How to Write a Narrative Essay on My Last Birthday
Composition: Narrative Essay – My Last Birthday
JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 7
Lesson Details
- Subject: English Language
- Class: JSS 2
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 7
- Age: 11 – 13 years
- Topic: Narrative Essay
- Sub-topic: My Last Birthday
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define a narrative essay.
- Identify the key features of a narrative essay.
- Write a well-structured narrative essay about their last birthday.
- Use appropriate past tense verbs in their writing.
- Organize events in chronological order.
Keywords
- Narrative Essay – A type of writing that tells a story.
- Chronological Order – Arranging events in the order they happened.
- Characters – The people involved in a story.
- Setting – The time and place where a story takes place.
- Climax – The most exciting or important part of a story.
Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)
The teacher asks students to share their most memorable birthday experiences. This discussion leads to the introduction of the topic, “My Last Birthday.”
Learning Resources and Materials
- Sample narrative essays
- Storytelling videos or pictures
- Chart displaying the structure of a narrative essay
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have previously learned about different types of essays, including descriptive and expository essays. This lesson introduces narrative essays, which focus on storytelling.
Embedded Core Skills
- Creative thinking
- Writing skills
- Communication skills
- Logical sequencing of ideas
Lesson Content
Definition of a Narrative Essay
A narrative essay is a type of composition that tells a story. It describes real or imagined events and is usually written in the past tense.
Features of a Narrative Essay
- Introduction – Introduces the story, setting, and main characters.
- Body Paragraphs – Describe the main events in chronological order.
- Climax – The most exciting or emotional part of the story.
- Conclusion – Wraps up the story, explaining how it ended.
Class Activity Discussion
10 FAQs with Answers
-
What is a narrative essay?
- A type of writing that tells a story.
-
What are the key features of a narrative essay?
- Introduction, body paragraphs, climax, and conclusion.
-
What tense is mostly used in narrative essays?
- The past tense.
-
What does “chronological order” mean?
- It means arranging events in the order they happened.
-
Why is the climax important in a narrative essay?
- It is the most exciting or emotional part of the story.
-
What is the role of characters in a narrative essay?
- They are the people involved in the story.
-
What makes a good narrative essay?
- Clear storytelling, vivid descriptions, and well-organized events.
-
What kind of essay is “My Last Birthday”?
- A personal narrative essay.
-
How should a narrative essay begin?
- With an introduction that sets the scene and introduces the characters.
-
Why is storytelling important in writing?
- It makes writing more engaging and relatable.
Sample Narrative Essay
Topic: My Last Birthday
Introduction
Birthdays are special days filled with fun and excitement. My last birthday was one of the best I have ever had. It was a day filled with surprises, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
The Celebration Begins
I woke up early, feeling excited. My mother wished me a happy birthday and gave me a warm hug. My siblings and friends also sent me lovely messages. As I stepped into the living room, I was surprised to see beautiful decorations and a large cake on the table.
The Main Event
At noon, my friends and family arrived. We played games, danced, and enjoyed delicious food. The highlight of the day was when my parents gave me a brand-new bicycle. I was overjoyed and couldn’t stop smiling.
The Climax
Just when I thought the fun was over, my best friend arrived with a special gift. It was a scrapbook filled with pictures of our best moments together. I was deeply touched and felt grateful for such a thoughtful present.
Conclusion
As the day ended, I felt truly happy and blessed. My last birthday was a day I will always cherish because of the love and joy I experienced. It reminded me of the importance of family and friendship.
Evaluation (Assessment Questions)
Fill in the blank with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):
-
A narrative essay is a type of writing that ___.
a) Explains a topic
b) Tells a story
c) Argues for or against something
d) Describes a person -
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a narrative essay?
a) Climax
b) Characters
c) Argument
d) Conclusion -
In which tense is a narrative essay usually written?
a) Present tense
b) Past tense
c) Future tense
d) Continuous tense -
What does “chronological order” mean?
a) Arranging events randomly
b) Arranging events as they happened
c) Writing about only one event
d) Adding arguments to a story -
Which part of a narrative essay contains the most exciting moment?
a) Introduction
b) Body
c) Climax
d) Conclusion
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing the importance of clear storytelling in narrative essays. Students are given a practice exercise to write their own narrative essay about their last birthday.