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narrative essay topics for high school

50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

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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.

narrative essay topics for high school

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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!

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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

Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

narrative essay topics for high school

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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

narrative essay topics for high school

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!

160+ Best Narrative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?
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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.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay: Tips and Techniques

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narrative essay topics for high school

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100 Narrative Essay Topics

narrative essay topics for high school

Welcome to our narrative essay topics! A well-crafted narrative essay can transport readers into a whole new world, filling their imagination with vivid imagery and compelling stories! We’ve prepared a list of 100 narrative essay topics that are perfect prompts for students at all academic levels—from elementary to high school. These topics are designed to spark creativity and encourage students to write impactful narratives. Don’t hesitate to copy/paste and print the entire list; it’s a treasure trove of ideas for your upcoming narrative essay assignments!

The list of 100 narrative essay topics that we’ve compiled is a versatile and expansive set designed to inspire students at various educational levels. The topics range from lighter, more relatable experiences like your “first job interview” or “a memorable birthday party,” to deeper, more introspective themes such as “an experience that changed your relationship with your parents” or “a moment when you realized the importance of time.”

The collection is organized to offer a wide spectrum of experiences, allowing students to delve into aspects of personal growth, family, friendship, moral dilemmas, and even social issues. This ensures that there’s something for everyone, regardless of their interests or life experiences.

The aim of these topics is to prompt introspection and storytelling, encouraging students to paint vivid images and evoke emotions through their writing. Whether it’s recounting an adventurous trip that didn’t go as planned, a funny misunderstanding, or a challenging moral decision, each topic is intended to offer a platform for students to showcase their narrative skills and individual perspectives.

Moreover, the topics are adaptable for different age groups. Younger students might find it easier to write about more straightforward subjects like “a memorable snow day” or “your first experience with a pet,” while older students might appreciate the complexity of topics like “cultural shock” or “the experience of failure.”

Overall, the list serves as a comprehensive resource for sparking creativity and facilitating meaningful written expression, no matter the student’s grade level. Feel free to use it as a starting point, and adapt the topics to better fit the specific needs and interests of your students. Be sure to check out our writing prompts and descriptive essay topics too! Planning a debate anytime soon? You’ll also love our funny debate topics !

List of Narrative Essay Topics

  • Your first encounter with a best friend.
  • The most challenging homework assignment you’ve ever had.
  • Your first public speaking experience.
  • The most memorable book you’ve ever read.
  • A time when you felt proud of yourself.
  • Your first experience with failure.
  • The first time you cooked a meal.
  • A trip that didn’t go as planned.
  • An unexpected guest at a family gathering.
  • The most memorable dream you’ve ever had.
  • A time when you felt out of place.
  • Your first experience with love.
  • A time when you faced a moral dilemma.
  • An experience that made you question your beliefs.
  • A time when you were the center of attention.
  • A family tradition that means a lot to you.
  • An incident that made you change your behavior.
  • A time when you had to comfort someone else.
  • The most beautiful place you’ve ever visited.
  • A memorable train or plane journey.
  • A lesson learned from a disappointment.
  • A time when you received an important piece of advice.
  • Your first job or internship experience.
  • A time when you felt like a hero.
  • An experience that made you laugh until you cried.
  • A memorable sporting event you attended.
  • Your first concert experience.
  • The most difficult choice you’ve ever had to make.
  • A time when you helped someone in need.
  • An experience that made you appreciate life more.
  • The day you learned the value of money.
  • A moment of failure or success.
  • A surprise that made your day.
  • The most memorable meal you’ve ever had.
  • An adventure with friends that you will never forget.
  • Your first encounter with social media.
  • A time when you had to rely on someone else.
  • A time when you felt extremely happy.
  • A moment when you knew you had made a big mistake.
  • A life-changing realization.
  • An experience that restored your faith in humanity.
  • A family reunion that left an impression on you.
  • A time when you felt really stressed.
  • An encounter with a wild animal.
  • A memorable New Year’s Eve.
  • A time when you had to deal with jealousy.
  • Your experience of learning a new language.
  • The most memorable gift you’ve ever received.
  • A lesson you learned from a child.
  • A time when you experienced culture shock.
  • An event that changed your relationship with your parents.
  • A moment when you lost something valuable.
  • Your first experience in a big city.
  • A memorable snow day.
  • A close call while driving.
  • An event that made you stronger.
  • The most unexpected compliment you’ve received.
  • A time when you felt lonely.
  • A vivid childhood memory.
  • A strange coincidence that happened to you.
  • A memorable fishing trip.
  • The first time you had a serious argument with a friend.
  • Your experiences during a natural disaster.
  • A vacation that turned into a disaster.
  • A time when you had to navigate without a map.
  • A time when you were falsely accused of something.
  • Your first experience with peer pressure.
  • A time when you procrastinated and the outcome.
  • A moment when you felt truly content.
  • An embarrassing mistake you made.
  • The first time you voted in an election.
  • An experience that taught you about forgiveness.
  • A job interview that changed your life.
  • An experience of attending a live performance.
  • Your journey to becoming more eco-friendly.
  • A lesson learned from a pet.
  • Your experience with online learning.
  • A time when you had to be brave for someone else.
  • A moment that made you feel incredibly lucky.
  • A conflict that turned out to be a misunderstanding.
  • A time when you had to adapt to a new environment.
  • A moment when you felt extremely sad.
  • An act of courage that you witnessed.
  • A meaningful conversation that affected you.
  • A time when you missed an opportunity and what you learned from it.
  • An event that made you lose your fear.
  • A time when you realized your parents were right.
  • A funny misunderstanding between you and a teacher.
  • An experience that made you want to become a better person.
  • The day you discovered your passion.
  • A day when everything seemed to go wrong.
  • An experience of being stuck somewhere.
  • A time when you had to wait in a long line.
  • A special moment with your grandparents.
  • Your experience with a long-lost friend or family member.
  • A skill you learned while working with someone else.
  • A moment when you were surprised by your own abilities.
  • A time when you stood up to a bully.
  • Your first experience of earning money.
  • A moment when you realized the importance of time.

200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

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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.

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218 Narrative Essay Topics

218 narrative essay topics

When some high school students get a narrative essay for their homework, they believe they must air out their laundry, but that's rarely the case. Anyone can create a beautiful and captivating story that describes memorable events in fine detail.

Your narrative essay could also be about your role model. The first thing you must do to come up with a masterpiece is to take your time coming up with great narrative essay topics. You can find numerous ideas online but scroll on to find the best selection prepared by experts.

Before you rummage around old assignments for a topic idea, look at this list of interesting narrative essay topics. They will inspire you in unimaginable ways and get you on your way to writing that masterpiece. Without further ado, let's get to the best narrative essay topics for your assignment!

Woman holding up a light bulb drawing sign written narrative topics

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas • Narrative Essay Titles

The greatest responsibility you have when writing narrative essays is to make sure you are impressionable. This means writing great narrative essay topics. Let's get those juices flowing with some ideas for the essay.

  • The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you
  • The most embarrassing experience in the Iraq war
  • An experience that gave you business acumen
  • Your most frightening experience as a child
  • An experience that showed you the value of trust
  • How you learnt to overcome fear
  • An unpleasant experience that showed you an important life lesson
  • A harrowing experience that taught you to appreciate life
  • One memorable day with a family member
  • A personal narrative concerning a success story

While some are pretty straightforward, others are a bit of a thinker. You have the liberty to experiment with these topics by conducting a bit of research. For example, you could come up with life lessons from a memorable trip with family members. Go try it out. We'll explore some more personalized essay topics in the next section.

Light bulb placed on blackboard written narrative essay topics

Best Narrative Essay Topics: Funny, Personal, Literacy, and Fictional Ideas

Are you looking for material for your research paper? Researching an engaging story is crucial to engaging high school students and faculty with your writing. Read this part for timely answers to questions on the best topic ideas for funny, literacy, personal, and fictional ideas.

  • My virgin flight to Asia
  • Best memories of my high school
  • My hopes upon completing college
  • A memorable trip to Mexico
  • A friend in disguise: sheep-in-wolf clothing
  • An accident I was involved in
  • The journey ahead: Living through end-stage capitalism
  • A life-changing event that happened in high school
  • An experience with cybercrime and its personal effects
  • Experiencing unequal employment opportunities as a teenager
  • My favorite meal: Barbequed meat with anything on top
  • Experiencing psychological torture as a teenage American
  • How I maintain an effective work-life balance
  • The most important life lesson I got from school
  • My realization of the existence of double-faced people
  • The most memorable people in my life
  • How I survived a shark attack
  • How do I keep my personal and professional lives separate?
  • My favorite teacher in grade school
  • My experience with Covid-19: physical, social, and economic issues
  • My most memorable punishment at home
  • My proudest moment in life

Woman hanging face masks next to a blackboard written personal narrative essay topics

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Look at some of these personal narrative essay ideas that will hit home and spur up an idea or two about an experience you think would capture your audience.

  • The reason why I love my family
  • The toughest decision I ever made
  • My favorite meditation spot: outdoors
  • A complete day in the life of John Smith
  • The best moment of my entire life
  • The moment I will treasure in my life forever
  • The best decision I have ever made
  • How do I overcome my fears and turn them into strengths
  • Why I don't particularly appreciate going to college
  • My experience with racism as an international student
  • My neighborhood's experience with the 2009 market crash

That last one was a bit of a stretch. But you get the idea. The possibilities are endless; all you have to think about is an experience in your life, and personal narrative essay topics are all around us. You just need a hot cup of coffee, a notebook, and a pen. Brainstorm ideas from different experiences in your life, and you'll find tons of them if you dig a bit deeper.

Well, it's not an exact science, but it is a pretty good way to open your mind to ideas and develop different topics for your essay. If you're stuck, some help might, well, help. You can buy narrative essays online . You'll get a well written research paper on time. Now, let's see some fictional narrative essay topics and ideas to see further how you can create your unique one.

Woman holding Harry Potter book and text written, “writing a fictional narrative essay’ beside her

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

Now this is where things start to get interesting. You can come up with any number of these. A story you heard from your best friend? Or a narrative essay topic on the most embarrassing moment you can place a human being. Go nuts with this one. Let's give you some insights into what you can consider writing on.

  • Our worst "boys' trip" ever
  • Stuck in the middle of nowhere without gas
  • A terrible dream that morphed into reality
  • How your best friend turned into your enemy
  • How your friend was stuck in a foreign country
  • An exciting story about your day at the horse tracks
  • Personal stories from your grandpa
  • How your favorite teacher helped with your first job interview
  • A major turning point in your life
  • A significant challenge facing your community
  • Favorite childhood games that instilled adult character
  • A weird encounter with a stranger on a train
  • Dealing with a daunting task during the summer
  • A Christmas present you'll never forget
  • The first pet you owned
  • A random act that changed your perspective on life
  • The first person to start a community health center in your neighborhood

You could get a few tips from this list for your next fictional essay topics.

Concrete stairs next to text written, ‘good narrative essay topics for college students’

Good Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Take a look at some narrative essay topic ideas that benefit university students.

  • My best memory when in college
  • My favorite unit in college
  • The most memorable incident in my life
  • My favorite professor in college
  • A reminder to my older self
  • My favorite author in business
  • A letter to future me
  • The best roommate I had in college
  • My best research project to date
  • The best team member I had for a research project
  • The best party I attended in college
  • A life-threatening escape during a summer trip
  • The best food I had in college
  • The best trip I had in college
  • How one event changed everything in my school
  • My final day in college

These are but a few of the many topics about college you could write a narrative essay on. Personal experiences are the best because you only have to rely on memory, but looking at it from an outsider's viewpoint helps relate to the reader. Now let's check out some narrative essay topics you can enjoy writing on as a high school student.

White paper written, 'once upon a time'

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

Use this guide as you come up with a narrative paper to generate essay ideas for your personal narrative topic. You are bound to come up with an interesting story if you immerse yourself in the experience. Here are some personal experiences to help you start writing narrative essay topics that'll guide you through high school.

  • My first day in junior high
  • A terrible experience with a movie character at my high school
  • How modern school environments almost gave me mental health issues
  • My favorite subject in high school
  • Interesting topics we learnt about in my literature unit
  • The most amazing farewell party
  • The best welcome party in high school
  • The best teacher in my high school
  • The two buddies in my high school
  • The best decision I made for college life in high school
  • The worst mistake I made in middle school
  • The best streets we visited in my high school days
  • The best teammate I met in high school
  • The most amazing thing I learnt in high school
  • The final exam in my high school
  • How my last day went at my high school

You can write tons of other topics on ideas, such as your best friend, or come up with narrative essay topics involving less personal narrative ideas that border more on fiction than reality. Let's now dive into some topics you could write about as a K-level student.

Image showing a child reading a story book with text written “narrative essay ideas for kids” at the top

Narrative Essay Ideas for Kids

As is the case with university students, writing narrative essays takes practice and depends on the level a student is on. Here's how we'll cover each of the narrative essay topics for each grade level.

Level: Grade 1

Level: grade 2, level: grade 3, level: grade 4, level: grade 5, level: grade 6, level: grade 7, level: grade 8, level: grade 9, level: grade 10, level: grade 11, level: grade 12.

Take a look at some essay writing topics for grade 1 kids.

  • A day at the beach
  • After-school games
  • An important person at school
  • A day in the library
  • Food I do not like at school
  • A day at the park with my family
  • Games we play at recess
  • My neighbor's dog, Butch
  • What makes plants grow
  • How to make my favorite snack
  • How to talk to new people
  • The reason I like summer
  • My favorite hobby for Saturdays
  • How I spend my weekend
  • How to ride a bike
  • My favorite toy in the world
  • A day in the summer heat
  • The best vacation last summer
  • A wonderful place to go
  • The best treehouse in our yard
  • A sport I'd like to continue playing
  • A trip on the train
  • Amazing facts about birds
  • The most amazing pony at the fair
  • A trip to the supermarket

Two children holding books on their heads

  • Activities resulting from outdoor fun
  • What you can do when you're indoors
  • Amazing facts about airplanes
  • An important person in the government
  • The tiger: an amazing animal
  • The best after-school games
  • A day at the public library
  • Dancing to music at home
  • Food I find odd and disgusting
  • How to make my favorite dinner
  • The best toy to own right now
  • A cartoon character that I like
  • A day in the Moroccan desert
  • A great place to visit in the summer
  • The best friend I never saw
  • The wooden treehouse in my backyard
  • The best place to visit in spring
  • A song that I like
  • A trip on an airship
  • An important time in history
  • A secret place I visit
  • A trip on a monorail
  • Why do I find spiders creepy?
  • Creatures that live in the desert
  • Why dumping plastic is bad for the environment
  • Going fishing with my father
  • Going to the dentist
  • Why I want to be famous
  • How to cure hiccups
  • I don't understand why we pollute the environment
  • What I use a computer to do
  • My best childhood games
  • A school trip to the zoo
  • A toy I have kept for many years
  • Is pollution reversible if we continue using coal?
  • What a new student to my school needs to know
  • The best dream I have ever had
  • The best trip I have ever taken
  • How I see myself five years from now
  • The impact of sharing with friends
  • What I would do if I were the principal for a day?
  • A big accident on the road
  • Can American farmers feed everyone?
  • How would I define the word honesty?
  • I am the president for the day. Here is what I would do
  • How can I change bad behaviors?
  • My favorite chores
  • My participation in tree planting outside the school
  • My bedroom, from the door to all four walls
  • The craziest hairstyle I have ever had
  • One thing I want to do after finishing the 8th grade
  • A big problem in the energy sector is...
  • A cool new store in our neighborhood
  • Dear governor
  • Discover nature in Singapore
  • My favorite teacher in gym class
  • My favorite band as a small child
  • Pet peeves that my best friend has
  • The worst meal I ever ate
  • The worst shave I ever had
  • The best picture day in my school
  • A day I will never forget
  • A friend I will always cherish
  • A project I am working on
  • A typical evening at my house
  • How Abraham Lincoln changed history
  • A great scientific breakthrough
  • An invention that transformed how we communicate
  • Causes of global warming in the world
  • Coping with many brothers and sisters
  • My Website on good etiquette
  • How a motorbike works
  • How a crankshaft works in an engine
  • A trip to the NASA space station
  • If I had superpowers, I would...
  • Is pollution a necessary evil?
  • My first encounter with a cyberbully
  • My dream car since I was a child
  • My dream house will have...
  • I admit it: I enjoy professional basketball
  • Overcoming health problems related to gymnastics
  • What did Americans make in Detroit?
  • What makes pollution a danger in Australia?
  • Environmentally-friendly ways to mine for petroleum
  • Is fracking bad for the environment?
  • What animals can teach people
  • Tools I will need for my future dream job
  • What if there were no school sports?
  • The best summer job in my existence
  • We all make mistakes
  • The hardest thing I have ever done
  • A funny thing that happened in 7th grade
  • Do not let obstacles keep you from your goal
  • The influence of greed in corporate America
  • Foods I love during a hot day
  • A change that would help you get better grades
  • The summer job that I regret most
  • Putting my foot in my mouth at the fair
  • The argument for alternative sources of energy
  • Something our community really needs is...
  • If it's a rule, it's right...right?

cartoon image of a man sited while pointing up at a light bulb and text written, ‘coming up with good topic ideas’ above him

Coming Up With Good Topic Ideas

The thought of writing sends a chill down many students' spines. Academic papers can be intimidating, but you only need to eliminate writer's block and unleash your writing potential. To this end, you may not have a clue about what you are writing about. You will likely have no problems flowing with a topic with which you have information ready. Use different strategies to come up with narrative essay topics that address your issues. Find what works best for you and which learning style suits you best.

Here are some steps you can follow to develop your narrative essay topics.

  • Understand your assignment
  • Determine the assignment's purpose
  • Use a provided list

1. Understand Your Assignment

You must understand the length of your narrative essay and what type is required for your assignment to score highly. You must also discern the research level needed to determine your research scope.

2. Determine the Assignment’s Purpose

Your assignment's purpose will help you determine the type of paper you are writing. For instance, writing an argumentative essay topic will differ from developing personal narrative essay topics. Learn to recognize terms like describe, contrast, analyze, compare, and synthesize to determine what your teacher wants.

3. Use a Provided List

Your instructor may provide you with a list. Occasionally, choose a topic from the given list that interests you. Your instructor will have checked the scope and breadth of the research and seen that such papers elicited great narrative essay topics in the past. When given a list, one good habit of writing narrative essay topics that appeal to your audience is to write the main argument and a thesis for the topics and compare them for scope and breadth.

Select a topic that comes naturally and where you have greater insight to develop a good narrative essay.

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164 Narrative Essay Topics for School & College Students

A narrative essay tells a story about a series of events. At the core of this kind of essay can be a personal experience or a fictional plot. Any story can be a basis for a narrative essay!

Narratives can look similar to descriptions. Still, they are different. A descriptive essay aims to explain the details of a specific moment. Narrative writing focuses on a sequence of events to tell a complete story.

In this article, we have prepared a list of narrative essay topics for high school, college, and university students. The topic ideas are divided by spheres. In the collection below, you’ll find the ideas based on personal experience as well as fictional narrative essay topics. Make use of resources offered by our custom writing experts to write any paper!

  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • 📖 Fictional Topics
  • 🧑✍️ Personal Narrative
  • ✈️ Traveling
  • 🧒 Elementary

✏️ Middle School

🧑‍🏫 high school.

  • 👫 Relationships
  • 🧸 Childhood
  • 💡 Writing Guide and Tips

🔝 Top 10 Narrative Essay Topics: High School

  • Your childhood role model
  • How you overcame hardship
  • The best news you have ever heard
  • The time you experienced culture shock
  • A story of how you mistreated someone
  • The most memorable encounter you’ve had
  • An unexpected event that changed your life
  • The most embarrassing conversation you’ve had
  • When you realized you were wrong in an argument
  • A person who changed your opinion on something

📖 Fictional Narrative Essay Topics

The art of writing fiction is all about narrating a story. In a fictional narrative, you are free to create a tale that doesn’t relate to real life. Take a look at the fictional narrative essay topics below:

  • Write a narrative where a girl discovers her superpower.
  • A story about a land that has 25 hours in a day.
  • Describe your version of the future.
  • Fiction narrative where a person discovers big city life.
  • Come up with an apocalyptic story.
  • A group of scientists discovering a new world inside the Earth.
  • Write about a hamster that prevented a house robbery.
  • A person who saves the country from mass-produced poisoned food .
  • A group of high school students helping to improve their city.
  • A new civilization in a far away galaxy.
  • Write about a grandfather who was secretly a spy.
  • A narrative about a person waking up from the surgery with a different identity.
  • Create a story about a mysterious musical instrument.
  • A college student who won the presidential election.
  • Compose a story about a painting that looks different in every new house.
  • An anonymous person sends lots of money to the poor.
  • Come up with a fictional narrative about a family with unusual tendencies.
  • A movie star who lives out their roles in real life.
  • Passengers of an airplane encounter a UFO.
  • A narrative where a farmer grows strange plants.
  • Write about an orphan who finds out about their inheritance .
  • Story of siblings who resolve a long-lasting argument.

🧑✍️ Personal Narrative Essay Topics

A personal narrative is devoted to the author’s own experience. Therefore, feel free to write in first person. Include your thoughts and emotions. Do your best to describe the details of your narrative. This will help the reader to relive the story with you. Here is the list of excellent topic ideas for your essay:

  • Memories of your first sports coach.
  • A story of how you dyed your hair.
  • Write about something you did against your parents’ will.
  • Recall a day when you got in a fight with your best friend .
  • What was the most exciting adventure in your life?
  • An unfortunate situation that had a good ending.
  • Write about the time when you had to train hard for a competition.
  • Describe the turning point of your life.
  • An experience when you had to overcome your fear.
  • Write about the circumstances that brought you and your parents closer.
  • Describe a memorable conversation with someone.

Vivian Gornick quote.

  • An imaginary world you’ve created as a child.
  • Who gave you the most valuable lesson in your life?
  • One time when you regretted doing something.
  • A particularly embarrassing situation you went through.
  • Your memories of seeing something very beautiful.
  • A moment that made you proud of yourself.
  • Recall a time when you taught a child to do something.
  • What was the most memorable news report you saw in your life?
  • Describe a day when you stood up for someone.
  • Write about the best birthday party you’ve ever had.
  • Share your experience of being lost.

📚 Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

Literacy narrative revolves around reflecting on feelings connected to reading and writing. For this type of essay, think of yourself as a reader and a writer. You can describe any reading experience, whether it is a book, email, or social media post.

  • The most touching piece of writing you’ve ever read.
  • Write about a book that impacted you the most.
  • A news article that changed your view on life.
  • What book character do you most identify with?
  • Talk about a piece of fiction that captured your imagination.
  • What was your favorite novel growing up?
  • The scariest story you’ve ever read.
  • Recall your emotions after reading a heartfelt social media post.
  • What is the most boring book you’ve read?
  • Describe a book that you would reread over and over again.

A book report is considered a narrative essay.

  • Your experience of reading a story to a child.
  • Have you ever read something that taught you a lesson?
  • Do you see yourself becoming a professional writer?
  • Recall the day when you had to complete your first writing assignment.
  • How does sharing thoughts on social media make you feel?
  • If you were to write a book, who would be the main character?
  • Talk about the most personal thing you’ve ever written.
  • Describe your experience of composing a poem.
  • Why can someone have difficulty with writing?
  • Recall what it was like to read for the first time.
  • What does journaling mean to you?
  • Have you ever been proud of something you wrote?

✈️ Narrative Essay Topics about Traveling

In this section, you get to engage your creativity! A narrative essay about traveling is supposed to show the reader what it’s like to explore the world. Present a story taking place in a real or imaginary location:

  • Your first time traveling to another country.
  • Friends taking a trip to the Great Canyon.
  • Write a narrative about traveling to your dream location.
  • Describe a trip to the Taj Mahal.
  • A day-long road trip.
  • Share your experience of visiting a historical site.
  • Come up with a story about getting around the airport .
  • What to do if you are lost in a foreign country?
  • A day in the life of a flight attendant.
  • Write about eating unusual foods from around the world.
  • Describe talking to a local in a foreign language .
  • A narrative about going on a seven-day cruise .
  • Tell the reader about the most breathtaking view you’ve ever seen.
  • Write a story about riding a train.
  • A short narrative about an out-of-state road trip.

Robert Louis Stevenson quote.

  • Traveling to see your family on holidays.
  • Come up with a narrative about hitchhiking across America.
  • What is it like to travel in the air balloon?
  • How to prepare for a trip around the world.
  • What to do if your luggage got lost in a foreign country.
  • Describe packing a suitcase for a long trip.
  • A story about a person missing their plane.

🏫 Narrative Essay Topics about School

This section is for all grades! Writing a narrative essay about school gives you a chance to share your personal experience as a student. You can write about precious memories, challenges, or influential people in your school career. Pick one of the narrative essay topics about school from this list:

🧒 Elementary School

  • Write a story with your favorite teacher as the main character.
  • Describe your first day at school.
  • A fun memory with your best friend.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during a break?
  • Tell your reader about something interesting you learned in class recently.
  • A day when you had to leave school early.
  • Recall your favorite celebration with classmates.
  • Write about your favorite school subject.
  • A story about your most unusual day at school.
  • How did you bond with your classmates?
  • Come up with narrative about a memorable event at the cafeteria.
  • The last day of school before the summer break .
  • One time when you forgot to bring something to the class.
  • Describe how you worked on a science project.
  • The most challenging class you took in middle school.
  • A story of how you pranked a friend.
  • Have you ever won a school competition?
  • The day when you’ve decided on your future profession.
  • Write about the teacher who impacted you the most.
  • A story of a serious conversation you had about your grades .
  • The day when you got in trouble with the principal .
  • Reflect on a class you will never forget.

👫 Narrative Essay Topics about Relationships

Narrative essay about relationships focuses on presenting a story about connections between people. You can write about your family, friends, or loved ones. Make sure to pick a statement that you will expand on in your story. Use the following list of narrative writing topics to come up with your narrative about relationships.

  • A conflict between generations.
  • What is it like to be in love?
  • Write about how hatred can destroy relationships.
  • Describe an example of loyalty.
  • A story about maintaining friendship via social media .
  • Come up with a narrative where people with opposite personalities are getting along.
  • Tell the reader about somebody being generous.
  • Write about a couple being honest with each other.
  • A story where classmates treat each other with respect.
  • Describe a family that maintains loving relationship no matter what.
  • A story where you help somebody who used to be your enemy.
  • How friendliness can brighten up a person’s day.
  • Talk about the pain of ending a relationship .

Brandon Sanderson quote.

  • Children learning from their parents about empathy.
  • A narrative about food connecting people.
  • Come up with a story about unfulfilled expectations.
  • The importance of authentic conversations in a friendship.
  • What relational patterns do you see in your family?
  • Manifestations of real love in everyday life.
  • A story when someone makes a sacrifice for the sake of others.
  • Describe a situation where parents are bonding with their child.
  • Talk about the most meaningful relationship in your life.

🧸 Childhood Narrative Essay Topics

Childhood narrative essays are about sharing memories from the time when you were little. You can write about playing with friends or a day when you fell off the bike. Or, ask your family members to recall some episodes from your childhood.

  • A story of how you received your nickname.
  • Write about playing with your favorite toys.
  • What is the most memorable place you went to when you were little?
  • What kind of friends did you have when you were little?
  • Did you ever break anything?
  • Recall your earliest childhood memories.
  • What was the first valuable lesson you’ve learned as a kid?
  • Share your favorite childhood sports memory.
  • A story of your first triumph.
  • What did you enjoy doing when you were little?

Marcel Proust quote.

  • A moment from your childhood that your parents often recall.
  • Which talents did you have when you were a child?
  • What was it like to grow up with your siblings?
  • Write a narrative about your favorite pet.
  • The most memorable childhood moment with your family.
  • Were there any challenges you had to overcome as a kid?
  • What was your favorite children’s book ?
  • Did you ever get lost when you were little?
  • An exciting sleepover you had with friends.
  • Write a story about how you and your friends went on an adventure.
  • A family holiday that you will remember forever.
  • What was your favorite food in your early years?

💡 Narrative Essay Writing Guide and Tips

As you already know, writing a narrative essay is very similar to telling a story. Here are a few tips to remember for narrative writing:

  • Tip 1: Use your memories. Take time to write down everything you can recall about the event. You can use it as a basis for your paper.
  • Tip 2: Be clear. Stick to the main idea of the essay. It’s better not to add characters or details that are not relevant to the story you’re telling.
  • Tip 3: Choose words carefully. In an essay words to are like paint on a canvas. The use of vivid language can help you create a story worth reading.

Now, pay attention to this step-by-step guide. It will help you outline an on-point narrative essay:

  • Introduction. In the opening paragraph, determine the main idea of the paper. Make a clear thesis that reflects the purpose of your narrative. To help yourself with this part, you can try a narrative essay thesis generator .

In this essay, I want to share my happiest childhood memory of playing with my older brother.

  • The body. Since you are writing the narrative essay as a story, make sure to tell the story well. Think through the plot with conflict, climax, and a powerful conclusion. Take your time to introduce the setting and the characters. All this will make your paper entertaining and easy to read.
  • Conclusion. Bring your narrative to a logical end. Expanding on the thesis statement will help you write a great conclusion.

Playing with my older brother taught me the true meaning of family, and I’m very grateful for it.

We hope this article helped you figure out how to write a narrative essay!

You may be also interested in:

  • How to Write a Narrative Essay: Easy Guide and Useful Tips
  • How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples
  • How to Write a Creative Essay: Tips, Topics and Techniques
  • Breaking Down the Types of Essays: a Complete Guide for Success

🔍 References

  • Narrative Essays: Purdue University
  • Nailing the Craft of Narrative Writing: WeAreTeachers
  • Narrative and Reflection Writing Samples: Western Technical College
  • Drafting a Narrative: Walden University
  • Scholarly Personal Narrative: University of Vermont
  • The Power of Personal Narratives in the Classroom: University of Washington
  • Fiction Writing Basics: Purdue University
  • How to Write a Literacy Narrative: Pen and the Pad
  • Literacy Narratives: UNC Charlotte
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Narrative Essay Topics Featured

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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.

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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 →

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • The best country in the world is …
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

WeAreTeachers

  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

  • Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
  • Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
  • What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
  • Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
  • How does playing sports affect people?
  • What are the effects of loving to read?
  • Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
  • What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
  • Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
  • Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

  • Public and private schools
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Monarchy or democracy
  • Dogs vs. cats as pets
  • Paper books or e-books
  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • iPhone or Android
  • Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

  • Who is the funniest person you know?
  • What is your happiest memory?
  • Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
  • Write about your favorite place.
  • When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
  • What is your earliest memory?
  • What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
  • Describe your favorite pet.
  • What is the most important item in the world to you?
  • Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
  • Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
  • Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
  • What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
  • Describe how the internet changed the world.
  • What does it mean to be a good teacher?
  • Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
  • Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
  • Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
  • What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

  • What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
  • What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
  • Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
  • Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
  • Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
  • Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary Essay Topics

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

  • Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
  • Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
  • Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
  • Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
  • Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
  • Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
  • Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
  • Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

  • Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
  • Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
  • Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
  • Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
  • Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
  • Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
  • Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
  • Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
  • Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
  • Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
  • What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
  • Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  • Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?

Research Essay Topics

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

  • Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
  • Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
  • Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
  • Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
  • What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
  • Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
  • Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
  • Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
  • Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests , dig deeper with our longreads, newsletter sign up to get our best longform features, investigations, and thought-provoking essays, in your inbox every sunday..

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100+ Inspiring Narrative Essay Topics

Teenager writing narrative essay

  • DESCRIPTION Teenager writing narrative essay
  • SOURCE SDI Productions / E+ / Getty

You can find great narrative essay topics by exploring major events in your own life that were inspiring or by reading uplifting narrative essay examples . Use these narrative essay topics to start your paper or inspire an original topic.

Encouraging Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Writing a personal narrative starts with a good personal narrative topic. Remember, this type of essay should be about a personal experience that inspired you or might inspire others.

  • Overcoming a disability
  • A health scare that changed your life
  • A time when you helped someone
  • Someone who changed your life and doesn’t know it
  • A time your opinion was changed
  • Something you dreamed of as a child that came to fruition
  • Overcoming a publicly embarrassing moment
  • How social media helped you
  • How you dealt with a state of emergency
  • A time when you realized someone looked up to you
  • A random act of kindness that moved you
  • Your part in a pay it forward chain
  • One moment that made you a better person
  • Checking something off your bucket list
  • An accomplishment you never believed was possible
  • A lesson you learned from nature
  • A book that changed your outlook on life
  • A song lyric that uplifts you
  • A moment of spontaneity that brought great joy
  • Someone who helped you set a goal
  • The moment you realized you were beautiful
  • Something a child said to you that put life in perspective
  • A news story that made you take action
  • Following your instincts
  • An employer that really supports employees
  • A job that changed your opinion about something
  • A moment that taught you the value of money
  • A movie that mirrors your life
  • How VR changed your perspective of the world

Refreshing Narrative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle school is a great time of self-discovery that’s filled with firsts and memorable moments. Use these milestones as the topic for your narrative essay.

  • Making an unlikely friend
  • How bad relationships help you become a better person
  • The first time you opened your locker
  • The teacher that makes you feel smart
  • Moving from elementary school to middle school
  • A social media post that inspired you
  • A news story about a kid/teen that was uplifting
  • A comment from a teacher that made you feel good
  • A comment from someone you’re not friends with that made you feel good
  • Being yourself
  • A class you look forward to
  • Your parents supporting you and giving you some independence
  • Your first cell phone
  • A family vacation
  • A special photo of friends
  • Your bedroom as a safe haven
  • Something that always calms you down
  • A class presentation that went well
  • Something that makes you special or unique
  • A time when you didn’t let peer pressure get to you
  • A time when you lost a friend, then got them back
  • The village that helped raise you
  • How you make a difference in the world
  • What your pet has taught you about love

Moving Narrative Essay Topics for High School

High school narrative essay topics include the classic moments that are stereotypical of the secondary school experience.

  • Special homecoming court moment
  • A friendship that started long before high school
  • Prom dress shopping and your self-esteem
  • Anticipation for graduation
  • An award or scholarship you received
  • Participating in a school musical
  • A class or club trip
  • Your first love
  • A moment you stood up for what you believed in
  • How your relationship with your parents changed for the better
  • Showing school pride
  • Something you thought would be hard, but turned out to be easy
  • Taking a stand against social norms
  • Expressing your personality through fashion
  • A YA novel that captures your feelings exactly
  • Removing a toxic person from your life
  • Your most inspiring social media post
  • Songs that get you pumped up
  • A celebrity who impacted your life in a good way
  • Overcoming a sports injury
  • The power of true teamwork
  • An optimistic moment
  • A time you felt totally prepared for something scary
  • Something you built on your own
  • A life skill you’ve mastered
  • Learning to drive

Uplifting Narrative Essay Topics for College

College is another time in your life that’s wrought with self-discovery and seeing the world as it truly is.

  • Why you chose to go to college
  • How you chose your major
  • The impact of joining a team or club
  • A fellow student you see thriving against the odds
  • Examples of community on campus
  • A test experience that boosted your self-esteem
  • The moment you realized you were going into the right field
  • What a college degree means to you
  • College as a microcosm of the world
  • The feeling of independence
  • Keeping in touch with family
  • The role of old friends in your new life
  • Dating as a way of finding yourself and growing as a person
  • Receiving good news
  • Overcoming professional rejection
  • Something you brought from home that keeps you sane
  • The role of “home” in your life
  • A time when you received great professional feedback
  • Your biggest cheerleader
  • Your mentor
  • A TV character who broke the mold
  • A moving internship experience

Share Your Story

Whether you use narrative writing prompts or not, a narrative essay should always be a moment where you share your story. More often than not, your story is relatable to others. To craft the best narrative essay, choose a topic that’s meaningful to you.

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150+ Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas

narrative essay topics

Often during the education process in school or university , we are asked to write an essay. Let’s talk about essays, in particular narrative ones. In a narrative essay, the author tells a story from real life. In this form of essay, the presentation of events in chronological order will not be enough. The authors’ thesis should interest the reader and make the story as vivid as possible so that the reader wants to become a part of the events described and can easily "transfer" to the story . More often such an essay is written in the 1st person in the present or past tense.

There are also other types of essays, such as:

  • Description essays. In such an essay, we describe an object.
  • Definition essays. Here we have one goal - to reveal this or that concept.
  • Illustration essays. Your goal is to prove a statement.
  • Argument essays. Here we give examples of persuasive facts that support your assertion.

Now let's look at the most popular narrative essay topics that we can board you with.

How to Know What Topic You Need?

If you were given a list of essay topics at schools or colleges , it would be logical if you choose a topic that is closer to you, on which you are not averse to reflecting.

If there is no list of topics, and you have only indicated the direction in which you should choose a problem for the essay, you will have to formulate the topic for narrative writing yourself.

Here are some tips on how to choose a topic for your essay:

  • Before defining a narrative essay topic, it is worth finding the author's position. This is the moral instruction of the author, which can be written directly or encrypted in the words or thoughts of the hero-narrator. To find it, one should single out the topic and all the micro-themes in the text, and then formulate moralizing within their framework, that is, the author's position.
  • From the author's position, it is worth asking a special question, that is, a question that requires a general answer, and not a short "yes" or "no". This question will be a problem.
  • It is necessary to find two examples in the text that illustrate the transition from the question to the author's position, that is, to help answer the question posed. This will prove that such a problem is indeed raised by the author.

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas

Now, let’s take a closer look at topics for narrative essay examples you can choose. 

Personal Narrative Essay Topics 

Personal narrative essay examples and ideas are needed when you describe something that you experienced in your life.

  • How To Be a Defensive Driver.
  • A Personal Narrative about Fear Of Heights.
  • My Fear of Failure.
  • The Narrative about Losing My Dad.
  • A Day I Lost My Best Friend.
  • Narrative on Precious Time.
  • What I Did This Summer.
  • Personal Narrative: I Am a Perfectionist.
  • Why Softball Is Important in My Life.
  • Narrative on Vocation.
  • My First Rock Concert.
  • How I Learned to Accept Myself the Way I am.
  • I Helped a Person in Need.
  • My Last Day at School.
  • The Character I Associate Myself with.

Cultural Narrative Essay Topics

Cultural topics for narratives allow you to highlight the topic of culture and at the same time present the story in an interesting way for the reader.

  • Narrative about Mexican Culture.
  • What traditions are unique in your family?
  • Which tradition surprised you the most?
  • How does the media influence our perception of culture?
  • How does culture define a person's personality?
  • What culture do you identify with?
  • What is your favorite holiday?
  • How does your family celebrate Christmas?
  • The Impact of Narrative in English Language and Culture.
  • What holiday has the most sacred meaning for you?
  • What traditions does your family observe on the Easter holidays?
  • Which of the cultural events you attended did you remember the most?
  • What foreign tradition do you like the most?
  • Holiday traditions in your family.
  • Which festival do you like the most?

Narrative Argument Essay Topics 

This type of narrative topics for an essay implies that you need to write about something that has had a big impact on you.

  • Conflict case from your life.
  • What disagreements did you have together with your friend?
  • The case when someone deceived you.
  • Has there been a choice in your life that you regret?
  • Have you been in conflict with other people?
  • A situation where you have to make a difficult decision between right and wrong.
  • Have you been caught doing something bad?
  • Have you ever had to win friends following the rules?
  • Have you ever blamed another person for what you did?
  • Have you helped someone for personal gain?
  • Have you ever played pranks on your friends?
  • What experience can you call the most difficult but important in life?
  • Have you ever been in a car accident?
  • Have you ever been humiliated?
  • Have you ever helped a friend solve his problem?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics 

  • Have you had to make a difficult decision in life?
  • Have you ever flooded a neighbor's house?
  • Has there ever been a person in your life who has changed it drastically?
  • Would you like to relive any of those days again?
  • Have you ever failed an exam?
  • What was the scariest moment in your life?
  • Have you ever been really sick?
  • Have you ever saved another person's life?
  • Have you ever worked up the courage to visit a haunted house?
  • Have you ever won a prize?
  • What was your first job in life?
  • Have you ever participated in educational student exchange programs ?
  • What do you do when you are all alone?
  • What was your first meeting with the police?
  • Have you ever been to the emergency room?

Personal Experience Narrative Essay Topics 

Here you can describe people or events that influenced you in one way or another.

  • How have you met a special person in your life?
  • The person you enjoy the most.
  • The best place in the neighborhood.
  • The place you'd like to live your whole life.
  • A productive art, you enjoy.
  • What is your first job search ?
  • Your biggest disappointment.
  • Do you remember your first birthday?
  • Narrative on Earthquake: An Earth-Shattering Experience.
  • Have you ever encountered a wild animal?
  • Tell about the first time you got home alone.
  • How did you cook food for the first time?
  • Tell how you helped someone.
  • How did you overcome your fear?
  • Narrative about Video Games.

Relationship Narrative Essay Topics

Relationship narrative stories ideas help to describe our relationship and how our experience has influenced certain events in life.

  • Have you ever fallen in love?
  • What advice would you give to a couple who are just starting their relationship?
  • How would you define family?
  • If you have a best friend, how did you meet?
  • Do you think that your parents are more sensitive than others?
  • What is your attitude towards marriage?
  • Have you ever experienced gender bias?
  • How do you remember deceased family members?
  • What do you know about the origins of your family?
  • Narrative about Friendship.
  • How did you meet your best friend?
  • What can make you end a romantic relationship?
  • Is the community in your area important?
  • Do you think hatred can destroy a relationship?
  • Have you ever experienced intergenerational conflict?
  • What does honesty mean in a relationship?

Childhood Memories

In this type of essay, you need to describe the events and memories of childhood.

  • What was my first pet?
  • What are my first memories?
  • Whom did I look up to as a child?
  • How did I first go to the hospital?
  • My first meeting with my uncle/aunt.
  • The Impact of a Funeral.
  • My first terrible incident.
  • What are my childhood fears?
  • What was the happiest day of my childhood?
  • My first time at the stadium.

Growing Up in High School 

Here you need to recall the most vivid impressions from high school.

  • What lessons were my favorites?
  • Who was my favorite teacher?
  • What role in the school theater did I remember the most?
  • How I lost a sports match.
  • Topics forbidden to me.
  • How did I feel when I failed the exam?
  • How did I feel when I passed the exam with excellent marks?
  • Is commuting to school a routine for me?
  • My best adventure in school.
  • What kind of extracurricular activities do I enjoy the most?

Moral & Ethical Dilemmas

In this type of essay, you have to describe the ideas of the complexity of moral choice.

  • What is your attitude towards pro-life movement: argumentative essay on abortion ?
  • How can we influence the fight against racism?
  • How should a work ethic deal with sexism?
  • Do you think euthanasia should be legal?
  • Why can't war be ethical?
  • What moral issues does workplace automation cause?
  • The Missing Climate Change Narrative Analysis.
  • Is it ethical to have a lot of money?
  • If drugs were legal, would their use be ethical?
  • Is it possible to justify eating meat in the modern world?

College Student Life

Try to describe events and memories from your student's life.

  • Narrative about Reading.
  • My last day with my schoolmates.
  • My favorite course.
  • Meeting my better half.
  • The story of my split-up.
  • My brightest high school moment.
  • How I met my old friend.
  • My favorite professor.
  • Narrative on a Trip: The Wonders of Rome.
  • The most symbolic episode from my college life.
  • The day I moved.
  • Narrative on a Road Trip to Remember.
  • My first impressions of the college campus.
  • How I met my roommate.
  • My first friends at college.

Narrative Essay Topics for Different Grades 

Let’s look at the narrative speech topics for different grades.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

  • My first bicycle ride.
  • My dad is my hero.
  • A day with my grandmother.
  • My first day at school.
  • My best friend.
  • My favorite teacher.
  • A school trip to the zoo.
  • My grandpa’s hands.
  • The most exciting day of school.
  • The best summer vacation.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 6

  • A memorable teacher.
  • My first trip abroad.
  • A sad story from my childhood.
  • My favorite vacation with my family.
  • A fight with my best friend.
  • My best birthday party.
  • How we celebrate our parents’ wedding anniversary.
  • My first day at a new school.
  • Last Christmas was an interesting story.
  • How I lost my sister.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • Something that scared me the most.
  • The best day of my life.
  • Helping a stranger.
  • How I met my best friend.
  • My brother’s wedding.
  • How I got my first pet.
  • Once I called the dean's office.
  • Conflict with my father.
  • Unique family tradition.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 8

  • School trip to the museum.
  • My best day at school.
  • The most exciting day of summer vacation.
  • Worst day at school.
  • The day I got my first pet.
  • The hour we spent looking at our baby's album.
  • My first attempt at cooking.
  • My first Japanese pastry.
  • My first foreign friend.

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 9

  • A visit to the countryside.
  • How I lost my faith in humanity.
  • A car accident.
  • My friend had an accident.
  • A trip I will never forget.
  • The most enjoyable Christmas.
  • A bad experience that completely changed my behavior.
  • How I used to spend my summer vacations.
  • My experience with a tornado.
  • I got lost in the streets of venus.

Narrative Essay Topics for O Levels

  • A special moment when I got my first bike.
  • A disappointing birthday party.
  • The most embarrassing thing that happened to me.
  • A disastrous date.
  • The moment of success.
  • Growing up in New York.
  • A sporting experience.
  • A random act of kindness.
  • The first six months of COVID-19.
  • The end of my relationship.

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

Personal narrative ideas in high school include the classic moments that are stereotypical of the secondary school experience.

  • Special homecoming court moment.
  • A friendship that started long before high school.
  • Prom dress shopping and your self-esteem.
  • Anticipation for graduation.
  • An award or scholarship you received.
  • Participating in a school musical.
  • Coming to America: A Narrative of a Journey of Hope.
  • Your first love.
  • A moment you stood up for what you believed in.
  • How your relationship with your parents changed for the better.

Narrative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle school is a great time of self-discovery that’s filled with firsts and memorable moments. Use these milestones as the topic for your narrative essay.

  • Making an unlikely friend.
  • How bad relationships help you become a better person.
  • The first time you opened your locker.
  • The teacher that makes you feel smart.
  • Moving from elementary school to middle school.
  • A social media post that inspired you.
  • A news story about a kid/teen that was uplifting.
  • A comment from a teacher that made you feel good.
  • A comment from someone you’re not friends with that made you feel good.
  • Being yourself.

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

College is another time in your life that’s wrought with self-discovery and seeing the world as it truly is.

  • Frederick Douglass Narrative.
  • Frame Narrative in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
  • Narrative on The Definition of Bravery in Beowulf.
  • A Critical Examination of Social Commentary and Narrative Execution.
  • Examples of community on campus.
  • A test experience that boosts your self-esteem.
  • The moment you realized you were going into the right field.
  • What does a college degree mean to you?
  • College is a microcosm of the world.
  • The feeling of independence.

Conclusion 

Teachers and students are very fond of narrative essay topics, as they are flexible enough that everyone can find a topic that is close to them. If you can’t decide on a topic yourself, then the list that we presented in our material will help you. We sincerely wish you good luck and inspiration for writing the best essay. And the topics we have suggested will help you with this!

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narrative essay topics for high school

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.

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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.

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Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Topics

Caleb S.

Best Narrative Essay Topics 2024 for Students

12 min read

Narrative Essay Topics

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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.

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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. 

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by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.  

13 Narrative Writing Prompts For Secondary Students

September 29, 2015 in  Pedagogy

Secondary Narrative Writing Prompts

A few years ago, I tried to show a documentary about the Titanic sinking to a classroom full of 7th graders on the last day before a holiday. Big mistake! While the students are fascinated by the Titanic, they found the documentary incredibly boring. My team leader and I ended up having to show them a movie instead. A few days later, we started reading a story about the Titanic and the students loved it. They also told me that they loved the three-hour-long Titanic movie staring Kate Winslet and Leonard DiCaprio. I found the juxtaposition of their responses to the documenary verses the movie fascinating — and telling. so I asked them what the difference was between the two. Why was the documentary so boring, but the movie would hold their interest for three hours.

One student responded with gusto: “Because it’s a loooove story!”

What she didn’t know is that her response to the story has a basis in science: We are wired to enjoy stories .

Since most people have a built-in. scientifically-proven predilection for stories for dry facts, it’s very important that students learn to tell a good yarn. The best way to learn how to tell good stories, much like learning how to ice skate without falling on your backside, is to practice.

So I am sharing below a few writing prompts you can give to your students, so they’ll have plenty of opportunity to exercise their writing muscles.

Narrative writing prompts

  • Think about something that happened to you that you’ll never forget. Write about what happened, who was involved and where it happened. Make sure you capture what makes that event hard to forget.
  • Think about a memorable event that happened when you were in elementary school. Write a story describing what happened, who was involved, and where it took place. Be sure to capture the importance of the event.
  • You are on your way home when zombies begin to take over your town. You’ve never believed in zombies, but now you see them with your own eyes. Write a science fiction story telling what the zombies do, what happens to everyone you know, and what you do about it. Make sure you create and describe characters, conflict, and the setting.
  • Pretend that your favorite character has stepped out of the pages of a book, or out of your television, and into real life. Write a story about what happens that day.
  • Weather affects people in different ways around the globe. Think about a time when the weather has had a significant impact on your life. Write a story sharing your experience.
  • Write about a time that you surprised someone. Write a story sharing how you planned the surprise, and what happened, being careful to build suspense so that the reader is surprised, too.
  • Think about a time when you embarked on a journey to reach a personal goal. Tell your story, being sure to include the challenges you faced, what might have prevented you from reaching your goal, and how you were transformed by the journey.
  • Think about a time when you stood up for what you believed in. Be sure to set share with your reader what the situation was like, what happened when you stood your ground, and what happened as a result.
  • Imagine that you wake up tomorrow morning and discover that you’ve been transported into your favorite novel or movie. Write a story telling what happens during the one day you live with those characters.
  • Imagine that you are the last person left on the earth. There is a knock at the door…
  • Choose a super power and then write a story about how you would change the world.
  • Think about a time when you didn’t know what to say — until it was too late. Retell your story the way you wish it had happened.
  • Tell a story about your favorite person. Make sure you describe that person’s character traits, and tell a story that illustrates why they are your favorite.

Need prompts in multiple writing modes for every day of the school year? Check out 180+ Days of Quickwrites !

Related topics: Narrative Writing , Quickwriting , Teaching Writing

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About the author 

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

I’m excited for my 7th grader I know he will be experiencing and exploring new ideas new friends and of course new boundaries… writing and legible handwriting has been a struggle for him in grade school I really enjoyed reading through this website it makes writing seem less intimidating and giving confidence on having that successful paper/story ..I am hoping it will give him a new outlook on how fun as well as important writing can be. Thank you very much I am excited to share this site with him. Its perfect for discouraging writers as I once was going through school!!!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what are some narrative essay topics for high school.

Hey guys, I'm looking for suggestions on narrative essay topics that would be suitable for high school students. I'm working on my English assignment, and I need some ideas to get me started. Any recommendations?

Hi there! It's always exciting to explore new essay topics. Narrative essays allow you to share personal stories and experiences with your readers. Here are some ideas to consider for your high school narrative essay:

1. A turning point in your life: Describe an event or moment that changed your perspective or triggered personal growth.

2. An unforgettable trip: Share the story of a memorable journey you took, the people you met, and the experiences you had along the way.

3. A random act of kindness: Recall an instance when someone showed you unexpected kindness and how it affected you.

4. Overcoming adversity: Tell a story about overcoming a difficult challenge, such as dealing with a personal loss, standing up to a bully, or persisting through a tough goal.

5. An influential mentor: Write about a person who has had a significant impact on your life, and explain how they helped shape your thoughts and actions.

6. A memorable friendship: Share a story about a close friend, focusing on the events and experiences that brought you together and strengthened your bond.

7. A cultural experience: Describe an instance where you embraced a different culture or participated in a unique tradition, and how it broadened your understanding of the world.

8. A first-time experience: Write about something you did for the first time, like learning to ride a bike, trying a new food, or giving a speech, and how the experience affected you.

9. A family tradition: Share your favorite family tradition or event, delving into its history and significance to your family.

10. A hidden talent or hobby: Write about a passion or skill you have that may be surprising to others and how you discovered it.

Remember to focus on the emotions and sensory details involved in your story to make it engaging and relatable to your readers. Good luck with your assignment!

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12 Excellent Narrative Essay Topics for You

If you are looking for great narrative essay topics and ideas for students, look no further! No matter what age your students are, they’ll love exploring their creativity through the lens of a narrative essay.

Narrative Essay Topics for Students

This powerful form of creative writing is virtually boundless. 

You see…

To be considered a narrative essay, it must tell a story, sure yet…

Beyond that one simple requirement, the essay may take so many different forms. This flexibility gives a student plenty of room to run with his or her imagination and to craft a piece of writing that truly reflects who the student is as an individual.

Ready to learn more about teaching narrative essay writing to your students this school year? 

Let’s dive right in!

What is a Narrative Essay?

So… what exactly is a narrative essay? At its core, a narrative essay must tell a story.  It can draw from a single event or even several related events, but it should ultimately have a plot and a character or characters who are involved in the action.  Additionally, the narrative should revolve around a central theme or motif that illustrates why the author is sharing the narrative in the first place.  Or in other words, the theme explains what the author took away from the event—and why that event was so meaningful to him or her.

In form, the narrative essay can be similar to a standard essay or a short story.  It has a central point (similar to a thesis statement) just like a regular essay, and it includes characters, dialogue, and plot like a short story. However, the inclusion of a motif is ultimately what sets the narrative essay apart from the short story.  While many short stories do have important themes, they don’t require it—it’s okay for a short story to simply be based around the action of a plot or an exploration of a character.  A narrative essay, on the other hand, is a story that is told in order to explore an idea.  And in that regard, its thematic significance is crucial.

Now see these…

12 Narrative Essay Topics for Students

Use these engaging narrative essay prompts to help students find creative, meaningful moments from their lives to share!

  • Write a narrative essay about a memorable “first” in your life (such as your first day at school, your first stuffed animal, your first heartbreak, etc.).
  • Write a narrative essay about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
  • Write about a day you experienced that was unlike any other.
  • Write a narrative essay in which an object takes on a greater symbolic meaning for your life.
  • Write about your experience with a hobby you love.

Narrative Essay Writing Ideas for Students

  • Write about something funny or scary that happened to you.
  • Write about someone who has played a major role in your life.  Shape the narrative around a memorable experience you had with him or her.
  • Write about your experience growing up with the Internet.
  • Write a narrative essay describing how you got something important to you (such as your name, a nickname, a scar, or a beloved possession).
  • Write about an important memory you share with your parents.
  • Write about a time when you felt really confident in yourself.

I hope you enjoyed these Narrative Essay Topics . It’s time to check out…

A Helpful List of Narrative Essay Themes 

Here’s the list of personal narrative essay topics and themes for high school students or college students.

  • Coming-of-Age:  This classic theme explores the protagonist’s journey from childhood to adulthood. It can involve a physical or emotional transformation, or both.
  • Overcoming a Challenge:  Everyone faces challenges in life. A narrative essay can explore how the protagonist overcomes a difficult obstacle, such as a physical disability, an illness, or a personal loss.
  • Friendship:  Friendships are an important part of life. A narrative essay can explore the power of friendship, the challenges of friendship, or the importance of a particular friend in the protagonist’s life.
  • Identity:  A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s search for identity. This could involve exploring their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or social class.
  • Loss:  Loss is a universal experience. A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s experience with loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job.
  • Discovery:  A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s discovery of something new about themselves, the world, or others. This could be a physical discovery, an emotional discovery, or an intellectual discovery.

Family:  Family is an important part of many people’s lives. A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s relationship with their family, the challenges of family life, or the importance of family.

  • Culture:  Culture shapes who we are. A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s experience with their culture, or the culture of someone else.
  • Travel:  Travel can be a transformative experience. A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s journey to a new place, and how it changed them.
  • Secrets:  Everyone has secrets. A narrative essay can explore the protagonist’s secret, and the impact it has on their life.

Additional themes that could be used as personal narratives and personal experiences in your writing lessons/assignments include:

  • Pets, First Pet, Special animal
  • Random act of kindness
  • Childhood memories (aka favorite teacher, best friend, family vacation…)
  • Personal passion, personal growth, resilience
  • Self-discovery moments in our own lives
  • A time of great adversity
  • Adventure encounter, tales of reflection, perspective…
  • Forgiveness
  • A social media post that affect you deeply or the impact of technology on you and your life
  • Cultural difference and/or cultural heritage 

Ok, take a peek at these…

Five Keys to Writing a Strong Narrative Essay

Once your students understand the general premise of a narrative essay and how it differs from other forms, use the following tips to help them begin writing.  Each of these steps serves as a key part of crafting a truly thought-provoking narrative essay. 1. Include a Strong Sense of Character A true narrative essay must tell a story—and as such, that story must include one or more characters who undergo something in the narrative.  Students can choose narratives where they are the sole characters, or they may tell stories that include family or friends.  Because the narrative essay is more heavily focused on the plot and theme, it’s important to define characters as succinctly as possible.  Help students craft one or two sentences that showcase a character’s personality (or that define the character’s role) without having to spend too much time explaining who each person is.  This will help kids stay focused on the narrative at hand. 2. Spice Things Up with Compelling Dialogue Many short stories include dialogue and a narrative essay is no different.  In a narrative essay, dialogue can serve several key purposes:

  • Builds character effectively
  • Moves the plot along
  • Creates a dynamic pace

Of course, dialogue that is done poorly is sometimes worse than simply not including dialogue at all—so you should encourage your students to practice writing realistic dialogue that sounds similar to how people actually talk.  Have students read their dialogue aloud as a test to see how natural it sounds.

3. Add Conflict to Create Tension

Like any good story, a narrative essay must also include conflict and tension.  Adding conflict to the narrative creates stakes—for the characters in the story and for the readers who have become invested in what happens.

Generally speaking, there are six accepted types of conflict used in literature.  Your students can use any of these to drive tension in their narrative essays:

  • Man Vs. Self: an internal conflict between a character and his or her own desires or ideals
  • Man Vs. Man: a conflict between two characters
  • Man Vs. Society: a conflict between a character and an outside force such as someone rebelling against a government or a teenager fighting against adult expectations
  • Man Vs. Nature: a conflict between a character and a natural force like a giant storm, animal, or apocalyptic event
  • Man Vs. Technology: a conflict between a character and a problem born of modern science such as a robot or struggle that requires a yet-to-be-invented solution
  • Man Vs. Fate: a conflict between a character and an unseen or supernatural force

4. Incorporate A Prevailing Theme As we mentioned previously, a narrative essay must also include a central theme or motif.  This idea should be presented early on in the essay so that the reader may keep it in mind as he or she reads. Throughout the essay, the narrative should occasionally hearken back to the theme or subtly point toward it in order to keep the reader’s mind engaged with the meaning of the narrative.  In the end, the narrative essay should conclude with the author summarizing or alluding to the theme again in some way.  Though it doesn’t have to be as overt as the summary of a typical essay, the ending should nicely wrap up the topic in some way that leaves the reader with something to reflect upon. 5. Tell the Emotional Truth Narrative essays are generally works of non-fiction, but students do have some license to be creative with the details.  In a narrative essay, the writer should be more concerned with telling the “emotional truth” of an event rather than sticking solely to the exact facts of what happened. What does that mean, practically speaking?  Well, for starters, it’s okay if a student doesn’t remember exactly what someone said or the specific sequence of events in a story.  This isn’t a report or a news article, so the details don’t have to be completely accurate. 

Instead, students should focus on the meaning they wish to impart through their essay—and as such, should choose the most relevant and significant details to include in their work.

Alrighty…

That’s all for now.

If you enjoyed these Narrative Essay Topics for Students , please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

Narrative Essay Ideas for Kids

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15 Inspiring Personal Narrative Examples for Writers

Reveal a part of yourself in your essay.

narrative essay topics for high school

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.

narrative essay topics for high school

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

Surviving an Embarrassing Situation

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

narrative essay topics for high school

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

narrative essay topics for high school

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

narrative essay topics for high school

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.

narrative essay topics for high school

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.

narrative essay topics for high school

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.

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65 Engaging Personal Narrative Ideas for Kids and Teens

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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.

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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:

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    Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School. Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn't necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative ...

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    A great narrative essay topic is both personal and widely relatable. Check out these narrative essay topics to see which resonates with your story. ... Moving Narrative Essay Topics for High School. High school narrative essay topics include the classic moments that are stereotypical of the secondary school experience. Special homecoming court ...

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    Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students. Personal narrative ideas in high school include the classic moments that are stereotypical of the secondary school experience. Special homecoming court moment. A friendship that started long before high school. Prom dress shopping and your self-esteem. Anticipation for graduation.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Hi there! It's always exciting to explore new essay topics. Narrative essays allow you to share personal stories and experiences with your readers. Here are some ideas to consider for your high school narrative essay: 1. A turning point in your life: Describe an event or moment that changed your perspective or triggered personal growth. 2.

  22. 12 Excellent Narrative Essay Topics for You

    I hope you enjoyed these Narrative Essay Topics. It's time to check out… A Helpful List of Narrative Essay Themes . Here's the list of personal narrative essay topics and themes for high school students or college students. Coming-of-Age: This classic theme explores the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood. It can involve a ...

  23. 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 ...

  24. 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 ...