, expectations and concepts of what they have to give and why they wish to make the USA their home. Instead, it appears that North America finds it easier to adopt a “blame the victim” mentality. Using immigrants as the scapegoat for poor employment rates and declining social values constrains the ability for those in power to harness new perspectives on meaning making, and subsequent onward movement of society as a whole.

  • Immigration Asian Indians in America
  • The Spanish Immigrants in America: History and Future
  • Club IT's Mission and Clientele
  • Pedro Martinez: Defining Equity Case
  • Goya's "Saturn Devouring One of His Sons"
  • Re-Imagining New York: Pleasure Amongst Strangers in the City
  • Immigration, Hispanics, and Mass Incarceration in the U.S.
  • The Immigrant Experience and the Failure of the American Dream
  • Outsider and Insider in Somalia Community in Michigan: Assimilation of Migrants
  • "The Human Tide: How Population Shaped the Modern World" by Morland
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, August 30). "The Kindness of Strangers" by Ruben Martinez. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-kindness-of-strangers-by-ruben-martinez/

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IvyPanda . 2021. ""The Kindness of Strangers" by Ruben Martinez." August 30, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-kindness-of-strangers-by-ruben-martinez/.

1. IvyPanda . ""The Kindness of Strangers" by Ruben Martinez." August 30, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-kindness-of-strangers-by-ruben-martinez/.

Bibliography

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Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger 

Published on February 23, 2022 by English Proficiency Editorial Team

IELTS Cue Card Sample Question  – Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger 

If you ask those who have done the IELTS exam what the most challenging part of the test was, odds are they will say the cue card component, also known as the IELTS Speaking Part 2 . 

If you are wondering why, it is because in this section of the test, you will be assigned a topic with which you may not be acquainted, and you will have no option but to address it.

To make matters more challenging, you have less time to prepare and must talk for a longer period without interruptions or questions from the examiner. But do not panic. 

This article contains sample replies to the cue card topic ‘Describe a time when you helped a stranger.’ Continue reading to find out more.

What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?

How to answer this specific question: “describe a time when you helped a stranger” , sample response 1:, sample response 2: , vocabulary list for answering this question: “describe a time when you helped a stranger”.

The examiner will present you with a cue card with a topic printed on it in Task 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test . This card is referred to as a cue card . It will also give 3-5 bullet points that outline what you should discuss in your talk.

You have one minute to plan, during which you may jot down with the pen and paper provided to you.

You will be given 1-2 minutes to speak on the topic.

Then, the examiner will ask you one or two questions about your subject. This portion lasts about 3-4 minutes in total.

Topic/Question

Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger

Guidelines to answer this question

You should say:

  • When it was
  • Where it was 
  • Why that person needed help

And explain what and how you felt after helping them.  

  • Recall a time when you helped a stranger. If you have no experience of helping a stranger, you can make up a story. The examiner will not know. 
  • Once you have a subject to discuss, stick to it. There is no time to change your mind as you only have 60 seconds to plan. 
  • Begin writing notes. State when and where it was and discuss why that person needed help. Do not forget to explain why you felt after helping them. 
  • Manage your time well. You can do this by writing only keywords and sentences instead of sentences. 
  • Employ sophisticated vocabulary. Make use of complex grammar structures as well. These two account for 50 percent of your marks in this part of the test. 
  • Take quick notes, but make sure you understand what you have written later on. It is acceptable if the examiner does not recognize what you have written. Your grade is determined by the substance and delivery of your speech, not by your handwriting.
  • You may wish to glance at your notes from time to time. It is permitted. The examiner will not prevent you from doing so. After all, it is why you are given a pen and a piece of paper.

Sample Responses: “Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger”

“The specific occurrence I’d want to discuss happened during my undergraduate years when I assisted a poor family in our hometown. I can’t exactly recall the name of the person, but I know that he was a technician with a family of five. He had a tiny shop that repairs electronic devices. His modest shop was destroyed by a catastrophic typhoon, and he had no alternative source of income or the ability to repair it. 

I noticed him trying to calm his tiny children who were begging for food one day. This occurred near our college campus when I had gone to meet a classmate. I was so moved by the lovely but sad-looking children that I approached this person. He narrated what had transpired in a shaky voice. I bought them some fruits and snacks then asked them to hang around for a while. I went to my lecture and shared what happened to my three closest friends. Finally, we went to our class instructor and prepared an application about the person’s and his family’s plight. 

We were able to raise a large amount of money, which was beyond my expectations. We purchased food and clothing for this family with this money, and they were so appreciative that the husband and wife began crying and praying for us.  In terms of my emotions, I felt both satisfied and humbled. This is one of those times I realized how fascinating and fulfilling it is to assist someone. I felt blessed, and the man and his wife treated me as if I were a beloved friend.” 

Follow-up Question 1:

Do you like to help others?

“Yes, I enjoy helping others. I am overjoyed when I am able to assist someone. Whenever someone comes to me for assistance, I do my utmost to help him/her in any way I can.”

Follow-up Question 2: 

How do members of your community assist one another?

“I’m really fortunate to have very helpful people in our community. We try to help each other in any way we can. May it be donating money, helping out during events, or giving food, the people in our community never cease to help each other in times of need.”

“Man is a social being. We all have to provide and accept support from others on a regular basis. I’m going to tell you about a time when I assisted an accident victim. It happened when I was in Vinh last month for a wedding. We noticed a lady lying on her side with a lot of blood pouring from her head. The accident had occurred only 2 minutes before we saw them. 

She was with her husband, and they were on a scooter when they were hit by a fast automobile as they exited the gas station. We quickly pulled over to the side of the road and approached to see if we could assist.

Her spouse had minor injuries, but she was in critical condition. We quickly dialed the number of the government’s free ambulance service. The ambulance arrived in fifteen minutes. 

We did not move the lady since doing so could have aggravated her injury. She was breathing normally, but she was in a lot of agonies. In the ambulance, there was a first-aid crew led by a doctor. The ambulance crew carefully placed her on a stretcher and brought her to the nearest hospital. We obtained the phone numbers of the patient’s other relatives from her husband and called them. Actually, he was taken aback by his wife’s condition. We didn’t leave until they were settled. We were an hour late for the wedding, but we were glad we could aid those folks in need.”

Follow-up Question 1: 

Do you believe people nowadays are less willing to help others than in the past?

“Yes, I believe so. Today’s world moves at a fast pace. People have turned into workaholics. They have become self-absorbed. They seem not to have time to help others.”

Follow-up Question 2:

Do people trust each other as much as they used to?

“No, I don’t believe so. My grandparents and parents used to tell me that life used to be simpler and slower. People had faith in one another. Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find someone with whom you can put your trust. I think that people are changing just as the world is.”  

Below are some terms from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘ Describe a time when you helped a stranger .’ with their definitions and example sentences for your reference. 


verbTo worsen or aggravate an issue, pain, or transgression the rash.”
nounTremendous physical or mental anguish , the patient writhed on the bed.”
verbTo grasp the full value of when it isn’t translated.”
verbTo approach closer to something or someone in terms of distance or time the front door until the police arrived.”
adjectiveInvolving or producing severe damage or suffering in a short period of time corporate bankruptcies and increased unemployment.”
verbTo bring to a close or come to an end .”
nounAn instance or event of physical violence from happening.”
nounA perilous, difficult, or otherwise unlucky circumstance .”
verbA constant stream of water that flows quickly the mixture into the pan, grease it.”
nounA small two-wheeled open vehicle in which the operator sits over an enclosing engine with his legs together and his feet rested on a floorboard. through the schoolyard and into the parking lot.”
adjectiveConcerned with one’s own emotions, interests, or circumstances or chronic show-offs.”
adjectiveTrembling or shaking .”
nounA framework made of two poles with a long length of cloth hung between them that is used to transport sick, injured, or deceased persons was used to transport her off the railway.”
verbTo happen or occur in the morning and in a morning ambiance.”
adjectiveA person who works obsessively long and hard hours father has never been close to him.”

Additional Reading — IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions

  • Describe a Person You Admire
  • Describe Your Best Friend
  • Describe Someone Famous that You Want to Meet
  • Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader
  • Describe a Neighbor You Like
  • Describe a Place You Want to Travel Next
  • Describe a Historical Place that You Have Been to
  • Describe a Place You and Your Friend Went to Recently
  • Describe a Place Where You Spend Most of Your Free Time
  • Describe a Country that You Want to Visit
  • Describe a Gift that You Have Received Recently
  • Describe an Item of Clothing that You Bought for Someone
  • Describe a Piece of Art that You Want to Buy
  • Describe Something that You Recently Lost
  • Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
  • Describe an Activity that You Find Enjoyable
  • Describe a Place Where You Love to Shop
  • Describe an Event that You Recently Attended
  • Describe One of the Busiest Days of Your Life
  • Describe a Hobby that You Do with Your Family
  • Describe a Difficult Decision that You Made
  • Describe a Time When You Felt Lucky
  • Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone
  • Describe a Time When You Tried to Do Something but Weren’t Successful
  • Describe Your Favorite Teacher
  • Describe Your Favorite Subject in School
  • Describe a Situation that Made You Upset
  • Describe a Time When You Had an Argument with Someone
  • Describe One of the Happiest Travels You Ever Had
  • Describe an Incident When You Got Scared
  • Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
  • Describe a Workaholic Person You Know
  • Describe an Interesting Course You Took
  • Describe a Time When Someone at Work Gave You a Compliment
  • Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
  • Describe a Time When Something Unfortunate Happened at Work

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

150+ Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

narrative essay topics

Often during the education process in school or university , we are asked to write an essay. Let’s talk about essays, in particular narrative ones. In a narrative essay, the author tells a story from real life. In this form of essay, the presentation of events in chronological order will not be enough. The authors’ thesis should interest the reader and make the story as vivid as possible so that the reader wants to become a part of the events described and can easily "transfer" to the story . More often such an essay is written in the 1st person in the present or past tense.

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 experienced in your life.

  • How To Be a Defensive Driver.
  • A Personal Narrative about Fear Of Heights.
  • My Fear of Failure.
  • The Narrative about Losing My Dad.
  • A Day I Lost My Best Friend.
  • Narrative on Precious Time.
  • What I Did This Summer.
  • Personal Narrative: I Am a Perfectionist.
  • Why Softball Is Important in My Life.
  • Narrative on Vocation.
  • My First Rock Concert.
  • How I Learned to Accept Myself the Way I am.
  • I Helped a Person in Need.
  • My Last Day at School.
  • The Character I Associate Myself with.

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.

  • Narrative about Mexican Culture.
  • 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?
  • The Impact of Narrative in English Language and Culture.
  • 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?
  • Narrative on Earthquake: An Earth-Shattering Experience.
  • 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?
  • Narrative about Video Games.

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?
  • Narrative about 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.
  • The Impact of a Funeral.
  • 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?
  • The Missing Climate Change Narrative Analysis.
  • 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.

  • Narrative about Reading.
  • 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.
  • Narrative on a Trip: The Wonders of Rome.
  • The most symbolic episode from my college life.
  • The day I moved.
  • Narrative on a Road Trip to Remember.
  • 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.
  • Coming to America: A Narrative of a Journey of Hope.
  • 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.

  • Frederick Douglass Narrative.
  • Frame Narrative in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
  • Narrative on The Definition of Bravery in Beowulf.
  • A Critical Examination of Social Commentary and Narrative Execution.
  • 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 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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How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]

How to write a narrative essay

A narrative essay is an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and craft a compelling story. In this blog post, we define what a narrative essay is and provide strategies and examples for writing one.

What is a narrative essay?

Similarly to a descriptive essay or a reflective essay, a narrative essay asks you to tell a story, rather than make an argument and present evidence. Most narrative essays describe a real, personal experience from your own life (for example, the story of your first big success).

Alternately, your narrative essay might focus on an imagined experience (for example, how your life would be if you had been born into different circumstances). While you don’t need to present a thesis statement or scholarly evidence, a narrative essay still needs to be well-structured and clearly organized so that the reader can follow your story.

When you might be asked to write a narrative essay

Although less popular than argumentative essays or expository essays, narrative essays are relatively common in high school and college writing classes.

The same techniques that you would use to write a college essay as part of a college or scholarship application are applicable to narrative essays, as well. In fact, the Common App that many students use to apply to multiple colleges asks you to submit a narrative essay.

How to choose a topic for a narrative essay

When you are asked to write a narrative essay, a topic may be assigned to you or you may be able to choose your own. With an assigned topic, the prompt will likely fall into one of two categories: specific or open-ended.

Examples of specific prompts:

  • Write about the last vacation you took.
  • Write about your final year of middle school.

Examples of open-ended prompts:

  • Write about a time when you felt all hope was lost.
  • Write about a brief, seemingly insignificant event that ended up having a big impact on your life.

A narrative essay tells a story and all good stories are centered on a conflict of some sort. Experiences with unexpected obstacles, twists, or turns make for much more compelling essays and reveal more about your character and views on life.

If you’re writing a narrative essay as part of an admissions application, remember that the people reviewing your essay will be looking at it to gain a sense of not just your writing ability, but who you are as a person.

In these cases, it’s wise to choose a topic and experience from your life that demonstrates the qualities that the prompt is looking for, such as resilience, perseverance, the ability to stay calm under pressure, etc.

It’s also important to remember that your choice of topic is just a starting point. Many students find that they arrive at new ideas and insights as they write their first draft, so the final form of your essay may have a different focus than the one you started with.

How to outline and format a narrative essay

Even though you’re not advancing an argument or proving a point of view, a narrative essay still needs to have a coherent structure. Your reader has to be able to follow you as you tell the story and to figure out the larger point that you’re making.

You’ll be evaluated on is your handling of the topic and how you structure your essay. Even though a narrative essay doesn’t use the same structure as other essay types, you should still sketch out a loose outline so you can tell your story in a clear and compelling way.

To outline a narrative essay, you’ll want to determine:

  • how your story will start
  • what points or specifics that you want to cover
  • how your story will end
  • what pace and tone you will use

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.” Also, most narrative essays will follow typical formatting guidelines, so you should choose a readable font like Times New Roman in size 11 or 12. Double-space your paragraphs and use 1” margins.

To get your creative wheels turning, consider how your story compares to archetypes and famous historical and literary figures both past and present. Weave these comparisons into your essay to improve the quality of your writing and connect your personal experience to a larger context.

How to write a narrative essay

Writing a narrative essay can sometimes be a challenge for students who typically write argumentative essays or research papers in a formal, objective style. To give you a better sense of how you can write a narrative essay, here is a short example of an essay in response to the prompt, “Write about an experience that challenged your view of yourself.”

Narrative essay example

Even as a child, I always had what people might call a reserved personality. It was sometimes framed as a positive (“Sarah is a good listener”) and at other times it was put in less-than-admiring terms (“Sarah is withdrawn and not very talkative”). It was the latter kind of comments that caused me to see my introverted nature as a drawback and as something I should work to eliminate. That is, until I joined my high school’s student council.

The first paragraph, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

The other four students making up the council were very outspoken and enthusiastic. I enjoyed being around them, and I often agreed with their ideas. However, when it came to overhauling our school’s recycling plan, we butted heads. When I spoke up and offered a different point of view, one of my fellow student council members launched into a speech, advocating for her point of view. As her voice filled the room, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. I wondered if I should try to match her tone, volume, and assertiveness as a way to be heard. But I just couldn’t do it—it’s not my way, and it never has been. For a fleeting moment, I felt defeated. But then, something in me shifted.

In this paragraph, the writer goes into greater depth about how her existing thinking brought her to this point.

I reminded myself that my view was valid and deserved to be heard. So I waited. I let my fellow council member speak her piece and when she was finished, I deliberately waited a few moments before calmly stating my case. I chose my words well, and I spoke them succinctly. Just because I’m not a big talker doesn’t mean I’m not a big thinker. I thought of the quotation “still waters run deep” and I tried to embody that. The effect on the room was palpable. People listened. And I hadn’t had to shout my point to be heard.

This paragraph demonstrates the turn in the story, the moment when everything changed. The use of the quotation “still waters run deep” imbues the story with a dash of poetry and emotion.

We eventually reached a compromise on the matter and concluded the student council meeting. Our council supervisor came to me afterward and said: “You handled that so well, with such grace and poise. I was very impressed.” Her words in that moment changed me. I realized that a bombastic nature isn't necessarily a powerful one. There is power in quiet, too. This experience taught me to view my reserved personality not as a character flaw, but as a strength.

The final paragraph, or conclusion, closes with a statement about the significance of this event and how it ended up changing the writer in a meaningful way.

Narrative essay writing tips

1. pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear “moral.”.

If you’re able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear “moral” that you can connect with your main points.

2. Use an outline to arrange the structure of your story and organize your main points.

Although a narrative essay is different from argumentative essays, it’s still beneficial to construct an outline so that your story is well-structured and organized. Note how you want to start and end your story, and what points you want to make to tie everything together.

3. Be clear, concise, concrete, and correct in your writing.

You should use descriptive writing in your narrative essay, but don’t overdo it. Use clear, concise, and correct language and grammar throughout. Additionally, make concrete points that reinforce the main idea of your narrative.

4. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your essay.

No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you should always plan to proofread and revise. To ensure that your narrative essay is coherent and interesting, ask a friend or family member to read over your paper. This is especially important if your essay is responding to a prompt. It helps to have another person check to make sure that you’ve fully responded to the prompt or question.

Frequently Asked Questions about narrative essays

A narrative essay, like any essay, has three main parts: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Structuring and outlining your essay before you start writing will help you write a clear story that your readers can follow.

The first paragraph of your essay, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.”

The 4 main types of essays are the argumentative essay, narrative essay, exploratory essay, and expository essay. You may be asked to write different types of essays at different points in your education.

Most narrative essays will be around five paragraphs, or more, depending on the topic and requirements. Make sure to check in with your instructor about the guidelines for your essay. If you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, pay close attention to word or page count requirements.

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How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples

How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples

Transition words play a key role in essay writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping readers follow your text easily. These words do many jobs, from comparing things to showing cause and effect. They turn scattered thoughts into a clear story.

Learning to use transition words for essays isn't just about making your writing sound better. It's about making your ideas clearer and easier for readers to understand. Let's look at transition words and how to use them well in your essays.

Understanding Transition Words for Essays

Transition words for essays are like road signs. They guide readers through your ideas. They help show how your thoughts connect, making your writing easier to follow.

The Purpose and Placement of Transition Sentences

Transition sentences do several important things:

  • They make your ideas flow better
  • They help readers grasp your main point
  • They link sentences and paragraphs
  • They show how ideas relate to each other
  • They make your writing easier to read

Where you put transitions matters. They're often used:

  • Between parts of an essay to sum up or introduce new ideas
  • Between paragraphs to show connections or changes in focus
  • Within paragraphs to link related thoughts

Here's an example: 

"The Industrial Revolution brought many new technologies. On the other hand, it also caused social problems."

In this case, "On the other hand" shows a contrast between the good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Putting transitions in the right places helps your ideas flow smoothly. For instance, transition words to start a paragraph in an essay can signal a new point or a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what's next.

Types of Transitions Words

There are different types of transition words for essays, each with its own job. Knowing these types can help you pick the right words for different parts of your writing.

  • Adding information: "Also," "In addition," "Furthermore"
  • Showing contrast: "But," "However," "On the other hand"
  • Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore"
  • Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally"
  • Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate"

Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you improve your writing.

Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Writing

To make your transitions smooth:

  • Use your essay's structure to find logical connections between sections.
  • Put transitions where they best show how ideas relate.
  • Don't use too many transition words, or your writing might sound forced.
  • Try not to use the same few transitions over and over.

Remember, sometimes less is better. Using too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Writing tools like Aithor can help you find places where transitions might make your essay flow better, suggesting good transition words based on your essay's content.

List of Transitions

Let's look at different types of transition words and phrases you can use in your essays:

1. Addition

Transition words to start a paragraph in an essay that add information include:

  • Furthermore
  • Additionally
  • In addition

Example: "The new policy aims to cut down on carbon emissions. Also, it encourages the use of energy from renewable sources."

2. Contradiction

To show contrast, you can use:

  • Nevertheless
  • On the other hand
  • In contrast
  • Despite this

Example: "Many people thought the project would fail. On the other hand, it did better than anyone expected."

3. Condition

Conditional transitions include:

  • Provided that
  • In the event that

Example: "The company will grow bigger if the market stays good."

4. Emphasis

To highlight important points, use:

  • Undoubtedly

Example: "The experiment gave surprising results. In fact, it made people question many old theories in the field."

5. Similarity

Transition words for the second body paragraph showing similarity include:

  • In the same way

Example: "The novel explores themes of love and loss. In the same way, the author's previous work dealt with complex human emotions."

To show outcomes or consequences, use:

  • As a result
  • Consequently

Example: "The team worked very hard on the project. As a result, they finished it early."

7. Conclusion Transitions

Transition words for the conclusion paragraph include:

  • In conclusion
  • To summarize

Example: "In conclusion, the study shows that social media greatly affects how consumers behave."

8. Sequence

To show order or progression, use:

  • First, Second, and Third
  • Subsequently

Example: "First, we'll look at the data. Then, we'll explain what it means. Finally, we'll make conclusions based on what we found."

9. Location

Spatial transitions include:

  • Adjacent to
  • In the vicinity of

Example: "The rare plant was found growing nearby the river bank."

As you start writing, remember this important tip: use transition words carefully. While these words help make your writing easy to read, using too many can confuse your reader. Think of transition words like spices in food — they make it taste better, but too much can ruin the dish.

Your goal is to help your reader easily follow your ideas, not to create a maze of connecting words. So, when you write your next essay, remember: when it comes to transitions, often using fewer is better. Use them thoughtfully to make your argument clear, and your writing will be easy to understand and follow.

If you want to get even better at writing essays, Aithor has special features that can help you choose the best transitions for what you're writing about, making sure your essays flow smoothly from start to finish.

Happy writing!

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