Narrative Writing Pre-Writing

You and nine peers have been selected to apply for an important college scholarship. Only one student will be awarded the scholarship. You have been asked to write a brief essay to the scholarship committee in which you share an important event in your life that significantly changed you, your view about life, your life goals, or your character for the better. Apply narrative techniques, a solid prewriting strategy, and creative sentence patterns to share your story and stand apart from other applicants. The final narrative should be at least three paragraphs in length and include a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Follow the template below to create your narrative outline:
Introduction: topic
Thesis statement
Body topic sentence (beginning)
Details
details
Body topic sentence (middle)
Details
Reflection/Conclusion (end)
Details
*This template lists minimum outline requirements. Feel free to add more information as needed.

1 answer

Narrative Outline

Introduction: Topic

  • The day I made the decision to volunteer at a local homeless shelter.

Thesis Statement

  • This important experience not only reshaped my understanding of empathy but also ignited my passion for social justice, ultimately defining my life's goals.

Body Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence (Beginning)

  • The moment I stepped into the shelter for the first time, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Details

  • I will never forget the smells that wafted through the air: a blend of cleaning supplies, cooking food, and something indefinably human.
  • As I walked through the doors, I was greeted by the friendly smile of a staff member, who welcomed me and introduced me to my responsibilities for the day.

Body Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence (Middle)

  • Throughout my time at the shelter, I encountered stories that would change the way I viewed my community and my place within it.

Details

  • I met a man named Harold, a former teacher who lost his job and home due to unforeseen medical expenses. His resilience and perspective on life opened my eyes to the struggles many face daily.
  • I learned of the challenges some guests confronted, from addiction to isolation, and began to understand the importance of compassion and support.

Reflection/Conclusion (End)

  • This experience did not just teach me about hardship; it transformed my character, instilling in me a desire to advocate for those less fortunate.

Details

  • I left the shelter with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to pursue a degree in social work, with a commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
  • The scholarship I seek is not just for academic advancement; it is a stepping stone toward my goal of fostering empathy and initiating change in my community.