WEEK 14
Lesson: Narrative Paragraphs
14.1 Introduction
Narrative paragraphs simply tell a story or relay a sequence of events.
Generally, these events are told in chronological order, that is the order in which
they happened. However, a narrative paragraph most often tells a story in order to
illustrate or demonstrate a point. Because of this, developing a strong topic
sentence is important. For instance, the following topic sentence would be
considered weak for a narrative paragraph:
Jeff’s family went on a fishing trip to Horning’s Hideout.
The above topic sentence lacks appeal and leaves the reader thinking, “So
what!” because the sentence has not established any purpose for the paragraph.
14.2 Purpose and Appeal
Sometimes narrative writing can simply entertain the reader; however, in
formal academic writing, the purpose of a narrative paragraph is to inform or
persuade. To add purpose, the topic sentence should establish a contention which
the author will set out to prove in the paragraph. In so doing, he adds appeal as
well. The following topic sentence stands in contrast to the one above:
Fishing at Horning’s Hideout proved to be an enjoyable outing for Jeff and
his family.
This sentence sets out something to be proven in the paragraph and is more
appealing to the reader. Yes, the paragraph will tell the story of the family’s
fishing trip, but it will do so in a way which proves the trip to have been enjoyable.
Furthermore, establishing a contention improves appeal by challenging the reader
to respond to what is said. Finally, establishing this topic sentence limits the
perspective or angle which will be taken on the subject. Now supporting
information must be developed.
14.3 Developing a narrative paragraph
All the enjoyable parts of the family fishing trip have been established as the
topic of this narrative paragraph. Hence, the writer can brainstorm supporting
information with a clear goal in mind. An extensive list of enjoyable parts for
everyone should be developed. Most likely, all of these will not be used, but any
points which might serve to support the contention must be considered. Illustration
14A below is a list of as many pleasant aspects of the trip as the writer could
recall.
Following the brainstorming of supporting information, the writer must
develop a planning outline, such as in illustration 14B, for using this material. The
outline will help one stay logical and topical as points are organized into related