Difference Between Narrative Essays and Descriptive Essays – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

A narrative essay tells the reader the writer’s experiences as a story made up of a sequence of events. A descriptive essay does not tell a story. It gives the reader a descriptive account of something or someone. The two types of essay differ mainly in the writer’s objective.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what a narrative essay is;
2. explain what a descriptive essay is;
3. state the main difference between a narrative essay and a descriptive essay;
4. write an essay on a given topic.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay usually tells the reader about the writer’s experiences. It lets the reader become immersed in a story that is made up of a sequence of events.

What is a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay does not relate a story. It provides a descriptive account of something or someone to the reader.

What is the difference between a narrative essay and a descriptive essay?

The clear difference between the two lies in the writer’s objective.

Evaluation

1. Write an essay on the topic: My Favourite Teacher.
2. Write an essay on the topic: An Unforgettable Experience.
3. Write a short note on the elements of prose.

Assignment

1. Write twenty verbs with their past and past participle forms.
2. Give five examples of each of the following types of verbs: transitive and intransitive.