Narrative Essays
Expert Guides, Model Essays and Titles from Past Papers

1. The author is running late for a flight to Europe and can't find his passport.
2. His friend suggests checking the kitchen, but the passport is not there.
3. The author's ex-girlfriend calls and says she has his passport, but wants him to come over first.
4. The author goes to his ex-girlfriend's house and she makes him sit down to talk.
5. She tells him she still loves him, but he has to leave for his flight.
6. The author feels guilty for hurting his ex-girlfriend.
7. He leaves feeling relieved to be out of there.
8. The author wonders what other surprises await him on his trip to Europe.
9. The story is told in first person.
10. The word count is 654.

1. Lily Chen is a new student at a middle school and feels overwhelmed by the chaos and noise.
2. She is determined to make friends despite her fears.
3. Lily meets a boy named Jason who bullies her and makes her feel scared and anxious.
4. Maya is another new student who is also bullied by a boy named Tyler.
5. Tyler's bullying becomes worse over time, and Maya feels like she is living in a nightmare.
6. Maya witnesses Tyler and his gang bullying a younger boy and decides to stand up to him.
7. Tyler apologizes for his behavior and begins to change, becoming kinder to other students.
8. Maya learns the power of standing up for what is right and makes a true friend.
9. The school year comes to a close, and Maya reflects on what she has learned.
10. The story highlights the impact of bullying and the importance of standing up to it.

1. Sarah and her children move into a new house.
2. The lock on the door doesn't work, and Sarah calls her lawyer.
3. The lawyer informs Sarah that the previous owner had a second wife who took a caveat on the house.
4. Sarah is shocked and angry that her late husband kept this a secret from her.
5. The marriage is not legally recognized, and the house belongs to Sarah.
6. The second wife, Nia, insists on meeting Sarah and giving her the key in person.
7. Nia is pregnant and has nowhere else to go.
8. Sarah is torn between her anger towards her late husband and her compassion for Nia.
9. Sarah decides to let Nia keep the house and key, but asks her to promise to take care of herself and her child.
10. Sarah realizes that forgiveness is difficult but the right thing to do.

Setting: A bustling European city in the early 2000s, with a rich history and a vibrant culture.

Main character: Lucy, an 18-year-old high school graduate who is independent, curious, and eager to explore the world beyond her hometown.

Conflict: Lucy faces the challenges of traveling alone for the first time, including language barriers, cultural differences, and unexpected obstacles.

Dialogue: Use dialogue to show Lucy's interactions with the people she meets on her journey, revealing her growth as a traveler and her adaptability in unfamiliar situations.

Theme: The transformative power of travel and the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Tone: Create an adventurous and introspective atmosphere, highlighting Lucy's excitement and growth throughout her journey.

Pacing: Begin with a moderate pace as Lucy embarks on her journey, then vary the pace with moments of excitement, introspection, and resolution.

Plotline:

Introduction: Lucy's excitement as she plans and embarks on her solo journey.
Rising action: Encounters with language barriers, cultural differences, and unexpected challenges.
Climax: Lucy's realization that she has grown and adapted throughout her journey.
Resolution: The end of Lucy's journey and her reflection on the lessons she has learned.

I. Introduction
A. Maya, a journalist, heads to a groundbreaking press conference
B. Anticipation for a technological breakthrough is high

II. The Press Conference
A. The conference begins with screens displaying visuals of technology
B. The CEO speaks passionately about the new creation
C. Suddenly, all the screens go blank, creating confusion and surprise

III. The Fallout
A. The CEO tries to reassure the audience of a minor glitch
B. Maya and others discover their personal devices are also blank
C. Panic and speculation fill the room as people try to understand the situation

IV. Maya's Investigation
A. Maya heads backstage to find answers
B. She speaks to a technician who reveals the extent of the blackout
C. The world outside is silent and people are gathering in confusion

V. Adaptation and Transformation
A. The world adjusts to the absence of technology
B. Human connections and communities become stronger
C. Maya documents the stories and changes during this time

VI. Returning Technology
A. After a significant period, technology slowly returns
B. The world has been transformed and people have learned valuable lessons
C. Maya's narrative becomes a testament to this transformative period

VII. Conclusion
A. Technology and humanity find balance
B. Lessons learned during the blackout are remembered
C. The world moves forward changed, with a renewed focus on human connection

Setting: A modern-day suburban neighborhood during the fall season.

Main character: Alex, a 35-year-old writer who is prone to procrastination, struggles to balance work, family, and personal life.

Conflict: Alex faces the consequences of procrastination and missed opportunities.

Dialogue: Use dialogue to show Alex's interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting how his procrastination affects his relationships and work.

Theme: The story's central theme is the importance of seizing opportunities and overcoming procrastination.

Tone: The tone should be reflective and poignant, focusing on Alex's journey of self-discovery and growth.

Pacing: Start with a slow pace as Alex faces the consequences of his procrastination, then increase the pace as he takes action to change his habits and make amends.

Plotline:

Introduction: Introduce Alex's struggle with procrastination and how it has impacted his life.
Realization: Alex realizes he's too late to seize an important opportunity.
Consequences: The effects of Alex's procrastination on his work, relationships, and personal life.
Change: Alex decides to take control of his life and overcome his procrastination.
Climax: Alex faces a crucial moment where he must act quickly to seize a new opportunity.
Ending: Alex learns from his past mistakes, embraces change, and finds a renewed sense of purpose.

Setting: The story unfolds in a dense, unexplored jungle in the heart of Amazon in the present day. A location teeming with wildlife, not all of which are friendly to human intruders.

Main character: Jake, a 32-year-old adventurous wildlife photographer, is courageous and driven by his love for nature. His audacity often puts him in risky situations, but his quick thinking saves him every time.

Conflict: Jake, in pursuit of capturing the perfect shot of a rare bird, inadvertently stumbles upon the territory of an aggressive jungle predator and must use his wit and courage to escape.

Dialogue: Dialogue will be minimal, with Jake narrating his thoughts and feelings, thereby revealing his character, resourcefulness, and his appreciation for the wild.

Theme: The story explores themes of adventure, survival, and respect for nature's untamed forces. It emphasizes how a deep understanding of nature can be one's savior.

Tone: The narrative will maintain an adventurous and suspenseful tone throughout, intensifying Jake's encounter with the predator and his struggle for survival.

Pacing: The pace will be brisk, with the tension rising steadily as Jake ventures deeper into the jungle and culminating during his confrontation with the predator.

Plotline: The introduction introduces Jake and his passion for wildlife photography. The climax features Jake's face-off with the jungle predator. The story concludes with Jake's safe return and a newfound respect for the wild.

---

"An Encounter with Danger" was not just a close shave with a jungle predator. It was a lesson in respect, a call for understanding, and a testament to the unbreakable, wild spirit of the natural world.

1. The History of Hougang exhibition was a highly anticipated event that the team had been planning for months.
2. Sarah was the leader of the team and entrusted the key to the hall to Lily, the most reliable member of the team.
3. Lily woke up early on the day of the exhibition but realized she had left the key at home.
4. She hailed a taxi to take her back home to retrieve the key but had to wait for a long time due to it being a Sunday and the hall being in a remote area.
5. When she arrived at her apartment, she found the key and rushed back to the hall, but the taxi had a flat tire.
6. The crowd outside the hall was growing impatient, and Lily's team was struggling to keep them calm.
7. Lily arrived at the hall, out of breath and disheveled, only to find that she was using the wrong key.
8. She eventually found the right key and the exhibition was a huge success.
9. Lily learned a valuable lesson about the importance of double-checking and discovered her own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
10. Sarah was a natural leader who knew how to bring out the best in her team members and didn't punish Lily for her mistake.

Setting: A dense, isolated forest during a weekend camping trip, in the present day, where the main character encounters an unexpected danger.

Main character: Alex, a 28-year-old software engineer who enjoys outdoor adventures, is resourceful, and has a strong desire for thrilling experiences.

Conflict: Alex faces a life-threatening situation while camping alone and must rely on their instincts and skills to overcome the danger.

Dialogue: Use dialogue to convey Alex's thoughts and any interactions with others before and after the encounter, as well as their growing understanding of their own capabilities.

Theme: Survival, self-discovery, and the power of human resilience.

Tone: Create a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere, reflecting the danger Alex faces and their journey towards self-discovery.

Pacing: Start with a moderate pace to introduce the setting and character, then increase the pace during the encounter with danger, and slow down during the resolution to create a balanced narrative.

Plotline:

Introduction: Introduce Alex and their love for outdoor adventures, their decision to embark on a solo camping trip.
Rising action: Alex arrives at the camping site and starts to explore the surroundings, unaware of the lurking danger.
Climax: Alex encounters the danger (e.g., a wild animal or a natural disaster) and must use their skills and resourcefulness to survive.
Resolution: Alex overcomes the danger, gaining a new appreciation for their own abilities and resilience.

I. Introduction
A. Description of the close-knit community of Ridgeville
B. The protagonist's joyful and curious nature
C. Transition to a new school and introduction of the bully, Blake

II. The Impact of Blake's Bullying
A. Blake's size and intimidation tactics
B. Targeting the protagonist and diminishing their enthusiasm
C. The protagonist's determination to understand Blake's behavior

III. Discovering Blake's Troubles
A. The protagonist finds Blake isolated under a tree
B. Approaching Blake and asking about his behavior
C. Blake's confession of being a victim of bullying by his older brother

IV. Extending Empathy and Friendship
A. The protagonist's decision to help Blake break the cycle of bullying
B. Spending more time together and teaching empathy and compassion
C. Blake's transformation and standing up against bullying

V. The Power of Empathy and Friendship
A. Developing a strong bond between Blake and the protagonist
B. Positive changes in the school's atmosphere
C. Reflection on the potential for change and the influence of empathy

VI. Conclusion
A. Summarizing the journey from tormentor to ally
B. Reinforcing the importance of empathy and understanding
C. Final thoughts on the impact of adversity and compassion

I. Introduction
A. The Thompson family, immersed in urban life, decides to escape to the seaside for a day
B. Excitement builds as they approach the ocean

II. Arrival at the Seaside
A. The vastness of the ocean captivates the Thompson family
B. Sam and Lucy's excitement as they touch the sand and water for the first time

III. Frolicking in the Surf
A. Sam and Lucy play in the waves, their laughter filling the air
B. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson watch, enjoying the tranquility

IV. A Seaside Picnic
A. The family sets up a picnic under a palm tree
B. They savor the delicious food and the soothing sound of the ocean

V. Kite-Flying and Exploration
A. Mr. Thompson brings out a colorful kite for the children to fly
B. The kids venture to the rock pools, discovering marine life

VI. Sunset and Magic
A. The family gathers to watch the sun set, painting the sky with beautiful colors
B. The moment becomes a cherished memory for the Thompsons

VII. Campfire and Reflection
A. The family enjoys a campfire, roasting marshmallows under the stars
B. They feel content and connected as they pack up and head home

VIII. Conclusion
A. The day at the seaside brought the Thompson family closer and provided a break from city life
B. They treasure the simple pleasures and the wonders of nature
C. The experience reminds them of the magic found in one day and the beauty of the seaside

1. The narrator and their friend Lily go to an upscale Japanese restaurant for lunch.
2. A rude woman in a leopard print jacket starts berating their waitress, Mary, over not accepting her cheque.
3. The woman becomes increasingly loud and disruptive, causing other patrons to take notice.
4. Mary tries to calm the woman down, but she refuses to listen.
5. The woman threatens to leave and spread negative reviews about the restaurant.
6. The narrator and Lily notice a matchstick box on the table with the name "Sandy Hair Design" on it.
7. They quickly leave the restaurant and go to Sandy Hair Design, where they find the same woman getting her hair styled.
8. The police arrive and arrest the woman for writing bounced cheques all over town.
9. The narrator and Lily feel like heroes for helping to catch the woman.
10. The story ends with the two friends reflecting on their adventure.