HOËRSKOOL WATERKLOOF
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE
GRADE 8
TASK 3: Narrative / Reflective Essay
EXAMINER: MRS M. STRYDOM DATE: February 2020
MODERATOR: MRS R. POTGIETER TIME: 2 periods
TOTAL: 30
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
• Draw a 2cm teacher’s margin on the right-hand side of your answer
sheet.
• Write on both sides of the folio pages.
• Use blue ink only.
• Write neatly and legibly.
• No correction fluid / tape (Tippex) allowed.
• Pay attention to spelling, sentence construction and language.
• THE WRITING PROCESS
o There must be clear evidence that you have planned,
proofread and edited your work.
o Use ONE or more of the following ways of planning:
▪ Brainstorming
▪ Writing down the main points
▪ Mind-mapping
▪ Clustering of ideas
▪ A planning method of your choice
NARRATIVE ESSAY
Narrative writing is largely the presentation of a series of events in some meaningful order. The
following are possible features of a narrative essay:
• Write a story/a past event/fiction
• Use a story line that is convincing
• Use the past tense
• Use captivating introductory paragraph
• Use an interesting ending
• Ensure sustained interest
• Highlight sensory details
• Use descriptive elements
REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Reflective essays present the writer’s views, ideas, thoughts and feelings on a particular topic, usually
something they feel strongly about. It tends to be personal rather than objective; it needs a careful
structure, but does not have to present a clear conclusion. Nor does it have to present a balanced
discussion, although it might. It can be witty or serious.
• Contemplate an idea
• Give emotional reactions and feelings.
• Reflect subjectivity where feelings and emotions play a major role
• Aim to recreate recollections or feelings of the writer in the reader
• Express ideas, thoughts or feelings revealing sincerity and personal involvement
INSTRUCTIONS
• Write an essay on ONE of the following topics.
• Your essay should be between 200 - 250 words (5-6 paragraphs).
• You are required to show ALL aspects of the writing process: planning, writing, proofreading
and editing.
1. Write a story that begins with the following sentence:
It was the best day of my life. OR
It was the worst day of my life.
Provide your own title.
2. Write an essay based on the following title:
Entitle your essay: My first day of high school.
(This can be a reflective essay, a narrative essay or a combination of the
two)
3. Write a reflective essay entitled:
Some of the life lessons I have learnt so far.
Narrative essay
A narrative essay tells a story or tells of a past event. It does not have to be a true story, or based on
your life/experience. It can be written from any perspective.
Consider the following when writing a narrative essay:
● The story must have a strong story line and be convincing even if it is fiction.
● A narrative essay is usually written in the past tense.
● The introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s attention.
● An unusually interesting ending gives a story the final touch.
● The reader’s interest must be maintained until the end. The style and action must ensure
sustained interest.
● A successful narrative vividly highlights sensory details such as sight, sound, taste, smell and
tactile sensations.
● A narrative essay often has a strong descriptive element.
Below follows an example of how a narrative story may be introduced:
Suddenly there was absolute silence….
It was a cold and stormy night. The thunder was screaming in a gruesome voice. The rain
was pouring like a waterfall onto the window sill. As usual I was alone – scared.
Reflective essay
In a reflective essay the writer contemplates an idea and gives his or her emotional reactions and
feelings. The writer could, for example, reflect on dreams or aspirations. It presents a set of thoughts
and ideas about a topic, with no attempt to argue for or against anything.
See a graphic presentation of a definition and guide on how to write a reflective essay below.
https://www.slideshare.net/b.nicolls/how-to-write-a-reflective-essay
Consider the following when writing a reflective essay:
● A reflective essay is subjective.
● Feelings and emotions play a major role.
● A substantial part of the essay may be descriptive. These descriptions should be vivid and aim
to recreate recollections or feelings of the writer in the reader.
● The ideas, thoughts or feelings expressed should reveal sincerity and personal involvement.
Below follows an example of an introductory paragraph for a reflective essay.
The moment of truth.
There is always one moment which changes your life. A moment that you wish had never
happened. A moment that you cannot avoid or escape. The moment of truth.
Descriptive vs Reflective
Topic (Past experience) Descriptive Reflective
My first day at high school The physical environment How he felt at the time,
where he was (the school, what he learned from the
the classrooms, the experience or that day,
teachers, the children, the what he discovered he did
sounds), who he talked to, not do, what perceptions
what he did or what he he had about high school,
was told to do were these conceptions
confirmed, skills he had to
develop or acquire to fit in
to his new environment
https://www.slideshare.net/b.nicolls/how-to-write-a-reflective-essay
