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What is Narrative & Descriptive Essay – A Comparison

Have you ever struggled to differentiate between a narrative & a descriptive essay? Well, don’t worry! It is common for students to encounter these two types of essays throughout their academic careers. As a team of experienced writers, we have encountered many students who have faced the same dilemma. Here, we will discuss the difference between these two types of essays and help you understand the concepts better.

In this blog, we will delve into the difference between narrative & descriptive essays, the concepts behind them, and their distinguishing factors. By the end of this post, you’re guaranteed to clearly understand the distinctions between these two essay styles and how to effectively use them in your writing.

Understanding the Concepts Between Both Types

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay tells a story or narrates an event. It is generally written in the first person, and the writer aims to take the reader through a series of real or imagined events. It’s all about sharing a personal experience, an anecdote, or a fictional tale. It is written in the first-person point of view, and the writer tries to engage the reader by using sensory details, emotions, and dialogue. This essay allows the writer to express their thoughts and feelings while recounting the events that took place.

For example, if you were asked to write a narrative essay about your most memorable vacation, you would focus on describing the events that occurred during the trip, such as visiting famous landmarks, trying new foods, and meeting interesting people.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

On the other hand, a descriptive essay focuses on providing detailed descriptions of a person, place, object, or event. Its primary purpose is to use words in order to evoke a mental picture in the reader’s mind. This type of essay relies heavily on sensory details, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

For instance, if you were asked hto write a descriptive essay about your favorite restaurant, you would focus on describing the atmosphere, the aroma of the food, the taste of the dishes, and the overall ambiance of the place.

Difference between Narrative & Descriptive Essay

Now that we have defined both types of essays, let’s look at the five differentiating points between them.

1.       Purpose:

Understanding the purpose of each type of essay is crucial in comprehending their overall concept. Without understanding the driving force behind a narrative or descriptive essay, you may struggle to fully grasp their differences. As experienced writers who have assisted numerous students, we always stress the importance of understanding the underlying concepts of these essays. This approach has helped us achieve a 90% success rate with essays of this nature. So, before embarking on any essay writing task, take the time to understand the purpose of the essay and its unique characteristics.

When it comes to a narrative essay, the idea is to tell a story and entertain or inform the reader. Alternatively, a descriptive essay vividly describes something for the reader to imagine.

For example, if you are writing a narrative essay about your first day of college, the purpose is to entertain or inform the reader about your experience. However, if you are writing a descriptive essay about your college campus, the objective is to create a vivid picture of your college in the reader’s mind.

2.       Point of View:

A narrative essay is written in the first-person point of view. The writer shares their personal experience or imagination with the reader. In contrast, a descriptive essay is written in the third-person point of view. And the writer describes a subject using sensory details.

For example, A narrative essay about a trip to the beach may begin with the writer arriving at the beach and end with them leaving the beach. A descriptive essay about the beach may focus on describing the beach’s different aspects, such as the sand, water, and wildlife, without following a specific order.

3.       Structure:

Narrative essays usually follow a linear structure, presenting events chronologically. On the other hand, descriptive essays can be structured in various ways and do not follow a specific order.

Example: A narrative essay about a trip to the beach may begin with the writer arriving at the beach and end with them leaving the beach. A descriptive essay about the beach may focus on describing the beach’s different aspects, such as the sand, water, and wildlife, without following a specific order.

4.       Language:

A narrative essay uses descriptive language to engage readers’ senses and emotions. It also includes dialogue and character development. In contrast, a descriptive essay uses sensory vocabulary to describe the subject and create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

For example, in a narrative essay, you might use language that conveys emotion, such as “my heart was pounding with excitement” or “I felt a surge of fear wash over me.” In a descriptive essay, you might use sensory language that describes the subject. Such as “the golden sand was warm under my feet” or “the fragrance of fresh flowers filled the air.”

5.       Content:

The content of a narrative essay is usually focused on a personal experience, event, or story. It may include elements of fiction such as characters, plot, and dialogue. In contrast, the content of a descriptive essay is usually focused on a subject or object and describes its characteristics and sensory details.

For example, a narrative essay might focus on a personal experience like a memorable vacation. While a descriptive essay might focus on a subject like a beautiful sunset.

Conclusion

To put it briefly, narrative & descriptive essays are two types of essays that serve different purposes. While both essays aim to engage the reader, they do so in distinct ways. Narrative essays tell a story and create an emotional connection, while descriptive essays paint a vivid picture through detailed descriptions. By knowing the differences between these two essay styles, you can effectively choose the right approach for your writing task and create a compelling piece that resonates with your readers.

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