Narrative Writing Examples
Study these annotated narrative writing examples to understand what high-scoring essays look like. Each narrative writing example shows exactly how the 5-part structure works.
“The Day I Almost Quit”
The alarm had barely rung before I knew today would be different. My hands trembled as I laced my shoes for what felt like the hundredth time...
Techniques demonstrated
“Two Sides of the River”
Jess and I had been best friends since second grade, right up until the moment she said those seven words that split our world in two...
Techniques demonstrated
“The Wrong Map”
Three hours into the hike, I realised the map in my hand showed a trail that no longer existed...
Techniques demonstrated
What makes a good narrative writing example?
The best narrative writing examples share a set of qualities that examiners consistently reward: a hook that starts in the middle of the action, at least three specific sensory details, a climax built with short sentences, and a reflection that goes beyond the obvious lesson.
When you read a narrative writing example, pay attention to what the writer is not saying as much as what they are. The best narrative writing examples avoid long explanations of emotion — they show the emotion through action, dialogue, and physical sensation.
Each narrative writing example on this page is annotated to show exactly why each technique works, so you can apply the same approaches to your own writing.
Try writing your own narrative essay using our structure builder →