Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

topics for personal narrative essay

Imagine yourself facing a blank page, ready to fill it with your memories and imagination. What story will you tell today?

As students, you often have to write narratives that capture people's attention. But with so many stories to choose from, where do you start? How do you find the perfect topic that will grab our readers' interest and make them think?

Join our essay service experts as we explore 200 topics for college where stories are waiting to be told, and experiences are ready to be shared. From everyday events to unforgettable moments, each topic is a chance to connect with your readers and make them feel something.

order narrative essay

Do You Need Professional Help with Your Hometask?

Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

After exploring how students write narrative paragraphs, we've put together a list of narrative essay topics designed specifically for college and school students. This list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one that speaks to you!

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

How about delving into captivating literacy narrative essay topics designed specifically for college-level writing? Exciting, isn't it?

  • How did a childhood book shape your view of the world?
  • What challenges did you face when learning to read in a second language?
  • How has storytelling within your family influenced your literacy journey?
  • Can you recall a pivotal moment that ignited your love for reading?
  • How did a specific teacher inspire your passion for literature?
  • Have you ever encountered a character in a book who profoundly impacted your perspective on life?
  • What role did writing play in helping you navigate a difficult period in your life?
  • How has your relationship with technology affected your reading habits?
  • What cultural or historical event sparked your interest in a particular genre of literature?
  • How has poetry shaped your understanding of language and emotion?
  • Have you ever experienced a breakthrough moment in your writing process?
  • How has reading aloud impacted your comprehension and enjoyment of literature?
  • Can you recall a time when a book challenged your beliefs or worldview?
  • How has participating in a book club enriched your reading experience?
  • What strategies have you developed to overcome reading difficulties or distractions?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and craft compelling personal narratives with these essay ideas.

  • How did a specific friendship shape who you are today?
  • Can you recount a moment that strengthened your bond with a family member?
  • What challenges have you faced in maintaining a long-distance relationship?
  • How has a mentor influenced your personal and professional development?
  • Have you experienced a betrayal in a relationship? How did it impact you?
  • Can you describe a memorable conflict resolution process within a relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a pet affected your emotional well-being?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a romantic relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a sibling evolved over time?
  • Can you recall a time when you had to set boundaries in a friendship?
  • How has volunteering or community involvement enriched your relationships?
  • What cultural differences have influenced your relationships with others?
  • Can you share a moment when you felt truly understood by someone?
  • How has technology affected the dynamics of your relationships?
  • Have you ever experienced a reconciliation that transformed a strained relationship?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Consider the beauty of sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner through these ideas for personal narrative essays.

  • What was the most valuable lesson you learned outside of the classroom?
  • Can you recount a moment when a teacher's unconventional method transformed your understanding of a subject?
  • How has a field trip or experiential learning opportunity impacted your education?
  • What challenges have you faced in balancing extracurricular activities with academics?
  • Have you ever had a "Eureka!" moment while studying? Describe it.
  • How has learning a new skill outside of school influenced your academic performance?
  • Can you recall a time when a peer's perspective challenged your own understanding of a topic?
  • How has technology enhanced or hindered your learning experience?
  • What role does creativity play in your approach to learning?
  • Have you ever experienced a setback that ultimately propelled you forward academically?
  • How has your cultural background influenced your learning style?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for yourself within an educational setting?
  • How has mentorship shaped your educational journey?
  • What strategies have you employed to overcome academic challenges or obstacles?
  • Can you reflect on a time when failure taught you a valuable lesson about learning?

At this point, we think you might've already been interested in our term paper writing service that helps busy students succeed in college. 

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

Why not ignite your creativity with a range of narrative essay topics, from extraordinary moments to everyday experiences?

  • How has a moment of failure ultimately led to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you recount a pivotal decision that significantly altered the course of your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a crossroads or major life transition?
  • How has your perspective on success evolved over time?
  • Can you reflect on a time when you had to confront and overcome a deeply held fear?
  • What role has gratitude played in shaping your outlook on life?
  • How have your values and beliefs been influenced by significant life experiences?
  • Can you describe a moment when you found clarity and purpose amidst chaos or uncertainty?
  • What impact has traveling to a new place had on your understanding of the world and yourself?
  • How has adversity strengthened your character and determination?
  • Can you recall a time when a random act of kindness profoundly impacted your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships?
  • How has practicing mindfulness or self-reflection enhanced your well-being and happiness?
  • Can you reflect on a period of personal transformation or self-discovery?
  • How have you found meaning and fulfillment in pursuing your passions and interests?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Engaging your readers with narrative essays on culture and society is a great way to spark interest, offering captivating ideas for exploration.

  • How has your family's unique culinary heritage influenced your cultural identity?
  • Can you reflect on a specific cultural artifact or heirloom that holds deep significance for your family?
  • What challenges have you faced in preserving traditional customs while adapting to modern societal expectations?
  • How has a local festival or celebration revealed the intricacies of your community's cultural tapestry?
  • Can you recount a moment when you navigated a cultural clash between your upbringing and the dominant culture?
  • How has your experience as a first-generation immigrant shaped your understanding of cultural assimilation?
  • What lessons have you learned from participating in intercultural exchange programs or initiatives?
  • Can you describe a unique cultural practice or tradition within your community that outsiders might find intriguing or misunderstood?
  • How has the revitalization of indigenous languages contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage in your region?
  • Can you reflect on a personal journey of reconnecting with your cultural roots after a period of assimilation or disconnection?
  • What role does storytelling play in passing down cultural wisdom and values within your family or community?
  • How has the portrayal of your culture in mainstream media affected your sense of belonging and self-perception?
  • Can you recount a moment when you challenged cultural stereotypes through creative expression or advocacy?
  • How has the migration of a specific cultural group enriched the social fabric and economic landscape of your community?
  • What initiatives or grassroots movements are currently underway to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in your society?

Since you're working on essays, we think it's suitable to suggest you learn more about the case study format , which is another common college assignment.

Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Wow your readers by turning your passions and hobbies into compelling narrative essay topics that will get them thinking.

  • How has your passion for urban gardening transformed neglected spaces in your community?
  • Can you recount a thrilling adventure from your hobby of urban exploration?
  • What lessons have you learned from restoring vintage motorcycles in your spare time?
  • How has your fascination with birdwatching deepened your connection to nature and conservation efforts?
  • Can you describe a memorable moment from your hobby of foraging wild edibles in the wilderness?
  • What unique skills have you developed through your hobby of beekeeping, and how have they impacted your daily life?
  • How has your interest in historical reenactment brought the past to life in unexpected ways?
  • Can you reflect on a transformative experience from your hobby of landscape photography?
  • What insights have you gained from practicing the art of bonsai cultivation and nurturing miniature ecosystems?
  • How has your passion for stargazing inspired awe and wonder in the vastness of the universe?
  • Can you recount a challenging project from your hobby of woodworking and the satisfaction it brought upon completion?
  • What cultural connections have you discovered through your hobby of traditional folk dancing?
  • How has your interest in sustainable fashion influenced your consumer habits and environmental awareness?
  • Can you describe a moment of serenity and mindfulness experienced while practicing the art of tea ceremony?
  • How has your hobby of letterpress printing preserved the tactile beauty of handmade craftsmanship in a digital age?

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life is full of unexpected twists that can lead to life-changing moments. Take a look at these narrative essay titles for stories that have had a lasting impact on your life.

  • How did surviving a natural disaster reshape your perspective on life?
  • Can you recall a single conversation that drastically altered the course of your life?
  • What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue your dreams against all odds?
  • How did a chance encounter lead to a life-changing friendship or partnership?
  • Can you reflect on the decision that transformed your career trajectory?
  • What profound lesson did you learn from facing a life-threatening illness or injury?
  • How did traveling to a new country open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities?
  • Can you recount the moment when you discovered your true passion or calling in life?
  • What was the turning point that allowed you to break free from a toxic relationship or environment?
  • How did experiencing failure or rejection ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you describe the moment when you found the strength to overcome a deep-seated fear or insecurity?
  • What life-changing realization did you have while experiencing a period of solitude or introspection?
  • How did a profound act of kindness from a stranger restore your faith in humanity?
  • Can you reflect on the moment when you forgave someone who had deeply hurt you, and how it changed your perspective on forgiveness?
  • What pivotal decision did you make that allowed you to reclaim control over your own happiness and destiny?

Have you ever wondered about the challenges of essay writing? What happens when you're assigned a larger paper, like coursework? Make a preemptive strike by exploring coursework writing service right now!

Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Consider creating intriguing titles for your narrative essay ideas by exploring thrilling travel adventures.

  • Can you recount a memorable encounter with wildlife during your solo hiking adventure?
  • How did a spontaneous decision to explore an unfamiliar city lead to unexpected discoveries?
  • What lessons did you learn from navigating a foreign country with only a map and your instincts?
  • Can you describe the exhilaration of conquering a challenging mountain peak for the first time?
  • How did immersing yourself in a local culture during your travels broaden your perspective on the world?
  • What unexpected obstacles did you encounter while embarking on a backpacking journey through rugged terrain?
  • Can you reflect on the transformative experience of volunteering abroad in a community-driven project?
  • How did getting lost in a labyrinthine city alleyway lead to serendipitous encounters and newfound friendships?
  • What was the most memorable meal you had while sampling street food in a bustling market abroad?
  • Can you recount the adrenaline rush of participating in an extreme sports activity in a foreign land?
  • How did witnessing a breathtaking natural phenomenon during your travels leave a lasting impression on you?
  • What cultural traditions or rituals did you participate in during a homestay experience with a local family?
  • Can you describe the sense of wonder and awe you felt while exploring ancient ruins or historical sites?
  • How did navigating a language barrier challenge and ultimately enrich your travel experience?
  • What valuable life lessons did you learn from the mishaps and misadventures encountered during your journey off the beaten path?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can uncover captivating narrative essay ideas by exploring potential career paths or reminiscing about past job experiences.

  • How did a challenging project at work showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience?
  • Can you reflect on a pivotal mentorship experience that guided your career trajectory?
  • What valuable lessons did you learn from a career setback or failure, and how did it shape your future success?
  • How did a workplace conflict lead to personal growth and improved communication skills?
  • Can you recount a moment when taking a professional risk paid off in unexpected ways?
  • What insights did you gain from transitioning to a new industry or career path?
  • How did participating in a cross-functional team project enhance your collaboration and leadership abilities?
  • Can you describe the satisfaction of achieving a long-term career goal after years of hard work and perseverance?
  • What impact did a meaningful recognition or award have on your motivation and sense of accomplishment?
  • How did volunteering or pro bono work contribute to your professional development and sense of purpose?
  • Can you reflect on the decision to leave a stable job in pursuit of passion or fulfillment?
  • What strategies did you employ to navigate a toxic work environment and maintain your well-being?
  • How did a career setback lead to unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth?
  • Can you describe a moment when mentorship or sponsorship played a crucial role in advancing your career?
  • What lessons did you learn from a challenging client or customer interaction, and how did it shape your approach to customer service and relationship-building?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're not sure what to write about for your narrative essay, think back to the tough times you've had and how you managed to get through them.

  • How did you conquer a once-paralyzing fear to chase your dreams?
  • What new strengths did you discover while adapting to a physical challenge?
  • Can you recall a creative solution you used during a tough financial period?
  • When did you bravely stand against injustice, despite opposition?
  • How did overcoming a language barrier broaden your horizons?
  • What key lessons did you learn from a major setback in your life?
  • How did you manage overwhelming stress and responsibilities?
  • What inner reserves of resilience did you draw upon after personal loss?
  • Describe a time when you defied societal norms to pursue your goals.
  • Reflect on a moment when failure fueled your determination for success.
  • When did you find the courage to leave your comfort zone behind?
  • How did community support bolster you through a challenging time?
  • Share a time when self-doubt led to newfound confidence.
  • Can you recount a tragedy that spurred your personal growth?
  • What insights did overcoming a monumental obstacle reveal about life?

Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That Resonates 

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a personal story, including characters, plot, setting, and the order of events. Its main goal is to connect with readers emotionally and share a specific message or insight through the retelling of a meaningful experience.

Students write narrative essays as part of their studies for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to express themselves creatively by sharing their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Secondly, it helps them develop important writing skills like organizing ideas and thoughts effectively.

Narrative Essay topics

Choosing good narrative essay ideas involves looking at personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a simple guide to help you pick the right topic:

  • Think about significant moments in your life that had a lasting impact, such as personal growth or overcoming challenges.
  • Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise to make your story more engaging.
  • Consider what your audience would be interested in and choose topics that resonate with them.
  • Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful.
  • Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level.
  • Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics.
  • Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic that fits.
  • Get feedback from friends, peers, or instructors to see if your topics are interesting and impactful.
  • Choose topics that evoke strong emotions for a more compelling narrative.
  • Select a topic that you personally connect with to make your story authentic.

Once you've chosen a topic, brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. Follow your professor's instructions carefully and consider seeking help from our narrative essay writing service if needed.

Bring your stories to life with EssayPro. Select from a vast array of narrative essay topics and let our professionals help you weave your tales into captivating essays. Whether it's adventure, reflection, or imagination, we're here to assist.

Final Remarks

As we wrap up, our list of 200 narrative essay topics is here to fuel your creativity for your next writing project! Whether you're sharing a memorable event, reliving a childhood memory, or expressing a profound insight, crafting a narrative essay can be an uplifting experience that resonates deeply with readers.

And if you're gearing up for college admissions, why not check out our admission essay writing service ? We've already assisted countless students in securing their spots at their dream colleges, and we'd love to help you, too!

Give Us Your Task

We provide assistance as well as editing and proofreading. Every paper we deal with is written and triple-checked by a team of experts—which means that you are guaranteed to get top-quality work from our term paper writing service . Order now!

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

topics for personal narrative essay

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Social Studies Topics: Philosophy, Economics, Culture & More!

200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

blog image

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.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

timely deliveries

Timely Deliveries

premium quality

No Plagiarism & AI

unlimited revisions

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

blog-img

Connections with Writers and support

safe service

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

quality-score

Average Quality Score

160+ Best Narrative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

image

Table of contents

  • 1.1 Personal Achievements and Experiences Essay Ideas
  • 1.2 Narrative Essay Ideas about Community and Home
  • 1.3 School-Related Narrative Essay Topics for Students
  • 1.4 Good Narrative Essay Topics for College Students
  • 1.5 Personal Narrative Essay Topics
  • 1.6 Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics
  • 1.7 Narrative Essay Topics About Childhood
  • 1.8 Relationship Narrative Essay Topics
  • 1.9 Personal Narrative Stories Ideas on Traveling and Holidays
  • 1.10 Personal Narrative Ideas on Morality and Religion
  • 1.11 Narrative Essay Topics on Politics and Current Events
  • 1.12 Interesting Narrative Essay Topics About Health
  • 1.13 Narrative Essay Topics on Technology and Video Games
  • 1.14 Overview

In academic practice, the narrative essay is probably one of the key elements to train students in expressing their opinions. It teaches well how to tell a story in a clear, concise manner, that’s why it is so welcome in the language and composition classes.

Narrative essays are not only valuable as such: their contribution lies in the ability to elaborate students’ storytelling and narration skills. To touch the reader’s nerves, you should opt for exciting narrative essay ideas. There are plenty of them – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of essay ideas.

Narrative Essay Topics for Students

We’ve analyzed trainees’ experience in writing narrative paragraphs and selected narrative essay topics for college and school students. This profound list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one!

Personal Achievements and Experiences Essay Ideas

  • How did I overcome my biggest fear?
  • When did I feel truly independent?
  • What was the first major decision I made on my own?
  • What did I learn from my first job experience?
  • How did volunteering change my perspective?
  • What challenges did I face while learning a new skill?
  • How did I achieve a personal fitness goal?
  • What was the most important lesson from a personal failure?
  • How did I manage a conflict and what did it teach me?
  • What role has mentorship played in my personal development?
  • What was my experience with cultural exchange and how did it impact my views?
  • What happened when I took a significant risk?
  • How do I contribute to my community’s well-being?
  • What were the effects of moving to a new city?
  • What did I gain from a year off before college?
  • How did I evolve from shyness to confidence?
  • How did I achieve a goal I never thought possible?
  • What did I learn from a financial mistake?
  • How did a book or movie profoundly change my outlook?
  • What impact has a family tradition had on my personal growth?

Need help with narrative essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Narrative Essay Ideas about Community and Home

  • Describe a local tradition that feels like home to you.
  • How did you contribute to a community project for the first time?
  • Describe a dispute in your community and how it was resolved.
  • What was the biggest change your neighborhood has undergone?
  • What is your role in maintaining your home or community environment?
  • How has a community leader positively impacted your life?
  • What local issue are you passionate about and why?
  • Describe your experience of moving from one community to another.
  • What family tradition has strengthened your family bonds?
  • How did you help a neighbor in need?
  • Describe a community celebration that brought everyone closer.
  • How has the sense of community in your neighborhood influenced your upbringing?
  • Describe the most peaceful place in your community.
  • How did your family or neighbors handle a local emergency?
  • What lesson did you learn from a community elder that has stayed with you?
  • Describe a character from your town who could be the star of their own show.
  • What popular misconceptions or jokes might a TV show about your town explore?
  • Are there any myths or famous stories associated with landmarks in your area?
  • What is one issue in your community that needs more attention from local leaders?
  • How do your interactions with diverse cultures enrich your community experience?

School-Related Narrative Essay Topics for Students

High school students normally feel comfortable about describing their study routine. Below you’ll find interesting topics to convey some of the things at school familiar to every pupil.

  • Describe an unexpected day off and what you did.
  • Who was your favorite teacher and why?
  • What was your most memorable sports event participation?
  • Describe your toughest debate competition.
  • What was your best role in a school theater production?
  • What activities did you engage in after school?
  • What was the craziest incident on your campus?
  • How did you fail an exam?
  • Describe how you successfully got through a challenging exam.
  • What were the consequences when you got caught cheating?
  • What was your most transformative moment in high school?
  • Describe a time when you challenged a popular opinion among your peers.
  • How did you handle your first significant test of responsibility?
  • What event marked your transition from childhood to adolescence?
  • What was your most memorable school trip?
  • How did a teacher influence your path in a subject you either love or hate?
  • What was your proudest moment in an extracurricular activity?
  • Describe the first time you felt that you had let someone down.
  • How did you cope with peer pressure in a challenging situation?
  • What lesson did you learn from your first major failure at school?
  • How did you manage your time between school and a personal hobby?
  • What was the most unexpected friendship you developed?
  • How did a particular book or project change your understanding of the world?
  • What was the biggest risk you took and what was the outcome?
  • How has technology affected your learning experience?
  • Describe a moment when you had to stand up for your beliefs.
  • What does your school ritual before exams look like?
  • Who in your life has set a remarkable example of courage and integrity?
  • How has your understanding of global issues changed due to a school project?
  • What was your most challenging moment while working on a group project?

know_shortcode

Good Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Like high schoolers, college and university students are fond of talking about their everyday matters. Whether a topic about students’ affairs or reflection on new relationships, the most popular narrative topics for college students are collected here.

  • What did you feel on your first day at higher education?
  • Describe your emotions on the last day with your high school friends.
  • Which course at college was your favorite and why?
  • How did you meet your significant other during your studies?
  • Share the details of a significant breakup during your college years.
  • What was the highlight of your high school experience?
  • Recount how you reconnected with an old friend during college.
  • Who was your favorite professor and what made them stand out?
  • Tell us about a humorous event you experienced on campus.
  • What event during your college years had the most symbolic meaning to you?
  • Describe the day you moved to college.
  • How did you travel to your college for the first time?
  • What were your initial impressions of the college campus?
  • How did you meet your college roommate?
  • Describe how you made your first friends in college.
  • What challenge did you overcome to pursue a college education, and what did you learn from it?
  • Describe a moment when you changed your major or career path based on a profound experience or realization.
  • How did participating in a student organization or club fundamentally change your perspective or goals?
  • What was the most impactful piece of advice you received from a college advisor or mentor, and how did it influence your academic journey?
  • Recount an experience where you had to advocate for yourself or others in the college setting, and describe the outcome.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Each of us had moments in life the story of which would be interesting to others. Develop your narration mastery and tell the world a story about the very best, most memorable, extremely scary, or awkward situations. Our list is here to assist you.

  • Describe the moment you realized what you wanted to do with your life.
  • How did a significant event change your perspective on family?
  • What was a pivotal moment of self-discovery during your teenage years?
  • Who has been your biggest influence outside of your family, and why?
  • What experience first taught you about the importance of community?
  • Describe a time when you had to stand up for your beliefs.
  • What was your most challenging moral dilemma and how did you handle it?
  • How has a failure led to success in your personal or academic life?
  • What was the most enlightening travel experience you’ve had?
  • Discuss a time when you helped someone in need and how it affected you.
  • What is your most cherished memory with a grandparent or elder?
  • Describe your first major responsibility and what you learned from it.
  • How did a particular book or movie fundamentally alter your outlook on life?
  • What unexpected friendship has had the greatest impact on your life?
  • Discuss a tradition in your family that has deep meaning for you.
  • How have your goals evolved over the past five years?
  • What was your most profound spiritual or religious experience?
  • Describe an encounter that taught you something important about prejudice or discrimination.
  • What is the most difficult decision you’ve ever made, and how did you arrive at your choice?
  • How did you deal with your first significant heartbreak?

Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics

Personal experiences are way more exciting for writers. Unfortunately, personal narrative essays are not always just as fascinating for listeners unless they are presented in an entertaining manner. We’re sure that the ideas for personal narratives below will help you pick your topic to maximize readers’ engagement.

  • Describe a moment that made you exceptionally proud. Why did it have such a significant impact?
  • Recall your first visit to an opera house. What did you experience, and how did it change your perception of the arts?
  • Share the story of the strangest accident you ever witnessed. What made it so unusual?
  • What was your first encounter with Asian cuisine like? Describe the flavors and your reaction.
  • Detail the most memorable birthday gift you’ve ever received. Why does it stand out in your mind?
  • Imagine you are a character in your favorite book. Who would you be and what adventures would you have?
  • Revisit a memory you wish you could experience again. What makes this memory so precious?
  • If you were a superhero from a movie, which one would you choose and why?
  • Tell the story of how you lost something that wasn’t yours. What ensued?
  • Describe your first trip to the sea. What did you feel and discover about the ocean and yourself?
  • Explore what makes you unique. What are some traits or experiences that set you apart?
  • Narrate your first journey into the wilderness. What challenges did you face and what did you learn?
  • Reflect on your first job interview. How did you prepare, and what was the outcome?
  • Discuss the most significant loss you’ve experienced. How did it affect your life thereafter?
  • Describe the most memorable Christmas you have had. What happened that year to make it unforgettable?

more_shortcode

Narrative Essay Topics About Childhood

Childhood is probably the sweetest period of our lives and the one with the most number of insights. The most powerful experiences come from it, and most of our reflections are related to a child’s perception in this or that way. Check out our list of captivating topics about childhood and pick one.

  • Describe your earliest memory. What makes it stand out?
  • What was your favorite game to play as a child, and why was it special to you?
  • Recall a time when you learned a lesson the hard way. What happened?
  • Share a story about a childhood friendship that influenced who you are today.
  • What was your most treasured childhood possession and what became of it?
  • Describe a family vacation from your childhood that left a lasting impression.
  • Who was your hero as a child and how did they influence your values?
  • What childhood book had the biggest impact on your imagination or dreams?
  • Tell the story of a day you felt you grew up a little bit.
  • What was your favorite hiding spot as a child, and what did you hide from?
  • Describe a moment when you got lost as a child. What did you discover during that experience?
  • Share a story about a childhood event that you looked forward to all year.
  • What was a typical birthday like for you as a child?
  • Describe a childhood hobby or activity and why it was meaningful to you.
  • Recall a significant event at school that shaped your childhood.
  • Tell about a time you faced a fear as a child. How did you overcome it?
  • What was your favorite family tradition as a child, and how has it evolved?
  • Describe a moment when you felt misunderstood as a child.
  • What was your proudest accomplishment as a child and why was it significant?
  • Share a story about a time when a seemingly mundane event turned out to be memorable.

Relationship Narrative Essay Topics

Writing about this huge layer of experience – relationships – is surely thrilling. We’ve picked just some of the great variety of narrative topics about relationships for you. Even if you don’t find here exactly what you want to talk about, you’ll definitely hit upon an appropriate idea.

  • Describe the details of your first romantic date. What made it memorable?
  • How did meeting your best friend transform your life? Share specific changes.
  • Discuss the saddest moment you’ve experienced in a relationship. How did it affect you?
  • Describe a pivotal moment in a significant relationship. What changed after that?
  • Identify a relationship from a book or movie that you see as a role model. Why does it inspire you?
  • Share the story of your first romantic relationship. What lessons did you learn?
  • What do your parents mean to you? Describe their influence on your life.
  • What is the best piece of relationship advice you have ever received? Who gave it and why was it impactful?
  • Why is your significant other so crucial in your life? Explore the depth of your bond.
  • Narrate a situation that helped you mend a damaged relationship. What steps did you take?
  • What are your most cherished memories with friends? Detail one or two specific events.
  • Describe the experience of making your first confession. What prompted it and how did it feel?
  • Share how you supported someone battling depression. What did you learn from the experience?
  • Discuss a film or book that profoundly affected your views on relationships. What resonated with you?
  • Have you ever fallen in love at first sight? Describe the experience and the aftermath.
  • What are the most significant relationships in your life outside of family? Explain their value.
  • What advice would you give someone who is about to start their first relationship?
  • How do you navigate the complexities of modern dating? Share your insights and personal rules.
  • Discuss the end of a close friendship. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn?
  • Describe your best friend from summer camp. What made your friendship special?
  • How did you reconnect with a friend after a significant quarrel? What steps did you take?
  • Share a story of how you covered for a friend in a difficult situation.
  • What was it like meeting your online friend in person for the first time? Describe the experience.
  • How did you help a friend reconnect with a loved one? What role did you play?
  • Narrate the coolest adventure you’ve had with your best friend. What made it unforgettable?
  • What was your first visit to your friend’s house like? Describe your impressions and feelings.
  • Describe the worst quarrel you had with a friend. How did it affect your relationship?
  • Who is your best older friend, and what have you learned from them?
  • How did an enemy become a friend? Describe the transformation in your relationship.
  • What was the toughest situation you and your friend faced together? How did you overcome it?
  • Describe your relationship with your friend’s sibling. What role do they play in your friendship?
  • Narrate a situation where you had to choose between two friends. What was the outcome?
  • How did you meet a friend on the Internet? Describe the journey from online to offline friendship.

Personal Narrative Stories Ideas on Traveling and Holidays

This segment of subjects covers individual experiences. Respectively, it has to do with reflections, opinions, and feelings. Our list of personal narrative ideas related to trips and celebrations is here for your convenience.

  • What was your best entertainment during the winter holidays?
  • Describe your first experience traveling abroad. What did you learn?
  • How did it feel visiting a warm country for the first time in winter?
  • Share the story of a time you missed your flight, train, or bus. What happened next?
  • What was the happiest moment you experienced during the holidays?
  • How did you make a new friend during a holiday trip? What bonded you?
  • Describe your first time traveling alone. What were the highlights and challenges?
  • What made your most memorable holiday ever so special?
  • What was the saddest incident you experienced on a holiday? How did you cope?
  • Describe your best visit to a foreign city during a holiday. What did you explore?
  • What was your best travel experience to a big city? What impressed you the most?
  • Recount the worst quarrel you had while on holiday. What was the resolution?
  • What were the best encounters you had during a holiday? Who did you meet?
  • Describe your best trip to the countryside. What made it unforgettable?
  • How did you feel returning home after a long vacation? What was the transition like?
  • How do you make the most of long holiday weekends?
  • What is your typical Sunday routine during the holidays?
  • What are your favorite fall activities during holiday breaks?
  • What traditions do you follow for Halloween? Do you wear a costume?
  • How do you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family?
  • What are your tips for enjoying the holiday season to the fullest?
  • How do you plan to spend your next holiday break?
  • Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What are your goals for the new year?
  • How do you combat the winter blues during the colder months?
  • What has been your most severe weather experience while traveling?
  • Free unlimited checks
  • All common file formats
  • Accurate results
  • Intuitive interface

Personal Narrative Ideas on Morality and Religion

Strong argumentation is one of the indications of a successful academic paper and a prerequisite for a higher grade. You should pick a topic you are confident in to provide your effective arguments as your objective is to persuade your readers. Opt for a narrative essay topic that speaks to you.

  • Describe the toughest decision you had to make between right and wrong.
  • What choice do you regret the most?
  • How did you help a friend even when it meant breaking the rules?
  • Describe a situation where you were involved in a conflict between other people.
  • Share the experience of getting caught lying.
  • How did you feel when you let down a friend by following the rules?
  • Describe a time when you shifted the blame to someone else.
  • What was the toughest yet most important experience you have had?
  • How did helping someone for personal benefit make you feel?
  • Describe a prank you played on a friend.
  • How did you react when you saw someone being bullied?
  • Share a story about a time your friend took the blame for you.
  • Do you believe justice truly exists?
  • Describe a time when you ignored someone’s wrong behavior.
  • How do you generally help others?
  • What ethical dilemmas have you faced?
  • Would you help an injured stranger?
  • When was the last time you did something nice for a stranger?
  • Have you ever ‘paid it forward’?
  • How often do you gossip?
  • How comfortable are you with lying?
  • Have you ever taken something that wasn’t yours?
  • What could you live without that others might find essential?
  • Do you ever feel guilty about what or how much you throw away?
  • Do you ever eavesdrop?
  • How important is your spiritual life?
  • Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
  • Can you be good without believing in God?
  • Are you less religious than your parents?
  • What can you learn from other religions?

Narrative Essay Topics on Politics and Current Events

  • Describe a time when you participated in a political protest and what motivated you to join.
  • What local political issue are you most passionate about and why?
  • Explain how a recent event changed your perspective on government policies.
  • Share an experience where you volunteered for a political campaign and what you learned.
  • Describe a time when you had a political debate with someone and the outcome of that debate.
  • How did a current event influence your view on international relations?
  • What political figure do you admire the most and why?
  • Describe an experience where you felt the impact of a political decision on your community.
  • What recent news story made you rethink your stance on a social issue?
  • Explain how a political event affected your school or university.
  • Share a story about a time you felt proud of your country’s actions on the world stage.
  • How did a significant political change in your country affect your family?
  • Describe your first experience voting in an election and what it meant to you.
  • What event prompted you to follow politics more closely?
  • Explain how a political scandal influenced your trust in government officials.
  • Describe an experience where you advocated for a cause you believe in and the result.
  • How did a major political event shape the discussions in your household?
  • Share a story about a time you met a political leader and what the interaction was like.
  • Explain how a piece of legislation impacted your life or the life of someone you know.
  • Describe an experience where you participated in a school or community event about current affairs and what you took away from it.

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics About Health

  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult health-related decision and what influenced your choice.
  • Share an experience where you made a significant lifestyle change for your health.
  • What was the most challenging health obstacle you faced and how did you overcome it?
  • How did a health scare in your family impact your perspective on wellness?
  • Describe a time when you helped someone improve their health.
  • Explain how a specific diet or exercise program affected your well-being.
  • What was your first experience with a mental health issue and how did you handle it?
  • Share a story about how you maintained your health during a stressful period.
  • Describe a time when you struggled with maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.
  • How did a health-related event change your relationship with a loved one?
  • What was your experience with a significant illness or injury and what did you learn from it?
  • Explain how participating in a health-related event or challenge impacted you.
  • Describe a time when you had to support a friend or family member through a health crisis.
  • What was the most memorable health advice you received and how did it influence you?
  • Share an experience where you discovered the importance of mental health.
  • Describe a time when you had to advocate for your health needs in a medical setting.
  • How did a specific health goal motivate you to change your daily habits?
  • What was your first encounter with alternative medicine and what was the outcome?
  • Explain how a health awareness campaign influenced your actions or beliefs.
  • Describe a time when you witnessed the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle on someone close to you.

Narrative Essay Topics on Technology and Video Games

  • Describe a time when a new piece of technology significantly impacted your life.
  • How did you first get into video games and what was your initial experience like?
  • Describe a situation where you relied on technology to overcome a challenge.
  • What was your most memorable moment in online gaming and why?
  • Explain how a specific video game helped you develop a new skill.
  • Describe a time when you experienced the negative effects of technology addiction.
  • How did you balance technology use with other activities in your daily life?
  • Share a story about a friendship you made through online gaming.
  • How did a particular video game affect your relationship with friends or family?
  • Describe an experience where you used technology to create something meaningful.
  • What was your first experience with virtual reality and how did it feel?
  • Share a story about a time you participated in a gaming tournament.
  • How did a tech-related project at school or work change your approach to tasks?
  • Describe a time when a malfunctioning piece of technology caused a significant problem.
  • Explain how you used a video game to escape from a stressful situation.
  • What was your experience with learning to code and how did it impact you?
  • Describe a time when you taught someone else to use a new technology.
  • Share a story about a video game that brought your family together.

When writing a narrative essay, it is important to choose an interesting topic that can engage your readers. Finding the right topic can be a challenge, but there is no need to worry as there are many resources available, such as online essay writers , that can help you choose the best topic for your narrative essay.

Whether a personal experience essay, a story about your best childhood birthday, a narration about your most meaningful travel, or the way you reacted to essential world events, are all worth writing. Bear in mind that each of them requires research, adhering to a structure, and planning. Focus on what’s inspiring for you and may be of interest to your readers, and you’ll get a list of the narrative ideas working best for you.

Readers also enjoyed

How to Write a Narrative Essay: Tips and Techniques

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

topics for personal narrative essay

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

EveryWriter

A New Community of Writers

100 Greatest Narrative Essay Topics

January 5, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

100 Greatest Narrative Essay Topics

Welcome to our 100 Greatest Narrative Essay topics of all time list. These topics are written about over and over again by students and writers all over the world, and they are made new every time someone tells their story. Sharing personal stories can be a powerful way to connect with others. Whether it’s a humorous anecdote or an impactful life event, narrative essays give readers a glimpse into someone else’s world while reminding them of our shared humanity.

So, if you are having a hard time coming up with a topic to write about, try these 100. We seek to provide inspiration for your personal narrative essay. It compiles a list of 100 narrative essay topics ranging from lighthearted tales about childhood memories to profound life-changing events. With so many options, readers are sure to find an experience in their own lives that they can transform into an engaging first-person story.

Some of these narrative essay ideas evoke positive emotions – like achieving a major accomplishment, traveling somewhere new, or meeting someone influential. Other prompts allow reflection on challenging experiences – like encountering failure, coping with loss or illness, or facing down fears. The list also includes topics perfect for humor pieces – because the best personal narratives often share smiles and laughter too.

Readers can take a look at the list and see which topic speaks to them. Then they can start drafting their own unique story. Because each person’s tale offers its own dose of wisdom, inspiration, and connection. The stories readers craft based on these ideas will surely impact others.

Here are 100 potential narrative essay topics:

  • A time I overcame a fear
  • The day I met my best friend
  • A family vacation that went wrong
  • The experience of learning to ride a bike
  • Attending my first concert
  • My most difficult class in school so far
  • My proudest accomplishment
  • A time I failed at something
  • My experience learning a new language
  • Meeting someone famous
  • My experience as a camp counselor
  • My favorite family holiday tradition
  • The first time I traveled alone
  • A challenging hike I went on
  • Moving to a new place
  • Getting my first pet
  • Being bullied as a child
  • My first day of high school
  • My experience playing on a sports team
  • The day I got my driver’s license
  • Something funny my parent or sibling did
  • Working an unpleasant job as a teenager
  • Volunteering in my community
  • The day I became an older sibling
  • A parenting lesson my parents taught me
  • Attending my first homecoming dance
  • My favorite birthday celebration
  • A cooking disaster story
  • My experience getting stitches or breaking a bone
  • A mentor who impacted my life
  • My most memorable act of kindness from a stranger
  • The adoption of my pet
  • My experience being homeschooled
  • Starting a new hobby as an adult
  • My fondest childhood memory
  • My first heartbreak
  • My experience with online school
  • My journey recovering from an injury
  • Being a working student
  • Writing my first poem or short story
  • My scariest nightmare
  • Making a move to live on my own
  • Coping with my parents’ divorce
  • My adventure backpacking overseas
  • My most memorable day playing childhood games
  • The time I performed on stage
  • A cherished family tradition
  • My proudest moment as a parent
  • Meeting my grandparents for the first time
  • My experience being an older sibling
  • My fondest memory of a family pet
  • My most memorable birthday
  • My most humbling moment
  • My first experience with snow
  • A difficult goodbye
  • My favorite place to spend time as a child
  • Winning an award
  • My favorite holiday gathering
  • Studying abroad in college
  • Moving to a new city after graduation
  • My experience voting for the first time
  • A favorite item from my childhood
  • My experience overcoming sickness or surgery
  • My favorite family vacation
  • A memorable weekend road trip
  • My first paying job
  • My experience on the first day of a new school
  • Celebrating a cultural holiday
  • How I learned to overcome a bad habit
  • Staying up all night with friends
  • Attending prom
  • My experience being home alone
  • Getting elected as a group leader
  • Preparing for a major storm
  • Learning a lesson about honesty
  • The day I rescued an animal
  • My first impression of a famous landmark
  • My most memorable celebrity encounter
  • My experience with online dating
  • My first car buying experience
  • Deciding my college major
  • Changing career paths
  • My experience with unrequited love
  • Meeting an idol or someone I admire
  • My experience dealing with loss
  • My biggest regret
  • My proudest problem solving moment
  • My favorite concert experience
  • My experience with an act of heroism
  • My first time trying an extreme sport
  • How I overcame my biggest fear
  • My experience with an ethical dilemma
  • My most spiritual experience
  • My most terrifying moment
  • A major turning point in my life
  • My best day ever
  • My worst day ever
  • My experience immigrating to a new country
  • My experience parenting multiples (twins, triplets etc)
  • My funniest travel mishap

As evident, there is no shortage of engaging topics for personal narrative essays. The experiences humans accumulate throughout their lives – whether they make one laugh, cry, or change who one is – are what connects people at one’s core. Hopefully this list has provided some inspiration. Now one can take a chosen story and make it shine by adding rich details, thoughtful reflection, a meaningful central message, and a unique voice. After all, the magic manifests through the telling, and every individual has a one-of-a-kind tale only they can share. So embrace the memories and truths to craft an essay that resonates. Who knows which lives one’s words might touch or perspectives they may broaden? When more narratives are exchanged, perhaps we will begin to see that while specific adventures may differ, at heart most seek similar things – joy, purpose, wisdom, catharsis. And by reading others’ stories, people expand their wells of compassion. So take up the pen and start composing the next great personal narrative. Those words cannot wait to be read!

Related Posts:

56 Captivating Frame Story Writing Prompts 

About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.  

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry.   Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Questions? Call us: 

Email: 

  • How it works
  • Testimonials

Essay Writing

  • Essay service
  • Essay writers
  • College essay service
  • Write my essay
  • Pay for essay
  • Essay topics

Term Paper Writing

  • Term paper service
  • Buy term papers
  • Term paper help
  • Term paper writers
  • College term papers
  • Write my term paper
  • Pay for term paper
  • Term paper topic

Research Paper Writing

  • Research paper service
  • Buy research paper
  • Research paper help
  • Research paper writers
  • College research papers
  • Write my research paper
  • Pay for research paper
  • Research paper topics

Dissertation Writing

  • Dissertation service
  • Buy dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Dissertation writers
  • College thesis
  • Write my dissertation
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Dissertation topics

Other Services

  • Custom writing services
  • Speech writing service
  • Movie review writing
  • Editing service
  • Assignment writing
  • Article writing service
  • Book report writing
  • Book review writing

Popular request:

295 personal narrative ideas: diverse topics for your essay.

January 6, 2022

295 Personal Narrative Ideas

Personal narrative writing involves writing about a real-life experience. It’s like non-fiction. You’re writing a story about yourself because it happened to you. At some point, your stories are the perfect personal narrative writing ideas because they are yours.

This way, you get to connect with people. As a student in high school, college, middle school, or university, you can impress your teachers or professors with good personal narrative topics. By choosing the perfect topic, you can create a stellar essay to earn high grades.

Characteristics of a Good Personal Narrative Piece

As a kind of writing which relies on individual experience, your story must:

Have a Clear Purpose This could be a narration of why the story is important to you. The purpose of the story must be clearly expressed without making direct statements about it. Organized Facts and Events The fact you are writing a story about your life doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be organized. You should write sequentially as much as possible to make it organized and lucid. Sensory Description You must also describe your feeling in a way the audience can connect with it. If you need to describe how the cold touch of rain sliced through your skin on a winter dawn, do it. Let your audience feel it as much as you felt it. Involve Readers Your readers must feel important while reading your story. To achieve this, your story must carry them along. If there’s something you need to explain, explain it to make everything clear to them. Include Conflict A story is incomplete without conflicts. This is why you must create enthralling conflicts for your characters. The higher the stake, the better the feelings when the protagonist scales through it.

All these, in addition to a thesis statement are all important features that must be seen in any personal narrative writing.

The Structure of a Personal Narrative Essay

After knowing what your personal essay must have as its features, you must also structure your essay properly. To do this, you should follow this organizational structure:

  • Introduction

This is where you grab your readers’ attention. You should set the scene where major characters of the story are also introduced. After this, discuss the role of the argument and introduce the characters. Your introduction must be captivating. Note that you’re writing a story, not a paper.

This is where everything about the story is shared. You must add all the details you know to your story. For instance, the hiking experience must be profoundly discussed, and so do the events that changed you. If you also want to talk about people, describe them. Doing this lets you show your readers, not tell them the story. When you need to change the course of the story, you can write in a new paragraph.

Our list will be extremely helpful to start your essay, but we can assist you even more along the whole process if you want to pay for essay online and save your time for something more entertaining.

Personal Narrative Writing Prompts

As students, one of the most important essays you may ever write is a personal narrative one. This is one of the ways to reveal yourself to strangers and friends. It’s a way to knows more about yourself and other people. You can consider these ideas for a personal narrative piece:

  • Identify your most threatening challenges
  • What would you say are your survival strategies?
  • How do you cope when you fail?
  • Would you say that you can’t succeed unless you fail?
  • Discuss what you do to achieve your goals
  • Do you think “leave your comfort zone” is a sham?
  • What do you think about yourself when you’re scared?
  • Would you say you don’t mind loneliness?
  • What does crying mean to you?
  • What are your fears?
  • Do you harbor superstitions, what are they?
  • Do you feel no one is seeing you as they should
  • Write about your rules for life
  • Write about your response to bullies
  • Write about how you give yourself peace
  • How do you relax within the limited time you have to yourself?
  • What do you do for fun?
  • How do you integrate feedback to improve?
  • Would you say becoming an adult is difficult?
  • What is the responsibility that scares you the most and why?
  • When was your saddest day and why was it?
  • How does stress not make anything easy for you?
  • Do you act anyhow when you’re provoked?
  • How do you perform under pressure?
  • Can you discuss what makes you happy?
  • Discuss what criticism means and how you take them in
  • Discuss what your decision-making process is like
  • Explain what motivates you the most
  • Do you think you have self-control
  • Are you presently easy or hard on yourself to reach your goals?
  • Can you work under any circumstances?
  • Do you think you’re a creative person?
  • What are the conditions that helped you maximize your potentials
  • Would you say you’re emotionally intelligent?
  • Would you say you can perform the most when you collaborate
  • Are you ready for the competitive workplace?
  • Would you say you’re a great speaker?
  • Would you say you’re a better listener?
  • Do you think you’re an agreeable person?
  • Discuss what you think about peer pressure.

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas

For your personal essays, how do you discover great essay ideas? You can consider custom personal narrative prompts which are unique to specific events. Some of the topics which are target-oriented are:

  • Discuss a time you took more risks than others
  • What makes you a daredevil?
  • What has made you brave?
  • Would you say you’re impulsive?
  • Discuss your strategies against boredom
  • What are the pranks you’ve ever fallen for
  • How do you apologize when you’re wrong?
  • Do you think you’re a cynical person?
  • Discuss three things that annoy you
  • Would you say you’re materialistic?
  • Do you consider yourself a minimalist?
  • How do you say goodbye?
  • Are you on the right or the left?
  • What do you think people think about you?
  • Why do you think what others think should matter?
  • Write about your role model
  • Would you say you’re weird?
  • Would you say you’re a nonconformist?
  • Do you believe in magic?
  • Why should you be inspired by people?
  • Do you think your role models are heroes?
  • Would you think role models must be famous
  • Outside your family, are you a different person?
  • Within your family, do you want to be someone else?
  • Which live show do you love the most?
  • Discuss how someone has made a difference in your life
  • What are the kinds of music you like?
  • Discuss what you’d put in a thank you note
  • Write what you’d do if you’re to invite your enemies to dinner
  • Recall a time to speak to a large audience of people and write how it felt
  • Do you think family is everything?
  • Do you think you can’t be anything without family?
  • Would you say you want to change your role in the family?
  • What are the programs that keep you closer?
  • If your life would be a movie, which of the autobiographies would it be?
  • Choose a profession of your choice and discuss why
  • What do you think about sacrifice?
  • Discuss a family treasure
  • Would you say you have hobbies someone has adopted
  • Why are you called your name?

Personal Narrative Ideas High School

As high school students, you also need to develop personal narrative essays. These could be essays about your parents, neighbors, or your home. Choose from these personal narrative ideas for high school students:

  • Describe your relationship with your parents?
  • Would you say your parents permit you?
  • Discuss the freedom your parents give you
  • Do you think your curfew hours make it difficult to live?
  • Would you say you enjoy your parents, why?
  • Would you prefer to be a parent too?
  • What do your parents do with your bad report card?
  • Would you say parenting is difficult?
  • Do your parents like online learning?
  • Are your parents hard on you to do things?
  • Do you think parenting could be something to be embarrassed by?
  • How did your parents influence the school you attended?
  • Do your parents let you create things on your own?
  • Do you think you have great teachers and patients?
  • What will your neighbors say about you?
  • Which characters perfectly describe your neighbors and why?
  • What is a common slogan in your environment?
  • What are the TV shows you can’t stop watching?
  • What do you think about supporting community sport?
  • Write about the mayor of your city
  • Where is your favorite place?
  • Write about your favorite joint
  • Write about a park you love
  • Discuss how you spend time with nature
  • Would you say you see bad things every day?
  • Do you love your home?
  • What is your favorite ad slogan and why?
  • What does chatting with the police feel like?
  • Have you ever been assaulted?
  • Do you think you’re easily annoyed?

Personal Narrative Topic Ideas

If you’d love to discuss anything at all, there are tons of custom ideas on narrative writing. Some personal narrative ideas are also based on religion, sexuality, race, and many other issues of the world today. Consider:

  • Would you say you have no religion?
  • Do you think the older generations are too religious?
  • Write about how you know about other religions
  • Write about what you know about other religions
  • Discuss the difference between male and female
  • Do you acknowledge the rights of trans people?
  • Do you think the LGTBQ is complicated?
  • Will you share parental responsibilities?
  • What do you know about sex?
  • What do you know about gender issues?
  • What is your experience of love?
  • How does being a ‘real man’ feel?
  • Do you think you can be biased?
  • Is there a difference in the ways sons and daughters are treated in the home?
  • Should there a more pressure on daughters than men
  • Discuss your racial identity and why it’s important to talk about it
  • Would you say you’re a feminist?
  • Discuss your encounter with sexual harassment
  • Discuss what you think about catcalling
  • What do you think about social hierarchies?
  • Discuss the last time you interacted with someone of another race
  • Do you think you have racial biases too?
  • Would you say you experienced racism before, as black
  • Which one is more important to you: money or love
  • Are you happy with yourself?
  • Would you say money can’t buy happiness too?
  • What do you pay attention to the most in the world?
  • Do you think it’s okay to be addicted to phones
  • How do you teach people about money?
  • What are the most important things in your life?

Personal Narrative Writing Ideas

As an attempt to discuss something that deals with people’s daily affairs, good ideas for personal narrative may be hard to come by. Rather than go through the trouble of finding how to think of ideas for a personal narrative, these are custom ideas for you:

  • What are the things that matter most for you?
  • Narrate what you hope to have in your dream home
  • Narrate your experience as if you’d lived in the woods
  • Narrate your most fun childhood memory
  • Discuss what your passion was as a child
  • Explain what you loved most as a child
  • Write about your favorite childhood shows and books
  • Discuss your favorite childhood picture book
  • Write about your childhood influences
  • Discuss your childhood most loved places
  • Discuss the little things your parents did they made you happy
  • Write about the first time you went out with your parents
  • Narrate your experience of a swing
  • What was your favorite song as a child? Write a response to it
  • Which food do you wish you’d eaten as a child
  • Narrate what made a gift the best you ever had
  • Write about what your most memorable letter
  • Write about the divorce of a family friend or neighbor
  • Discuss the consequence of separation from a state
  • Write about how migrated from a place to another
  • Write about how angry your father or mother could be at themselves
  • Write about your favorite memories of sleepovers
  • How did it feel when you found something you thought you’d lost?
  • What are your most prized lessons of teenage years?
  • Would you do something else differently not as an adult when you were 13?
  • Narrate the achievements that made you proud
  • Discuss the rites you engaged in
  • Write about your message to the older generation
  • Write a message to the younger generation
  • Describe yourself as if you’re a 13-year-old right now
  • Share a story of your ethical dilemma
  • Discuss your sex experience; whether you had it not
  • Write about something you cared about that you shouldn’t have
  • Write about something you didn’t care about but you should have
  • Discuss the last time you collected money from a stranger
  • Write about the last time a stranger kissed you
  • Discuss your memorable lying experience
  • Narrate your experience with drugs
  • Explain your experience with gossiping
  • Have you ever cheated in exams?

Personal Narrative Ideas College

As a college student, you can also develop incredible personal narrative pieces. Through these pieces, you can connect with your colleagues and share your ideas. Consider these personal narrative prompts:

  • Why did you choose the screen time you chose?
  • What would you do without a smartphone?
  • Narrate your gaming experiences and the thrill you feel
  • Write about the apps that do nothing but reduce you
  • Would you say tech takes a huge responsibility for change in your life?
  • Would you say you are interested in technology?
  • What is your experience of religion?
  • What is your experience of God?
  • Narrate if you’ve had an encounter with God or religion before
  • Explain what you’d do if you have control over others
  • Narrate what you would control if you can
  • Narrate what you can do without thinking otherwise
  • What would you say are your best features of YouTube
  • Narrate your experience of a date over the internet
  • Narrate your experience of seeking to advice online
  • Discuss your favorite online sports
  • Write about your online sad story
  • Write about a terrible experience of bullying online
  • Discuss how you fact check what you read online
  • Write about how you express yourself online
  • Would you say you trust Wikipedia?
  • Would you say you enjoy online reviews?
  • What is your comment on porn?
  • Would you give your passwords out?
  • If you have a partner, will you share everything?
  • What would you do if you just made a fraudulent purchase?
  • Do you chat with anonymous people?
  • How do you keep your passwords safe?
  • Are there things your parents won’t believe that is on the internet?
  • Write about why you trust social media
  • What is your favorite Facebook experience?
  • What is your favorite Twitter experience?
  • What is your experience of wrong grammar structure online?
  • Did you ever go through Instagram feeds with envy?
  • Did you ever download a stranger’s picture because you like them?

Personal Narrative Ideas for Middle School

At this stage, you have also had plausible experiences of life. What can you say about your life, or your experiences? You can write from these interesting personal narrative ideas:

  • What do you know about poo divas and who’s your favorite?
  • Write about your first karaoke performance
  • Write about the artists you’d like lined up
  • Narrate your earliest connection with music
  • Narrate your earliest experience of music
  • Write about the most loving but sad thing that ever happened to you
  • Why do you avoid people?
  • Narrate your experience of being stalked
  • Discuss how you think social media has been abused
  • Tell a story about your most favorite songs
  • Tell a story about the music which has inspired you the most
  • Which television show would you bring back?
  • Which of your childhood commercials is your favorite?
  • Why do you prefer cartoons?
  • Discuss how television helped your family stay together
  • Narrate the work nature of your parents
  • Discuss your experience of being cheated
  • Which music star do you love?
  • Which music tells you about life?
  • Which artist tells stories the most?
  • How does the music you listen to Influence you?
  • Narrate what you think are the best period of your life yet
  • Narrate your favorite movies
  • Narrate a public performance experience
  • Discuss the bad things about horror movies
  • Write about your favorite comedians
  • Narrate your experience of gaming
  • Would you play violent games?
  • Do you think zombies are real?
  • Do you feel guilty or excited that you kill zombies?

Good Ideas for a Personal Narrative Essay

If you need to discuss cool events and languages, there are good personal narrative topics for you. Some of these topics are:

  • Narrate your experience at the museum
  • What is your favorite visual artist?
  • Discuss your most fascinating work of art
  • Write about the importance of education
  • Would you say you can’t live without art
  • Which words do you like using?
  • Which words don’t you like using?
  • What are the slangs you used to love?
  • What has changed since you started using some words
  • Would you call someone a shag? Why?
  • Which word do you think people use too much?
  • Narrate what you consider a great conversation
  • Discuss your time with a lover
  • Narrate your experience discussing with your mum
  • Narrate your experience discussing with your dad
  • Narrate your experience teaching your grandparents about something on a smartphone
  • Write about a time you felt you talked too much
  • Write about a time you used satires
  • Write about a time you attacked people but didn’t feel bad
  • What would you say are the most terrible things you’ve done?
  • If you had to learn a language, which would it be?
  • How do you use your body language and why do you use it?
  • If you can influence someone’s memory, what would it be and why would you do it?
  • Write about what stresses you the most about school without using F words or castigating anyone
  • Discuss what you once looked forward to but no longer look forward to
  • Would you rather take private classes, online classes, or physical classes with other students and why would you choose your choice?
  • Discuss your experience with bullying and what you could have done when you were bullied or when someone you know was bullied
  • Write about the kind of school you wish you had attended and the experience you wish you had had
  • Write about the things you hate the most about going to your religious places and the things you wish they had
  • Discuss what it would mean to not be educated at all.

Interesting Personal Narrative Ideas

There are also interesting personal narrative essay ideas across all classes. You can choose these essay ideas for your college, high school, middle school, or university assignments. Options to consider are:

  • What have you had to do which you didn’t like?
  • Discuss how best you once participated in class
  • Write about a memorable experience of school you wish were yours
  • Write about a memorable experience of a relationship you wish you could have
  • Discuss your first encounter with a difficult subject and write when you realize you may fail the course
  • Tell a story about what you thought is fascinating about relationships that are no longer fascinating?
  • Tell a story about what you think about digital skills and why it is important in the future
  • Would you say that programming and computer coding offers more opportunities than any other skills?
  • Narrate a terrible experience of yours after you failed an exam and what your parents did
  • Narrate the saddest day in class for you
  • You were invited to speak to your class about how you spent your weekend or holiday, what were the things that ran through your mind and did you speak?
  • Like your friends, you had many terrible and shameful experiences while studying simply because you’re a shy person, narrate some of the most important and terrible moments of your school life
  • Write a story about a teacher you would like to appreciate detailing the important things the teacher had done to you without isolating the bad things he or she had also done
  • Discuss the textbook you ever felt disgusted with and why you did
  • Do you think your teachers are as vast with technology as they ought to be, and would you feel bad if you had insulted them at one time or the other when you were young?
  • Narrate the most arousing party you went to focusing on the sensory details which made it different from other parties and proms
  • If you will deliver a speech about the horribleness of physical bullying or cyberbullying, focusing on experiences that could make people cry, how would you write the speech and how would you perform it?
  • Would you flog students you considered rebellious in your class if you were a teacher, even if the student is truly stubborn and should have probably been in a juvenile center?
  • What are the mental health issues you wish people had talked about the most when you were in high school?
  • If you could talk to the authorities about the things you think were important for students which weren’t done, what would they be, and how would you do it?

Get Narrative Essay Help

With these exciting topics, you can create a professional personal narrative essay based on your adult or childhood experiences. However, if you need someone to write your essay or assignment, you can hire top-notch writers online.

We are one of the best professional writing services with years of experience writing for college, high school, and university students. We have professors and teachers in our team who create essays to help students score high grades. If you’d like to make the best submission, you can hire these writers.

Like other essays and papers we’ve written, we deliver custom essays at a fast pace at affordable rates. With a token, you’ll get the best essay and get high grades in class.

topics for personal narrative essay

Take a break from writing.

Top academic experts are here for you.

  • How To Write An Autobiography Guideline And Useful Advice
  • 182 Best Classification Essay Topics To Learn And Write About
  • How To Manage Stress In College: Top Practical Tips  
  • How To Write A Narrative Essay: Definition, Tips, And A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How To Write Article Review Like Professional
  • Great Problem Solution Essay Topics
  • Creating Best Stanford Roommate Essay
  • Costco Essay – Best Writing Guide
  • How To Quote A Dialogue
  • Wonderful Expository Essay Topics
  • Research Paper Topics For 2020
  • Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics
  • How to Order

User Icon

Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Topics

Caleb S.

Best Narrative Essay Topics 2024 for Students

12 min read

Narrative Essay Topics

People also read

Narrative Essay - A Complete Writing Guide with Examples

Writing a Personal Narrative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

10+ Interesting Narrative Essay Examples Plus Writing Tips!

Crafting a Winning Narrative Essay Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many students have a hard time picking interesting topics for their narrative essays.

Without a good topic, their stories can be boring and won't get good grades.

Here we’ve made a list of simple and fun narrative essay topics to help your essay stand out.

So, keep reading to find the perfect narrative essay idea for you!

Arrow Down

  • 1. Narrative Essay Topics for Students
  • 2. Unique Narrative Essay Topics for Students
  • 3. Narrative Essay Topics on Different Themes
  • 4. How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay?
  • 5. Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative Essay Topics for Students

If you're a student looking for a diverse range of topics, we've got you covered with a diverse selection of narrative essay topics. 

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 3

  • My favorite birthday party
  • A day at the zoo
  • The best trip I ever took
  • My first pet
  • A time I helped someone
  • My funniest school day
  • A rainy day adventure
  • My favorite family tradition
  • The day I learned to ride a bike
  • A visit to the park

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 4

  • My best friend
  • The most exciting day of my life
  • A time I got lost
  • A memorable sleepover
  • A day at the beach
  • My favorite holiday memory
  • The day I found a hidden treasure
  • A special family vacation
  • A time I overcame a fear
  • An unexpected surprise

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

  • My First Day at a New School
  • The Time I Learned to Ride a Bike
  • A Visit to a Haunted House
  • The Day I Met a Real-Life Superhero
  • My Most Memorable Family Vacation
  • A Surprising Encounter with an Animal
  • The Mystery of the Missing Homework
  • The Best Birthday Party I Ever Had
  • When I Lost a Tooth
  • My Adventure in a Fantasy World

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 6

  • An Unforgettable Camping Trip
  • The Day I Discovered a Hidden Talent
  • A Mysterious Letter and Its Consequences
  • A Time I Had to Stand Up for What's Right
  • The Thrilling Mystery of a Forgotten Diary
  • A Memorable Encounter with a Famous Person
  • My Journey Through a Fantasy Land
  • The Day I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness
  • A Secret Adventure in an Abandoned Place

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • The Most Exciting Adventure of My Life
  • The Day I Overcame a Fear
  • A Memorable School Field Trip
  • The Strangest Mystery I Ever Encountered
  • An Unforgettable Encounter with Wildlife
  • A Life-Changing Decision I Had to Make
  • The Best Book I Ever Read and Why
  • A Day in the Life of a Time Traveler
  • The Importance of Friendship in My Life
  • A Valuable Lesson Learned from a Mistake

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 8 

  • A Time I Faced a Difficult Moral Dilemma
  • The Most Memorable Summer Vacation
  • The Impact of a Life-Altering Decision
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness I Received
  • The Day I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone
  • A Historical Event I Would Like to Witness
  • A Special Family Tradition and Its Significance
  • A Personal Achievement I'm Proud Of
  • A Challenging Obstacle I Overcame
  • A Journey Through My Creative Imagination

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 9

  • The Transition to High School: Challenges and Triumphs
  • A Life-Changing Encounter with an Inspiring Mentor
  • My First Part-Time Job and What I Learned
  • The Day I Realized the Power of Empathy
  • The Impact of a Personal Passion or Hobby
  • An Unforgettable Travel Experience Abroad
  • A Meaningful Community Service Project I Participated In
  • The Role of Technology in My Life
  • A Defining Moment in My Cultural Identity
  • My Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 10

  • The most challenging experience of my life
  • A time I stood up for something I believed in
  • How I overcame a major obstacle
  • The impact of a special teacher or mentor
  • A moment that changed my perspective on life
  • An unforgettable road trip
  • My experience with peer pressure
  • A time I failed and what I learned from it
  • A significant cultural or family tradition
  • A memorable high school event

Narrative Essay Topics for O-Levels 

  • The Day I Took a Leap of Faith
  • An Unforgettable Journey into the Unknown
  • A Life-Altering Decision I Made in High School
  • An Encounter with a Stranger That Changed My Perspective
  • The Role of Resilience in Overcoming a Personal Challenge
  • The Impact of a Cultural Exchange Experience
  • A Lesson Learned from a Unique Life Experience
  • The Importance of Perseverance in Achieving a Goal
  • My Most Memorable Academic Achievement
  • A Glimpse into My Future: Aspirations and Ambitions

Narrative Essay Topics for Highschool

  • The Moment I Discovered My Passion
  • A Life-Changing Journey Abroad
  • A Challenging Decision That Shaped My Future
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness That Touched My Heart
  • The Role of Resilience in Overcoming Adversity
  • A Personal Experience That Shaped My Values
  • The Impact of Technology on My Generation
  • A Time I Took a Stand for a Cause I Believe In
  • A Memorable Leadership Role I Assumed
  • A Glimpse into My Ideal Future: Aspirations and Goals

Narrative Essay Topics for College

  • The Journey to Finding My Academic Passion
  • A Life-Altering Study Abroad Experience
  • The Transformational Impact of a Challenging Decision
  • Navigating the Transition from College to the Professional World
  • An Unforgettable Encounter with a Mentor or Role Model
  • The Role of Adversity in Shaping My Personal Growth
  • A Significant Ethical Dilemma I Faced in College
  • How My College Experiences Have Shaped My Worldview
  • The Impact of Technology on My College Education
  • A Personal Reflection on My Career Aspirations and Goals

Narrative Essay Topics for University Students

  • The Evolution of My Academic and Career Goals at University
  • An Eye-Opening Internship Experience That Impacted My Future
  • A Transformative Study Abroad Journey
  • Navigating the Complexities of Balancing Work, Academics, and Social Life at University
  • The Role of a Unique Research Project in My Academic Growth
  • A Personal Account of Overcoming a Significant Academic Challenge
  • A Meaningful Leadership Role in a University Organization
  • The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Elective Courses at University
  • The Impact of Peer Relationships and Networking at University
  • How My University Education Has Shaped My Perspective on Global Issues

Unique Narrative Essay Topics for Students

We've gathered distinct narrative topic ideas to fuel your creativity. Let’s look at some personal narrative ideas to inspire your narrative writing.

Descriptive Narrative Essay Topics

  • A Peaceful Day by the Riverside
  • Exploring a Haunted House
  • My Favorite Childhood Memory
  • A Walk Through an Ancient Forest
  • The Perfect Winter Wonderland
  • An Evening at a Carnival
  • A Visit to a Vibrant Art Gallery
  • The Spectacular Colors of Autumn
  • A Day in the Life of a Beach
  • An Exciting Night in the City

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

  • A Life-Changing Decision I Made
  • A Moment of Personal Triumph
  • Overcoming My Greatest Fear
  • A Meaningful Lesson from a Personal Challenge
  • The Role of a Special Friend in My Life
  • A Time When I Broke a Personal Record
  • The Impact of a Mentor on My Life
  • My Journey to Self-Discovery

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

  • My Earliest Memory of Learning to Read
  • The Book That Sparked My Love for Reading
  • A Life-Changing Experience in a Library
  • The Impact of a Special Teacher on My Writing Skills
  • How Technology Has Shaped My Writing Habits
  • A Personal Reflection on My Writing Journey
  • The Role of Literature in Shaping My Perspective
  • Writing as a Tool for Self-Expression and Healing
  • How I Overcame Writer's Block
  • The Significance of Storytelling in My Life

Engaging Narrative Essay Topics

  • The Mystery of a Lost Treasure Map
  • An Unlikely Friendship That Changed My Life
  • A Day in the Life of a Professional Athlete
  • The Journey of Starting My Own Business
  • A Haunting Experience in a Historic Place
  • A Memorable Road Trip with Friends
  • My Encounter with a Famous Celebrity
  • The Day I Conquered My Greatest Fear
  • An Adventure in a Foreign Land
  • A Life-Altering Decision at a Crossroads

Narrative Essay Topics on Different Themes

Narrative essays allow you to share personal stories on various themes, such as funny moments, childhood memories, vacations, and happy times. Here are some themes with topic ideas to inspire your creativity and reflection:

Funny Narrative Essay Topics

  • The funniest thing that ever happened to me
  • A time I embarrassed myself in public
  • A prank that went hilariously wrong
  • The day everything went wrong but turned out great
  • My most awkward moment at school
  • A silly misunderstanding
  • A funny family tradition
  • A comical incident with my pet
  • The time I tried to cook and failed
  • A laughable sports mishap

Childhood Narrative Essay Topics

  • My first day of school
  • A memorable playdate with friends
  • A childhood dream that came true
  • A lesson I learned from my parents
  • A favorite toy and the adventures we had
  • The day I met my best friend
  • A family trip from my childhood
  • A time I got into trouble and how I handled it
  • My favorite birthday as a child
  • A special holiday memory

Vacations Narrative Essay Topics

  • My best summer vacation ever
  • An unexpected adventure during a vacation
  • The most relaxing vacation I’ve had
  • A family road trip
  • A visit to a place I've always wanted to go
  • An unforgettable experience at a resort
  • Exploring nature on a camping trip
  • The funniest moment on vacation
  • A cultural experience in a new city
  • The day I got lost on vacation

Narrative Essay Topics About Happy Moments

  • The happiest day of my life
  • A time I felt really proud of myself
  • A moment of pure joy with family
  • A celebration I'll never forget
  • Achieving a goal I worked hard for
  • A surprise that made me smile
  • The day I made a new friend
  • A happy memory with my pet
  • A time I helped someone and felt happy
  • A fun day at the park

Narrative Essay Topics About Pets

  • The day I got my first pet
  • A funny incident with my pet
  • Training my pet
  • The adventures of my pet and me
  • A time my pet comforted me
  • A day in the life of my pet
  • My pet's quirky habits
  • A time my pet saved the day
  • How my pet changed my life
  • A special bond with my pet

Narrative Essay Topics About Favorite Places

  • My favorite place in my hometown
  • A visit to a place of historical significance
  • A place where I feel at peace
  • The most beautiful place i've ever seen
  • A hidden gem I discovered
  • My favorite place to hang out with friends
  • A place that holds special memories
  • The best vacation spot i've been to
  • A place I visit when I need inspiration
  • A place that makes me feel happy

How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay?

Choosing the right topic for your narrative essay can be a daunting task. Before you start writing, it is important to invest some time in researching and brainstorming. 

Here are a few tips to help guide you in selecting an interesting and engaging narrative essay topic: 

  • Reflect on Your Personal Experiences: If you are writing about a personal narrative topic, consider the impactful moments in your life and think about experiences that have left a strong impression on you.
  • Identify a Clear Message or Theme: Determine the central idea or theme of your narrative. Decide what lesson, insight, or emotion you want to convey.
  • Engage Your Audience: Consider your target audience and what will resonate with them. Choose a topic that captures their interest and keeps them engaged.
  • Play with Different Perspectives: Explore the option of incorporating different viewpoints. Combining personal and external perspectives can add depth to your narrative.
  • Test Your Idea: Get feedback from a friend or classmate. Assess if your chosen topic is likely to resonate with your audience.
  • Stay True to Your Voice: Balance considering your audience with being authentic. Let your unique voice and storytelling style shine through in your writing

Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Once you have selected a topic for your narrative essay, it is time to start writing. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you write your story: 

  • Start with a Strong Hook: Begin your narrative essay with a captivating hook, such as an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description. 
  • Follow a Clear Structure: Organize your narrative essay outline with a clear structure. Most narratives follow a chronological order, but you can also use flashbacks or nonlinear storytelling when it serves your narrative. 
  • Build Tension and Conflict:  Create tension and conflict in your narrative to add depth and maintain reader engagement. Whether it's a personal struggle, a moral dilemma, or an external challenge, these obstacles will keep readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
  • Revise and Edit:  After completing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your work. Review it for grammar and spelling errors, but also examine the overall structure and flow of your narrative.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice:  Like any form of writing, improving your narrative essay skills takes practice. Keep writing and experimenting with different topics, styles, and approaches to develop your storytelling abilities.

Before you start writing, make sure you read some narrative essay examples to learn how to organize your thoughts and structure your story.

In summary, no matter the type of essay you are writing about, you need a topic to start with. Our collection of narrative essay topics offers fresh, distinct ideas. 

These topics are crafted to ignite your creativity and captivate your audience. They cover a diverse range of experiences, making it easier for you to connect with your readers on a personal level.

Still, struggling to write a compelling narrative essay? MyPerfectWords.com  is here to help you out!

We stand as the most reliable narrative essay writing service with a specialized focus on crafting exceptional essays designed for high school and college students. Our customer support team is also available 24/7, request write my essays online whenever you need assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are narrative essay topics different from other essay types.

FAQ Icon

Narrative essay topics are usually based on personal experiences, so they are more emotional and creative than other types of essays. Also, they are often more open-ended, so you have more freedom to choose what to write about. 

Where can I find good narrative essay topics?

There are a few ways to find good topics for your narrative essay. You can look through books or magazines for ideas, or search online for inspiration. You can also brainstorm with friends or family members to come up with ideas. 

What do I write a narrative essay about?

You can write a narrative essay about anything, but it is usually based on personal experience. Try to recall interesting incidents from your life to develop a narrative about. 

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Caleb S.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Get Help

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Narrative essay

Narrative Essay Writing

Narrative Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

16 min read

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

narrative essay topic ideas

People also read

How to Write a Narrative Essay in Simple Steps

20+ Top Narrative Essay Examples by Experts

Personal Narrative Essay - Easy Guide & Examples

Share this article

Unlike other forms of academic writing, narrative essays focus on personal experiences, anecdotes, and reflections. They aim to engage readers through vivid storytelling, allowing them to connect emotionally with the narrative. 

However, finding the right topic can sometimes be challenging. 

In this guide, we'll look into the narrative essay topic examples, explore various themes, and provide valuable tips to help you choose the perfect topic for your narrative essay.

Let’s jump in!

On This Page On This Page -->

Narrative Essay Topics for Students

If you're a student, you probably have to write an essay at some point. Getting an interesting topic idea is not easy. We have gathered some essay topics for different academic levels to help you with the task.

Let's dive right into the narrative essay topics list without any delay.

Narrative Essay Topics For University Students

  • The worst interview of your life 
  • A time when you discovered something precious 
  • A time when you were insulted or disrespected
  • A time you discovered one of your skills
  • The moment when your loved one was hurt 
  • The moment when your best friend had an accident 
  • The day your father caught you smoking 
  • A mistake that taught you something significant 
  • An action you thought would help the person but got you in trouble.
  • The moment when someone else's experience saved your life 
  • The time when you underestimated a junior
  • How has practicing helped you become a professional?
  • The time when your beliefs were shaken
  • An event that made you feel sorry about a person
  • The time when you had to let go of one of your most important things

Narrative Essay Topics For College Students

  • First experience of living in a hostel
  • The worst roommate ever
  • Frightening memory of your childhood
  • Why you chose a specific major
  • What studying in a dream college feels like?
  • The most healthy part of your routine
  • The time you inspired someone
  • What should you tell your younger self?
  • Your favorite author and his work that you most relate to
  • A moment when your joke offended your friend

Narrative Essay Topics For Grade 12

  • Your favorite activities in your leisure time
  • How you overcome your fears
  • The hardest thing you did in life
  • What regrets do you have in life?
  • Your biggest motivation to score well in academics
  • Share a cherished family tradition and its impact on you.
  • Recall a moment where you stood up for your beliefs.
  • Discuss a tough decision and its impact on your character.
  • Explore a memory that highlights the value of friendship.
  • Reflect on a book, movie, or art that shaped your perspective.
  • Overcome a setback or failure and what you learned.

Narrative Essay Topics High School

  • The most interesting summer school memory 
  • The moment when you saw your favorite actor in real life 
  • The first time you helped a needy person
  • How you became friends with your best friend 
  • A person who left a deep influence on you 
  • The day when you became a class representative 
  • Your first speech on the stage
  • Your first term paper
  • Your favorite high school student’s profession 
  • The first time you stood up for something you believed in

Narrative Essay Topics For Grade 10

  • A time when you had to stand up for something you believed in
  • The most significant challenge you have faced in your life so far
  • A moment that changed your life forever
  • A decision that you regret making and what you learned from it
  • A person who has had a significant impact on your life
  • A time when you learned an important life lesson through a mistake you made
  • A trip that you will never forget
  • A time when you felt like you had to prove yourself to someone
  • A moment when you felt like giving up, but you pushed through anyway
  • An experience that helped you discover something new about yourself.

Narrative Essay Topics For Grade 9

  • A time when you overcame a fear
  • The most memorable day of your life
  • A difficult decision you had to make
  • The first time you tried something new
  • A moment when you learned an important life lesson
  • An experience that changed your perspective on something
  • A time when you made a mistake and what you learned from it
  • A memorable trip you went on
  • The first time you fell in love with a hobby or activity
  • A moment when you felt proud of yourself for overcoming a challenge.

Narrative Essay Topics For Class 7

  • My favorite sibling
  • Betrayal in friendship
  • Why is television so important in your life?
  • A hobby of yours that you recently adopted
  • The most memorable farewell
  • A memorable encounter with a new friend
  • The day when you became a class representative
  • Your dream college
  • Your favorite profession

Narrative Essay Topics For Class 6

  • The time when you underestimated a junior 
  • The time when your beliefs were shaken 
  • An event that made you feel sorry about a person 
  • The time when you had to let go of one of your most important things 
  • Your favorite activities in your leisure time 
  • The most adventurous thing you've ever done
  • Your biggest motivation to score well in academics 

Narrative Essay Topics For Grade 5

  • Your first day at school
  • Your favorite teacher 
  • Your best winter vacations
  • The happiest day of your life
  • Your best birthday ever
  • The moment when you got lost in a mall 
  • The most painful injury 
  • Your first pet
  • The feeling of losing loved ones
  • The hardest goodbye 

Order Essay

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Short Narrative Essay Topics

  • Exploring family traditions
  • Narrating standing up for beliefs
  • Recounting a tough decision
  • Reflecting on the value of friendship
  • Sharing shaping perspectives
  • Reflecting on overcoming failure
  • Revisiting meaningful places
  • Delving into a social passion
  • Narrating stepping out of comfort zones
  • Reflecting on influential role models

Best Narrative Essay Topics

  • An unexpected act of kindness
  • A transformative travel experience
  • The day everything changed
  • Lessons learned from failure
  • A secret that changed everything
  • Discovering my passion
  • The power of forgiveness
  • A moment of serendipity
  • Conquering my greatest fear
  • Lessons from a cultural exchange

Topics For Narrative Essays on Themes

Narrative essay themes contain a range of subjects and ideas that serve as the central focus or underlying message of the narrative. These themes often reflect aspects of human experience, emotions, relationships, and societal issues. 

Here are some common narrative essay themes and their topic ideas:

Childhood Memories Narrative Essay Topics

  • My favorite toy from childhood
  • Exploring my grandparents' house
  • Building forts and imaginary worlds
  • The day I lost my first tooth
  • Baking cookies with my mom
  • Playing hide and seek in the neighborhood
  • My first pet and our adventures together
  • Celebrating holidays with family traditions
  • Exploring nature in my backyard
  • The joy of making new friends in kindergarten

Life Lessons Narrative Essay Topics 

  • Overcoming stage fright during a school performance
  • Finding strength through a sports injury
  • Learning patience through gardening
  • Embracing change after moving to a new city
  • The value of empathy in understanding others
  • Discovering inner courage during a difficult decision
  • The power of forgiveness in healing relationships
  • Finding beauty in imperfection and embracing flaws
  • The rewards of volunteer work and helping others
  • Overcoming self-doubt through creative expression

Personal Growth Narrative Essay Topics 

  • Exploring my cultural heritage through food and traditions
  • Overcoming language barriers in a foreign country
  • Finding confidence through public speaking
  • Rediscovering creativity through art and music
  • Exploring new career paths and passions
  • Finding balance between work, family, and self-care
  • Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships
  • The journey of self-discovery through traveling alone
  • Overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing personal power
  • Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-respect

Relationships Narrative Essay Topics 

  • The bond between siblings: shared adventures and conflicts
  • Lessons learned from a long-distance friendship
  • Reconnecting with an estranged family member
  • The influence of a childhood teacher on personal development
  • Building trust and communication in romantic relationships
  • Exploring the dynamics of multigenerational relationships
  • Navigating friendships through life transitions
  • Overcoming misunderstandings and repairing relationships
  • The role of pets in family dynamics and emotional support
  • Exploring the meaning of unconditional love through relationships

Social Issues Narrative Essay Topics

  • Empowering youth through education and mentorship
  • Exploring access to healthcare in underserved communities
  • Addressing mental health stigma and promoting awareness
  • Bridging the digital divide: access to technology and information
  • The impact of climate change on local communities
  • Exploring racial justice and equity in society
  • Overcoming barriers to LGBTQ+ equality and acceptance
  • Supporting refugees and building inclusive communities
  • The importance of intersectional feminism in social justice movements
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in educational settings

Personal Narrative Topics 

A personal narrative essay is a type of essay in which the writer shares a personal story, experience, or event from their own life. In this section, we will look into some different personal narrative ideas: 

Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics

  • Overcoming a fear of public speaking
  • The day I conquered my greatest phobia
  • Learning to embrace vulnerability and authenticity
  • A life-changing encounter with a stranger
  • Navigating a crossroads: choosing between passion and stability
  • Finding resilience through adversity
  • The transformative power of self-reflection
  • Lessons learned from a failed business venture
  • Exploring the joys and challenges of parenthood
  • Overcoming cultural barriers in pursuit of personal growth

Personal Narrative Essay About Friendship

  • The unlikely friendship that changed my life
  • Weathering storms together: the strength of true friendship
  • Navigating the ups and downs of high school friendships
  • From strangers to soulmates: a journey of friendship
  • The power of empathy in strengthening friendships
  • Exploring cultural differences through friendship
  • The art of forgiveness: repairing broken friendships
  • Lessons learned from a childhood best friend
  • Finding support and laughter in friendships across generations
  • Celebrating diversity: embracing friendship beyond borders

Personal Narrative Stories Ideas on Traveling and Holidays

  • A solo journey to self-discovery
  • Living with locals in a foreign land
  • Traveling alone to remote destinations
  • Exploring culinary delights around the world
  • The joy of spontaneity
  • A holiday to remember
  • Traveling through time
  • From backpacker to business class
  • Discovering hidden gems off the beaten path
  • Family road trips

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

  • Lost in a parallel universe: A journey through time
  • The last survivors of a post-apocalyptic world
  • A magical creature's quest for home
  • The secret society of time travelers
  • Escaping from a dystopian society
  • Adventures in a virtual reality game
  • Discovering a hidden portal to another dimension
  • The mystery of the abandoned spaceship
  • Guardians of the enchanted forest
  • A quest for the legendary artifact of power

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

  • How a childhood book shaped my imagination
  • Learning to read and write in a second language
  • Discovering the power of poetry through personal experience
  • The influence of storytelling in family traditions
  • Overcoming dyslexia: My journey to literacy
  • Exploring literary classics through different cultural lenses
  • The impact of technology on reading habits
  • The role of libraries in nurturing a love for reading
  • Finding my voice through creative writing workshops
  • Using literature to navigate life's challenges

First-Person Narrative Essay Ideas

  • My journey through a haunted house on Halloween night
  • A day in the life of a street performer in New York City
  • Surviving a wilderness adventure in the Rocky Mountains
  • Exploring the abandoned mansion at the edge of town
  • My experience as a volunteer in a refugee camp
  • Racing against time: My first marathon experience
  • Finding love in unexpected places: A summer romance
  • The night I spent stranded on a deserted island
  • Becoming a detective for a day: Solving a mystery in my neighborhood
  • My encounter with a UFO: An unforgettable extraterrestrial experience

Funny Narrative Essay Topics

  • The misadventures of my clumsy pet cat
  • Embarrassing moments during family gatherings
  • My hilarious attempt at learning a new dance
  • Surviving a disastrous cooking experiment in the kitchen
  • The comedy of errors: my unforgettable road trip
  • Accidentally sending a funny text to the wrong person
  • The day I accidentally wore mismatched shoes to school
  • My awkward encounter with a celebrity lookalike
  • The unintentional pranks I played on April Fools' Day
  • When auto-correct turns texting into a comedy show

Tips to Choose the Right Narrative Essay Topic

When selecting a narrative essay topic, consider the following tips:

  • Authenticity: Choose topics that align with your personal experiences and values.
  • Relevance: Select topics that are relevant and meaningful to your intended audience.
  • Engagement: Opt for topics that are engaging and thought-provoking, sparking curiosity and empathy in readers.
  • Scope: Ensure that the topic allows for sufficient depth and exploration within the confines of a narrative essay.

If you want to get an idea of writing a narrative essay, visit our narrative essay examples blog and get access to free PDF examples.

Summing it up!

Essays provide a unique opportunity to share personal experiences, insights, and reflections with readers. By choosing the right topic and crafting a compelling narrative, you can engage and inspire your audience. 

Remember to infuse your writing with authenticity, emotion, and vivid detail to create narratives that resonate long after they're read. 

If you find yourself short on time or unsure where to begin, seeking professional assistance is always an option. The custom essay writing service at CollegeEssay.org is here to help you with your writing needs. 

Additionally, don't forget to try our essay writer AI tool for further assistance!

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

narrative essay topic ideas

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

topics for personal narrative essay

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • 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 .

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

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.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

  • Choosing Essay Topic
  • Write a College Essay
  • Write a Diversity Essay
  • College Essay Format & Structure
  • Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/narrative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write an expository essay, how to write a descriptive essay | example & tips, how to write your personal statement | strategies & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

  • How It Works
  • PhD thesis writing
  • Master thesis writing
  • Bachelor thesis writing
  • Dissertation writing service
  • Dissertation abstract writing
  • Thesis proposal writing
  • Thesis editing service
  • Thesis proofreading service
  • Thesis formatting service
  • Coursework writing service
  • Research paper writing service
  • Architecture thesis writing
  • Computer science thesis writing
  • Engineering thesis writing
  • History thesis writing
  • MBA thesis writing
  • Nursing dissertation writing
  • Psychology dissertation writing
  • Sociology thesis writing
  • Statistics dissertation writing
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Cheap thesis
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Pay for thesis
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Senior thesis
  • Write my thesis

249 Personal Narrative Ideas

249 Personal Narrative Ideas

A personal narrative essay is based on stories, experiences, events, memories, and interactions. Hence, while writing, you need to write in the first person.

While on it, you need to think about epic moments in your life, memorable things, and things that entertained you along the way. It also acts as a way to evaluate some great experiences and special moments you had with your friends or relatives. While on it, try to know your audience and consider what they will feel while reading your narrative essay. Additionally, it should have a sort of emotional influence on the audience Therefore, try to be as descriptive as possible.

This should make the reader feel like they were there with you. This article will provide some great personal narrative ideas and how to structure one.

A Personal Narrative Writing Piece Structure

Just like any other type of essay, it needs to have an introduction, body, and conclusion. You also need to know how to think of ideas for a personal narrative.

Before Starting Try to remember the story that you want to give and create a draft of how you will phrase the story. Also, try to figure out the words that you will use to make your narrative interesting. The preparation process is essential. However, try not to overthink. Introduction The introduction should provide an overview of what to expect. Try your best to explain your view of the topic and what the essay will entail. In addition, try your best to use the introductory paragraphs to get the reader’s attention. Just be creative enough to make them want to read more. Body The body should provide a clear idea of what happened. You can creatively show the events by importance. Moreover, try to structure the story in a way that everything flows from one thing to another. Try to use transitional words to connect various sentences. In addition, use the correct sentence structure for easy readability. Conclusion The conclusion paragraph should entail a summary of the story. This can be in terms of the lesson gotten, why the experience was memorable, and key takeaways. However, be cautious to ensure everything you write here is related to the essay. Once you are done, read the essay and remove or add what seems important for the essay.

You can release yourself from a long writing process and pay attention to more important or joyful activities. Buy dissertation online and our experts will guarantee you perfect result and good mood.

Impressive Personal Narrative Ideas

Are you looking for the best personal narrative prompts? You can start with these. They are mostly geared to understanding your personal experience in different activities.

  • Describe how you overcame your greatest fear.
  • Evaluate your greatest experiences of courage.
  • Evaluate any major mistakes you have made and the lessons learned.
  • The importance of new experiences in our lives.
  • The importance of first work experiences to individuals.
  • A professor you will never forget.
  • Evaluate any dangerous experience you’ve ever had.
  • The most epic experience that happened to you when young.
  • The feeling of losing a friend.
  • How to deal with grief.
  • The best way to learn a new skill.
  • An embarrassing experience that happened to you.
  • The importance of taking part in extracurricular activities.
  • The thrill of attending a sporting event.
  • The thrill of attending a concert.
  • The importance of helping people in need.
  • How does it feel to learn a secret?
  • The family member with whom you have the greatest bond.
  • An inspiration class in your life.

Personal Narrative Writing Prompts

How has your life been from the start? These personal narrative writing prompts will help you to remember the best memories of childhood and school.

  • The worst moment in which you felt scared and alone.
  • Your best vacation experience.
  • The best strategy to use to make friends.
  • Your first day at a new school with new classmates.
  • Your experience of making new friends in a new school.
  • The most enjoyable festive season in your life.
  • The best birthday celebration in your life.
  • The most painful lesson you have ever learned.
  • Your major life fears.
  • An experience when a stranger helped you.
  • The best day of your life.
  • The most tragic event in your life.
  • Your experience with socializing with a new pet.
  • The best way you dealt with a natural disaster
  • A time you found yourself in issues and was called to see the principal.
  • A hard depression experience you would want to forget.
  • The outcome of a serious argument with someone.
  • The result of someone treating you unfairly.
  • Your first skiing experience.

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas

Do you want to get high grades? You can consider any of these personal narrative essay ideas for a start. They are the best topics that you can use in college.

  • Your best cooking experience.
  • How does it feel to help a stranger?
  • The impact of racial prejudice.
  • Have you ever misjudged someone? How did it feel?
  • The best beach experience in your life.
  • The best present you have ever experienced.
  • The negative result of getting an injury.
  • Your first experience driving a car.
  • Your first experience driving a tractor.
  • The negative and positive effects of ending a relationship.
  • The negative and positive effects of starting a relationship.
  • Your first plane trip.
  • How did you feel after using an airplane for the first time?
  • How does it feel to meet a stranger?
  • The best trip you have ever gone on.
  • The negative effects of being punished from a personal experience.
  • The importance of learning a life lesson.
  • Your favorite hiking experience.
  • The importance of hiking and having nature walks often.

Best Ideas for A Personal Narrative

While at school, you need to provide professional work that will help you to get top-notch grades. As students, you should always strive to get the best grades of all-time in college, high school, or university.

  • Your experience when you learned some deep truth about someone.
  • A tradition that surprised you.
  • How circumstances can change some cultures.
  • The most evident food traditions in your family.
  • Your cultural identity.
  • How culture defines someone and their personality.
  • How did it feel to take part in an argument?
  • Dealing with a bully.
  • The repercussion of a person who commits suicide to the family.
  • Your experience after graduating from high school.
  • The effects of being involved in a car accident.
  • The negative effects of humiliation.
  • The importance of different acts of charity.
  • How did it feel to help a friend?
  • The negative effects of school fights.
  • How did you feel when someone got beat up at school?
  • Has a doctor ever neglected your health condition?
  • A tough decision, you have ever made.
  • A total stranger that changed your life completely.
  • A person’s deeds that amazed you.

Personal Narrative Ideas High School

The experiences in high school are numerous. You should spend your high school trying new hobbies, sports, and forming valuable friendships.

  • A day that you will never forget.
  • The impact of failing in a class.
  • The experience when you helped to save someone’s life
  • An experience when you were sick at school.
  • How did it feel when you failed in your best subject at school?
  • A day that you would wish to live again.
  • The emotions that crowd your mind when you fail an exam.
  • The experience in a haunted house.
  • The happiness that comes with winning a prize.
  • Your first job experience.
  • The experience when you got a flat tire.
  • How do you spend your free time?
  • The hobbies you are highly invested in.
  • Your first police encounter.
  • Your experience in an emergency room.
  • The impact of going for internships.
  • The craziest party in your childhood.
  • Your worst emotional experience
  • Your worst physical pain experience.
  • How do you control your emotions?

Personal Narrative Topic Ideas

Are you good at narratives? You can use any of these personal narrative topic ideas to remember some great experiences that you had in the past.

  • Your most memorable dream in childhood.
  • The best subject you cared about in high school.
  • The worst humiliation experience.
  • Has someone ever been humiliated before you?
  • Your after school hobby when young.
  • The best experience with your best friend.
  • The greatest school achievement.
  • The best hobby that you like.
  • Write about a close friend that you lost touch with completely.
  • A conversation you had that changed your perception of things.
  • The influence of your dad on you.
  • A productive business relationship you have ever had.
  • The best motivation that you like.
  • As you grow up, your circle of friends also changes, how’s the experience?
  • How does it feel to make an entirely new group of friends?
  • The best way to share experiences and build relationships.
  • The most illegal experience you have ever had.
  • The most cowardly act you have ever observed.
  • Explain the morals brought forth by the police teachers and parents.
  • Something’s that has ever undermined your morality.

Personal Narrative Writing Ideas

You need to be creative with these personal narrative writing ideas to write your best essay. However, if you can’t remember an incident, you can still try to be creative and formulate a good experience.

  • How the government should deal with homeless people.
  • Write about abandoning your responsibility to take part in a hobby.
  • Evaluate your talent development.
  • Do you think your favorite hobby should be taught in school?
  • What are your most heartfelt interests?
  • Your obsession over something.
  • Why do some parents overlook some hobbies?
  • Do you think your hobby can help you to get a job?
  • The most memorable inspiration in your life.
  • A movie inspiration that made you do great things.
  • The best thing you have ever done for someone.
  • Your best book.
  • Your best book character inspiration.
  • The steps were taken by successful people to reach success.
  • The most successful person that inspires you
  • Where do you derive your inspiration from?
  • One of the most insignificant events that have greatly inspired you.
  • Have you ever felt that you could do something better than someone else?
  • The worst betrayal you have ever experienced.
  • How to aim higher for better results.

Personal Narrative Ideas College

The beauty of these research topics is that you are not limited to the kind of things that you can write. It is your story and experiences. Hence, no one can judge you about what you write.

  • An experience where you expected to fail an exam, but you ended up passing.
  • The best way to prepare for exams.
  • The one time you felt your professor was wrong about a certain concept.
  • The best lecture that has ever inspired you.
  • Are your lecturers and professors open to discussions?
  • How did you kick-start your college life?
  • Do you think college is a great place to fulfill your lifelong dreams?
  • How to have the best experiences in college.
  • The best partying experience in college.
  • Reality shows that you would want to be part of.
  • If you could turn back time, where would you travel back to?
  • Which superpower would you want to have while in college?
  • If you were a movie director, which movie would you make?
  • If you were the best-selling musician, how would you go about making a successful album ever?
  • One of your best museum experiences.
  • Your first trip experience abroad.
  • Your best food experience.
  • The experience of your favorite rock bands at one of the most memorable venues.
  • A book that changed your opinion of certain things.
  • Relation between your favorite superheroes.

Personal Narrative Ideas For High School

High school should be one of the most exciting experiences for you. This is because you get to grow, get new experiences, and form new bonds. Here are some topics that you can use for your essay.

  • The best school experiences.
  • Your experience graduating from high school.
  • Your favorite teacher.
  • What do you do after school?
  • The craziest thing that happened to you after prom night.
  • A shocking incident in high school.
  • The best way to rehearse for the drama competitions.
  • How do you prepare for a debate competition?
  • How to travel to school through bad weather.
  • How did you spend a day when school was canceled?
  • Your least favorite class.
  • The worst experience failing a class.
  • The worst experience getting caught cheating.
  • The best tips on how to top a class.
  • Your favorite subjects.
  • Your first day at high school.
  • The most memorable time in high school.
  • The best moment in high school.
  • The toughest decision you have ever made in high school.
  • The moment that changed your life in high school.

Personal Narrative Ideas For Middle School

Being in middle school teaches you a lot. These are some of the best personal narrative ideas for middle school. They are simple, straightforward, and straightforward.

  • The biggest surprise in your life.
  • The most memorable holiday in your family.
  • The biggest fear you had in middle school.
  • A situation you thought things would get worse.
  • Your first day at school.
  • Your favorite meal at school.
  • A fight with your best friend.
  • How you got your first pet.
  • The unique family tradition that you have.
  • Your experience being called to the dean’s office.
  • The worst conflict with your father.
  • A memorable wedding you will never forget.
  • Your favorite childhood memory.
  • The worst betrayal experience.
  • The best life accomplishment.
  • Your favorite theater movie.
  • How you lost your faith in humanity.
  • The best space planet you would want to travel to.
  • Your experience as a tornado.
  • A trip you will never forget.

Good Ideas For A Personal Narrative Essay

Finding a good topic can take you time. Here are some good ideas for a personal narrative essay. You won’t regret using any of these topics.

  • How your creativity can save the day.
  • The best guide on how to dance at parties.
  • Things to do while waiting in line.
  • If given a billion dollars, how would you spend it in a day?
  • A dream that came true and changed your life.
  • An experience that made you almost die.
  • The most important experience in your digital life.
  • The most random way you have ever made a friend.
  • How is partying destructive?
  • Your worst experience with alcohol.
  • Has math ever saved your life?
  • The importance of self-control.
  • Have you ever been a leader at least once in your life?
  • The importance of a competitive nature when playing a sport.
  • Discuss your superstitions.
  • Assumptions people have about you.
  • The most daring experience you have ever had.
  • The worst risk you have ever taken?
  • Pressure on women to have ideal bodies.
  • The purposes of the feminist movement.

Interesting Personal Narrative Ideas

Do you love narrating your personal experiences? Well, these topics will play a big role in that. Just ensure you creatively explain your narrative well.

  • The importance of gender education at school.
  • A moment that changed your life.
  • An experience growing up in the countryside.
  • The best experiences while growing up in the city.
  • A disastrous trip you experienced.
  • Have you ever risked your life for someone?
  • An accident you experienced.
  • The impact of losing a precious object.
  • Do you think you are a special person?
  • Your first job interview experience.
  • Visiting a park for the first time.
  • A visit to Disney world.
  • The earliest birthday party that you recall.
  • A memorable incident when you were younger.
  • Your earliest childhood memory.
  • An incident that involved your crush.
  • How did your first romantic relationship start?
  • How would life be if you never met your best friend?
  • Your favorite movie that defines relationships.
  • Have you ever fixed a broken friendship?

Good Personal Narrative Topics

Life is full of exciting stuff to do. Hence, you can use these personal narrative topics to give your story.

  • A moment you had to cover for your friend
  • The first time you got into a fight with a friend.
  • Getting in trouble with a close friend.
  • Your relationship with your friend’s pet.
  • Ever been in a position you needed to choose between friends?
  • Your favorite holiday and festival.
  • A trip home for Easter.
  • The scariest Halloween.
  • The best family holiday traditions.
  • A foreign cultural event you won’t ever forget.
  • How it feels spending a holiday alone.
  • Your first experience traveling yourself.

Get The Best Personal Narrative Idea

These are some of the best personal narrative ideas that you can ever use. They are elaborative, simple, straightforward, and exciting to write about. If you are not comfortable with your writing, you can always pay for thesis online. Our rates are cheap, and you will get your work fast.

ethics paper topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

Narrative Essay Topics Featured

  • Scriptwriting

Narrative Essay Topics — Prompts & Ideas For All Grade Levels

N arrative essays can present a serious challenge for even the most seasoned of writers, but fear not, we’ve compiled some great narrative essay topics to inspire your next paper! Follow along as we explore prompts relating to life, school, and more. By the end, you’ll be prepared to tackle narrative essays from a variety of different angles.

Good Narrative Topics

What is a narrative essay.

Before we jump into our narrative essay topics, we have to first answer the question: what is a narrative essay ? A narrative essay is a prose-written story that’s focused on the commentary of a central theme.

Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV , and are usually about a topic that’s personal to the writer.

Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

For more on narrative essays, check out this video on literacy narrative topics and structure:

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas  •  Narrative Essay Titles

In the world of literature, narrative essays are held to a rigorous structure. We’re not going to enforce that rigor here! So, follow along as we (hopefully) inspire you with a variety of narrative essay topics and argument essay ideas. 

Narrative Ideas

Narrative essay ideas for kids.

Narrative essay topics for kids usually focus on family, school, and friends.

Here are some easy narrative essay topics that work well for kids:

  • Describe your most recent birthday party.
  • Tell the story of your first day of school.
  • Who is your best friend?
  • Have you ever helped others?
  • Describe your favorite animal(s)
  • What is your dream for the future?

This next video from “Teaching Without Frills” explores narrative essay topics for kids in further detail. 

Narrative Essay Ideas  •  Titles of narrative essays

Sometimes it can help to visualize narrative essay topics with pictures, especially for younger kids. If you’re a teacher, consider using pictures to inspire your students!

Narrative essay ideas for teens

Middle school and high school students are often asked to write narrative essays too. But whereas narrative essay topics for elementary school students are usually structured around simple, positive topics, narrative essay topics for teens are generally more contemplative.

Here are some personal narrative essay topics that work well for teens:

  • Describe a moment of loss.
  • Describe a moment of serenity.
  • Recount the story of a lost friend.
  • Detail your greatest creation.
  • Tell the story of your favorite teacher.
  • How would you change the world?

Remember: not every person has the same circumstances as others. That's why they're called personal narrative essay topics.

It’s important to frame narrative essay topics for kids in a way that every kid can relate. For example: the prompt “a lost friend” could mean a friend who moved away or a dead pet. Make sure to word your prompts in such a way that participants can glean their own interpretation.

Related Posts

  • What is a Narrative? →
  • What is Narrative in Film? →
  • FREE: The Ultimate Storyboard Creator →

Narrative Essay Ideas

Narrative essay ideas for young adults.

Young adults are sometimes asked to write narrative essays for school and or job applications. Narrative essay reviewers typically want to see writers demonstrate maturity and growth in their work. As such, their questions are generally structured around challenges and problem management.

Here are some narrative argument essay topics for young adults:

  • Have you ever failed at your job?
  • If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be?
  • What is something you take pride in?
  • Describe your childhood.
  • How will you grow this year?
  • What is the most important element of success?

Of course, the topics above are mostly focused on success and failure. Young adults can certainly respond to the other prompts too!

Narrative essay ideas for adults

Adults aren’t generally tasked with writing narrative essays unless they’re writers. But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are a lot of positives to writing narrative essays, whether you’re a literary professor or a wrestler looking to articulate your thoughts.

So, here are some things to write a narrative essay about for adults:

  • What was your worst job?
  • What (or who) was your first love?
  • Who do you take care of?
  • What is your most prized possession?
  • If you could tell somebody who’s now gone from your life one thing, what would it be?
  • Paint a picture of where you find peace.

Narrative essay titles Easy narrative essay topics

Narrative essay titles  •  Easy narrative essay topics

In recent years, companies have been selling books with narrative essay prompts for adults (particularly elderly adults) to reflect on their lives.

Creative Writing Prompts & Exercises

Now that you're brainstorming good titles for personal narrative, time to learn about other forms of creating writing. A narrative essay is just one type of essay – there are dozens more! In our next article, we break down more creative writing prompts and exercises, including those suited to fantasy, romance, horror, and more. By the end, you’ll know a ton of different ways to approach your next story.

Up Next: Creative Writing Exercises →

Write and produce your scripts all in one place..

Write and collaborate on your scripts FREE . Create script breakdowns, sides, schedules, storyboards, call sheets and more.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Pricing & Plans
  • Product Updates
  • Featured On
  • StudioBinder Partners
  • Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets
  • How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
  • The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
  • Managing Your Film Budget Cashflow & PO Log (Free Template)
  • A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet
  • Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
  • Movie Magic Scheduling
  • Gorilla Software
  • Storyboard That

A visual medium requires visual methods. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques.

We’re in a golden age of TV writing and development. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? We’re here to help.

  • Making It: From Pre-Production to Screen
  • What is Method Acting — 3 Different Types Explained
  • Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording: Audio Gear and Techniques
  • How to Make a Production Call Sheet From Start to Finish
  • What is Call Time in Production & Why It Matters
  • How to Make a Call Sheet in StudioBinder — Step by Step
  • 0 Pinterest

Top 20 Personal Narrative Essay Topics That Are Trending In 2020

Personal narrative essays tell a story- your story. It is an opportunity for you to share your experiences, specific events of your life or your perspective on a specific matter. After all, your supervisors expect you to write about things that you care about or that matter to you. Thus, the overall quality of your paper depends on the topic you choose. You may not have an interesting experience in a specific field. But, that shouldn't stop you from fetching higher grades in the paper. It all depends on your topic. So, here are the most trending personal narrative essay topics and ideas in 2020. Get some inspiration from these ideas and write your paper accordingly.

Trending Personal Narrative Essay Topics For College Students

It’s okay if you don’t have any idea about where to start while working on your essay. There are tons of students who face this issue. So, check out the most interesting personal narrative essay ideas that can help you write a great paper without any hassle.

  • Movies like Shoplifters and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas show the importance of loyalty and friendship. Tell us about a time in your life when friendship played an integral role.
  • It is often said that animals are the best friends of humans. Describe a phase of your life when this saying proved to be true.
  • Your first job requires you to move to a different new city. Describe the steps you will take to prepare for this move.
  • Pick a particular adjective that suits you. Justify your choice through a real story in your life.
  • It is often said that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Describe an experience where you misjudged someone or when someone misjudged you.
  • Dealing with disappointment or rejection tells a great deal about what is important to him or her. So, you can tell us about a time when you confronted disappointment and how you dealt with it.
  • Adolescents often promise themselves not to be like their parents when they grow up. However, we realize that there a lot of ways we are similar to our parents. Describe an experience when you felt you were behaving or reacting like your parent.
  • Significant life events such as a new job or the birth of a sibling have a major impact on us. Describe an event that had a considerable influence on you.
  • It is often said that you can't be hurt by things that you don't know. However, in reality, the opposite is what happens. Describe a time when you were hurt by something you didn’t know.
  • Parents are our first teachers. Describe a time when you learnt something valuable from your parents.
  • We often discover ourselves when we are forced to handle an unexpected situation. Describe a time when you too faced with something unexpected and what you learn from the process.
  • Preconceived notions are mostly false. Tell about a time in your life when you heard a preconceived notion about yourself and that turned out to be false.
  • Certain experiences in our life help us examine our basic beliefs and values. Tell about one of your experiences that helped you examine the same.
  • We have often talked about people who lost control and went beyond reason. Tell about such an experience along with the reasons.
  • We tend to get hold of some of our richest experiences by traveling. Tell me about such a memorable experience in your life.
  • Describe a time when you had to put yourself at risk to do something that was right.
  • We usually take nature for granted. Describe an experience that made you appreciate the natural world.
  • Most of us have to make certain hard decisions throughout our lives. Describe a time when you had to make such a tough decision.
  • Describe an experience that helped you to understand another person better and without any biases.
  • We all are afraid of something or the other. Describe an experience where you were forced to face your deepest fears. What did you do? How did you overcome the fear?

Try getting some inspiration from these ideas and start writing your narrative essay. Besides an impressive topic, you should also be aware of the basic personal narrative essay structure. Feel free to consult with your teachers if you are still confused about which topic to use and how. Now let’s take a look at how to write a personal narrative essay.

3 Simple Tips To Craft An Impressive Personal Narrative Essay

The most interesting thing about a personal narrative essay is that it gives vivid descriptions to the readers so that they can reach the right conclusion. You can try rate my paper tool to rate your writing work online. However, you must follow these three major tips to write a well-structured essay that is appealing to your readers.

1. Decide The Purpose of Your Essay First

Does this essay help you earn a scholarship? If so, then what is the background or the main theme of the scholarship community you have applied for? Is this essay going to help you land your dream job after graduation? Unpack the purpose of your narrative essay to put the right information in it according to the expectations of your seniors.

2. Uncover The Main Point in The Thesis Statement

Tell your readers whatever it is you have decided to convey through your essay. The context of your essay should be clear right in the thesis statement. Include a strong main point relevant to your topic in the opening paragraph of your essay.

3. Construct Your Story

Introduce each character of your story and develop the characters as you proceed with the body paragraphs. Bring your thesis statement to life and make your essay memorable. Include as many details as you can to enhance the authenticity of your essay.

Like all other essays, a personal narrative essay also consists of three main elements- introduction, body, and conclusion. Organize your details logically throughout the paper to get a perfectly well-written paper done on time. Check out examples of a personal narrative essay that are available online for better references.

Wrapping Up,

Do not forget to create a personal narrative essay outline before you start writing the paper. The outline can help you complete it on time and without any stress. Pick the topic from the ideas as shared above and write a perfect essay within your deadlines. Good Luck.

Need Help With Writing Personal Narrative Essays?

Our writers are here to help.

We have appointed some of the most eminent writers at Essaygator.com to take care of your personal narrative essays. Whether you need it to ace your scholarship program or for your academic tasks, our writers are right at your disposal. We are aware of the university guidelines and will write your essay accordingly. Trust and we bet you won’t be disappointed with our services. The benefits of availing our services are:

  • Quick turnaround time
  • Instant response
  • Ph.D. qualified and experienced essay writers
  • Reasonable charges
  • Impressive discounts

What are you waiting for? Our support team works round the clock for you. Get in touch with us if you have any queries regarding our services.

Do you want to share?

Post

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Air Pollution Essay

Everything You Need to Know about Writing a G..

topics for personal narrative essay

100 Best Nursing Research Paper Topics + Tips

60-Mind-Blowing-Essay-Topics-&-Ideas

60+ Mind-Blowing Essay Topics & Ideas

Post

List of Essay topic Suggestions for College S..

Process Of Choosing A Research Paper Topic

Nailing The Process Of Choosing A Research Pa..

60 Sociology Research Topics

60 Sociology Research Topics to Set the Ball ..

Leave a reply, place your order.

Get help to our Experts

Recent Posts

  publisher   November 14,2021

Critical analysis essay

  publisher   November 11,2021

How-To-Write-The-Perfect-Diagnostic-Essay

  publisher   October 27,2021

  publisher   October 25,2021

  publisher   September 30,2021

Math Assignment Help

Assignment Help

Homework Help

Essay Topics

Essay Format

Referencing And Citation

Dissertation Writing

Research Paper

Top Experts

expert

Popular Posts

Writing a Thank You Note to a Professor

  Admin   March 08,2016

Post

  publisher   April 30,2018

Creative-Writing-for-Students

  Admin   March 31,2016

symbolism in literary terms

  publisher   September 17,2020

Subscribe Newsletter

You can place your order for free now. Simply submit your order and see what our writers can Subscribe to get regular update!

Haven’t taken a decision yet?

Hurry! Time is running out. Place your order with us now and be the topper of your class.

Have any Query? Contact with us

Become a Writer Today

Narrative Essays: Examples And Topic Ideas For Students

Writing a narrative essay is a great way to share your life with others. Here, we’ll explore topics that will set you up to write a great narrative essay.

If you’re searching for a list of personal narrative essay topics, you’re likely writing a middle school, high school, or college essay. A personal narrative describes your life experience, usually from the first-person point of view.

There are many different approaches to take to writing a narrative essay. Good narrative essay topics are engaging and can be either serious or silly. A personal narrative is not an argument essay or a persuasive essay; rather, it tells a story from your point of view.

Narrative essay writers are constantly on the lookout for things that happen in their lives that teach a lesson, make a point, or tell a funny story. When brainstorming for the best topic for your narrative essay, think about something that happened in your life that you love sharing with others, and work to translate your story into written prose that will hook your readers.

Here, we’ll explore some of the best narrative essay topic examples and ideas, helping you get your writing started right.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers

IMAGE PRODUCT  
Grammarly
ProWritingAid

Narrative Essay Examples

1. the power of potstickers by lauren brown, 2. everyone should have a best friend 30 years older than them by lucy holden, 3. all it takes is a small act of kindness by maddie huiras, 4. a reflection on working in labor & delivery by dr. amos grunebaum, md, 5. pressures of being a first generation american-born citizen by helen bezikyan, narrative essay topic ideas, 1. your first day of high school, 2. how you met your best friend, 3. your best birthday party, 4. your favorite (or most difficult) childhood memory, 5. your most embarrassing moment, 6. how you made a difficult decision, 7. an act of kindness, 8. a tribute to your first pet.

Although I find the exact measurements of recipes comforting, I do my best to add a pinch of this and a dash of that in my meals every so often. It’s how I get to go outside my comfort zone every day. And I see in myself a newfound wisdom: it’s ok to go off the beaten path, you can experiment, compromise can lead to something new and beautiful. My mother’s cooking taught me that and I expect to bring that with me wherever I may go.

In this food-based tribute to her mother’s ingenuity, Brown discusses important family memories while sharing lessons from her mother that she now carries through everyday life. The combination of rich descriptive language with an explanation of how the experience of cooking with her mother shaped her life draws the reader in, helping them to feel like they’re in the kitchen with Brown and her mother.

In short, we adopted each other as confidants and met regularly to discuss life in general. He was more supportive than anyone else I met during the whole three years and stepped out of his remit to give me tailored advice that definitely helped me to get a job in journalism. It was clear from the start that he cared more about what was right for me than what was right for the university league tables, perhaps because he actually knew me. When I told him I was worried that the long days I was doing in the student newspaper office would take a toll on my degree, he told me I could get a first if I wanted one, but thought the student paper stuff would help my career much more. 

It can be hard to find a friend who knows you better than yourself, and Holden discusses that phenomenon in their essay on friendship. She discusses how her friend affected her life during their time together and how he affected her after being separated by distance. In this narrative essay, the author works to describe the feelings she experienced through the ups and downs of their friendship, writing about universal truths that all humans experience in relationships. 

Throughout his life, he had gotten used to dealing with Dyskeratosis congenita, and as life went on, he eventually developed cancer; but even while battling cancer, my dad showed kindness. In fact, on the night before he passed away, even though he knew he wouldn’t be with us for much longer, he tried his best to focus on the positive stuff. 

In this essay, Huiras reflects on the life and death of her father and celebrates his commitment to kindness to others throughout his life. While Huiras narrates the events that led to her father’s death, she also describes how his actions and character significantly affect her life, helping her grow into the woman she wants to be.

Labor & Delivery is getting tears in your eyes when you watch a couple you’ve connected with welcome their baby into the world. Even though you’ve just met and will likely never see each other again, there’s something special about sharing that experience that makes you feel like you’ve known each other forever. Labor & Delivery is a place full of opposites. A woman grieving a devastating loss can be in the room next door to a family celebrating a new addition and 14-year-old mother can be in the room next door to a 45-year-old mother. Regardless of the circumstances, each family that walks through the L&D doors will be forever changed.

In this essay on life behind the doors of the delivery room, Dr. Grunebaum shares what it’s like to both celebrate and grieve with families and how difficult it can be to manage both the chaos and joy that comes with the birth process. If you choose to write an essay about a process so personal as birth, leave out any details that could identify the people involved, as Grunebaum does in this essay. 

The struggles that come with having immigrant parents may include constant seeking of approval, always having to be responsible, as well as immigrant parents discussing the future that they may have already planned for their child. More often than not, immigrant parents constantly remind their child, or children that they expect big and great things from them in the future, which is part of why they came to this country.

In this essay, Bezikyan discusses the unique pressures of being a first-generation American-born citizen. In addition to offering her perspective, she also offers the opinions of others in similar circumstances. This helps to support her opinion and help others see the shared experience of people born to immigrant parents.

Narrative Essay Topics: Your first day of high school

Whether you’re a college or high school student, you likely remember your first day of high school—stepping away from middle school and becoming a young adult. The first day of high school is rife with emotion, and describing your experience can provide your reader with an interesting perspective on how you deal with transition and change.

When describing the big day, use details. Explain how you felt as you walked toward the door, how you felt when you struggled to find your classes, and what it was like opening your new locker for the first time. As you write, you may find it helpful to avoid technical details (like the minute-to-minute scheduling of your classes) and instead focus on unique or tough moments or how accomplished you felt by the end of the day.

Your best friend has been there for you through thick and thin, and writing about how the two of you met can be a fun narrative essay topic, no matter your age or writing level.

As you tell the story of how you met your best friend, describe how your connection grew over time. Perhaps you were thick as thieves right away, or you needed some time to realize that you’d met a lifelong friend. For some inspiration, reach out to your best friend and ask them what they remember from the day you met—it can be fun and fresh to get their perspective on how your first meeting went.

Birthdays are a time to celebrate, and writing about a particularly excellent birthday can be a great topic for your narrative essay. When discussing your best birthday party, include all details, including who you invited, what you ate, and how you celebrated with family and friends.

You may also want to talk about why that particular birthday was so meaningful to you. If it was a landmark birthday (like your sweet 16) or a special event (like your last birthday party at home before you left for college), be sure to mention this, so your reader understands why this event was so significant in your life.

There’s no way around it: traumatic things happen in childhood, and wonderful things happen. Writing about childhood memories can be relatable and provide an instant connection with your readers.

When choosing a favorite childhood memory to write about, think back to memorable times in your life because they’re connected with strong emotions. Perhaps you want to write about when your baby sibling came home from the hospital or your first baseball game.

If you choose to write about a difficult childhood memory, the process for choosing a topic is still the same. Think back to a childhood memory that evokes strong emotion. While writing about a negative childhood memory can be an excellent way to write a compelling personal essay, it can also bring up challenging thoughts and may feel traumatic.

Have a particular time that made you red in the face? Writing about an embarrassing moment is relatable and can provide a humorous topic for your narrative essay.

When writing about your embarrassing moment, it can be helpful if you’re willing to laugh at yourself and find the humor in the situation you went through. Be sure to describe what happened from start to finish, painting a clear picture of the moment for your readers. Describe your emotions as the embarrassing moment occurred, and talk about what happened after the moment was over.

Wrestling with a difficult decision can feel impossible at the moment, and reflecting on the experience of making a difficult decision to your readers can make for an excellent narrative essay topic.

When you’re talking about a difficult decision in your narrative essay, give plenty of background information so that the reader fully understands why you’re wrestling with a tough choice. Don’t give away your decision at the start of the essay; rather, take the reader through your thought process as you had to decide what to do.

Sharing an act of kindness you did with someone else—or a random act of kindness that someone did for you—can provide a warm, fuzzy topic for your narrative essay. When writing about an act of kindness, focus on how the act made you feel, whether you were the giver or the receiver of the act.

Much like writing about meeting your best friend for the first time, it can be helpful to talk about your state of mind before and after the act of kindness occurred. Perhaps you were going through a tough time, and the act of kindness helped to boost your mood. Explaining the emotions that came with the act of kindness and the facts of the situation can help your reader feel connected to your story.

Narrative Essay Topics: A Tribute To Your First Pet

Whether you have a dog, a cat, or something more exotic, many readers will be able to connect with the love that a kid has for their first pet. When writing a narrative essay about your first pet, please explain how you felt the first time you laid eyes on them. This may mean describing when they were first presented to you as a kitten or a puppy or the first time you saw your older rescue pet.

Talk about the qualities you loved most about your pet, whether that was their ability to comfort you after a bad day or how they were never too old or tired to go outside and play frisbee. Focus both on the descriptive qualities of your pet that allow your reader to imagine what they looked like and the emotional qualities that keep your first pet near and dear to your heart to this day.

If you have a pet currently, you can mention them in your narrative essay about your first pet, talking about their qualities that remind you of your first pet. While it can tug at your heartstrings to describe the memory of your first pet, writing about the love you have for an animal is nearly universally relatable, and your readers will love hearing about your fond memories of your furry friend.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

If you’re still stuck, check out our available resources for  essay writing topics .

Narrative Essay Topics: Best Ideas List

When a lecturer assigns a narrative essay, some college students think they have to air out their personal stories, but that’s often not the case. You can create an interesting paper by making up a story, describing a memorable event, or writing about your role model. To create a masterpiece, take your time to come up with the right topic. There are numerous essay ideas you can find online, but none match our selection below. Before you come up with your own topic idea, check our list of the best narrative essay prompts that will inspire you in ways you’ve never imagined. Once you pick your topic, perform thorough research and ensure your content is 100% original. Don’t copy an example directly from the internet. Instead, cite your sources to demonstrate your competence as a student. Focus on the topic and take your reader through your best memories. If you allow your words to flow naturally, you will create a fascinating story. It is your responsibility to ensure that your narrative essay makes a great impression on the reader.

Choosing narrative essay topics is a great way to show your creativity and find an individual approach to the assignment. Fortunately, there are numerous inspiring topics to choose from, but even so, the selection process can be daunting. To make your life easier, you can always rely on the custom essay papers writing service and get the desired result.

Why is it important to come up with good narrative essay writing topics?

When students write a narrative essay, they typically choose between two options:

  • Use the topic their instructor proposed, or
  • Come up with their own topic

A strong topic choice determines the success of the whole essay. In the event you cannot do it yourself, you can find college essay help by clicking that link.

No matter what your institution assigns, a complete paper must be interesting to read. The best way to ensure that is to choose an essay topic you will want to write with passion. Narrative essay writing is the only genre of academic writing that allows the writer to explore their imagination and creativity to the fullest. While writing these essays you may omit strict structure regulations. That is why students like this essay sub-genre the most.

Narrative essay writing is the only genre of academic writing that allows the writer to expand his imagination and creativity to the fullest. While writing these essays you may omit strict structure regulations. That is why students like this essay sub-genre the most.

Dr. Joshua

Finished papers

Customer reviews

Mandy

Narrative essay topic ideas

1. experience.

The objective of the narrative essay is to teach you how to write about your experiences in a literary manner. To write a good essay, you have to brainstorm all thoughts concerning your life experiences with both negative and positive examples. Try to describe your experiences in as much detail as possible to attract the reader’s attention.

View All Essay Examples on Life Experience

  • The most embarrassing experience of your life
  • A frightening experience you’ve had
  • An experience that taught you real-life values
  • An experience that taught you to appreciate life more
  • An experience that helped you overcome fear
  • An unpleasant personal experience
  • An event that taught you to appreciate what you have
  • The most embarrassing moment of your life
  • Memorable days with family members
  • A success story

2. Childhood

Childhood is a period of bright memories and first experiences. As children are naive and sincere, they have a tendency to get involved in ridiculous situations. We are sure you have something of interest to tell the world about your childhood years. Let these next topic ideas jog your memories of childhood situations that can make a good foundation for your narrative essay writing.

View All Essay Examples on Childhood Memory

  • Write about a time you got hurt on the playground. What happened?
  • Talk about a childhood experience that helped you grow up
  • Did you have a memorable birthday party? Share what made it memorable
  • Who you dreamed to be when you were a kid?
  • What was your favorite game during childhood and why?
  • Talk about a time you were hurt playing with your friends
  • What you miss about your favorite childhood games
  • Your most valuable childhood possession
  • What you loved about crafts when you were young
  • Your favorite childhood fairytale characters or shows

topics for personal narrative essay

3. School years

School is a path to adulthood, where children gain essential knowledge and experience. School years present challenges that contribute to the development of personality. Your school experience and the challenges you overcame are unique. That is why your unique journey through school would probably make a great narrative essay.

View All Essay Examples on School

  • What was/is your favorite subject in school and why?
  • Did some teachers become your role models? Show some examples
  • Talk about the first time you took part in a big school event
  • The most disastrous thing that ever happened in class
  • Write about a teacher you would like to be friends with
  • What subject did you love most in your elementary school?
  • A childhood teacher you are still friends with
  • How your best friend in primary school has influenced your life
  • Did your teachers contribute to the person you are today?

4. Relationships

Everybody has personal memories of family, friends, and loved ones. Your story about them will always be personal, so if you are asked to write a narrative essay, your relationships are an endless source of unique ideas.

View All Essay Examples on Relationships

  • Write about a friendship breakup you have experienced
  • Talk about the person you are most afraid to lose
  • An occasion when you experienced rejection
  • A joke or ridiculous misunderstanding with another person
  • Talk about the worst argument you’ve ever had with your parents
  • How long can you be in love with someone?
  • Talk about your first experience with love and its impact on you
  • Discuss loyal and trustworthy friends in your life

topics for personal narrative essay

5. Morality

In every country, people obey laws. But, there are other laws that regulate people’s lives on a larger scale. They are the laws of ethics and morality. In most situations where your morality is tested, you’re given a choice. You can either do the right thing or the wrong thing for your own personal reasons. Morality essay topics are a great choice because they are always interesting.

View All Essay Examples on Morality

  • An example of a difficult decision you had to make
  • An example of a rebellious act from your life
  • Write about morality problems that bother you and why
  • A moral choice that you regret
  • Write about a recent personal morality challenge
  • How many lies have you told in your life?
  • How do you treat strangers?
  • Have you ever eavesdropped?

6. Interests

Your interests will impact nearly everything you create. To write a narrative essay about your interests, ask yourself:

“What do I enjoy doing?” “What music do I like to listen to?” “How do I prefer to spend my free time?”

If you can speak passionately about it, you can write passionately about it. This is why your interests make a great source for essay ideas.

  • Talk about a movie you watched that impressed you
  • Write about a song that usually touches you emotionally
  • What talent have you always wanted to have and why?
  • Which book character do you see yourself as or relate to?
  • If you were a director, what movie would you want to shoot?
  • When did you discover that you had a particular talent?
  • If you were a TV character, who would you be?
  • TV stars you want to meet in real-life
  • What’s your perspective on sports?

7. Traveling

Every new place you visit unlocks a new experience and a new story, no matter how many times you visit the seaside or mountains. You have your own journey with your own impressions. Why not share them with your readers? The narrative essay format allows you to write the second Odyssey – briefly, of course.

  • Write about your first visit to the countryside (or a large city, depending on where you’re from)
  • Your favorite mode of traveling
  • What are your must-have items when taking any trip?
  • Where would you like to travel if you had a large sum of money?
  • What is the best place to take a vacation?
  • The funniest way you met a friend
  • Describe a day you were traveling and something bad happened
  • What would you change if you revisited a camp with your classmates?
  • The trip you loved the most

8. Student life

Life in college differs from high school. It is more adventurous and enriched with new experiences. You are introduced to new people, new routines, new subjects, new expectations, and new independence. All of these things combine to create epic stories! Student years are considered to be the best in one’s lifetime. So, why not write about them in your narrative essay?

  • Talk about your most exhausting exam
  • Write about a lecture that left a lasting impression on you
  • Talk about the first day you moved into a dorm
  • What was the most impressive hang-out during your college years?
  • Write about times you felt depressed in college
  • Do you mix well with students from different cultures?
  • Who influences your social life in school?

9. Imagine if…

A narrative essay topic starts with the words “Imagine If…” and usually requires you to create a story about an alternate universe, or what your life could be like in the future. This subtopic is one of the most popular among students because it allows us to make up anything. The only limits are your imagination!

  • Imagine you had a time machine. What time would you travel to?
  • Imagine you were an animal. What animal would you like to be and why?
  • Imagine you were born in another country. Where would you like to be born and why?
  • Imagine you were filthy rich. What would you spend your money on?
  • Imagine you were a comic book character. What superpower would you like to have and why?

Choosing a topic for your narrative essay or dissertation can be challenging. It is important to select a topic that aligns with your interests, has a significant research gap, and has the potential to contribute to your field of study. Furthermore, you may even consider the option of paying for a dissertation if you are unable to decide on a suitable topic or do not have the time to complete the research.

New And Outstanding Narrative Essay Topics [2022]

Finding a good topic is not easy. That’s why we have researched the most common categories and come up with a list of narrative essay topic examples to inspire you. This will make it easier to find the theme you are looking for.

  • My Favorite Family Time
  • The One Thing I Would Change in My Life
  • Your First Day at a New Job
  • My Time of Getting in Trouble Because of a Friend
  • If Only I Could Turn Back Time
  • My Most Impressive Prize Ever
  • The Weirdest Thing I’ve Ever Seen in My Life
  • My Best Memory With My Friend
  • My Biggest Regret Is
  • The Most Disastrous Moment I’ve Ever Experienced
  • My First Encounter With Fear
  • My First Time When Getting a Pet
  • The Best Achievement I’ve Ever Accomplished
  • The Most Annoying Habit I Have
  • My Experience in Concluding a Relationship
  • The Time I Shared a Secret With My Friend
  • How Do You Differ From Your Parents?
  • My First Love and the Experience I Got
  • What Was the Most Joyful Moment of Your Life?
  • How Good/Bad Are You at Time Management?
  • The First Time I Experienced Love
  • How Much Time Do You Spend Alone?
  • The Most Memorable Day of My Life
  • What Valuable Lessons Have You Learned From Adversity?
  • The First Fight I Had With My Girlfriend/Boyfriend
  • Do You Feel Pressured to Obtain a Perfect Body?
  • My Grandma and the Family Food Traditions
  • The Most Embarrassing Day in My Life

I have chosen the topic for my narrative essay. What’s next?

After you have found the best essay topic for your writing , study the instructions from your institution carefully. Be aware of the paper’s length and start writing the narrative essay outline . Also, check out the following writing tips that will make the writing process easier.

Tips on narrative essay writing:

  • Focus on specific details that are essential to cover the topic. Try to avoid mentioning irrelevant off-topic information.
  • Do not lie or embellish facts. Dig deep into your experience. Readers value sincerity.
  • Connect your ideas. Use transition words to make your text coherent and easy to read.
  • Do not omit the conclusion. No matter your topic, write a wrap up to state what you got from the experience.
  • Keep things interesting to read. If you don’t like writing it, chances are good the text is not worth the attention of the audience.
  • Be detailed and specific, but don’t overload your reader with information.
  • Be creative. In a narrative essay, you can write in the first person and use different stylistic devices.
  • Pay close attention to your instructor’s instructions when writing a narrative essay. Although it is a flexible type of writing, it still needs to be structured according to certain guidelines. Therefore, it is important to edit your paper meticulously, paying particular attention to spelling, grammar, syntax and punctuation to ensure the highest quality of writing. Edusson can edit any paper, so make your work flawless!

Related posts:

  • Reaction Paper Writing: Travel Essay Topics

Reflection Paper Topics: Art

  • 150 Informative Essay Topics To Create A Good Paper
  • Problem-Solution Essay Topics: Effective Strategies to Tackle Modern Challenges

Improve your writing with our guides

Psychology Essay Topic: Theories Explaining Human growth and Development

Psychology Essay Topic: Theories Explaining Human growth and Development

Best research paper topics 2018

200 Best Ideas for Research Paper Topics in 2023

Reflection Paper Topics: Art

Get 15% off your first order with Edusson

Connect with a professional writer within minutes by placing your first order. No matter the subject, difficulty, academic level or document type, our writers have the skills to complete it.

100% privacy. No spam ever.

topics for personal narrative essay

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

topics for personal narrative essay

50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Show me what areas I need to improve

What’s Covered:

Narrative essays vs. analytical essays, how to pick the right narrative essay topic, elements of a strong narrative essay, engaging narrative essay topics for high schoolers, where to get your narrative essay edited for free.

Narrative essays are an extensive form of writing that gives readers the opportunity to follow along as a person goes through a journey or sets of experiences. Rather than providing analytic insight, narrative essays simply share a story and offer a first-person account. These essays may seem easy to write at first, but it takes a certain finesse to write a narrative essay that is interesting, cohesive, and well-researched. Whether you’re looking for a unique topic to write about, or just want some new inspiration, CollegeVine is here to help! These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time.

A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need to provide background information or explain your thoughts and feelings; instead, you simply tell a story. It’s important to avoid too much telling in your writing; instead, use creative details and vivid imagery to make readers feel as if they are actually right there with you.

Where You Will Encounter Narrative Essays

This type of essay is typically encountered in high school, where students may be required to write personal statements to prepare for their Common App essay . Narrative essays are also commonly seen in AP Language and Composition. Therefore, it’s important you are aware of the style because you are bound to have a narrative essay assignment.  

Of course, before you start writing, it is important to pick the right essay topic. There are many factors involved in the process of picking the perfect narrative essay topic for your story.

You should always choose a topic that you are passionate about, since writing on something you care about will make the process much easier. Not only will it be more interesting to create your paper around something that truly interests you, but it will also allow you to fully express yourself in your essay. You also want to be sure that the topic has enough material to work with. If your chosen topic is too short, you will not have enough content to write a complete paper. For example, if you are writing about your experience getting lost at the mall, make sure that you have enough information to work with to craft an engaging narrative. 

The best topic for an engaging narrative essay is one that focuses on showing versus telling, has a clear structure, and provides a dialogue. These elements come together to form an engaging narrative essay. Regardless of what subject you pick, any topic may be turned into a fascinating, A+ worthy narrative using the tips below.

Show, Don’t Tell

To write a good narrative essay, it’s important to show, not tell. Instead of simply informing your audience, show them what you mean. For example, instead of saying “I was nervous,” you could say “My heart began to race and my stomach filled with butterflies.” Also make sure to use sensory details, such as sights, sounds and tastes, and include a personal reflection at the end of your narrative. 

Begin with a Strong Opening Line

A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichés, such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: “My pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles. I mean, he even used circular note cards.” Or, “It all started the day my mom brought home a guinea pig.”

Follows a Three-Act Structure

A strong narrative essay follows the same three-act structure as other essays. But in order to make it interesting, you’ll need to come up with a creative way to break things down into sections. For example, using the guinea pig example from above, you could write the following:

  • Act 1 – Introduction: The day my mom brought home a guinea pig.
  • Act 2 – Conflict: The day I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet.
  • Act 3 – Conclusion: Looking back at how much I miss him now that he’s gone.

Conclude with Personal Reflection

To conclude your narrative essay, you’ll want to explain what this specific experience taught you or how you’ve changed. For example, upon realizing that her pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles, the writer of the previous example begins to notice circular shapes everywhere. Another way to conclude your narrative essay is by touching on how this experience impacted you emotionally. For example, after losing his guinea pig, the writer explains how much he missed it.

Use Dialogue

Include a conversation in your essay to make it come alive. For example, instead of simply saying that you met a new friend, talk about how you introduced yourselves or what they were wearing when you met them.

topics for personal narrative essay

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

The following list of 50 narrative essay topics is divided into categories. This will make it easier to find a topic that fits your writing style.

1. What is a childhood song that still sticks with you today?

2. Your first day of Kindergarten

3. Talk about a time when you’re siblings looked up to you

4. Describe the best birthday party you’ve ever had

5. Talk about the best day you ever spent with a childhood friend

6. Explain your first childhood hobby

7. Describe your first halloween costume

8. A family vacation gone wrong

9. Your first family reunion

10. Describe a tradition that is unique to your family

11. Describe your family to a person who’s never met them before

12. What frustrates you most about your family

13. If you could only keep one memory of your family, what would it be and why?

14. Describe a time your family embarrassed you in public

15. The most beautiful place in the world

16. Your favorite season and why

17. If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?

18. When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?

19. Describe the first time you witnessed a tornado 

20. Write a poem about your favorite season

21. Describe yourself as one of the four seasons

22. Describe a time in which you felt connected with nature

23. Describe the first time you played an instrument and how you felt

24. What major event would be much worse if music was removed, and why?

25. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

26. What would a life without music look like?

27. If you could master one instrument, what would it be and why?

Relationships

28. What if you had never met your best friend?

29. Describe a time when you fixed a broken relationship

30. Talk about a movie that defined a relationship for you

31. Describe your first date

32. Describe the first time you made a friend

33. Describe your relationship with your parents

Self Reflection

34. Have you ever fooled someone? If so, describe what happened and how you felt about it

35. What is the worst thing you’ve done to someone else?

36. Write about the difference between how things seem and how they really are. 

37. Have you ever been embarrassed in some way? If so, describe the situation and how it affected you as well as those around you

38. Have you ever witnessed something really beautiful? Describe it

39. Is your glass half empty or half full?

Overcoming Adversity 

40. Have you ever been very afraid of something but tried your hardest to appear fearless? If so, describe that experience

41. When have you ever succeeded when you thought you might fail

42. What are your secret survival strategies?

43. Describe the last time you were stressed and why?

44. Describe a time when you were discriminated against

45. The most memorable class you’ve had and why

46. Your favorite study abroad memory

47. Describe your kindergarten classroom

48. Describe your first teacher

49. The first time you experienced detention

50. Your first field trip

Hopefully these topics will get you thinking about a personal experience that could make for a thoughtful and engaging narrative essay. Remember, a strong narrative essay must contain relatable details and a clear flow that keeps the reader entertained and engaged to read all the way to the end.

If you need some additional guidance on your narrative essay, use CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

topics for personal narrative essay

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

50 Narrative Essay Topics

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a narrative essay can also tell an exciting story and create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind! We’ve got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment!

Narrative Essay Topics

  • Your first day of school.
  • Your most exciting day of school
  • A field trip that your class took.
  • Your favorite summer vacation.
  • A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
  • A time that you experienced something spooky.
  • A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
  • A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
  • The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
  • The day that you got your first pet.
  • A move from one place to another.
  • Something funny that happened to you.
  • Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
  • Something embarrassing that happened to you.
  • Your favorite birthday party.
  • A birthday that was disappointing.
  • A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
  • A time that the power went out.
  • A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park.
  • A time when you got lost somewhere.
  • A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports.
  • Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
  • An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
  • An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
  • A time that you experienced rejection.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger.
  • A random act of kindness.
  • A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
  • Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
  • Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
  • A time when you experienced a historic event.
  • Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
  • A dangerous experience.
  • A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
  • A difficult decision that you had to make.
  • The end of a friendship or relationship.
  • The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
  • A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
  • A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
  • A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
  • A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.
  • A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
  • An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

  • Grades 6-12
  • School Leaders

Get Your Free 21st Century Timeline Poster ✨

15 Inspiring Personal Narrative Examples for Writers

Reveal a part of yourself in your essay.

topics for personal narrative essay

Students start writing personal narratives at a young age, learning to use descriptive language to tell a story about their own experiences. Try sharing these personal narrative examples for elementary, middle, and high school to help them understand this essay form.

What is a personal narrative?

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use descriptive language, and be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. The essay should recount your personal experiences, including your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Learn more about personal narrative essays here:

  • What Is Narrative Writing, and How Do I Teach It in the Classroom?
  • Engaging Personal Narrative Ideas for Kids and Teens
  • Best Mentor Texts for Narrative Writing in Elementary School

Elementary School Personal Narrative Examples

In elementary school, personal narratives might be quite short, just a paragraph or two. The key is to encourage kids to embrace a personal style of writing, one that speaks in their own voice. Take a look at these elementary school personal narrative essay examples for inspiration.

The Horrible Day

“next i fell asleep in my cereal and my brother stole my toast”—anonymous student.

topics for personal narrative essay

In this short personal narrative written by a 2nd grader, the author describes a bad day with lots of details and an informal tone. It’s a great model for your youngest writers.

Read the full essay: The Horrible Day at Thoughtful Learning

Keep an Eye on the Sky!

“as we made our way out to the field, my stomach slowly turned into a giant knot of fear.” —anonymous student.

Any student who dreads gym class will connect with this essay, which turns a challenge into a triumph. This narrative from Time for Kids is annotated, with highlighted details and tips to help kids write their own essay.

Read the full essay: Keep an Eye on the Sky! at Time for Kids

Grandpa, Chaz, and Me

“i really miss grandpa, and so does my brother, even though he never met him.” —cody, 4th grade student.

Written by a 4th grader, this essay relates the author’s loss of a grandfather at a very young age. Using simple, personal language, they tell a compelling story in a few short paragraphs.

Read the full essay: Grandpa, Chaz, and Me at Thoughtful Learning ADVERTISEMENT

Surviving an Embarrassing Situation

“i had made the shot in the wrong basket, giving the green shirts the win” —anonymous student.

topics for personal narrative essay

Personal narratives tell a story, with a beginning, middle, and end. This annotated essay outlines those parts, making it easier for young writers to do the same in their own writing.

Read the full essay: Surviving an Embarrassing Situation at Sopris West Educational Services

“Do you have a friend who loves you?” —Kendra, 4th grade student

Writing about friends gives writers the chance to describe someone’s physical characteristics and personality. This 4th grade essay uses personal details to bring a beloved friend to life.

Read the full essay: Ann at Thoughtful Learning

Middle School Personal Narrative Examples

By middle school, personal narratives are longer and more involved, telling more detailed stories and experiences. These middle school personal narrative essay examples model strong writing skills for this age group.

“As thoughts of certain death run through my mind, the world appears a precious, treasured place.” —Amy, student

topics for personal narrative essay

Describing an opportunity to overcome your worst fears makes an excellent personal narrative topic. The vivid descriptions of the landscape and the author’s feelings help the reader make a strong connection to the author.

Read the full essay: The Climb at Thoughtful Learning

The Best Friend Question

“i’ve often wondered, does not having a best friend make me defective” —blanche li, age 13, diablo vista middle school, danville, california.

When her Spanish teacher asked students for an essay describing their best friend, 13-year-old Blanche Li fell back on her standard story: that of a made-up person. Here, she explains why she made up “Haley” and wonders what having an imaginary best friend says about her.

Read the full essay: The Best Friend Question at The New York Times

The Racist Warehouse

“i didn’t know racism was still around; i thought that situation had died along with dr. king.” —alicia, 8th grade student.

Strong personal narratives often relate the way the author learned an important life lesson. Here, an 8th grader describes her first experience with racism, in an essay that will sadly ring true with many readers.

Read the full essay: The Racist Warehouse at Thoughtful Teaching

“For the first time, we realized that we didn’t know how to express our voice, and we always suppressed it.” —Jocelyn C., 7th grade student, Texas

topics for personal narrative essay

Seventh-grader Jocelyn C. describes the unique experience of spending two years living in an RV with her family, traveling the country. She relates the ups and downs of their trip, illustrating the way her family learned to live together in close quarters and embrace the adventure.

Read the full essay: RV Journey at Write From the Heart

An Eight Pound Rival

“i’m trying to accept that he didn’t mean to dominate the center stage all the time, that’s just one of the many lovable assets of his personality.”.

A new sibling can change everything in a family, especially when you’ve always been the baby. This middle schooler explains her challenging relationship with a little brother that she loves, even when he drives her a bit crazy. (Find this essay on page 42 at the link.)

Read the full essay: An Eight Pound Rival at Teaching That Makes Sense

High School Personal Narrative Examples

High school students have more complex stories to tell, though they’re sometimes reluctant to do so. Reading personal narrative essay examples like these can encourage them to open up and get their thoughts, feelings, and ideas down on the page.

Sorry, Wrong Number

“when i received the first text, i was a playful sixth grader, always finding sly ways to be subversive in school and with friends.” —michelle ahn, high school student.

topics for personal narrative essay

When Michelle Ahn was 11, she started getting texts for a wrong number, a man named Jared. Rather than correcting the error, she spends the next few years occasionally engaging with his texters as “Jared,” learning more about him. Though she finally comes clean, her time as “Jared” exposes her to a way of life very different from her own, and opens her eyes to the inner lives of others.

Read the full essay: Sorry, Wrong Number at The New York Times

Caught in the Net

“little does everyone else know how often i’m not doing school research or paper writing; instead i’m aimlessly writing emails or chatting with internet friends and family hundreds of miles away.” —kim, college student.

Even before social media and smartphones swept the world, internet addiction had become a problem. Here, a student shares her experiences in AOL chat rooms, meeting people from around the globe. Eventually, she realizes she’s sacrificing life in the real world for her digital friends and experiences, and works to find the right balance.

Read the full essay: Caught in the Net at Thoughtful Learning

Nothing Extraordinary

“an uneasy feeling started to settle in my chest. i tried to push it out, but once it took root it refused to be yanked up and tossed away.” —jeniffer kim, high school student.

During an ordinary shopping trip, high schooler Jenniffer Kim suddenly realizes she’s ashamed of her mother. At the same time, she recognizes all the sacrifices her mom has made for her, and gladly takes the chance to make a tiny sacrifice of her own.

Read the full essay: Nothing Extraordinary at The New York Times

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

“at this point in life, i had not yet learned to be gentle with myself, or others.” —anonymous student.

topics for personal narrative essay

A teen who lives with bipolar disorder recounts a difficult conversation with her parents, in which her mother dismisses her as “crazy.” A few years later, this same teen finds herself in the emergency room, where her mother has just tried to die by suicide. “Crazy!” the daughter thinks. After her mother also receives a bipolar disorder diagnosis, the author concludes, “‘Crazy’ is a term devised to dismiss people.”

Read the full essay: The Pot Calling the Kettle Black at Pressbooks

What a Black Woman Wishes Her Adoptive White Parents Knew

“i know that i am different, but do not have the words to understand how.” —mariama lockington.

Though not written by a high schooler, this essay by Mariama Lockington makes an excellent mentor text for this age group. Lockington dives deep into her feelings about being adopted by parents of a different race, and shares her challenges in poignant language that speaks directly to the reader.

Read the full essay: What a Black Woman Wishes Her Adoptive White Parents Knew at Buzzfeed News

Do you use personal narrative examples as mentor texts in your classroom? Come share your experiences and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus, strong persuasive writing examples (essays, speeches, ads, and more) ..

Find stirring personal narrative examples for elementary, middle school, and high school students on an array of topics.

You Might Also Like

topics for personal narrative essay

65 Engaging Personal Narrative Ideas for Kids and Teens

Tell a story to engage the reader. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative

We invite teenagers to tell a true story about a meaningful life experience in just 100 words. Contest dates: Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2024.

A banner of six purple and black illustrations. From left to right: a woman hanging a star in a window with the help of a little girl; two men staring lovingly at each other over a small table; a man presenting a miniature Christmas tree to his pet fish; a frog reaching out his arms to a squiggly figure; three family members piled on top of each other on a couch; a woman looking pensively out a widow as it snows outside.

By The Learning Network

Illustrations from Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories , the inspiration for this contest.

Can you tell a meaningful and interesting true story from your life in just 100 words? That’s the challenge we pose to teenagers with our 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest, a storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories series .

After running this contest for two years, receiving a total of more than 25,000 entries, and honoring dozens of excellent miniature teen-written memoirs, we have discovered the answer is a resounding yes .

So, we challenge you to try it yourself.

We’re not asking you to write to a particular theme or to use a specific structure or style, but we are looking for short, powerful stories about a particular moment or event in your life. We want to hear your story, told in your unique voice, and we hope you’ll experiment with style and form to tell a tale that matters to you, in a way you enjoy telling it.

And, yes, it’s possible to do all that in only 100 words. For proof, just look at last year’s 15 winning entries . We also have a step-by-step guide full of advice that is grounded in 25 excellent 100-word mentor texts, as well as a rehearsal space , published for our first year’s contest, that has over 1,000 student-written mini memoirs. Because that space was so successful, we’re keeping it open for this year’s contest. We hope students will use it to get inspiration, experiment and encourage each other.

Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below. Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Resources for Teachers and Students
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Submission Form

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

IMAGES

  1. Helpful Narrative Essay Topics Ireland

    topics for personal narrative essay

  2. ⭐ Personal narrative essay ideas. 115 Narrative & Personal Essay Topics

    topics for personal narrative essay

  3. 13 Best Narrative Essay Examples & Templates

    topics for personal narrative essay

  4. 20 Prompts for Narrative Writing That Spark Creativity

    topics for personal narrative essay

  5. Personal Narrative Writing Prompts 4Th Grade

    topics for personal narrative essay

  6. Structure of a Personal Narrative Essay

    topics for personal narrative essay

COMMENTS

  1. 200 Best Topic Ideas for Narrative Essay

    Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful. Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level. Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics. Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic ...

  2. 200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

    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 ...

  3. 160+ Topic Ideas for Narrative Essays [2024 Edition]

    1.9 Personal Narrative Stories Ideas on Traveling and Holidays. 1.10 Personal Narrative Ideas on Morality and Religion. 1.11 Narrative Essay Topics on Politics and Current Events. 1.12 Interesting Narrative Essay Topics About Health. 1.13 Narrative Essay Topics on Technology and Video Games. 1.14 Overview. In academic practice, the narrative ...

  4. 650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

    Here is a PDF of all 650 prompts, and we also have a related lesson plan, From 'Lives' to 'Modern Love': Writing Personal Essays With Help From The New York Times.. Below, a list that ...

  5. 100 Greatest Narrative Essay Topics

    Here are 100 potential narrative essay topics: A time I overcame a fear. The day I met my best friend. A family vacation that went wrong. The experience of learning to ride a bike. Attending my first concert. My most difficult class in school so far. My proudest accomplishment. A time I failed at something.

  6. 100+ Inspiring Narrative Essay Topics

    A great narrative essay topic is both personal and widely relatable. Check out these narrative essay topics to see which resonates with your story.

  7. 89+ Personal Narrative Ideas To Spark Your Creativity

    A long list of personal narrative ideas. 1. The journey of rediscovering my passion for painting after years of neglect sparked by an unexpected encounter with a street artist. 2. How a single conversation with my grandmother over her old photo album reshaped my understanding of family history and legacy. 3.

  8. 295 Personal Narrative Ideas: Diverse Topics For Your Essay

    295 Personal Narrative Ideas: Diverse Topics For Your Essay. January 6, 2022. Personal narrative writing involves writing about a real-life experience. It's like non-fiction. You're writing a story about yourself because it happened to you. At some point, your stories are the perfect personal narrative writing ideas because they are yours.

  9. 100+ Interesting Narrative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

    Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5. My First Day at a New School. The Time I Learned to Ride a Bike. A Visit to a Haunted House. The Day I Met a Real-Life Superhero. My Most Memorable Family Vacation. A Surprising Encounter with an Animal. The Mystery of the Missing Homework. The Best Birthday Party I Ever Had.

  10. 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

    Update, Sept. 9, 2022: We published a new collection of 445 narrative and personal writing prompts. We've been posting fresh writing prompts every school day for over a decade now, and every so ...

  11. 220+ Narrative Essay Topics for All Academic Levels

    Personal Narrative Topics A personal narrative essay is a type of essay in which the writer shares a personal story, experience, or event from their own life. In this section, we will look into some different personal narrative ideas: Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics. Overcoming a fear of public speaking

  12. How to Write a Narrative Essay

    Interactive example of a narrative essay. 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. Narrative essay example.

  13. 249 Personal Narrative Ideas

    249 Personal Narrative Ideas. A personal narrative essay is based on stories, experiences, events, memories, and interactions. Hence, while writing, you need to write in the first person. While on it, you need to think about epic moments in your life, memorable things, and things that entertained you along the way.

  14. Narrative Essay Topics

    A narrative essay is a prose-written story that's focused on the commentary of a central theme. Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV, and are usually about a topic that's personal to the writer. Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

  15. Writing a Compelling Personal Narrative Essay: Tips and Examples

    A personal narrative essay can be best described as creative nonfiction about your experiences. We can help you learn how to approach this personal piece. Dictionary ... Dive into even more personal essay topics you can write about. Remember, these are just suggestions. Personal narratives are inherently personal, so you're going to end up ...

  16. 20 Personal Narrative Essay Topics And Easy Writing Tips

    Top 20 Personal Narrative Essay Topics That Are Trending In 2020. Personal narrative essays tell a story- your story. It is an opportunity for you to share your experiences, specific events of your life or your perspective on a specific matter. After all, your supervisors expect you to write about things that you care about or that matter to you.

  17. Personal Narrative Essay

    A personal narrative is a story written in the first person point of view; it tells a personal story about something that happened to the writer. This means that the story is written, usually ...

  18. Narrative Essays: Examples And Topic Ideas For Students

    Here, we'll explore topics that will set you up to write a great narrative essay. If you're searching for a list of personal narrative essay topics, you're likely writing a middle school, high school, or college essay. A personal narrative describes your life experience, usually from the first-person point of view.

  19. Narrative Essay Topics And Ideas For Students

    Narrative essay topic ideas. 1. Experience. The objective of the narrative essay is to teach you how to write about your experiences in a literary manner. To write a good essay, you have to brainstorm all thoughts concerning your life experiences with both negative and positive examples.

  20. 50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

    These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time. Narrative Essays vs. Analytical Essays A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need ...

  21. 65 Engaging Personal Narrative Ideas for Kids and Teens

    Personal narrative essays are all about telling stories. Engage your reader with lots of descriptive language, and ensure you have a beginning, middle, and end. ... These personal narrative essay topics all come from real 2022-2023 college applications. (See more college essay prompts here.)

  22. Personal Narrative Essay [Assignment/Rubric]

    The personal narrative essay. Tells a complete, personal, and factual story that has a purpose, an idea, or a meaning. This story should have a beginning and an ending, and the story should reflect a personal perspective or viewpoint. Do not make this essay a tirade, diatribe, or rant. Instead, consider this essay an opportunity for self ...

  23. 50 Narrative Essay Topics

    We've got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment! Narrative Essay Topics. Your first day of ...

  24. 15 Inspiring Personal Narrative Examples for Writers

    15 Inspiring Personal Narrative Examples for Writers. Reveal a part of yourself in your essay. Students start writing personal narratives at a young age, learning to use descriptive language to tell a story about their own experiences. Try sharing these personal narrative examples for elementary, middle, and high school to help them understand ...

  25. Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative

    A personal narrative writing unit: This unit includes mentor texts, writing prompts, lesson plans, videos and on-demand webinars that teach the skills essential for any kind of narrative writing ...