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ENG121: English Composition I

Instructor:

There are two types of essays, narrative and descriptive with one being more effective than the other. Writing effective and different types of essays has become a critical part of academic success (Feng & Checkett, 2014, p. 152). Certain essays can call for either descriptive or narrative writing. Narrative writing usually refers to recounting events, focusing more on the events themselves rather than on details, while descriptive writing adds in those details using imagery and invoking one or more of the five senses. Writing a narrative is an impulse to share a story. Sometimes the aim of the writer is simply to entertain, provide a moment of escape from the everyday hustle or help others in their understanding of something In narrative writing, the writer is perfectly capable of telling you the plot of the story, while in descriptive writing there does not have to be a plot, specific language is the key in order for the story to become very easy for the reader to visualize. A narrative essay tells a story from personal experiences and makes a point and a descriptive essay paints a vivid picture which keeps the reader engaged. While it may seem convincing, narrative essay communicates only one person’s point of view. Unlike a narrative essay, which reveals meaning through a personal story or experience, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to reveal the meaning of a person, place, event or thing through detailed and sensory observation. The descriptive essay utilizes the power of language and all the human senses to bring a subject to life for the reader. Grabbing the attention of a reader requires the writer to paint a picture in the reader’s mind hence why a descriptive essay is the most effective writing. It gives the reader a broader insight of the story and assists in expanding the reader’s mind. A well written descriptive essay will allow the reader



References: Angelou, M. (1983). Caged bird. Retrieved from http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/178948 Brady, J. (1971). I want a wife. Retrieved from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everythingsanargument4e/content/cat_020/Brady_I_Want_a_Wife.pdf Chesla, E. L., & Research and Education Association. (2008). Interpreting literature & the arts. Piscataway, NJ: Research & Education Association. Feng-Checkett, G., & Checkett, L. (2014). The write start: Paragraph to essay: with student and professional readings. Boston: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Kristie Sweet (2012). Narrative Vs. Descriptive Writing, retrieved from http://classroom.synonym.com/narrative-vs-descriptive-writing-1043.html

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