How is a Personal Narrative organized?

How is a Personal Narrative organized?

A personal narrative expresses your feelings, thoughts, and experiences during a given situation.  It typically ends with a lesson learned, or a moment you won't soon forget.   Here is an outline of a personal narrative essay. 


How a Personal Narrative is Organized
  • Introduction: 

    • Hook 

    • Present the main idea/focal point of the story - this is the message or the moment the story will be centered around 

  • Body Paragraph 1: Beginning 

    • Use transition words to move the story forward 

  • Body Paragraph 2: Middle 

    • Use transition words to move the story forward 

  • Body Paragraph 3: End 

    • Use transition words to move the story forward 

  • Conclusion: 

    • Lesson the author learned 

    • What has changed in the author’s life since this moment? 

    • How has this moment impacted his/her life? 


These narratives are typically filled with emotions, feelings, and creativity. 


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