Paragraph Power: Telling a Great Story

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

How to Write a Narrative Paragraph That Pops

What Is Narrative Writing?

Narrative writing tells a story about a real or imagined event. In this lesson, you’ll focus on personal narratives—stories from your own life.

• Your goal?

To entertain your reader and share a memory that sticks with them.

Your Story Needs These Four Things

1. A Hook (Topic Sentence)

This is the opening line that pulls your reader in. Make it surprising, funny, or full of mystery—anything that makes them want to keep reading.

Example: “I never expected to end my day hiding in a laundry basket.”

2. One Clear Event

Stick to a single moment or adventure. Don’t jump from story to story. Zoom in on one event and make it shine.

Example: “The day I forgot my lines in the school play.”

3. Chronological Order

Tell the events in the order they happened—from beginning to end. This helps the reader follow your story easily.

Tip: Use time words like “first,” “then,” “next,” and “finally.”

4. Interesting, Specific Details

Don’t just say what happened—show it. Use sensory language to paint a vivid picture.

Instead of: “It was cold.” Try: “The icy wind whipped against my cheeks and made my nose go numb.”

See It in Action

As you read the narrative paragraph below, notice how the author uses vivid sensory details, stays focused on one memory, and keeps everything in order. The story moves smoothly and ends with a clear takeaway.

That’s what a good narrative paragraph does!

The moment I stepped onto the ice, I knew I was in trouble. My borrowed skates wobbled like newborn deer legs, and the frozen pond shimmered like glass under the winter sun. I tried to glide like the others, but my feet had other plans—slipping, sliding, and finally launching me flat on my back with a thud. The cold soaked through my coat while the sharp scent of pine trees mixed with the laughter of my friends. I stared up at the blue sky, cheeks burning with embarrassment and cold. But instead of giving up, I got back on my feet, shakier but determined. By the end of the afternoon, I could skate across the pond without falling—even managing a wobbly turn. That was the day I learned that sometimes, falling is just part of figuring things out.

Now that you know the four key ingredients of a great narrative paragraph, it’s time to sharpen your storytelling skills.

Head to the Got It? section to fix a scrambled story and practice writing vivid, well-organized paragraphs of your own!