Writing: Review of Narrative and Descriptive Essays (JSS 2) - JSS2 English language Lesson Note
Narrative Essays
Definition:
A narrative essay tells a story or recounts an event. It typically includes characters, a plot, setting, and a point of view.
Example: "My Memorable Trip to the Beach."
Structure:
- Introduction: Sets the scene and introduces the main characters or topic.
- Body: Develops the plot by describing events in chronological order.
- Conclusion: Reflects on the significance of the story or offers a resolution.
Language Features:
- Use of vivid descriptions, dialogue, and sensory details to engage the reader.
- First-person point of view is common to convey personal experiences.
- Chronological order helps to maintain coherence and clarity.
Examples:
- Narrative essays can recount personal experiences, adventures, or fictional stories.
- Example: A personal narrative about overcoming a fear or a fictional narrative about a hero's journey.
Descriptive Essays
Definition:
A descriptive essay paints a vivid picture of a person, place, object, or event using sensory details and imagery.
Example: "A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest."
Structure:
- Introduction: Introduces the topic and provides an overview of what will be described.
- Body: Describes the subject in detail, using sensory language and vivid imagery.
- Conclusion: Summarises the main points and leaves a lasting impression.
Language Features:
- Use of descriptive language to appeal to the reader's senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste).
- Figurative language such as similes, metaphors, and personification enhances the descriptive quality.
- Attention to organisation and coherence to guide the reader through the description.
Examples:
- Descriptive essays can focus on a wide range of subjects, from natural landscapes to personal possessions.
- Example: Describing a childhood memory, detailing the interior of a haunted house, or depicting the beauty of a sunset.
Key Differences
Narrative vs. Descriptive Focus:
Narrative essays focus on telling a story and engaging the reader with characters, plot, and conflict. Descriptive essays focus on describing a subject in detail, appealing to the reader's senses and imagination.
Purpose:
Narrative essays often convey a message or moral lesson through the events of the story.
Descriptive essays aim to create a vivid impression of the subject for the reader.
Organisation:
Narrative essays follow a chronological sequence of events to develop the plot.
Descriptive essays may follow a spatial or thematic organisation to describe different aspects of the subject.