Personal Essay Topics

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A personal essay is an essay about your life, thoughts, or experiences. This type of essay gives readers a glimpse into your most intimate life encounters and lessons. There are many reasons you may need to write a personal essay, from a simple class assignment to a college application requirement . You can use the list below for inspiration. Consider each statement a starting point, and write about a memorable moment that the prompt brings to mind.

  • Your bravest moment
  • How you met your best friend
  • What makes your mom or dad special
  • How you overcame a fear
  • Why you will succeed
  • Why you made a difficult choice
  • A special place
  • A place you try to avoid
  • When a friend let you down
  • An event that changed your life
  • A special encounter with an animal
  • A time when you felt out of place
  • An odd experience that didn't make sense at the time
  • Words of wisdom that hit home and changed your way of thinking
  • A person you don't like
  • A time when you disappointed someone
  • Your fondest memory
  • A time when you saw your parent cry
  • The moment when you knew you were grown up
  • Your earliest memory of holiday celebrations in your home
  • Times when you should have made a better choice
  • A time when you dodged a dangerous situation
  • A person you will think about at the end of your life
  • Your favorite time period
  • A failure you've experienced
  • A disappointment you've experienced
  • A surprising turn of events
  • What you would do with power
  • What superpower you would choose
  • If you could switch lives with someone
  • How money matters in your life
  • Your biggest loss
  • A time when you felt you did the wrong thing
  • A proud moment when you did the right thing
  • An experience that you've never shared with another person
  • A special place that you shared with a childhood friend
  • A first encounter with a stranger
  • Your first handshake
  • Where you go to hide
  • If you had a do-over
  • A book that changed your life
  • Words that stung
  • When you had the desire to run
  • When you had the urge to crawl into a hole
  • Words that prompted hope
  • When a child taught you a lesson
  • Your proudest moment
  • If your dog could talk
  • Your favorite time with family
  • If you could live in another country
  • If you could invent something
  • The world a hundred years from now
  • If you had lived a hundred years earlier
  • The animal you'd like to be
  • One thing you'd change at your school
  • The greatest movie moment
  • The type of teacher you would be
  • If you could be a building
  • A statue you'd like to see
  • If you could live anywhere
  • The greatest discovery
  • If you could change one thing about yourself
  • An animal that could be in charge
  • Something you can do that robots could never do
  • Your most unfortunate day
  • Your secret talent
  • Your secret love
  • The most beautiful thing you've ever seen
  • The ugliest thing you've seen
  • Something you've witnessed
  • An accident that changed everything
  • A wrong choice
  • A right choice
  • If you were a food
  • How you'd spend a million dollars
  • If you could start a charity
  • The meaning of color
  • A close call
  • Your favorite gift
  • A chore you'd do away with
  • A secret place
  • Something you can't resist
  • A hard lesson
  • A visitor you'll never forget
  • An unexplained event
  • Your longest minute
  • An awkward social moment
  • An experience with death
  • Why you'll never tell a lie
  • If your mom knew, she'd kill you
  • A kiss that meant a lot
  • When you needed a hug
  • The hardest news you've had to deliver
  • A special morning
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Personal Essay Topics

personal essay topics

Samuel Gorbold

A personal essay is a piece of writing where the author explores and shares their own experiences, thoughts, or feelings. It combines storytelling with reflection, offering insights into the author's life and perspectives. This form of writing is often used to connect with readers on a personal and emotional level.

In this article, you will find 100+ personal essay ideas to inspire you. If you still have struggles after reading this article, EssayHub is the perfect service for assistance with any type of essay. The team at EssayHub consists of experienced writers who specialize in various subjects, ensuring that your essay is not only well-written but also tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for help with brainstorming ideas, structuring your essay, or polishing your final draft, EssayHub provides comprehensive support to help you succeed.

How to Choose a Personal Essay Topic?

To begin with, you need to define a topic. Finding a personal essay idea that can make a difference can be difficult, but following certain steps will lead to choosing an inspiring and effective topic. Here are helpful steps:

  • Contemplate Influential Experiences : Ponder on significant occasions, experiences, or actions that would warrant a monument. What inspired you in a way you didn’t shape for yourself?
  • Recognize Passions : The inventory should include leisure activities and activities one enjoys. Being passionate about the topic of your essay is always beneficial because you will derive a certain amount of satisfaction from the writing process, and the resulting essay will be much more engaging.
  • Know Your Audience : Think about the audience to read your essay. Select a topic close to your heart that others may not have approached in such a manner.
  • Focus on Specific Themes : Analyze broad ideas to narrower events or themes. Precision enhances the quality of writing, making essays realistic and detailed.
  • Highlight Uniqueness : Look for unique ideas or angles of commonly tackled subjects. Every piece of writing requires creating something new, which is special about essays.
  • Evaluate Scope : Make sure your chosen topic encompasses a large idea and has clear boundaries. A clear scope means we can cover all the areas within without getting quagmired in the details.
  • Check Emotional Resonance : Choose a subject that is relevant to you. Liverpool passion means quality writing that captures the reader’s attention.
  • Confirm Relevance : Ensure compliance with the regulations of the essay. Meet all assignment criteria.
  • Get Feedback : Share ideas with friends and family members, teachers, and anyone else the student feels comfortable speaking to. Their expertise can enhance subjects/topics in terms of their definition and scope.
  • Revise Thoughtfully : Look at chosen topics more carefully and write small outlines to check whether the selected depth is enough. Tweak as needed.

These are some of the steps that aid in choosing the most relevant essay topics that make audiences understand. For more detailed information on this topic read how to write a personal essay guide.

100+ Best Personal Essay Topics

People like writing many personal essays because it allows them to share something from their lives, opinions, or feelings with others. Since personal essays are narrative, people can introduce themselves to the readers and share valuable lessons. These essays can describe an important event in one’s life, describe an interesting self-development process, or discuss a relevant and important relationship. The following is a list of personal narratives that will assist you in putting together some of the most inspiring and easy-to-follow personal essays that will appeal to the reader.

  • A life-changing experience
  • Overcoming a fear
  • An important relationship
  • This term is a turning point in your life
  • Your favorite place
  • An action that you had to take that was not very easy to make
  • Your proudest moment
  • The worst & most common lesson from failure
  • Someone who influenced your life
  • A memorable journey
  • Technology and its effects on your Life
  • The importance of education
  • A cultural experience
  • A hobby or passion
  • The role of community service

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

The choice is undoubtedly deeply dictated by relationships. Here are 15 ideas on meaningful connections:

  • The role of friendship in personal development
  • Presence or management of conflictual relationships in the family
  • Looking at Careers from a Different Angle: The Influence of Role Models on Career Choices
  • The process of solving problems in a relationship between two partners
  • Conclusions and recognition that the friendship failed
  • Part of trust is practicing the elements of building successful relationships.
  • How has your relationship with your sibling affected you?
  • The role of communication in relationships and between people
  • One that influenced your outlook on life
  • How Social Media Affects Your Interpersonal Connections
  • How can long-distance relationships be useful for understanding commitment?
  • The basis for harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships  
  • Combining business meetings and interpersonal communication
  • Empathy in creating stable relationships
  • Relationships that helped you understand and define yourself

Personal Essay Ideas About Success

Success can be defined in many ways. Here are 15 detailed personal essay ideas about success:

  • What gives you goosebumps?
  • How students achieve sociocultural competence
  • Achievements that were the result of failures.
  • The ability to persist until success is achieved
  • Creating your concept of success
  • How Mentoring Can Impact Your Success
  • Obstacles to career success
  • Passion in the design of success
  • Choosing between career and family or friends.
  • Success, earlier in your life
  • Family support and its impact on achieving failure
  • Why goals should not only be set but also achievable
  • How collaboration can lead to achievement
  • What is more important: identifying problems in successful and unsuccessful projects or managing lessons learned?
  • The role of self-discipline as a driving force for success

Personal Essay Topic Ideas About Challenges

Challenges are a part of life and often lead to growth. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topic ideas about challenges:

  • What are your main life goals?
  • The general issue of environmental change
  • Personal experience with a health problem and how it influenced your opinion
  • All aspects of loss management.
  • Ability to work, attend school, and manage time for other important activities
  • Difficulties that a person encounters in the process of acquiring a new skill
  • Facing fear face-to-face
  • The conflict of confronting one's beliefs
  • Making a Difficult Decision
  • The impact of financial problems on a person's life
  • Overcoming cultural barriers
  • Mental health dynamics are an issue that many people face in their daily lives.
  • Maneuvering to meet expectations
  • Natural disaster - seeing and knowing what it means to be in the middle of it
  • Husband and wife find it difficult to maintain a relationship

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth

Personal growth is a lifelong journey. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topics about personal growth:

  • How did a significant life event impact your life?
  • Travel and its influence on self-development
  • The process of self-esteem is a process of individual change
  • How did you learn something new or acquire a new skill or talent?
  • Education is one of the main factors of self-development
  • Overcoming personal weakness
  • The role of a mentor in your development
  • You need to see how volunteering has changed your thinking.
  • The process of discovering direction in life
  • The process of increasing self-esteem
  • How can difficult experiences be positive for personal development?
  • How Mindfulness Impacts Your Life
  • Learning to accept change
  • A look at the goals you should set in your life
  • Personal development: how it relates to oneself and in the areas of interpersonal communication

personal life essay ideas

Personal Essay Ideas About Hobbies

Hobbies play a significant role in our lives. Here are 15 detailed personal essay ideas about hobbies:

  • How does your favorite hobby affect your personality?
  • How can you take your hobby to the next level of skill?
  • Stress and ways to solve this problem
  • How a hobby can open you up and bring you closer to people
  • The influence of hobbies on the decision to choose a profession
  • A new leisure activity and how it affects you
  • Why creativity should be supported even in adulthood.
  • Development of children's hobbies
  • Why is it difficult to find time for a hobby?
  • Family is one of the factors influencing hobbies
  • Personal experience of how interest saved you during a difficult period
  • Activities you can do outdoors
  • A new hobby that is outside of your interests
  • How pursuing a hobby can benefit a person socially
  • Positive changes that occur as a result of engaging in a hobby

Personal Essay Topic Ideas About Childhood

Childhood experiences often shape who we become. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topic ideas about childhood:

  • A Memorable Early Adventure
  • Experiences that contributed to the development of your qualities
  • Important Early Lessons
  • Cherished childhood friendship
  • Favorite family rituals
  • Contributions from your environment to your point of view
  • Children's imagination
  • Victory over youthful fears
  • People who influenced you to do something
  • Did not achieve the dreams and aspirations set in youth or continued to pursue those dreams
  • Children's passions and professional activities
  • How to become stronger after difficult events or situations
  • Special places of childhood
  • Memories that still resonate today
  • The role of education in human development

Personal Essay Topics About Family

Family is a central part of our lives. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topics about family:

  • Cultural characteristics and the importance of cultural practices
  • How families can affect your work and livelihood
  • Support from other family members in overcoming challenges
  • Important Family Milestones
  • Values ​​learned at home
  • Gender roles and family relationships, individual development
  • Special holiday memories
  • The role of brothers and sisters
  • Resolving family conflicts
  • Cultural heritage passed down by inheritance
  • How to cope with the death of people we care about
  • Family members as inspiration
  • Respecting individualism amidst expectations
  • Extended family connections
  • Development of generational rituals

Good Personal Essay Topics

Good personal essay topics are those that resonate with you and your readers. Here are 15 detailed good personal essay topics:

  • Books that inspired your life path
  • Stepping outside your comfort zone
  • Acquiring Intercultural Perspectives
  • Teachers who influenced your ideas
  • Victory over fears
  • Sports and character development
  • Transformative volunteer work
  • Learning from failures
  • Navigating adolescence
  • Inspirational art or music
  • Challenging long-held assumptions
  • Travel that expands your horizons
  • Technology to improve your lifestyle
  • Important personal achievements
  • Places of special significance

Assessing what content makes a good personal essay can make it enjoyable for readers to write and read. The best and most effective personal essay questions are often natural and can arise from active feelings or lessons learned. This means avoiding choosing boring subjects or subjects of little interest to you; the more you write about something you love, the more it will be reflected in your work. Moreover, people like to read articles that describe their experiences, events, important steps or changes in the author's life, and articles that express people's problems. Remember, if you need essay writing assistance or additional instructions, you can contact EssayHub.

personal life essay ideas

What Are Good Personal Essay Topics?

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

  • ‍ On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
  • ‍ Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.

personal life essay ideas

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110 Personal Essay Topics

Though written from a lived experience, personal essay topics can be tricky to come up with because they have to be universal enough for other people to relate to.

Since the skill of writing a good essay is being able to paint an image with words, students must choose a topic that will get others interested in the story and what it has to say about life, society, or themselves.

In essence, personal essays are written from a personal point of view and express a writer’s own insights, opinions, and feelings on a particular topic. Additionally, these types of essays lead to an overall point, lesson, realization, or revelation.

Most commonly, personal essays are written by high school students as part of their college applications. However, there are many other reasons that a personal essay may be assigned or written, including:

  • Scholarship applications
  • Job interview
  • Writing contest
  • Grad school admission

Students and others struggling with a valuable personal essay topic can choose from any of the 110 personal essay topics on this list to help them get started.

How to Write a Personal Essay

Writing a personal essay requires following traditional essay guidelines, structure, and format. However, you must ensure that your essay is personal and tells a story about yourself rather than being purely academic.

For instance, you might explain an experience that changed your worldview or share an opinion on something important to you, even if it’s controversial.

It’s often helpful to make a list of experiences you may want to share before starting the writing process.

If you’re struggling with writing your personal essay, you can order one from the professional writers at Write My Essays or hire a tutor at Wyzant to ensure it meets all requirements and effectively tells your story.

Introduction

The introduction to your personal essay will set the scene for the reader. Therefore, your personal essay needs to start with a compelling hook that will draw the reader in and make them want to read more.

This hook statement could be a humorous or poignant anecdote related to your topic or a line of questioning that the reader will be interested in following. For example, some possible opening lines for a personal essay could start with:

  • “I remember exactly where I was when I first realized …”
  • “What would you do if you knew the world was going to end tomorrow?
  • “So, I once had this problem …”

These beginning lines will often create questions in the reader’s mind, which is an excellent way to capture their interest and keep them reading. Following this initial opening sentence, you can introduce other details as you build up the main point of the story.

Your introduction should end with a thesis statement that verbalizes the general direction the story will go.

Body Paragraphs

Generally, a personal essay will have no less than three body paragraphs that detail your experience in chronological order. Each section should discuss one part of the story, including the events leading up to it, what happened during the experience, and what you learned from it.

Body paragraphs may also include examples of feelings, emotions, or arguments that support your experience. The goal of a personal essay is to share a compelling story and teach the reader something about life or themselves by using specific details and language.

Consider this formatting when creating the body paragraphs of your personal essay:

1st Paragraph

  • Beginning of the story that answers questions related to “Who?” and “Where?”
  • Initial attitudes, moods, feelings, and assumptions about the event or experience about to take place

2nd Paragraph

  • Middle of the story
  • Details that show how the situation evolved over time, including any changes in mood or assumption on your part

3rd Paragraph

  • Ending of the story/resolution
  • The final analysis on overall feelings, emotions, and mood

By sticking to this formatting for the body paragraphs, students can ensure that they are telling the story correctly and including every key detail as it happens.

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion of a personal essay is optional and depends on what you want to accomplish with the telling of your story. If you want to leave the reader feeling inspired or emotionally moved, then focus on summarizing the main points in a short paragraph that ends on a positive note.

However, if this was a darker story, you may want to use the concluding paragraph to sum up your feelings after the experience has ended or explore any unanswered questions that remain.

In any event, your conclusion does need to include an overall moral or lesson of how the writer:

  • overcame hardship
  • rose to the occasion
  • identified new traits or abilities that they never realized existed
  • turned defeat into success
  • followed their instincts and made the right choice
  • came to appreciate something about life after the experience took place

Any of these statements can stand alone as a powerful lesson learned. However, when combined in one concluding paragraph, you will leave your reader with a profound impression.

Using any of these 110 personal essay topics will ensure that you have a strong and interesting story to tell.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

  • What was a time when you made a friend?
  • What would your worst enemy say about you?
  • Talk about the death of a friend.
  • How did it feel to be bullied in school?
  • The time when you had to get along with a sibling despite being different ages
  • What you learned from your first relationship
  • Why marriage isn’t important to you
  • How you discovered polyamory, and how it changed your view of relationships
  • How your best friend made you a better person
  • The lesson you learned from being catfished
  • The first time you experienced heartbreak
  • A funny story about how technology ruined a relationship.
  • How did you learn to recognize love?
  • Who would you consider your soulmate? What makes them that person specifically for you?
  • What was your most embarrassing moment as a boyfriend or girlfriend, and what did you learn from it?

Personal Essay Topics About Hardships

  • The worst thing that ever happened to me
  • The roughest time in my family’s life
  • The hardest challenge I’ve ever had to overcome
  • How did you deal with the stress of moving?
  • What was your most embarrassing moment as a kid?
  • What are some reasons that I am grateful for my disability/illness/condition?
  • When have you had an “Aha!” moment in life?
  • What’s something terrible that happened to you that turned into something good?
  • What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from my failures?
  • The time when it almost felt like the world was against me
  • How did I handle/recover from a severe illness/injury/accident?
  • When was the first time I realized that life isn’t fair?
  • What was the biggest struggle I went through in my teens?
  • The most challenging situation I faced in high school
  • When was a time when I made a negative impact on someone else?
  • The first time I got caught stealing
  • The most embarrassing mistake I ever made with money
  • What was the most challenging thing about getting sober/clean/overcoming addiction?
  • When did I realize that life is short and that nobody is promised tomorrow?
  • How did you learn to persevere through tough times?

Personal Essay Topics About Success & Achievements

  • Best moment in my sports career
  • My greatest success story
  • The time I overcame my fear and found strength I didn’t know I had.
  • What’s the happiest day of my life?
  • How did I learn to overcome failure?
  • The time I knew that dreams really do come true
  • My greatest triumph over adversity – and what it taught me about myself.
  • What made you realize that you have to work hard in order to achieve something meaningful in life?
  • When did I know that I had made it in life?
  • When was the first time you were acknowledged for your achievements?
  • The night when my hard work truly paid off
  • My most powerful moment after overcoming a setback
  • How did I become successful?
  • What are some defining moments in my career?
  • How did I make it through a difficult time in college/university?
  • What motivated me to become the person I am today?

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

  • Whose lifelong encouragement helped make me who I am today
  • The first time I took responsibility for my own actions
  • What gave me the courage to be myself?
  • The most valuable life lesson I’ve ever received. Who taught it to me, and what was the context?
  • How did I get through a difficult childhood/adolescence/teenage years?
  • What did I learn from becoming a yoga master?
  • How has meditation helped me overcome anger issues?
  • How did I recover from using drugs and alcohol?
  • What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from quitting my job?
  • When did I realize that life is too short to hate someone?
  • The moment when I knew it was time for a change
  • I made a mistake – and this is how I bounced back
  • How did I overcome depression/anxiety/mental illness?

Personal Essay Topics About Passions & Hobbies

  • How did learning a skill change my life?
  • Why exercise makes me a better person
  • My passion for writing
  • What’s the best advice I’ve ever received? Who gave it to me, and in what situation?
  • The moment when I realized my true calling in life
  • The importance of keeping a journal and how it has helped me become a better person
  • My biggest bucket list dream and why it’s so important to me
  • What is my vision for the future?
  • How did I find peace, contentment, and happiness?
  • The time when I truly lived outside of my comfort zone
  • When was the moment when I felt like I “got” meditation?
  • My journey towards becoming vegan. What inspired me to make this change, and what were the challenges I faced?
  • What lessons have been easy for me to learn, and which ones have been harder?
  • The time when travel changed my life

Personal Essay Topics About Challenges & Failures

  • The low point of my life and how I got through it
  • How did an illness/injury/death in the family affect me?
  • Why did I decide to stop going on blind dates?
  • What were the consequences of losing my temper, and how did I make amends?
  • The time when I was broken. What happened, who got hurt, and how did it affect me? How did I overcome this experience?
  • When was the moment when I realized that my words carry weight?

Personal Essay Topics About Family & Childhood Memories

  • The time when my family showed me what unconditional love means
  • My most vivid childhood memory and how it has affected me as an adult
  • How did I learn to be patient and kind?
  • What was the moment that sparked a change in my life? What caused this change, and what happened after the changes took place?
  • The moment when I realized the true meaning of friendship
  • What lessons did growing up teach me about life?
  • My childhood dream and what it taught me about myself
  • How do I feel about my hometown after living in three different places?
  • Why is it important to visit your birthplace/hometown during holidays/vacations?
  • My family’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
  • What was the moment when I realized that my parents had their own struggles?
  • The time when I learned about my family history. What happened, why did this happen, and how did it affect me? How did things change after this event?
  • What do I know about family traditions now that I didn’t understand as a child?
  • Why are your family memories vital to you?

Personal Essay Topics About Cultural Heritage & Identity

  • What does being bilingual/multilingual mean to me? Why is it unique?
  • My first interaction with someone from another culture
  • What’s wrong with cultural appropriation, and how did I learn to stop?
  • The moment when I became aware of my race/ethnicity
  • My culture’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
  • How I learned to not be afraid of my cultural differences
  • Why is diversity important in my community? In what ways do I contribute?
  • The moment I realized that I am proud of my culture
  • How has the immigrant/refugee experience shaped who you are today?
  • How traditions have changed the way I view my family

Personal Essay Topics About Childhood Dreams & Aspirations

  • What were my childhood dreams, and how have they changed over the years?
  • How did I make peace with the fear of growing up?

Any of these 110 personal essay topics are perfect for students struggling to find a topic that will impress a college admission officer or any other person with whom you’re trying to connect with on a personal level through storytelling.

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personal life essay ideas

What is Personal Essay

Tips for Writing a Personal Essay

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Personal essay topics for college students, personal cause and effect essay topics, personal argumentative essay topics, unique personal essay topics.

Crafting personal essay topics is like selecting the perfect brushstroke for a painting. Each topic is a brush dipped in the hues of your experiences, capable of creating a vivid tapestry of emotions and thoughts. Yet, it's a delicate art, for these topics must bridge the gap between your personal narrative and the universal human experience.

In my writing journey, I've discovered that personal essays possess a unique power. They allow us to delve into our innermost thoughts, bringing them to life with words. These essays are a dance between the deeply personal and the universally relatable, offering readers a glimpse into our lives while echoing their own stories.

Personal essays transcend mere storytelling; they carry a message, a lesson, a revelation. They find their way into various aspects of our lives, from college applications to job interviews and writing contests. This article'll explore 110 personal essay topics, each a potential masterpiece waiting for you to paint with your words. Let's embark on this creative journey together and discover the topics that will inspire your storytelling prowess.

A personal essay is my heartfelt story, a window into my world. It's where I share my experiences, thoughts, and emotions, inviting readers to connect with my life's moments. Whether reflecting on personal growth, travel adventures, or social issues, it's my voice, perspective, and chance to convey life's significance through my lens.

Nowadays, with advancements in technology shaping our creative landscape, tools like paper typer AI provide an additional avenue for refining our narratives, assisting in the articulation of thoughts and emotions with greater precision and efficiency.

5 Tips for Writing a Personal Essay

These tips were instrumental in shaping my personal essay: ‍

  • Authentic Voice:  Embrace your unique style and voice; authenticity resonates.
  • Vivid Details:  Paint a vivid picture with sensory details; make readers feel your experience.
  • ‍ Engaging Hook:  Start with a captivating anecdote or question to draw readers in.
  • Reflect & Connect:  Reflect on your experiences and connect them to broader themes or insights.
  • Concise Focus:  Stay focused on a central theme or message to avoid diluting your essay's impact.

100 Personal Essay Topic Ideas

  • My most memorable travel experience.
  • The day that changed my perspective on life.
  • An encounter with a childhood hero.
  • A life-altering decision I made.
  • The role of family in shaping my identity.
  • A moment when I overcame a fear.
  • My first job and the lessons I learned.
  • An unexpected act of kindness I received.
  • A significant friendship that impacted my life.
  • My journey of self-discovery through a hobby.
  • A challenging life lesson learned through adversity.
  • A cultural tradition or celebration that holds personal meaning.
  • The impact of a book or movie on my beliefs.
  • An embarrassing moment that taught me humility.
  • The importance of a personal passion or hobby.
  • A life-changing conversation with a loved one.
  • The influence of a teacher or mentor on my growth.
  • The role of pets in my life and personal development.
  • A personal achievement I am most proud of.
  • The experience of moving to a new place and adapting to change.
  • The transition from high school to college life.
  • Balancing academics and extracurricular activities.
  • My most challenging course and how I coped.
  • The impact of college friendships on personal growth.
  • My aspirations and goals for the future.
  • The significance of internships and career preparation.
  • Overcoming the fear of public speaking or presentations.
  • The role of volunteering in shaping my values.
  • Coping with stress and time management in college.
  • My cultural identity in a diverse college environment.
  • The lessons learned from a gap year experience.
  • The importance of networking and building connections.
  • Coping with homesickness and maintaining relationships.
  • The influence of college extracurriculars on personal development.
  • Navigating the challenges of long-distance relationships.
  • The impact of studying abroad on cultural awareness.
  • The role of technology in college life and education.
  • Coping with academic failures and setbacks.
  • The influence of college professors on my perspective.
  • The significance of graduation and future plans.
  • The effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships.
  • How personal fitness habits impact overall health.
  • The consequences of a particular dietary choice.
  • The impact of social media on mental well-being.
  • The effects of procrastination on academic performance.
  • How volunteering affects personal happiness.
  • The consequences of a specific addiction or bad habit.
  • The impact of positive thinking on personal success.
  • How travel experiences change one's worldview.
  • The effects of peer pressure on decision-making.
  • The consequences of a significant life decision.
  • How financial choices impact personal freedom.
  • The effects of a strong support system on resilience.
  • The impact of self-care practices on stress management.
  • How environmental choices affect personal health.
  • The consequences of a significant career change.
  • The effects of educational choices on future opportunities.
  • The impact of personal belief systems on behavior.
  • How mentorship can shape one's career path.
  • The consequences of embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
  • Is technology making us more or less connected?
  • Should standardized testing be a primary measure of student success?
  • Is social media beneficial or detrimental to society?
  • Should college education be free for all students?
  • Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Is homeschooling a better alternative to traditional schooling?
  • Should animals be used for scientific research?
  • Is the death penalty an effective form of punishment?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Is privacy more important than national security?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Is censorship ever justified in the media?
  • Should there be limits on free speech in the digital age?
  • Is genetic engineering ethical for humans?
  • Should fast food restaurants be held responsible for obesity?
  • Is the government's role in healthcare too extensive?
  • Should there be restrictions on the sale of violent video games?
  • The art of finding beauty in everyday moments.
  • The connection between music and my emotional state.
  • A day in the life of a fictional character I created.
  • The symbolism of a recurring dream or nightmare.
  • The impact of a specific smell or taste on memory.
  • The experience of visiting a haunted place.
  • The role of superstitions in my life and decision-making.
  • A conversation with my future self.
  • The journey of learning a unique skill or craft.
  • The experience of living off the grid for a week.
  • A personal philosophy derived from a childhood story.
  • The significance of a lucky charm or talisman.
  • The lessons learned from a failed creative project.
  • The exploration of lucid dreaming and its possibilities.
  • The perspective of an inanimate object in my room.
  • The influence of a specific piece of art or sculpture.
  • The impact of color on my emotions and creativity.
  • The experience of attending an unconventional event or festival.
  • The role of serendipity in shaping my life's path.
  • The insights gained from living through a natural disaster.

In closing, I've journeyed through many personal essay topics, each offering a glimpse into the tapestry of human experiences. These topics are not just subjects for writing; they are gateways to self-discovery and connection. As I've explored them, I've learned that personal essays transcend the boundaries of mere storytelling; they are a medium for sharing the depth of our humanity. So, as you embark on your personal essay writing journey, remember that your unique perspective is a gift. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it flow through your words. Share your stories, connect with others, and enrich the world with your personal essays.

biology ia topics

200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

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A narrative essay tells a story about a specific event or experience. A well-written essay helps readers visualize the exciting story clearly and vividly. However, students often struggle to write a narrative essay because they don’t have the best topic.

To tell the reader an exciting story, first, you must choose good narrative essay topics for your story. Once you select the right idea, it means you are half done with your essay.

Table of Contents

What Is A Narrative Essay

A narrative essay uses primarily descriptive and sensory information to validate the author’s point and story.

In simple words, a narrative essay is all about storytelling from the author’s perspective, which attracts the reader’s attention and helps them create a vivid and exciting image of the story.

According to (Students” writing: 84-91), A narrative essay has three mandatory elements:

  • Character:  The essay has two main characters, the author and some other characters, who relate to each other and the story.
  • Theme:  A theme or motif is always the central point of the narrative essay, primarily portrayed in the thesis statement.
  • Dialogue:  The conversation between the characters is referred to as dialogue.

Whenever you come up with  writing a narrative essay , please consider these elements to make it perfect.

How Do We Make A List of Top Narrative Essay Topics?

To create lists, we start by brainstorming our experiences, emotions, and situations that happen most often. Then, we note our ideas by focusing on which are most common in other students and how they can engage and inspire the readers.

We are sure that our crafted list includes a mix of narrative essay topics, including personal experiences, funny topics, fictional ideas, and sports events. Finally, we develop a wide collection that showcases our creativity and connects with our audience on a deeper level.

Our efforts are the key to your solution to the narrative essay topic. With that in mind, let’s begin.

Choose Topics For A Narrative Essay In 4 Simple Steps

Choosing a narrative essay topic can be straightforward if you follow these four simple steps:

Recall Your Personal Experiences

Think about the critical events, challenges, and moments of joy in your life. Consider the moments that have shaped you and left a lasting impression. Using this practice, you can choose a specific moment of your life from the narrative essay topics below.

Identify Themes and Emotions

Determine the central theme or emotion you want to convey in your essay. Every student has their own emotional state, allowing them to write about their interests. Choose a topic that matches your desired message, whether you want to talk about personal growth, school life, or sharing a funny incident.

Keep your audience in mind

Think about what would engage and resonate with your readers. For example, pick a motivational incident from your life if your target audience is broader. Furthermore, if your target audience is just a class of teenagers, try to choose funny topics for a narrative essay.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Make a list of top narrative essay topics and check out each one by one based on their significance and the details you can provide. Select a topic on which you have a lot of information, offer the wealthiest narrative, and allow you to tell a compelling story.

By following these steps, you can select a  narrative essay writing  topic that is meaningful and engaging.

70 Most interesting and trendy Narrative topics for Students

Interesting and trendsetter narrative essay topics always remain the top priority for students. What sets these ideas apart from others? The topics were primarily adopted from everyday student life, and after brainstorming, we evaluated 70 mostly relatable issues.

We have further categorized these topics on different academic levels in the section below. Read further and find a suitable topic of interest from the lists below.

Narrative Essay Ideas for Middle School

  • Things to do when bored in the classroom
  • A funny classroom incident that makes us laugh
  • The day when I met my best friend for the first time
  • A unique family tradition that inspires me a lot
  • Why did I learn to play a musical instrument
  • A Christmas day I will never forget
  • Riding a bike for the first time: my review
  • The time I got lost in the jungle
  • Helpful advice from my Grandparents
  • My first sports game in school
  • It was the best summer vacation I spent
  • A time when I stood up for my rights
  • My experience in solving mathematical problems in fun ways
  • A school trip to a historical place
  • The most exciting book I’ve read
  • A time I got in trouble
  • Making new friends in school
  • The best gifts I’ve ever received
  • What I learn from a challenging school project
  • I learn to perform publicly

Narrative Essay Topics for High School

  • My experience with high school bullying
  • My major academic achievement
  • A mentor helps me in creative learning
  • My experience with peer pressure
  • How do I manage to overcome school obstacles
  • The moments when I make the difficult decision
  • How I prepare myself for future career
  • The Impact of social media on my life
  • My challenge in sports
  • Volunteering myself for student councils
  • The Importance of friendship in my life
  • My tricks to balance school and extracurricular activities
  • A book or movie that inspired me a lot
  • My plans to get admission to college
  • How do I overcome my lack of confidence
  • I set myself aside from school violence activities
  • How do I manage my expenditure with an online paying job
  • The moment when I discovered my passion
  • Powerful quotations that I read for self-motivation.

Choosing a topic is a little bit easy, but writing a narrative essay is a little bit hard. To overcome writing barriers, we have compiled some  examples of a narrative essay , which will ultimately help you out in writing a compelling essay on your own.

Narrative Essay Topics Ideas for College

  • How do I find the best college for my study
  • A significant turning point in my life
  • What challenges do I face in living away from home
  • A time when I failed and bounced back
  • My life-changing Internship experience
  • My personal experiences of studying abroad 
  • Excitement of the day when I got my driver’s license
  • My favorite subject in college and why
  • My efforts in time management
  • An Inspirational guest lecture 
  • A significant personal growth moment
  • Dealing with homesickness
  • How my college roommate became my buddy 
  • I tried to manage my budget in college life
  • My tips to avoid distraction

Good Narrative Essay topics on Learning and Education

  • How do I overcome a learning challenge
  • My most memorable school project
  • A field trip to remember in whole life
  • Hurdles I face in learning a new language
  • Positive impacts of technology on my education
  • My experience with remote learning
  • A memorable time I failed and what I learned from the failure
  • The book that inspired me a lot
  • My experience in participating in a Science fair
  • My opinion about extracurricular activities on learning
  • My interesting group study session with friends
  • The Importance of education in my family
  • My passion for reading books
  • An Inspiring educational speaker to which I listen
  • My techniques for preparing for a significant exam

These above-mentioned ideas for narrative essays are common and relatable to every student’s academic life. If you have chosen a topic but don’t know how to write an essay, just read these  tips to improve narrative writing  for your essay.

70 Good Narrative Essay Topics for Students: Personal To Sports Life

Writing an effective narrative essay allows students to explore the depth of their experiences. These essays can range from author reflections to humorous anecdotes. 

Here are 70 narrative essay topics: personal life tales, literary adventures, and funny and thrilling sports moments. Each topic offers a unique opportunity to engage the readers and reflect on the actual factors of life.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics About Life

  • What happens to me on my first day at school
  • It was a memorable birthday that gave me a lot of surprises
  • A family vacation in beautiful mountains
  • My first day in learning to ride a bike
  • My favorite pet, which is no longer with us
  • My feeling when I Win a competition at school
  • A day at the beach with my friends
  • Funny moments in my first time cooking
  • A surprise gift that I got from my father
  • A visit to the zoo for the first time
  • My academic journey with my best friend
  • How I overcome my fear of dogs
  • Challenges in moving to a new house
  • A holiday tradition in my village
  • A time when I got lost
  • A remarkable achievement in my career
  • Helping a stranger was the best moment in my life
  • Crying on my last day at school
  • A day well spent in the park with school friends
  • How did I develop my interest in literature 

Literacy Narrative essay topics

  • What I feel when someone motivates me
  • My personal opinions towards book reading
  • Learning to write essays is easy for me: you know why?
  • Discovering a new genre of literature helps me
  • I learned a way to write assignments that leave a positive impact
  • Why my teachers love me more than others in school
  • Assisting others in hardships makes me feel proud
  • Influence of my favorite author and why?
  • The best advice that I have ever got from parents
  • Online gaming helps me a lot with critical thinking
  • A collection book of poems which I gave to my little sister
  • How I benefit from the writing guide 
  • The first time I wrote a story
  • A literary character I relate to myself
  • Why do I not watch horror movies?
  • The first time I enjoyed poetry.
  • My favorite science fiction novel
  • How reading helps me in overcoming a challenge
  • My poor writing skills make me feel embraced in class
  • My recommendations on books to read about religion 

Funny Narrative Essay topics

  • The day I wear mismatched shoes
  • Prank my friend once, which goes wrong
  • An experience when I got stuck in the elevator
  • A hilarious miscommunication moment occurred during my presentation
  • A disaster happens to me at a costume party
  • The worst haircut makes my friends laugh at me
  • The time I got lost in my neighborhood
  • A funny camping experience with my friends
  • My first and probably last dance experience in school
  • The funny moment when my cell phone got caught in the classroom
  • My pet caused chaos on the day of my brother’s wedding
  • The funniest mistakes I have made in my science project
  •  The Day I Played a Joke on My Teacher
  • My Funniest Social Media Mishap
  • The moment when I tried to speak a foreign language for the first time

Bonus tip:  Funny narrative essay writing is sometimes hard for students because of its limited humorous nature. To overcome this issue we have developed a free  AI essay writer  tool which will add fun and humor in your essay.

Ideas for Narrative Essay about sports

  • My first sports team experience
  • How do I heal from a bad injury in sports
  • Cheering moments when I scored the winning goal
  • Why do I always try to learn new sports?
  • Sports helped me build confidence
  • The most challenging game I have ever played
  • My relationship with a coach
  • My major sports rivalry, which ends up with a fight
  • My team-building experience
  • Personal recommendation to deal with sports pressure
  • Sports helped me develop discipline
  • Share your first childhood sports mishap
  • Motivate my friends to get involved in sports
  • The Impact of sports on my life
  • My funniest sports moment

Blunders while narrative writing happens when you choose a topic on your own without preparation. Worry not, just pick the best topic from the above list and then follow these common  mistakes to avoid in narrative essay  to make it error free.

60 Unique Topics about Narrative Essay

If your narrative essay is unique compared to the others, then it is a win-win situation. In the lists below, you will find unique topics, whether you want to write about a fictional story, hobbies, motivational stories, or say something about some cultural and societal issues. 

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

  • A mysterious package arrives at my door
  • The night when I dream about time travel
  • My survival on a deserted island for months
  • It’s a story about my four friends and a magician.
  • My childhood dream was to become a professional athlete.
  • A World Where Animals Can Talk
  • Living in a world without electricity
  • I discover a portal in my backyard
  • Dreaming about being friends with an alien, which turns out to be true
  • A tale about a person who walks on water with superpowers
  • A secret behind the haunted house in my neighborhood
  • Imagining a school where children have magical capabilities
  • My opinion on the diary of a Pirate Captain 
  • A day when everyone speaks the truth
  • A robot becomes my best friend

Best Narrative Essay Ideas On Hobbies and Interests

Every student has a natural instinct to develop hobbies and interest in their lives. Below are some narrative essay topics which primarily focus on hobbies and interests.

  • My love for painting makes me feel proud
  • My journey in learning a new language
  • I found pleasure in planting trees in my garden
  • My friend’s passion for hiking
  • My thrill for collecting vintage items
  • Creating my first DIY project
  • My love for playing chess
  • My passion for cooking and trying new recipes
  • My collection of books, which I read a lot
  • Hearing birds chirp in the morning gives me a boost
  • Writing my first short story
  • Why I volunteer myself at an animal shelter
  • Learning to dance: my first class
  • My passion for traveling to discover new cultures
  • Benefits of creating my blog on the Internet

Narrative Essay Topics Related To Culture And Society

  • My experience of a cultural festival for the first time
  • Growing up in a multicultural family makes your experience more enjoyable
  • A tradition that has been passed down in my family
  • The positive effect of my cultural heritage on my identity
  • Why I found it challenging to adapt to a new cultural environment
  • Learning about my ancestry and heritage
  • My experience in participating in a traditional ceremony
  • The role of food in my culture
  • My experience with cultural exchange programs
  • A memorable visit to a historical, cultural site
  • The Influence of Media on Cultural Perceptions, in my opinion
  • My recommendations on how to preserve cultural heritage
  • The challenges of being bilingual
  • The role of religion in my society
  • Positive impacts of social media on society, according to my opinion

Best Motivational Ideas for Narrative Essay

  • A story of personal growth
  • Rebuilding my life after a significant loss
  • It was a precious time when I made a difference in my community
  • How do I conquer my biggest fear of life
  • The power of positive thinking in shaping your life
  • My strategy to turn failure into success
  • A journey of self-discovery
  • How do I find inspiration in unlikely places 
  • How I stay motivated during tough times
  • The influence of a mentor in my life
  • Finding a way to utilize my inner strength
  • Family support in my achievements
  • Random acts of kindness return with a big reward in my life
  • My motivation to stay strengthened in hardships
  • My secret ways to appreciate the little things

Writing a narrative essay is a daunting task for many students. To understand the reason behind why it is hard to write you must go through these  examples of narrative essay types  and find out the differences for each one.

Questions to help you choose a narrative essay topic

If you still need clarification about selecting the best topics for a narrative essay even after watching out from the above list. Just stay calm and think about these questions mentioned in the list below, and you will find a solution to choosing a topic.

1What are the earliest memories of my life? Think about your early life incidents.
2Think about some memorable moments, especially from middle or high school.
3Remember some special events you have seen in your early life that you remember clearly.
4Some harmful incidents happen to you that stay in your mind forever.
5Positive moments are when you do something extraordinary that changes your life.
6Consider when you make your friends, parents, or family feel proud.
7Furthermore, think of your sports life, such as your first sport, relation with your coach, funny sports moments, or injuries you suffered in the game.
8Ask yourself questions about some places you have visited and have good memories.

Focusing on these questions will help you uncover the best moments in your life. These questions are most common and generic in every student’s life.

Use our words as your narration

Writing a narrative essay to express your experiences is difficult, as it requires words that show emotions and feelings to engage the reader. Consider using our  professional essay writing service  to make the process easier and more helpful. Our skilful and experienced team will provide a polished, well-structured essay that effectively communicates your narrative to your audience.

No Confusion Left In Your Mind Now

You can now easily choose suitable narrative essay topics from the above lists. These rewarding topics allow you to explore and share meaningful experiences with the readers.

Whether you write about personal narrative essay topics, educational journeys, funny incidents, or memorable sports events, we have covered each aspect. Take out your pen, choose a topic, and begin writing down your experiences and thoughts to make the reader remember your words.

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Student Opinion

525 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

Questions that invite students to write about themselves, their lives and their beliefs.

personal life essay ideas

By The Learning Network

Updated with 80 new prompts from the 2022-23 school year!

We’ve been posting fresh writing prompts every school day for over a decade now, and every so often we create a themed collection like this one to help you find what you need all in one place.

Below, we’ve rounded up 525 evergreen questions to encourage you to write about your life. They cover everything from family, friendships and growing up to gender, spirituality, money, school and more. (They’re also all available here as a clickable PDF .)

We hope they’ll inspire you, whether you’re entering our related 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest this fall, or just want to improve your writing skills. Like all our Student Opinion questions , each links to a related Times article, which is free to read if you access it from our site.

So dive in and pick the questions that motivate you to tell an interesting story, describe a memorable event, observe the details in your world, imagine a possibility, or reflect on who you are and what you believe.

Overcoming Adversity

1. How Mentally Tough Are You? 2. What Is the Bravest Thing You’ve Ever Done? 3. When Have You Made the Best of a Difficult Situation? 4. How Have You Gotten Over Disappointment? 5. How Do You Get Over Rejection? 6. How Do You Deal With Self-Doubt? 7. How Resilient Are You? 8. What Do You Gain From Pursuing Something You Do Really, Really Badly? 9. How Do You Handle Fear? 10. Are You Too Hard on Yourself? 11. How Do You Silence Your Inner Critic? 12. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 13. Have You Ever Benefited From Rejection? 14. Do You Give Yourself Enough Credit for Your Own Successes? 15. How Do You Overcome Your Fears? 16. Stress, Worry and Anxiety Are All Different. How Do You Cope With Each? 17. How Do You Cope With Grief? 18. How Do You Make Hard Decisions? 19. Have You Ever Quit Something? 20. Have You Ever Felt as if You Didn’t Belong? 21. When Has Starting Over Worked for You? 22. When Have You Reinvented Yourself? 23. Do You Find It Hard to Let Other People Help You? 24. Have You Ever Felt Like an Outsider? 25. Do You Appreciate When Celebrities Share Their Struggles? 26. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 27. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’?

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Top 50 Personal Essay Topics

You might be set a personal essay as a criterion for your admission to college or it might be set at any time during your academic career. A personal essay is essentially a form of self-expression. It draws on other essay formats – like a narrative essay – but of all academic assignments it is the loosest and least dogmatic. It can be more prosaic than other more technical formats demand. Whatever form, at its core is the presentation of your experience or emotions. It is a time when you can find your muse and really express yourself in the written word.

  • I went to college to say thank you to my parents
  • How being bullied made me the person I am today
  • William Blake is the poet I most admire
  • My spirit of adventure
  • How I propose to spend the long vacation
  • Why I am taking a gap year
  • What the “art of conversation” means to me
  • Why I left Facebook
  • I want to be able to drink legally before I’m 21
  • How being in a band helped my leadership skills
  • Why I chose a career in the medical field (or any other field)
  • My first experience as a babysitter
  • Becoming an older sister (or brother)
  • I will be a lifelong learner
  • My father (mother) is my hero
  • Life skills I learned in college
  • Why I love the Golden Age of Hollywood
  • Chocolate is my comfort food
  • The reasons I keep a food diary
  • The bravest thing I have ever done
  • The one thing I would change about the world
  • I will never forget the day that …
  • The advice I would give to a new high school student
  • My siblings and childhood
  • How I would spend $1 million
  • The place I would most like to live
  • The proudest moment of my life so far
  • Did I feel pressured into going to college?
  • Why I joined an online dating site
  • I wish I had looked after my teeth
  • The things I learned from my grandmother (father)
  • I’m proud to be a Millennial
  • The way I deal with my allergies
  • Why opera moves me so much
  • My love of Shakespeare
  • I will never prefer eBooks over printed books
  • Why pole dancing is my favorite form of exercise
  • I wasn’t allowed a pet as a child. Today I have 5 pets.
  • Why marine pollution breaks my heart
  • I took a gap year but wish I had traveled more
  • Why I plant a new tree every year
  • I do not use social media
  • I wish my mother had taught me to cook
  • Visiting museums has taught me a great deal
  • Monet and Van Gogh are my favorite artists
  • An eclectic music taste makes me interesting
  • I want to enter local politics in my 40s
  • It’s time I learned to appreciate my Irish roots
  • There was a time when …
  • If I ruled the world …

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100+ Personal Essay Topics For College And Writing Tips

Jared Houdi

Table of Contents

70 Great Personal Essay Topics for College

Looking for interesting personal essay writing ideas? We’ve got a bunch…

A personal essay is a typical assignment for high-school and college students. It’s a type of non-fiction that incorporates a variety of writing styles. Personal essay topics usually include real stories, experiences, and opinions of people.

Writers need to give an account of their own experience and express their thoughts on the subject of a paper. The key to success is to make an attempt to combine narration and opinion together. In this article, you will find a short writing guide and 100+ engaging personal essay topic ideas.

How to write personal essays?

Keep in mind that personal writing is always subjective. It is based on the writer’s observation, feelings, opinion, and experience. You are the speaker, so it’s quite natural to use such pronouns as I, my, me, we, and our.

First of all, most essay writing websites will say that you need to find a compelling topic. College personal essay topics include a lot of things.

Students may be asked to

  • state their opinion about an issue
  • document what they observed
  • share a story
  • give a description of an object, event, place, person
  • relate a specific subject to their own life

Whatever theme you choose, it’s crucial to start an introduction of your paper with a strong hook to capture the audience’s attention. Introduce the subject in the first paragraph. Think about the main idea you want to communicate.

In the body of your paper, inform readers about the subject. It’s better to create an outline before to start writing. It will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused, and write clearly and concisely. Start each paragraph with a new idea. Show, don’t tell. Use strong verbs and include a lot of sensory details.

End with a thought-provoking conclusion. You need to explain what lesson you have learned, how your experience contributed to your development as a person and shaped your personality.

Why choose personal persuasive essay topics for writing

When writing on personal persuasive essay topics, writers must state their position or opinion on an issue and try to persuade people to accept their point of view, telling stories and appealing to their feelings and emotions.

That differs from elaborating on personal argumentative essay topics, when students have to support their point of view with strong arguments, reasons, relevant examples, appropriate illustrations, etc.

These types of papers are not easy to write as well as papers on personal cause and effect essay topics.

But there are important reasons why you may want to do that.

  • You’ll improve communication and critical thinking skills .
  • Challenging themes can help you stand out from the crowd.
  • You will be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability to apply persuasive techniques.

… Can’t decide what idea to choose?

Here we have gathered a wide variety of moving ideas for your inspiration. Whether you need personal experience essay topics or personal narrative essay topics, we’ve got you covered.

Personal essay topics: what are they about?

You may write on any subject. Popular themes include hobbies, nature, childhood, illness, travel, making a difficult choice, learning something new, friends, family, and relationships.

You may use some personal challenge essay ideas and tell about overcoming an obstacle. Or you can buy argumentative essay if you don’t have time to work on college tasks tonight.

Actually, the subject is not as important as you think. Readers want to see your point of view that reveals your unique personality.

  • How you met a special person in your life?
  • A person you admire most.
  • The best place in the local area.
  • A place where you would like to live your whole life.
  • Works of art you admire.
  • The job of your dream.
  • Your biggest disappointment.
  • Books that made a great impression on you.
  • What annoys you?
  • Your family traditions.
  • Are you addicted to technology?
  • What modern songs inspire you?
  • Could you live without money?
  • Do you like commercials?
  • What is your best method of studying?

Personal narrative essay topics

  • Tell about your first trip abroad.
  • The most unfortunate event ever happened to you.
  • What happened during your first day at school?
  • What is your first childhood memory?
  • What is your most memorable family event?
  • Did you experience failure?
  • What games did you play when you were a child?
  • The biggest challenge you have overcome.
  • Do you remember your first birthday party?
  • Tell how you learn something new.
  • Have you ever encountered a wild animal?
  • Tell about the first time you were home alone.
  • How you cooked a meal for the first time?
  • Tell how you helped someone.
  • How you overcame fear?

Personal experience essay topics

  • What things make you feel happy?
  • How you came to healthy eating habits?
  • How did you celebrate Christmas?
  • Did you bring a stray animal home?
  • How did you learn to drive?
  • How you met a famous person?
  • How did you learn something from enemies?
  • Describe the accidents you witnessed.
  • How you got hurt?
  • Describe disastrous trips or vacations.
  • Fantastic concerts you attended.
  • Describe terrifying nightmares.
  • Your reaction when provoked.
  • Experience of being a leader.
  • A friendship breakup experience.

Personal argumentative essay topics

  • What could you live without?
  • Why are you concerned about environmental issues?
  • How much money do you need for happiness?
  • What does your ethnic identity mean to you?
  • Significance of personal growth.
  • Male and female roles in your family.
  • Your attitude to feminism.
  • Explain what does it mean to be a Human.
  • Most precious moments of your life.
  • What is more critical: wealth or happiness?
  • Your attitude to getting a tattoo.
  • Is it important to be crazy about fashion?
  • Your opinion on cosmetics surgery.
  • Significance of healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Your favourite holiday destinations.

College personal essay topics

  • Have you been in love with someone?
  • What is your life’s goal?
  • What does success mean to you?
  • How freedom matters in your life?
  • How you leave the comfort zone?
  • Things you appreciate in life.
  • What things do you hate?
  • How you met college roommates?
  • Your plans on spending a gap year.
  • How you got your first job?
  • Describe intellectual challenges you would like to solve.
  • What did you learn from failures?
  • Outdoor activities you like most.
  • Explain your commitments.
  • What motivates you?

Personal persuasive essay topics

  • Your opinion of distant learning and online education.
  • Can listening to music help complete your homework faster?
  • Can hobbies help in a future career?
  • Is it ethical to buy products tested on animals?
  • Why is volunteering important?
  • Should drugs be banned?
  • Your favourite restaurant everyone should visit.
  • Things to do to help our world survive.
  • How can we make the world a better place?
  • Is it possible to avoid stress?
  • Should zoos be forbidden?
  • How online shopping makes me spend more money?
  • Why I don’t smoke.
  • Things I want to be doing when I become 85.
  • Why do I recommend students to study abroad?

Personal cause and effect essay topics

  • Why I don’t watch TV.
  • Reasons I go in for sports.
  • Effects of social media on the daily routine.
  • How my failures make me stronger?
  • Books that changed my world view.
  • Reasons why I study computer science.
  • Influence of my parents on my life choices.
  • Importance of learning math for my future career.
  • Effect of being a single child.
  • How my pets make me a better person?
  • Influence of regular exercise on my health and wellbeing.
  • What makes me rebel against my parents?
  • How did my parents help me to study?
  • Why going to college made me an independent person?
  • What caused my burn out?

Feel free to use our good personal essay topics for creating amazing pieces that will make a powerful impression on your readers and get you high grades.

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Personal Narrative Essay Examples

In the realm of personal narrative essays, personal narrative essay examples serve as a compelling platform for individuals to share their unique stories, experiences, and perspectives. These essays are more than just pieces of personal history; they are windows into the human condition. However, a key factor in crafting a memorable personal narrative essay lies in selecting the right topic. In this article, we'll delve into the art of choosing personal narrative essay topics and explore their significance in creating a meaningful and engaging narrative.

Finding Ideas for a Personal Narrative Essay

The first step in the journey of crafting a captivating personal narrative essay is finding ideas and inspiration. Inspiration often resides within our own lives and experiences:

  • Reflecting on Personal Experiences: Personal narrative essays draw their strength from real-life encounters and observations. Take time to reflect on moments that have left a lasting impact on you.
  • Exploring Emotions and Memories: Emotions are the lifeblood of personal narratives. Recall events that stirred powerful emotions within you, whether it was joy, fear, anger, or love.
  • Identifying Life-Changing Moments: Sometimes, our most profound stories revolve around events that changed the course of our lives. Identify these turning points and consider how they have shaped you.

By utilizing these ideas for a personal narrative essay, you will unlock a wealth of storytelling potential. Reflecting on personal experiences , exploring emotions and memories, and identifying life-changing moments will enable you to tap into the richness of your own life.

Popular Personal Narrative Essay Ideas and Topics

Now, let's explore some popular personal narrative essay ideas that encompass a wide range of experiences and emotions:

Childhood Memories

  • First Day of School : Delve into the nerves, excitement, and anticipation of your very first day of school. What did it teach you about resilience and adaptability?
  • A Memorable Family Vacation: Share the details of a family vacation that etched memories into your heart. What made it unforgettable, and how did it shape your bond with your family?
  • A Childhood Friendship: Reflect on a cherished childhood friendship. Explore the lessons you learned about trust, loyalty, and the bittersweet passage of time.

Life-changing Experiences

  • Overcoming a Fear or Phobia: Narrate an experience where you conquered a deep-seated fear or phobia. What steps did you take, and what did it reveal about your inner strength?
  • A Pivotal Life Decision: Share the story of a critical decision that altered the course of your life. What factors weighed on your choice, and what did you gain or lose?
  • An Unexpected Adventure: Recount an unexpected adventure that took you out of your comfort zone. What challenges did you face, and how did you grow as a person?

Personal Growth and Reflection

  • A Lesson Learned from a Mistake: Explore a mistake you made and the valuable lesson it taught you. How did this experience shape your decision-making and personal growth?
  • Achieving a Personal Goal: Celebrate the journey of achieving a personal goal. Reflect on the obstacles you overcame and the determination that fueled your success.
  • A Moment of Self-Discovery: Share a moment when you discovered something profound about yourself. How did this newfound self-awareness impact your life and relationships?

Tips for Choosing the Right Topic

When it comes to selecting topics for personal narratives, making the right choice is essential to craft a compelling and meaningful story. Your chosen topic forms the foundation of your narrative, shaping its tone, relevance, and impact on your readers. Selecting the right personal narrative essay topics is crucial. Here are some tips to guide your choice:

  • Connecting with Your Audience: Consider your target audience and choose a topic that will resonate with them. Your narrative should evoke emotions and experiences that your readers can relate to.
  • The Importance of Authenticity: Authenticity is the key to a compelling personal narrative. Choose a topic that genuinely reflects your experiences and emotions. Readers can sense when a story is authentic.
  • Balancing Significance and Relatability: While dramatic events make for engaging narratives, even seemingly small moments can hold immense significance. Balance the significance of the event with its relatability to your audience.

In the realm of personal narrative essays, the choice of topic serves as the foundation upon which the narrative is built. It determines whether your story will resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression. Personal narrative essay examples can illustrate how a well-chosen topic can make your narrative more engaging and relatable. As we conclude this exploration of personal narrative essay topics, remember that your life is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be shared. Whether it's a childhood memory, a life-changing experience, or a moment of self-discovery, the power of your narrative lies in your ability to choose the right topic and let your unique voice shine through. So, embrace your experiences, and embark on a journey of storytelling that captivates, inspires, and connects with others.

Embark on a journey through this writing guide, where personal narrative examples aren’t merely presented; they leap off the page, enveloping us in a world where stories don’t just speak—they roar, resonate, and sometimes, perform a whimsical dance. In this realm, personal narrative examples serve as our guideposts, illuminating the path to crafting narratives that are as authentic as they are compelling.

What is a Personal Narrative Essay Examples

A personal narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story from the author’s own life experiences and perspectives. It is a form of creative nonfiction in which the author shares a personal story, event, or incident that holds meaning or significance. Personal narrative essays often aim to engage the reader by providing a vivid and emotional account of the author’s experiences.

When crafting a personal narrative essay, it’s essential to find valuable personal narrative essay examples to guide you. This type of writing demands a unique approach, where external research is unnecessary. Draw from your personal experiences and explore your ideas from a personal point of view. The purpose of such essays is to let you work on a certain topic by using analysis and by turning to reflective writing practices. 

The examples of personal narrative essays may relate to anything from bullying to the way social media affects our perception of body image in a negative way. Likewise, if you are majoring in Journalism or Political Sciences, you may take any topic that would relate to what you are currently exploring unless you have already been provided with an essay prompt. In either case, you must take your time to focus on your opinion and things that inspire you the most. If you can keep your writing interesting and unique, it will always show as you write.

Personal narrative essays are a popular form of writing that allow individuals to share their personal experiences, stories, and insights. In the infographics we’ve prepared, you can find a most common types of personal narrative essays:

Types of Personal Narrative Essays

These are some of the most common types of personal narrative essays, each with its unique focus and storytelling approach. The choice of type depends on the author’s personal experiences and the message they want to convey.

How to Write a Personal Narrative Essay

Writing a personal narrative essay is a creative and introspective process that enables you to share a piece of your life with others. If you’re wondering how to write a personal narrative essay, here are 5 key steps to help you get started:

  • Choose a Meaningful Experience : Select a personal experience that has had a significant impact on your life. Whether it’s a moment of growth, a life-changing event, or a cherished memory, pick a topic that resonates with you.
  • Plan Your Narrative : Create an outline to organize your thoughts. Highlight the main events or moments you want to include and decide on the order in which you’ll present them. This will provide structure to your essay.
  • Engage Your Audience : Craft a captivating introduction that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. You can use vivid descriptions, a compelling question, or a thought-provoking quote. Establish the setting and context to draw the reader into your story.
  • Tell Your Story : In the body of your essay, narrate your story chronologically. Describe the events, emotions, and thoughts you experienced. Utilize descriptive language to create a vivid picture for the reader, immersing them in your narrative.
  • Reflect and Conclude : Conclude your essay by reflecting on the significance of the experience. Share what you’ve learned, how it has affected you, and the message or insight you want to leave with your reader. Summarize the key points to make a lasting impression.

Writing a personal narrative essay allows you to share your unique experiences and connect with your audience on a personal level. By carefully selecting your topic, crafting a compelling narrative, and reflecting on its importance, you can create an impactful and memorable essay. If you’re looking for an example of a personal narrative essay , studying well-crafted essays can provide valuable insights into the structure and storytelling techniques that make them effective.

Incorporating these steps into your writing process will help you craft a compelling and meaningful personal narrative essay that resonates with your audience.

Writing a Personal Narrative Essay: Tips and Tricks

Writing a personal narrative is an art form that invites readers into your world, offering them a glimpse of your experiences, emotions, and reflections. Whether you’re crafting a personal narrative essay for a class, a publication, or your satisfaction, the following tips and tricks, illustrated with personal narrative essay examples, can help you create a compelling and resonant story.

  • Start with a Strong Hook. Engage your readers from the very beginning with a captivating hook. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a vivid scene. For example, a personal narrative example might begin with a dramatic moment that immediately places the reader in the heart of the story.
  • Focus on a Significant Moment. A personal narrative should center around a significant moment or series of events that had a profound impact on you. This doesn’t have to be a life-altering event, but it should be meaningful enough to warrant exploration. Personal narrative essay examples often highlight a turning point that offers insight into the writer’s growth or change.
  • Include Sensory Details. Bring your story to life with sensory details. Describe what you saw, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted to help the reader experience the event as you did. A personal narrative essay example might describe the aroma of a grandmother’s kitchen or the texture of a rough sea to immerse the reader fully.
  • Explore Your Emotions and Reflections. The heart of a personal narrative lies in your introspection and emotional journey. Discuss how the events affected you, what you learned, and how you changed. Personal narrative essay examples excel when they delve deep into the writer’s emotional landscape, offering honest and relatable reflections.
  • Use Dialogue Effectively . Incorporating dialogue can add dynamism to your narrative, bringing characters to life and moving the story forward. Ensure that the dialogue sounds natural and contributes to the development of the story or the understanding of the characters. A well-chosen dialogue in a personal narrative example can illustrate a relationship or a pivotal moment vividly.
  • Structure Your Narrative with Care. While a personal narrative may not follow a traditional plot structure, having a clear beginning, middle, and end is crucial. Lead your readers through the events with a purposeful narrative arc, guiding them toward the resolution or the main point of your story. Personal narrative examples show how an effectively structured narrative can enhance the impact of the story.
  • Revise and Edit. A great personal narrative doesn’t just happen on the first draft. Revise your work for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Pay attention to grammar and punctuation, and consider feedback from readers to refine your narrative. Personal narrative essay examples that resonate the most are often those that have been carefully polished.
  • Reflect on the Universality of Your Experience . While a personal narrative is inherently personal, reflecting on the universal themes within your story can connect with a broader audience. Consider how your personal experiences touch on larger truths or common human experiences. A personal narrative essay that captures universal themes becomes relatable and impactful.

By following these tips and tricks and studying personal narrative essay examples, you can craft a personal narrative that not only tells your story but also touches the hearts and minds of your readers. Remember, a personal narrative is a gift of your perspective, a glimpse into your world that can enlighten, entertain, and inspire.

How to Structure a Personal Narrative Essay: Examples

Turning to personal narrative structure , you are mostly allowed to approach a free style where you may keep your narration according to your preferences, yet it’s recommended to keep your topics narrowed down to a certain period of time or a take on things if that speaks of your life’s experience. To create an engaging and well-structured personal narrative essay , follow these essential elements:

  • Introduction : Set the Stage
  • Start with a hook: Begin your essay with an attention-grabbing sentence or anecdote that draws readers in.
  • Provide context: Introduce the setting, time, and place of your story.
  • Present the thesis statement: Clearly state the main idea or message you want to convey through your narrative.
  • Background Information : Build the Foundation
  • Offer background details: Provide essential information about the characters, setting, and circumstances relevant to your story.
  • Develop characters: Describe the key individuals involved, including yourself, if applicable.
  • Plot Development : Unfold the Story
  • Sequence events: Organize the events of your narrative in chronological order to maintain clarity.
  • Build tension: Use rising action to create anticipation and interest in the narrative.
  • Climax: Present the turning point or the most significant moment of your story.
  • Descriptive Detail s: Paint a Vivid Picture
  • Utilize sensory imagery: Engage readers’ senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings.
  • Use vivid language: Employ descriptive adjectives and metaphors to enhance the reader’s understanding of your experiences.
  • Reflection and Analysis : Share Insights
  • Reflect on the significance: Explain why the experience was meaningful or how it impacted you.
  • Offer personal insights: Share your thoughts, emotions, and personal growth resulting from the experience.
  • Conclusion : Wrap It Up
  • Summarize the story: Provide a concise summary of the main events and their outcomes.
  • Reinforce the thesis: Reiterate the key message or lesson learned.
  • End with a powerful closing: Leave readers with a thought-provoking statement, a lesson, or a reflection.
  • Editing and Proofreading : Polish Your Essay
  • Revise for clarity: Ensure the narrative flows smoothly and is easy to follow.
  • Check for grammar and spelling errors: Use tools like Grammarly to eliminate mistakes.
  • Seek feedback: Have someone else review your essay for constructive input.
  • Title : Choose an Engaging Title
  • Craft a title that captures the essence of your narrative and intrigues potential readers.

Remember, personal narrative essays allow you to share your unique experiences and perspectives, making them compelling and relatable to your audience. By following this structured approach, you can create a well-crafted and engaging personal narrative essay.

How to Start a Personal Narrative Essay

Starting a personal narrative essay can be both exciting and challenging. To help you embark on this writing journey effectively, here are 5 key points on how to start a personal narrative essay :

P1. Choose an Engaging Topic: Begin by selecting a compelling and personal experience as your essay’s focus. Reflect on moments from your life that had an impact, taught you a lesson, or evoked strong emotions. Your chosen topic should resonate with both you and your potential readers.

P2. Create a Captivating Hook: Grab your readers’ attention right from the start. You can use a catchy anecdote, a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a vivid description to engage your audience. The hook sets the tone for your narrative.

P3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement: In a personal narrative essay, your thesis statement should convey the central message or lesson you want to share through your story. It serves as a roadmap for your essay, guiding both you and your readers throughout the narrative.

P4. Organize Your Ideas: Outline the main events and details you want to include in your essay. Ensure a logical flow of events, from the introduction to the climax and resolution. Organizing your thoughts beforehand will make the writing process smoother.

P5. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture for your readers. Let them experience the emotions and sensations you felt during the event. Showcasing your experiences through sensory details helps create a more immersive narrative.

By following these 5 key points on how to start a personal narrative essay , you can begin your essay-writing journey with confidence and captivate your readers from the very beginning.

Personal Narrative Examples to Inspire Your Writing

A personal narrative essay example , such as this personal narrative essay example about life , is a written piece that serves as an illustration or personal narrative essay sample. It is a real-life essay that an author has written to share a personal experience or story, often in the first-person perspective.

Free personal narrative essay examples are used to demonstrate how to structure and craft a personal narrative essay, showcase effective storytelling techniques, and provide inspiration and guidance to other writers who may be working on their own personal narratives. They are valuable resources for both students and writers looking to understand the art of personal storytelling and how to effectively convey their own experiences through essays.

Good Personal Narrative Essay Samples

Good examples of personal narratives serve as effective tools for enhancing your comprehension. Here are some excellently crafted narrative essay examples. Take the time to thoroughly analyze them and leverage their guidance to create a well-written essay of your own.

Short Free Personal Narrative Essay Examples

Dive into these brief yet impactful stories for inspiration and insights into crafting your own compelling personal narratives.

Examples of Personal Narrative Essays for College

These narratives delve into diverse experiences, offering valuable insights and storytelling inspiration for those navigating the world of higher education. Dive into these narratives to discover the power of personal storytelling in a college context.

Personal Narrative Essay Examples for High School

These narratives are tailored to resonate with high school students, providing a valuable glimpse into personal experiences, challenges, and moments of growth.

Checklist for Writing a Personal Narrative Essay

While it is considered that no thesis statement is necessary for a personal narrative essay, you should keep your main thought throughout as you deal with a certain topic. See our free personal narrative essay examples and brainstorm various ideas before you start. Don’t forget to check our helpful checklist to make sure that you follow the general structure rules for this essay: 

  • You write in the first person.
  • Your tone is narrative and explanatory where and if necessary.
  • You keep up with the same idea and avoid vague statements.
  • You have a strong hook or some fact in your introduction.
  • You bring out a moral lesson in your conclusion part.
  • There are transitions and topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph. ( Use words like “Therefore”, “As a result of”)

Although it’s a personal narrative, make sure that you choose your topic wisely by exploring the objectives and checking your grading rubric twice! 

Exploring the Essence of Personal Narrative Examples

Diving into today’s exploration, we’ve encountered the enchanting essence of personal narratives. Far from mere storytelling, these narratives act as vibrant conduits for conveying messages, rendering abstract ideas tangible, and forging authentic human connections. Whether deployed in a polished professional presentation, a candid conversation, or the draft of your latest writing endeavor, the strategic integration of a well-crafted story can significantly amplify your message.

Navigating the art of personal storytelling requires a balanced approach—aim for authenticity without veering into the realm of TMI (Too Much Information), and strive to captivate without tipping into melodrama. The arenas for employing these personal narratives are boundless. Whether in formal professional environments or spontaneous casual interactions, a memorable story can leave a lasting impression, elevating you in the minds of your audience.

The Joy of the Catch: A Personal Narrative on Fishing

Fishing is often regarded as a serene pastime, a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, for me, catching my first fish was more than just a leisure activity; it was a transformative experience that instilled in…

The Echoes of Loss: A Personal Narrative on Anna Garcia’s Death

Introduction The death of a loved one is a profound and transformative experience, often leaving an indelible mark on those who remain. The passing of Anna Garcia, a cherished friend, and confidante, was a moment that significantly altered the course of my life. Her untimely…

Reflections on a Golden Summer: My Childhood Story

Introduction Childhood is often regarded as a golden period in one’s life, a time when the world is full of possibilities and each day brings new adventures. Reflecting on my own childhood, I am transported back to a summer that was filled with joy, innocence,…

Personal Narrative Drivers Ed

Learning to drive is often seen as a rite of passage for many teenagers. It represents newfound freedom, independence, and an essential step towards adulthood. This essay explores the personal journey of acquiring driving skills through a Drivers Education (Drivers Ed) program, reflecting on the…

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From Familiar Shores to New Horizons: My Journey to Shanghai

Introduction Moving to a new city, especially one as dynamic and culturally rich as Shanghai, is an experience that can shape one’s life in profound ways. This essay recounts my personal narrative of relocating from my hometown to Shanghai, a move that encompassed a blend…

Envisioning My Dream House: A Personal Narrative

Introduction Dreams often serve as the canvas upon which our deepest desires and aspirations are painted. Among these dreams, the vision of a dream house holds a special place, encapsulating not only the essence of comfort and luxury but also the embodiment of one’s personal…

Echoes in the Deep: My Encounter with the Humpback Whale

Introduction The allure of the ocean has always been a powerful force, a vast, uncharted territory that beckons the curious and the adventurous. Among its many wonders, the humpback whale stands out as a symbol of nature’s majesty and mystery. My personal encounter with a…

The Transformative Experience of a Camping Trip

Introduction Personal narratives serve as a powerful tool to reflect on individual experiences and derive meaning from them. Engaging in a camping trip offers a unique platform for such reflections, blending the serenity of nature with the challenges of outdoor living. This essay delves into…

Personal Narrative Paper: My Dream Car

Introduction Throughout my life, the concept of a “dream car” has evolved alongside my personal growth and changing tastes. As a child, I was fascinated by the flashy colors and sleek designs of sports cars, inspired by television shows and toy collections. In my teenage…

Embracing Another Opportunity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Introduction Opportunities often come in the most unexpected forms, sometimes disguised as setbacks or challenges. The ability to recognize and seize these moments can significantly alter the trajectory of one’s life. This essay delves into a personal narrative that encapsulates the essence of embracing another…

What is a personal narrative essay?

In most cases, you must take ideas that deal with a personal narrative that can be a story from your life or a case that you have been involved in. You should write from the first person. Personal narrative examples include writing about your birthday or meeting your best friend in middle school. The topics should inspire you and have a beginning with a hook sentence, content, and a conclusion.

How to write personal narrative essays?

Regardless of what subject you may write about, most personal narrative essays should include an argumentation or a lesson. Ask yourself about what can your audience learn when reading your story. It may be a little difficult to write at first, yet start with a brief introduction, thesis, and a story itself with a powerful conclusion. See our free personal narrative essay to see how it can be done right.

What is the purpose of a personal narrative essay?

The primary purpose is to share a personal experience or story, allowing readers to connect with the author on a deeper level. It may also convey a lesson, moral, or reflection.

How do I choose a topic for my personal narrative essay?

Select a topic that holds personal significance, such as a life-changing event, memorable journey, or lesson learned. Choose something that resonates with you.

What makes a personal narrative essay compelling?

Vivid descriptions, sensory details, and emotional connections make a personal narrative essay compelling. Show, don't just tell the story.

Can I write a humorous personal narrative essay?

Absolutely! Personal narrative essays can be humorous, serious, or a mix of both, depending on the tone you want to convey.

How do I conclude a personal narrative essay effectively?

Summarize the main events, reiterate the central message or lesson, and end with a thought-provoking statement or reflection.

What is the recommended word count for a personal narrative essay?

The word count can vary, but a typical personal narrative essay may range from 500 to 1,500 words. It's best to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor or publication if applicable.

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personal life essay ideas

670 Personal Essay Topics & Free Ideas

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  • Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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Colleges and high schools require students to complete personal essays. Basically, personal memoirs aim to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, writers can use unique examples of personal essay topics for starting, organizing, and writing their papers. Personal papers include real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their responsibilities and express thoughts on assigned subjects. Further on, there are two types of personal essay topics, which include secret lives and defining moment narratives. In particular, the first type focuses on essential but mysterious experiences where learners give stories that concentrate on infrequent life tracking down. Moreover, the second type of individual essay theme focuses on a critical moment in a person’s life. In turn, one should follow specific schemes to write personal papers by considering two types of topics. As a result, such aspects make essays outstanding for readers.

General Guidelines on Personal Essay Topics

A personal essay topic refers to a typical assignment for high school and college students, while they can use many examples of personal essay topics for their writing assignments provided in this article. Basically, personal memoirs exist as two major types. The first type focuses on secret lives, where learners provide stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. For example, this composition takes writers behind specific scenes of their unique experiences in odd jobs. Then, the second type of personal essay focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, personal essay topics resemble not only some secrets of life but also focus on one crucial moment that explains how authors think about their occupation or a unique situation. However, people should not limit their ideas and themes to these two types since other topics also work with writing interesting papers.

Best Personal Essay Topics

  • The journey to mastering my favorite hobby.
  • Overcoming a fear that changed my life.
  • An unforgettable encounter with a stranger.
  • Travel experiences that changed my perspective.
  • Realizing the importance of mental health.
  • My most significant failure and what I learned.
  • Living through a natural disaster: My story.
  • Memories of my first best friend.
  • Growing up in a multicultural household.
  • How has volunteering shaped my character?
  • Conquering the fear of public speaking.
  • Adapting to life after moving to a new city.
  • The time I confronted my biggest critic.
  • Experiences that taught me the value of time.
  • A passion that’s not popular among my peers.
  • Lessons learned from an unexpected source.
  • The moment I stood up for what was right.
  • How I cope with stress: My personal methods.
  • Going against societal norms: A personal account.
  • Balancing dreams with reality: My experience.
  • The importance of self-care in my life.

Easy Personal Essay Topics

  • Experiences that shaped my political views.
  • The journey to accepting my sexuality.
  • Unraveling my unique talent.
  • Achieving my most ambitious goal.
  • My favorite childhood memory and its impact.
  • The role of spirituality in my life.
  • Navigating through a major life transition.
  • Learning to appreciate my heritage.
  • The influence of art on my personal growth.
  • Overcoming a personal health challenge.
  • An event that triggered personal growth.
  • How I managed a personal conflict?
  • A time when I had to forgive someone.
  • Finding happiness in the little things.
  • My journey toward body positivity.
  • Experiencing a unique cultural event.
  • Lessons I learned from my first job.
  • A hobby that helps me relax.
  • Reflections on my time in high school.
  • The impact of technology on my life.
  • A trip that ignited a newfound passion.
  • Handling a financial crisis: A personal tale.

Personal essay topics

Interesting Personal Essay Topics

  • Perspectives on global citizenship.
  • My journey with mental health.
  • Overcoming the fear of failure.
  • The impact of family traditions.
  • Being an introvert in an extroverted world.
  • How minimalism simplified my life.
  • Reading books versus eBooks: A personal preference.
  • The role of music in my life.
  • Unusual habits that keep me sane.
  • Body positivity and self-love.
  • Finding courage in vulnerability.
  • The influence of a favorite teacher.
  • Digital detox: My experience and insights.
  • Reflecting on a childhood ambition.
  • Coping with loss: A personal journey.
  • Living a sustainable lifestyle.
  • Pets and their effect on our well-being.
  • My experience with a unique hobby.
  • Choosing passion over a paycheck.
  • Embracing change: My personal experience.
  • The importance of setting boundaries.
  • How have my parents shaped my worldview?
  • Volunteering and the act of giving back.

Personal Essay Topics About You

  • Discovering my hidden talents: A journey of self-exploration.
  • How has adopting a pet changed my life?
  • Overcoming personal fears: My story of growth.
  • The role of music in my personal development.
  • A significant moment of failure that shaped me.
  • My experience with cultural diversity and what I learned.
  • Navigating through life with a rare medical condition.
  • Dealing with loss: How has grief transformed my perspective?
  • Lessons learned from my first job experience.
  • My lifelong passion for cooking and how it is influenced me.
  • Confronting my anxieties: The path toward mental well-being.
  • Balancing academics and sports: My high school experience.
  • Embracing solitude: The importance of being alone.
  • How has volunteering shaped my worldview?
  • Reflections on a family tradition that means a lot to me.
  • Making a difference: My journey into activism.
  • How has moving to a new city opened my mind?
  • My evolution as an artist: From doodles to masterpieces.
  • Personal growth through the lens of travel experiences.

Personal Essay Topics About Your Experiences

  • Unraveling the knots: The toughest challenge I faced in my past relationship.
  • How has my first vacation with my ex shaped my understanding of compatibility?
  • The subtle art of compromise: Learning to balance my needs with my ex’s.
  • Discovering personal growth: What breaking up taught me about myself?
  • The day we adopted a pet: Learning about responsibility and care in a relationship.
  • When culture clashed: Navigating differences in our backgrounds.
  • Chasing dreams: Supporting my ex in their professional journey.
  • Navigating long-distance: The trials and triumphs of our virtual relationship.
  • Managing conflict: How have we tackled our first major disagreement?
  • In pursuit of trust: Mending our relationship after a breach of faith.
  • Lessons learned from cooking together on Sundays.
  • Cherished holidays: Creating traditions in our shared life.
  • Rebuilding bridges: Reconciling after a painful breakup.
  • A shared love of music: How have concerts become our refuge?
  • Exploring fitness together: How has working out affected our relationship?
  • Meeting the parents: The fear, excitement, and aftermath.
  • Understanding sacrifice: The most significant compromise I made.
  • The joy of shared hobbies: Learning to sail together.
  • Fostering independence: Finding personal space in a committed relationship.
  • Adapting to change: When my ex’s career shift uprooted our life.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

  • Discovering love in the unlikeliest places.
  • When do friendships turn into romantic relationships?
  • Balancing individuality and unity in a relationship.
  • Healing after a devastating breakup.
  • The silent language of long-term relationships.
  • Navigating the challenges of long-distance love.
  • The beauty and hardship of platonic love.
  • Mending broken bridges: Reconciliation in familial relationships.
  • Lessons learned from failed relationships.
  • The role of vulnerability in strengthening bonds.
  • Being single: A journey of self-love and exploration.
  • Age differences and their impact on relationships.
  • Integrating cultural backgrounds in relationships.
  • Living with your partner: A test of compatibility.
  • The intricacies of dating in adulthood.
  • Childhood friendships that have stood the test of time.
  • The emotional roller coaster of unrequited love.
  • Understanding the role of trust in relationships.
  • Adapting to change: The evolution of relationships over time.

Personal Essay Topics About Dreams

  • Exploring the world through my dreams.
  • How do my dreams influence my creative process?
  • A specific dream that changed my perspective on life.
  • The connection between dreams and subconscious thoughts.
  • Lessons I have learned from my recurring dreams.
  • Overcoming fears: The role dreams play.
  • Nightmares and what they teach us about ourselves.
  • Can dreams predict the future? My experience.
  • Analyzing the symbolism in my dreams.
  • The role of dreams in different cultures: A personal perspective.
  • Discovering personal growth through dream journaling.
  • How has lucid dreaming expanded my self-awareness?
  • Dreams and their impact on my mental health.
  • My journey with dream interpretation: Successes and challenges.
  • Unforgettable dream experiences that have left lasting impressions.
  • The relationship between my dreams and my waking life.
  • Dealing with loss and grief through dreams.
  • Diving into the science of dreams: A personal inquiry.
  • My personal endeavors in dream incubation: Seeking solutions in sleep.
  • Revisiting childhood through dreams: A voyage of self-discovery.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

  • My journey through learning a new language.
  • Overcoming the biggest challenge in my life.
  • The day I stood up for what was right.
  • An unforgettable experience with a stranger.
  • Exploring my heritage during a visit to my ancestral homeland.
  • A life-changing experience on my first solo trip.
  • Memories from my favorite childhood place.
  • My perspective on life after a near-death experience.
  • How has my favorite book shaped my personality?
  • Understanding the meaning of friendship from a surprising source.
  • My transformative experience while volunteering at a shelter.
  • The incident that made me a more compassionate person.
  • Becoming a pet parent: Joy and responsibilities.
  • Experiencing a culture shock on my exchange program.
  • Navigating through life with a unique hobby.
  • Lessons learned from a devastating failure.
  • Discovering my passion in an unlikely way.
  • How has a single book shaped my worldview?
  • The role of a mentor in my personal growth.
  • The unforgettable journey to my ancestral home.
  • Discovering strength in my weakest moment.

Personal Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Online education is superior to traditional schooling.
  • Mandatory voting will improve democratic participation.
  • Self-driving cars should replace human-operated vehicles.
  • Adoption of plant-based diets is necessary for global sustainability.
  • Privacy concerns outweigh the benefits of surveillance technologies.
  • Animal testing is unacceptable in modern scientific research.
  • Artificial intelligence poses more threats than benefits to society.
  • Corporations should have stricter regulations to prevent climate change.
  • Countries should open their borders to all immigrants.
  • All schools should implement mental health education in their curriculum.
  • Society benefits more from arts education than from sports programs.
  • Public spaces should always offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Parental consent is necessary for minors to access social media.
  • Health insurance should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.
  • Single-use plastic items must be banned globally.
  • Personal finance courses should be a mandatory part of high school education.
  • Social media platforms need stricter measures against cyberbullying.
  • Humanity should prioritize colonizing other planets.
  • Excessive screen time is detrimental to children’s development.

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • Volunteering at a local shelter and its impact on my worldview.
  • The effect of social media detox on my mental health.
  • Experiencing failure and its role in shaping my resilience.
  • The consequences of procrastination on my academic performance.
  • Moving to a new city and the unexpected outcomes.
  • Practicing mindfulness and its effect on my stress levels.
  • The implications of becoming a vegetarian on my health and lifestyle.
  • Embracing minimalism and its transformative impact on my life.
  • How has learning a new language influenced my cultural understanding?
  • A significant childhood event and its long-lasting effects.
  • The repercussions of taking a gap year after high school.
  • Committing to regular exercise and its impact on my self-esteem.
  • Cultivating a hobby and how it altered my leisure time.
  • Learning to play a musical instrument and its influence on my cognitive abilities.
  • A health scare and its effect on my life priorities.
  • Pursuing a passion and the subsequent changes in my career path.
  • Joining a book club and its impact on my intellectual growth.
  • Undertaking a solo travel adventure and the resulting self-discovery.
  • Coping with a significant loss and its effect on my emotional growth.
  • Incorporating meditation into my daily routine and its influence on my concentration.
  • Deciding to live abroad and the resulting changes in my worldview.

Personal Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Impacts of social media on personal relationships.
  • Remote work is more efficient than traditional office work.
  • The necessity of financial literacy in the modern world.
  • Veganism: A healthier choice or a passing trend?
  • Online dating: Are the risks worth the rewards?
  • Is maintaining personal privacy possible in the digital age?
  • Standardized tests do not accurately reflect a student’s abilities.
  • Living abroad can broaden your perspective on life.
  • Fast fashion and its effect on individual purchasing behavior.
  • Personal growth: Is it essential to experience failure?
  • Meditation as a powerful tool for stress relief.
  • Self-driving cars: Safer or riskier than human drivers?
  • Online influencers: Are they shaping or harming our society?
  • The role of pets in enhancing mental health.
  • Renewable energy at home: Is it a practical choice?
  • How important is physical exercise for mental health?
  • Continuous learning: A key to success or a source of stress?
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in daily life.
  • Decluttering: A path to mental clarity or a trendy illusion?
  • Gap years: Are they beneficial for personal growth?

Examples of Personal Essay Topics

One can write about different personal essay topics for two types of personal memoirs identified above. Hence, some unique types of personal essay topics are:

Personal Essay Topics on Secrets of Life

  • The confession of a failed help mission.
  • The disclosure of searching for a soul mate.
  • The secret life of a rescue volunteer.
  • A detailed account of obesity caused me to develop joint problems.
  • Secrets of a successful learner.
  • Unveiling the beauty of everyday moments.
  • The healing power of laughter in life’s journey.
  • Nature’s wisdom: How do the outdoors teach us to live?
  • Lessons learned from unexpected friendships.
  • Adapting to change: Life’s only constant.
  • The transformative power of love and kindness.
  • Harnessing the strength within: Self-discovery in times of turmoil.
  • Serenity in solitude: A journey toward self-love.
  • Perseverance and hope: A tale of personal growth.
  • Mysteries of the subconscious mind: Dream interpretations and their impact on life.
  • Simplicity, minimalism, and the quest for a meaningful existence.
  • Understanding the role of failure in the pursuit of success.
  • Life’s hidden messages in seemingly mundane routines.
  • Endurance and resilience: Learning to dance in the rain.
  • Reflections on wisdom: What have elders taught me about life?
  • Connections and coincidences: A contemplation on fate and destiny.
  • Cherishing the transient: An essay on life’s fleeting moments.

Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on the writer’s focus and life experiences. In turn, possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Topics on Art and Culture

  • An account of a failed social media relationship.
  • The confession of my experience with native communities.
  • The impact of street art on urban development.
  • My first experience with classical music.
  • The evolution of pop art and its impact on my artistic vision.
  • How do different cultures influence contemporary fashion?
  • My personal connection with abstract expressionism.
  • The cultural significance of traditional folk music in my life.
  • Understanding the power of photography: Capturing moments that matter.
  • The intersection of technology and art: My experience with digital art.
  • The role of theatre in shaping cultural perspectives.
  • How has anime influenced my appreciation of Japanese culture?
  • My journey with literature: The books that have changed my perspective on life.
  • The confession of how I used to copy a colleague’s work.
  • An account of how my choice of college promoted learning skills.
  • My confession with a haunting artwork.
  • Why graffiti is more than just vandalism: My personal perspective.
  • My account of how I faced the law due to throw-away culture.
  • Cultural celebrations: A deeper look at their artistic components.
  • My secret account with a haunting experience with my cultural identity.

Samples of Personal Topics on Economics

  • Effects of global financial influence on my life.
  • Impacts of consumerism on my economic status.
  • Balancing a personal budget: A journey to financial independence.
  • The influence of global economic events on local economies.
  • Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Microfinance: Transforming lives and communities.
  • Effects of Hurricane Katrina on my school life.
  • Influence of tariffs on my consumption behaviors.
  • How does politics influence my relationship with natives?
  • Exploring the concept of “money” in the digital age.
  • How does my understanding of supply and demand influence daily decisions?
  • Sustainability and economics: Can they coexist harmoniously?
  • Unraveling the impact of inflation on my purchasing power.
  • Capitalism vs. socialism: My personal perspective.
  • How do economic policies influence my poverty levels?
  • The role of government in my economic life.
  • Demystifying the complex world of stock markets.
  • Evaluating the pros and cons of consumerism.
  • How did my father’s choices influence my behavior?
  • My experience with cryptocurrency: A gamble or a wise investment?
  • Effects of monetary policies undermined my business.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Education

  • An account of how standardized testing influenced my high school performance. 
  • The role of technology in modern education.
  • My journey toward understanding the value of inclusive education.
  • An account of how my indigo identity ruined my life.
  • Navigating the educational system as a first-generation student.
  • Benefits of extracurricular activities for holistic development.
  • ADHD and dyslexia damaged my education.
  • An account of how internal and external factors make my learning experience boring.
  • How has homeschooling changed my perspective on learning?
  • The importance of language learning in global citizenship.
  • Parent involvement: A critical aspect of educational success.
  • Lessons learned from my first teaching experience.
  • An account of how technologies weakened my learning abilities
  • My horrific account with e-books and collaborative boards in class 
  • An account of how homeschooling caused social distress
  • My experience with student-led learning initiatives.
  • Emotional intelligence: An overlooked aspect in classrooms.
  • Benefits and challenges of studying abroad.
  • Experiencing cultural diversity in the school environment.
  • My horrific experience in charter schools

Sample Topics for Personal Papers on Ethics

  • My negative perception of genetic engineering.
  • Exploring the role of personal integrity in decision-making.
  • My journey toward understanding the essence of truthfulness.
  • Altruism and its impact on my life choices.
  • My negative perception towards the legalization of marijuana.
  • How marijuana legalization increased my juvenile delinquency.
  • A personal account of cultural imperialism.
  • The ethical dilemma I faced in the digital age.
  • Personal reflections on the ethics of non-violence.
  • The influence of empathy on my ethical framework.
  • Standing up against groupthink: A story of moral courage.
  • An account of how cultural imperialism ruined my life.
  • An account of globalization influenced my lifestyle.
  • Living green: The ethical considerations of environmental responsibility.
  • My experience with ethical consumerism and its impact.
  • The morality of forgiveness: Lessons from my personal life.
  • How has practicing fairness reshaped my outlook on life?
  • Understanding the significance of justice in everyday situations.
  • Balancing personal gain and ethical responsibility.
  • Uniquely personal experience as a global citizen.
  • An account of how traditions affected my ethics.

Examples of Personal Topics on Government and Politics

  • The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan affected my family life.
  • An account of how the Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) influenced my lifestyle.
  • How has the increasing homeownership in the United States affected my life as a low-income earner?
  • The balance between freedom and security in modern society.
  • Why trust in government is essential for social progress?
  • The role of media in shaping political views.
  • Influences of political ideologies on personal lives.
  • Ethical dilemmas in government surveillance.
  • How has the growing debt in the United States impacted my life?
  • Our evolving understanding of democracy in the digital age.
  • Deciphering the complexity of immigration policies.
  • How is my life affected by international politics?
  • How the tariffs made by President Trump impacted my life?
  • Impacts of decreased military activity in my family life.
  • An account of how historical injustices undermines my family life.
  • Decoding political propaganda in the 21st century.
  • Understanding the link between politics and education reform.
  • My journey into grassroots activism.
  • A personal account of how the constitution undermines my employability.

  Sample Personal Topics on Health

  • An account of how emotional problems lowers my body’s immunity.
  • Exploring my journey through recovery from addiction.
  • How has adopting a vegan diet transformed my health?
  • Navigating the complex world of mental health stigmatization.
  • Life lessons learned from my experience with chronic pain.
  • My personal insights into battling and overcoming obesity.
  • Unraveling the mystery of my rare genetic disorder.
  • An account of the excessive consumption of junk food increases my body’s energy levels.
  • Self-care: My key to managing stress effectively.
  • An account of how emotional eating causes indigestion.
  • The struggle and victory: My tale of beating cancer.
  • Walking the tightrope: Balancing health and career ambitions.
  • An account of how a lack of moral support causes anorexia and bulimia.
  • Reflections on my experience with gender dysphoria and mental health.
  • An account of how positive life changes stressed me.
  • Embracing the unexpected: How has yoga changed my perspective on health?
  • An account of how I discovered that ozone in the air leads to respiratory diseases.
  • My adventure into the realm of holistic healing.
  • An account of how high blood pressure caused me to develop cardiovascular disease.
  • Decoding the enigma of sleep disorders: A personal perspective.
  • An account of how social media increases my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on History

  • How has World War I separated my family?
  • How did the continued effects of slavery affect my family life?
  • An account of how my interest in women’s movement affects my thoughts on racism.
  • How has my family weathered the Great Depression?
  • Personal reflections on the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  • Discovering my roots: Tracing my lineage to the American Revolution.
  • Living in a post-9/11 world: My perspective.
  • Interpreting the French Revolution through my ancestor’s letters.
  • An account of how World War II influenced my family.
  • Visiting historic sites: My journey through the Civil Rights Movement landmarks.
  • The legacy of the Vietnam War in my family.
  • How has studying the Holocaust shaped my worldview?
  • An account of how the Holocaust affected my education and career path.
  • How religion influences my delinquency levels?
  • Personal experiences in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.
  • My pilgrimage to the landmarks of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
  • Historical epidemics and their relevance to modern-day pandemics.
  • A reflection on the Rwandan Genocide through the lens of a humanitarian worker.
  • The Arab Spring and its significance in my life.
  • British imperialism and its negative impacts on my life.

Sample Topics for Personal Essays on Science

  • Effects of global warming on my health and social well-being.
  • Results of excessive temperature on metabolism.
  • Discovering the beauty of fractals in nature.
  • Life under a microscope: The unseen world.
  • How does the study of genetics shape our self-perception?
  • Results of sunlight on my skin.
  • From science fiction to reality: The progress of artificial intelligence.
  • The lure of space exploration: A personal perspective.
  • Journey toward sustainable living through science.
  • Evolutionary biology and its impact on my worldview.
  • Effects of ambient temperature on my pet’s feeding habits.
  • How does temperature influence my daily routine?
  • Human interaction with technology: A blessing or a curse?
  • Grappling with the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
  • Neuroscience and the mystery of human consciousness.
  • How do scientific findings affect my food consumption?
  • How do research methods influence my health outcomes?
  • Impacts of my scientific knowledge on my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Sports

  • Workouts enhance my immunity.
  • Regular workouts strengthened my bones.
  • An account of how physical exercise relieves my stress.
  • Participating in sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
  • How has paying college athletes promoted my talent development?
  • A narrative of how workouts boost my memory, yield, and intelligence.
  • Overcoming obstacles in sports: A journey of perseverance.
  • The role of sports in shaping my character.
  • Lessons learned from teamwork in sports.
  • The psychology of sports: Understanding the mindset of athletes.
  • The importance of sportsmanship in competitive athletics.
  • A narrative of how children who take part in sports developed my peer relationships.
  • How have sports taught me the value of discipline?
  • The joys of playing sports: Finding happiness on the field.
  • A sports injury and its impact on my life.
  • The relationship between sports and academic success.
  • Sports as a medium for cultural exchange.
  • Exploring the connection between sports and leadership.
  • The evolution of sports: From ancient times to modern day.
  • The intersection of sports and technology.
  • An account of how regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Personal Essay Topic Samples on Technology

  • An account of how increased internet accessibility increased my cyber-bullying.
  • My cyber-bullying increased my rate of juvenile delinquency.
  • A narrative of how the state control of the internet pushed me into cyber-bullying.
  • Ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
  • Roles of technology in enhancing communication.
  • How has technology revolutionized the music industry?
  • Future of robotics and its implications.
  • Influence of social media on personal relationships.
  • An account of how social networking influences my ways of life.
  • Social networks influence my collective behaviors.
  • An account of how social media affects my overall well-being.
  • My personal beliefs that facial recognition technologies undermine human rights.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency.
  • Power of big data analytics in business.
  • Roles of technology in improving healthcare.
  • Exploring the ethics of biometric technology.
  • Evolution of e-commerce and its effect on traditional retail.
  • Impacts of augmented reality in education.
  • Roles of technology in addressing climate change.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing.
  • My views on how artificial intelligence enhances active learning.

Personal Essay Ideas on Defining Moments

  • I was a police officer for thirty years, which is an experience that continues to haunt me.
  • Every individual has a moment that changes his or her life.
  • How has a trip to New York changed my family life forever?
  • Obesity has led to joint problems.
  • Influence of adults on my life choice.
  • Discovering my true passion in a hidden hobby.
  • The unexpected encounter that altered my perspective on life.
  • A turning point: Embracing vulnerability in a moment of strength.
  • Embracing failure experiences as a stepping stone to success.
  • A single moment of kindness that changed everything.
  • Finding beauty in the midst of chaos.
  • The bittersweet taste of saying goodbye for the last time.
  • Lessons from a near-death experience.
  • How have I found hope in the darkest hour?
  • Transformation through a moment of silence.
  • The day I chose to break free from societal norms.
  • Healing through unexpected friendships.
  • Lessons learned from my first heartbreak.
  • Navigating through life after a life-changing diagnosis.
  • Understanding the importance of mental health after a personal crisis.

Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on the writer’s focus and life experiences. Hence, examples of possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Art and Culture

  • How have social media relationships influenced my social behavior?
  • My experience with native communities influenced social behaviors.
  • From viewer to creator: My personal journey into filmmaking.
  • The power of poetry: How did it allow me to express myself?
  • Art as a tool for activism and peace: How do artists reflect social issues in their works?
  • The influence of hip-hop culture on contemporary society.
  • The artistic beauty of architectural landmarks: How do they reflect a city’s culture?
  • How has reading graphic novels expanded my perspective on storytelling and culture?
  • My experience of learning a foreign language was momentous.
  • Copy a colleague’s work changed my attitude towards education.
  • My choice of college transformed my career goals.
  • Exploring body art: A personal narrative on tattoos and piercings.
  • The art of cooking: How has cultural cuisine shaped my culinary skill?
  • The emotional power of music and sound: How does it shape our mood and behavior?
  • The influence of indigenous art on modern design trends.
  • An interaction with a haunting artwork changed my attitude toward employment.
  • The increased levels of throw-away culture motivated me to become an environmental activist.
  • A haunting experience with my cultural identity encouraged me to become an activist.

Sample Ideas for Writing Personal Papers on Economics

  • The global financial crisis influenced me to embrace a saving culture.
  • Consumerism encouraged me to embrace financial savings.
  • Effects of Hurricane Katrina influenced my thoughts about humanity.
  • The current tariffs in the United States forced me to change my business strategies. 
  • Transition from a traditional economy: A personal story.
  • From scarcity to abundance: Understanding the economic principle in personal life.
  • Implementing cost-benefit analysis in everyday life decisions.
  • How does a deeper understanding of economics affect voting choices?
  • Reflections on wealth distribution and income inequality.
  • The domino effect of oil price fluctuations on my living expenses.
  • Facing the student loan crisis: My personal story.
  • The current politics influence me to develop a positive relationship with natives. 
  • Economic policies imposed in 2023 contributed to my poverty.  
  • My father’s choices motivated my delinquent levels.
  • Navigating through the gig economy: Opportunities and challenges.
  • A personal account of living through a recession.
  • Encountering and overcoming wage stagnation in the 21st century.
  • The power of compound interest: A pathway to financial freedom.
  • Various monetary policies forced me to make the wrong choices.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Education

  • Standardized testing changed my high school performance. 
  • My indigo identity changed my attitude toward other aboriginals.
  • ADHD and dyslexia changed my education perception.
  • Experiencing internal and external factors encouraged me to adopt a negative attitude toward education.
  • Interacting with technologies weakened my learning abilities.
  • The use of e-books and collaborative boards affected my attitude toward education.
  • The transformation of education through online learning.
  • Vocational education: A path less traveled.
  • Attaining equality in education: My personal experience.
  • Lifelong learning: The key to personal and professional growth.
  • My unforgettable experience with collaborative learning.
  • Bullying in schools: A personal encounter.
  • My encounter with the arts in education.
  • Grappling with the reality of educational disparities.
  • Integrating environmental education into the curriculum: A personal perspective.
  • The influence of positive reinforcement on academic performance.
  • How do study habits shape academic success?
  • The adoption of homeschooling caused me social distress.
  • Joining charter schools caused a negative attitude toward education.

Sample Ideas for Personal Essays on Ethics

  • Experience with genetic engineering changed my attitude toward ethics.
  • Legalization of marijuana forced me into drugs.
  • Marijuana legalization was the cause of my juvenile delinquency.
  • Corporate social responsibility: A personal perspective.
  • The intersection of culture and ethics in my life.
  • Reflecting on the ethical aspects of animal rights.
  • Dealing with biases: My journey towards ethical awareness.
  • Grappling with the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
  • Transparency and honesty in the era of fake news.
  • Learning to respect diversity: An ethical obligation.
  • Cultural imperialism led to negative attitudes toward other people.
  • Globalization motivated me to live abroad.
  • Being a global citizen influenced my charity levels.
  • Cultural traditions affected my attitude toward ethics.
  • My ethical stance on wealth inequality and poverty.
  • How has ethics shaped my perspective on privacy in the digital age?
  • The struggle with ethical choices in a globally interconnected world.
  • Balancing the scales: A personal tale of justice and mercy.

Examples of Personal Ideas on Government and Politics

  • The impact of political polarization on friendships and family.
  • Navigating through the maze of bureaucracy.
  • Climate change policy: A personal perspective.
  • Reflections on the current state of political discourse.
  • Gun control and the politics of fear.
  • From apathy to advocacy: My political awakening.
  • Money, power, and politics: A critical look.
  • The psychology of voting behavior.
  • The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan encouraged me to join the armed forces.
  • The Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) changed my attitude toward communal unity.
  • Increasing homeownership in the United States forced me to move from my motherland.
  • The increasing debt in the United States ruined my economic progress.
  • The tariffs made by President Trump ruined my business. 
  • Health care reform: A personal journey through the political maze.
  • Observations on political activism in the social media era.
  • Living under the shadow of nuclear diplomacy.
  • The impact of gender politics on my worldview.
  • Human rights in foreign policy: A personal narrative.
  • Navigating partisan politics in a divided nation.
  • The decreased military activity led to a stabilized life in my family.
  • Historical injustices separated me from my family.
  • The constitutional amendments undermined my employability as an illegal immigrant.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Health

  • The beginning of emotional problems lowered my body’s immunity.
  • The excessive consumption of junk food affected my sugar level balance.
  • Emotional eating led to indigestion.
  • My lack of moral support led to Anorexia and bulimia.
  • Trapped in my own body: The trials and triumphs of living with paralysis.
  • Experiencing life through the lens of color blindness.
  • The silent fight: My personal struggle with an invisible illness.
  • Aging gracefully: Accepting and embracing the golden years.
  • The long road to acceptance: My personal struggle with body image.
  • A new lease on life: Surviving a near-death experience.
  • Learning to fly: How has disability shaped my worldview?
  • Making positive life changes was the source of my distress.
  • My discovery of the importance of the ozone layer increased my interest in respiratory problems.
  • The promise of tomorrow: Living with a terminal illness.
  • When food became my enemy: My battle with an eating disorder.
  • Living in the shadows: My journey with depression.
  • From victim to victor: Overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse.
  • Dance as therapy: How has movement healed my soul?
  • My high blood pressure led to cardiovascular disease.
  • Using social media increased my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Ideas on History

  • The emergence of World War I led to my family’s separation.
  • A journey back in time: My visit to the historic Underground Railroad sites.
  • My experience researching the Arab Spring for a school project.
  • Indian partition: Stories passed down through generations.
  • Unearthing my family’s connection to the Spanish Civil War.
  • A reflection on my ancestral ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The development of slavery affects my family life.
  • My interest in the women’s movement led to my activism against racism.
  • The emergence of World War II led to my family’s breakup.
  • Tracing my heritage back to the Irish Potato Famine.
  • Learning about my family’s involvement in the Korean War.
  • Interpreting the impact of the Industrial Revolution on my hometown.
  • South African apartheid: Understanding its impact through my parents’ eyes.
  • Artifacts of history: My personal collection of World War I memorabilia.
  • The lasting effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on my community.
  • The emergence of the Holocaust ruined my education and career path.
  • Joining religion reduced my delinquency levels.
  • The Arab Spring improved my quality of life.
  • British imperialism reduced my employment opportunities.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Science

  • Global warming undermined my social well-being.
  • Excessive temperature reduced my digestion strategies.
  • The art and science of brewing coffee: A personal journey.
  • Why am I fascinated by the science of sleep?
  • My journey toward understanding the interconnectedness in ecology.
  • The personal impacts of living in the Anthropocene era.
  • Experiencing awe: The cosmos through an amateur astronomer’s lens.
  • The inspiration behind my interest in forensic science.
  • Exposure to excessive sunlight was the cause of my skin cancer.
  • Ambient temperature threatened my pet’s feeding habits.
  • High temperature threatens my daily routine.
  • Scientific findings undermined my food consumption.
  • Reflections on my first science experiment failure.
  • The deep sea: A realm of science still largely unknown.
  • Balancing faith and science: A personal exploration.
  • The fascinating world of microbiomes and their impact on health.
  • Appreciating the subtle science in everyday life.
  • Various research methods undermined my health outcomes.
  • My scientific knowledge promoted my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Sports

  • Embracing workouts enhanced my immunity.
  • Exploring the mental and emotional challenges of sports.
  • Sports and identity: How do they shape who we are?
  • The cultural significance of sports in different societies.
  • Ethics of sports: Fair play and integrity.
  • Embracing regular workouts strengthened my bones.
  • The role of sports in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
  • Sports and the pursuit of excellence: Striving for greatness.
  • The legacy of sports heroes: Their impact on society.
  • The intersection of art and sports: Capturing the beauty of movement.
  • Embracing physical exercise relieved my stress.
  • Sports and empowerment: How do athletics inspire confidence?
  • Sports and social change: Breaking barriers and challenging norms.
  • The impact of sports on mental health and well-being.
  • Sports and time management: Balancing athletics and responsibilities.
  • Embracing sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
  • Participating in college athletes led to talent development.
  • Engaging in workouts boost my memory.
  • Taking an active part in sports improved my peer relationships.
  • Embracing regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Samples of Personal Ideas on Technology

  • Internet accessibility increased my cyberbullying.
  • Increased cyberbullying increases juvenile delinquency.
  • Effects of technology on mental health.
  • Impacts of technology on sustainable energy solutions.
  • Evolution of wearable technology.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of internet censorship.
  • Roles of technology in enhancing personal productivity.
  • Influence of technology on travel and tourism.
  • Challenges and opportunities of 5G technology.
  • Pros and cons of biometric identification systems.
  • Future of work: Automation and job displacement.
  • Influence of technology on the entertainment industry.
  • Roles of virtual assistants in modern living.
  • Implications of quantum computing on society.
  • The emergence of state control of the internet pushed me into cyberbullying.
  • Embracing social networking influences my ways of life.
  • Embracing social media influenced my overall well-being.
  • The emergence of facial recognition technologies undermined my human rights.
  • Adoption of artificial intelligence that enhanced my active learning.
  • Roles of technology in promoting accessibility and inclusion.

Creating a Topic for a Personal Essay

Writers identify essential and exciting life experiences. In this case, they create exciting topics about their thought-provoking essay topics. Also, one must create a topic that interests readers. However, authors must ensure that they use real-life experiences. Hence, a scheme template to develop a unique item for a personal essay is:

  • For essays on secrets of life, one should use a scheme: “secret events and its consequences.”
  • For papers on defining moments, one should use a format: “momentous events and their influence on one’s life.”

Summing Up on Personal Essay Topics

Personal essay topics refer to a typical assignment that high school and college students must develop. Basically, the primary goal of writing personal papers is to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, authors can use different writing styles to complete this type of arrangement. Then, personal writing includes real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their involvement and express thoughts on subjects. In turn, there are two types of personal essay topics. The first type focuses on some secrets of life, whereas learners represent stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. The second type of personal paper focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, one should follow examples of template schemes for two types of personal essay topics:

  • Secret events and their consequences.
  • Momentous events and their influence on one’s life.

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Telling the Story of Yourself: 6 Steps to Writing Personal Narratives

Jennifer Xue

By Jennifer Xue

writing personal narratives

Table of Contents

Why do we write personal narratives, 6 guidelines for writing personal narrative essays, inspiring personal narratives, examples of personal narrative essays, tell your story.

First off, you might be wondering: what is a personal narrative? In short, personal narratives are stories we tell about ourselves that focus on our growth, lessons learned, and reflections on our experiences.

From stories about inspirational figures we heard as children to any essay, article, or exercise where we're asked to express opinions on a situation, thing, or individual—personal narratives are everywhere.

According to Psychology Today, personal narratives allow authors to feel and release pains, while savouring moments of strength and resilience. Such emotions provide an avenue for both authors and readers to connect while supporting healing in the process.

That all sounds great. But when it comes to putting the words down on paper, we often end up with a list of experiences and no real structure to tie them together.

In this article, we'll discuss what a personal narrative essay is further, learn the 6 steps to writing one, and look at some examples of great personal narratives.

As readers, we're fascinated by memoirs, autobiographies, and long-form personal narrative articles, as they provide a glimpse into the authors' thought processes, ideas, and feelings. But you don't have to be writing your whole life story to create a personal narrative.

You might be a student writing an admissions essay , or be trying to tell your professional story in a cover letter. Regardless of your purpose, your narrative will focus on personal growth, reflections, and lessons.

Personal narratives help us connect with other people's stories due to their easy-to-digest format and because humans are empathising creatures.

We can better understand how others feel and think when we were told stories that allow us to see the world from their perspectives. The author's "I think" and "I feel" instantaneously become ours, as the brain doesn't know whether what we read is real or imaginary.

In her best-selling book Wired for Story, Lisa Cron explains that the human brain craves tales as it's hard-wired through evolution to learn what happens next. Since the brain doesn't know whether what you are reading is actual or not, we can register the moral of the story cognitively and affectively.

In academia, a narrative essay tells a story which is experiential, anecdotal, or personal. It allows the author to creatively express their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions. Its length can be anywhere from a few paragraphs to hundreds of pages.

Outside of academia, personal narratives are known as a form of journalism or non-fiction works called "narrative journalism." Even highly prestigious publications like the New York Times and Time magazine have sections dedicated to personal narratives. The New Yorke is a magazine dedicated solely to this genre.

The New York Times holds personal narrative essay contests. The winners are selected because they:

had a clear narrative arc with a conflict and a main character who changed in some way. They artfully balanced the action of the story with reflection on what it meant to the writer. They took risks, like including dialogue or playing with punctuation, sentence structure and word choice to develop a strong voice. And, perhaps most important, they focused on a specific moment or theme – a conversation, a trip to the mall, a speech tournament, a hospital visit – instead of trying to sum up the writer’s life in 600 words.

In a nutshell, a personal narrative can cover any reflective and contemplative subject with a strong voice and a unique perspective, including uncommon private values. It's written in first person and the story encompasses a specific moment in time worthy of a discussion.

Writing a personal narrative essay involves both objectivity and subjectivity. You'll need to be objective enough to recognise the importance of an event or a situation to explore and write about. On the other hand, you must be subjective enough to inject private thoughts and feelings to make your point.

With personal narratives, you are both the muse and the creator – you have control over how your story is told. However, like any other type of writing, it comes with guidelines.

1. Write Your Personal Narrative as a Story

As a story, it must include an introduction, characters, plot, setting, climax, anti-climax (if any), and conclusion. Another way to approach it is by structuring it with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should set the tone, while the body should focus on the key point(s) you want to get across. The conclusion can tell the reader what lessons you have learned from the story you've just told.

2. Give Your Personal Narrative a Clear Purpose

Your narrative essay should reflect your unique perspective on life. This is a lot harder than it sounds. You need to establish your perspective, the key things you want your reader to take away, and your tone of voice. It's a good idea to have a set purpose in mind for the narrative before you start writing.

Let's say you want to write about how you manage depression without taking any medicine. This could go in any number of ways, but isolating a purpose will help you focus your writing and choose which stories to tell. Are you advocating for a holistic approach, or do you want to describe your emotional experience for people thinking of trying it?

Having this focus will allow you to put your own unique take on what you did (and didn't do, if applicable), what changed you, and the lessons learned along the way.

3. Show, Don't Tell

It's a narration, so the narrative should show readers what happened, instead of telling them. As well as being a storyteller, the author should take part as one of the characters. Keep this in mind when writing, as the way you shape your perspective can have a big impact on how your reader sees your overarching plot. Don't slip into just explaining everything that happened because it happened to you. Show your reader with action.

dialogue tags

You can check for instances of telling rather than showing with ProWritingAid. For example, instead of:

"You never let me do anything!" I cried disdainfully.
"You never let me do anything!" To this day, my mother swears that the glare I levelled at her as I spat those words out could have soured milk.

Using ProWritingAid will help you find these instances in your manuscript and edit them without spending hours trawling through your work yourself.

4. Use "I," But Don't Overuse It

You, the author, take ownership of the story, so the first person pronoun "I" is used throughout. However, you shouldn't overuse it, as it'd make it sound too self-centred and redundant.

ProWritingAid can also help you here – the Style Report will tell you if you've started too many sentences with "I", and show you how to introduce more variation in your writing.

5. Pay Attention to Tenses

Tense is key to understanding. Personal narratives mostly tell the story of events that happened in the past, so many authors choose to use the past tense. This helps separate out your current, narrating voice and your past self who you are narrating. If you're writing in the present tense, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout.

tenses in narratives

6. Make Your Conclusion Satisfying

Satisfy your readers by giving them an unforgettable closing scene. The body of the narration should build up the plot to climax. This doesn't have to be something incredible or shocking, just something that helps give an interesting take on your story.

The takeaways or the lessons learned should be written without lecturing. Whenever possible, continue to show rather than tell. Don't say what you learned, narrate what you do differently now. This will help the moral of your story shine through without being too preachy.

GoodReads is a great starting point for selecting read-worthy personal narrative books. Here are five of my favourites.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen, the author of 386 books, wrote this poetic story about a daughter and her father who went owling. Instead of learning about owls, Yolen invites readers to contemplate the meaning of gentleness and hope.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944. This Holocaust memoir has a strong message that such horrific events should never be repeated.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

This classic is a must-read by young and old alike. It's a remarkable diary by a 13-year-old Jewish girl who hid inside a secret annexe of an old building during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1942.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

This is a personal narrative written by a brave author renowned for her clarity, passion, and honesty. Didion shares how in December 2003, she lost her husband of 40 years to a massive heart attack and dealt with the acute illness of her only daughter. She speaks about grief, memories, illness, and hope.

Educated by Tara Westover

Author Tara Westover was raised by survivalist parents. She didn't go to school until 17 years of age, which later took her to Harvard and Cambridge. It's a story about the struggle for quest for knowledge and self-reinvention.

Narrative and personal narrative journalism are gaining more popularity these days. You can find distinguished personal narratives all over the web.

Curating the best of the best of personal narratives and narrative essays from all over the web. Some are award-winning articles.

Narratively

Long-form writing to celebrate humanity through storytelling. It publishes personal narrative essays written to provoke, inspire, and reflect, touching lesser-known and overlooked subjects.

Narrative Magazine

It publishes non,fiction narratives, poetry, and fiction. Among its contributors is Frank Conroy, the author of Stop-Time , a memoir that has never been out of print since 1967.

Thought Catalog

Aimed at Generation Z, it publishes personal narrative essays on self-improvement, family, friendship, romance, and others.

Personal narratives will continue to be popular as our brains are wired for stories. We love reading about others and telling stories of ourselves, as they bring satisfaction and a better understanding of the world around us.

Personal narratives make us better humans. Enjoy telling yours!

personal life essay ideas

Write like a bestselling author

Love writing? ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of your stories.

Jennifer Xue

Jennifer Xue is an award-winning e-book author with 2,500+ articles and 100+ e-books/reports published under her belt. She also taught 50+ college-level essay and paper writing classes. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, Fortune, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Business.com, Business2Community, Addicted2Success, Good Men Project, and others. Her blog is JenniferXue.com. Follow her on Twitter @jenxuewrites].

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53 Stellar College Essay Topics to Inspire You

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College Essays

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Most colleges and universities in the United States require applicants to submit at least one essay as part of their application. But trying to figure out what college essay topics you should choose is a tricky process. There are so many potential things you could write about!

In this guide, we go over the essential qualities that make for a great college essay topic and give you 50+ college essay topics you can use for your own statement . In addition, we provide you with helpful tips for turning your college essay topic into a stellar college essay.

What Qualities Make for a Good College Essay Topic?

Regardless of what you write about in your personal statement for college , there are key features that will always make for a stand-out college essay topic.

#1: It’s Specific

First off, good college essay topics are extremely specific : you should know all the pertinent facts that have to do with the topic and be able to see how the entire essay comes together.

Specificity is essential because it’ll not only make your essay stand out from other statements, but it'll also recreate the experience for admissions officers through its realism, detail, and raw power. You want to tell a story after all, and specificity is the way to do so. Nobody wants to read a vague, bland, or boring story — not even admissions officers!

For example, an OK topic would be your experience volunteering at a cat shelter over the summer. But a better, more specific college essay topic would be how you deeply connected with an elderly cat there named Marty, and how your bond with him made you realize that you want to work with animals in the future.

Remember that specificity in your topic is what will make your essay unique and memorable . It truly is the key to making a strong statement (pun intended)!

#2: It Shows Who You Are

In addition to being specific, good college essay topics reveal to admissions officers who you are: your passions and interests, what is important to you, your best (or possibly even worst) qualities, what drives you, and so on.

The personal statement is critical because it gives schools more insight into who you are as a person and not just who you are as a student in terms of grades and classes.

By coming up with a real, honest topic, you’ll leave an unforgettable mark on admissions officers.

#3: It’s Meaningful to You

The very best college essay topics are those that hold deep meaning to their writers and have truly influenced them in some significant way.

For instance, maybe you plan to write about the first time you played Skyrim to explain how this video game revealed to you the potentially limitless worlds you could create, thereby furthering your interest in game design.

Even if the topic seems trivial, it’s OK to use it — just as long as you can effectively go into detail about why this experience or idea had such an impact on you .

Don’t give in to the temptation to choose a topic that sounds impressive but doesn’t actually hold any deep meaning for you. Admissions officers will see right through this!

Similarly, don’t try to exaggerate some event or experience from your life if it’s not all that important to you or didn’t have a substantial influence on your sense of self.

#4: It’s Unique

College essay topics that are unique are also typically the most memorable, and if there’s anything you want to be during the college application process, it’s that! Admissions officers have to sift through thousands of applications, and the essay is one of the only parts that allows them to really get a sense of who you are and what you value in life.

If your essay is trite or boring, it won’t leave much of an impression , and your application will likely get immediately tossed to the side with little chance of seeing admission.

But if your essay topic is very original and different, you’re more likely to earn that coveted second glance at your application.

What does being unique mean exactly, though? Many students assume that they must choose an extremely rare or crazy experience to talk about in their essays —but that's not necessarily what I mean by "unique." Good college essay topics can be unusual and different, yes, but they can also be unique takes on more mundane or common activities and experiences .

For instance, say you want to write an essay about the first time you went snowboarding. Instead of just describing the details of the experience and how you felt during it, you could juxtapose your emotions with a creative and humorous perspective from the snowboard itself. Or you could compare your first attempt at snowboarding with your most recent experience in a snowboarding competition. The possibilities are endless!

#5: It Clearly Answers the Question

Finally, good college essay topics will clearly and fully answer the question(s) in the prompt.

You might fail to directly answer a prompt by misinterpreting what it’s asking you to do, or by answering only part of it (e.g., answering just one out of three questions).

Therefore, make sure you take the time to come up with an essay topic that is in direct response to every question in the prompt .

Take this Coalition Application prompt as an example:

What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What's the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?

For this prompt, you’d need to answer all three questions (though it’s totally fine to focus more on one or two of them) to write a compelling and appropriate essay.

This is why we recommend reading and rereading the essay prompt ; you should know exactly what it’s asking you to do, well before you start brainstorming possible college application essay topics.

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53 College Essay Topics to Get Your Brain Moving

In this section, we give you a list of 53 examples of college essay topics. Use these as jumping-off points to help you get started on your college essay and to ensure that you’re on track to coming up with a relevant and effective topic.

All college application essay topics below are categorized by essay prompt type. We’ve identified six general types of college essay prompts:

Why This College?

Change and personal growth, passions, interests, and goals, overcoming a challenge, diversity and community, solving a problem.

Note that these prompt types could overlap with one another, so you’re not necessarily limited to just one college essay topic in a single personal statement.

  • How a particular major or program will help you achieve your academic or professional goals
  • A memorable and positive interaction you had with a professor or student at the school
  • Something good that happened to you while visiting the campus or while on a campus tour
  • A certain class you want to take or a certain professor you’re excited to work with
  • Some piece of on-campus equipment or facility that you’re looking forward to using
  • Your plans to start a club at the school, possibly to raise awareness of a major issue
  • A study abroad or other unique program that you can’t wait to participate in
  • How and where you plan to volunteer in the community around the school
  • An incredible teacher you studied under and the positive impact they had on you
  • How you went from really liking something, such as a particular movie star or TV show, to not liking it at all (or vice versa)
  • How yours or someone else’s (change in) socioeconomic status made you more aware of poverty
  • A time someone said something to you that made you realize you were wrong
  • How your opinion on a controversial topic, such as gay marriage or DACA, has shifted over time
  • A documentary that made you aware of a particular social, economic, or political issue going on in the country or world
  • Advice you would give to your younger self about friendship, motivation, school, etc.
  • The steps you took in order to kick a bad or self-sabotaging habit
  • A juxtaposition of the first and most recent time you did something, such as dance onstage
  • A book you read that you credit with sparking your love of literature and/or writing
  • A school assignment or project that introduced you to your chosen major
  • A glimpse of your everyday routine and how your biggest hobby or interest fits into it
  • The career and (positive) impact you envision yourself having as a college graduate
  • A teacher or mentor who encouraged you to pursue a specific interest you had
  • How moving around a lot helped you develop a love of international exchange or learning languages
  • A special skill or talent you’ve had since you were young and that relates to your chosen major in some way, such as designing buildings with LEGO bricks
  • Where you see yourself in 10 or 20 years
  • Your biggest accomplishment so far relating to your passion (e.g., winning a gold medal for your invention at a national science competition)
  • A time you lost a game or competition that was really important to you
  • How you dealt with the loss or death of someone close to you
  • A time you did poorly in a class that you expected to do well in
  • How moving to a new school impacted your self-esteem and social life
  • A chronic illness you battled or are still battling
  • Your healing process after having your heart broken for the first time
  • A time you caved under peer pressure and the steps you took so that it won't happen again
  • How you almost gave up on learning a foreign language but stuck with it
  • Why you decided to become a vegetarian or vegan, and how you navigate living with a meat-eating family
  • What you did to overcome a particular anxiety or phobia you had (e.g., stage fright)
  • A history of a failed experiment you did over and over, and how you finally found a way to make it work successfully
  • Someone within your community whom you aspire to emulate
  • A family tradition you used to be embarrassed about but are now proud of
  • Your experience with learning English upon moving to the United States
  • A close friend in the LGBTQ+ community who supported you when you came out
  • A time you were discriminated against, how you reacted, and what you would do differently if faced with the same situation again
  • How you navigate your identity as a multiracial, multiethnic, and/or multilingual person
  • A project or volunteer effort you led to help or improve your community
  • A particular celebrity or role model who inspired you to come out as LGBTQ+
  • Your biggest challenge (and how you plan to tackle it) as a female in a male-dominated field
  • How you used to discriminate against your own community, and what made you change your mind and eventually take pride in who you are and/or where you come from
  • A program you implemented at your school in response to a known problem, such as a lack of recycling cans in the cafeteria
  • A time you stepped in to mediate an argument or fight between two people
  • An app or other tool you developed to make people’s lives easier in some way
  • A time you proposed a solution that worked to an ongoing problem at school, an internship, or a part-time job
  • The steps you took to identify and fix an error in coding for a website or program
  • An important social or political issue that you would fix if you had the means

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How to Build a College Essay in 6 Easy Steps

Once you’ve decided on a college essay topic you want to use, it’s time to buckle down and start fleshing out your essay. These six steps will help you transform a simple college essay topic into a full-fledged personal statement.

Step 1: Write Down All the Details

Once you’ve chosen a general topic to write about, get out a piece of paper and get to work on creating a list of all the key details you could include in your essay . These could be things such as the following:

  • Emotions you felt at the time
  • Names, places, and/or numbers
  • Dialogue, or what you or someone else said
  • A specific anecdote, example, or experience
  • Descriptions of how things looked, felt, or seemed

If you can only come up with a few details, then it’s probably best to revisit the list of college essay topics above and choose a different one that you can write more extensively on.

Good college essay topics are typically those that:

  • You remember well (so nothing that happened when you were really young)
  • You're excited to write about
  • You're not embarrassed or uncomfortable to share with others
  • You believe will make you positively stand out from other applicants

Step 2: Figure Out Your Focus and Approach

Once you have all your major details laid out, start to figure out how you could arrange them in a way that makes sense and will be most effective.

It’s important here to really narrow your focus: you don’t need to (and shouldn’t!) discuss every single aspect of your trip to visit family in Indonesia when you were 16. Rather, zero in on a particular anecdote or experience and explain why and how it impacted you.

Alternatively, you could write about multiple experiences while weaving them together with a clear, meaningful theme or concept , such as how your math teacher helped you overcome your struggle with geometry over the course of an entire school year. In this case, you could mention a few specific times she tutored you and most strongly supported you in your studies.

There’s no one right way to approach your college essay, so play around to see what approaches might work well for the topic you’ve chosen.

If you’re really unsure about how to approach your essay, think about what part of your topic was or is most meaningful and memorable to you, and go from there.

Step 3: Structure Your Narrative

  • Beginning: Don’t just spout off a ton of background information here—you want to hook your reader, so try to start in the middle of the action , such as with a meaningful conversation you had or a strong emotion you felt. It could also be a single anecdote if you plan to center your essay around a specific theme or idea.
  • Middle: Here’s where you start to flesh out what you’ve established in the opening. Provide more details about the experience (if a single anecdote) or delve into the various times your theme or idea became most important to you. Use imagery and sensory details to put the reader in your shoes.
  • End: It’s time to bring it all together. Finish describing the anecdote or theme your essay centers around and explain how it relates to you now , what you’ve learned or gained from it, and how it has influenced your goals.

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Step 4: Write a Rough Draft

By now you should have all your major details and an outline for your essay written down; these two things will make it easy for you to convert your notes into a rough draft.

At this stage of the writing process, don’t worry too much about vocabulary or grammar and just focus on getting out all your ideas so that they form the general shape of an essay . It’s OK if you’re a little over the essay's word limit — as you edit, you’ll most likely make some cuts to irrelevant and ineffective parts anyway.

If at any point you get stuck and have no idea what to write, revisit steps 1-3 to see whether there are any important details or ideas you might be omitting or not elaborating on enough to get your overall point across to admissions officers.

Step 5: Edit, Revise, and Proofread

  • Sections that are too wordy and don’t say anything important
  • Irrelevant details that don’t enhance your essay or the point you're trying to make
  • Parts that seem to drag or that feel incredibly boring or redundant
  • Areas that are vague and unclear and would benefit from more detail
  • Phrases or sections that are awkwardly placed and should be moved around
  • Areas that feel unconvincing, inauthentic, or exaggerated

Start paying closer attention to your word choice/vocabulary and grammar at this time, too. It’s perfectly normal to edit and revise your college essay several times before asking for feedback, so keep working with it until you feel it’s pretty close to its final iteration.

This step will likely take the longest amount of time — at least several weeks, if not months — so really put effort into fixing up your essay. Once you’re satisfied, do a final proofread to ensure that it’s technically correct.

Step 6: Get Feedback and Tweak as Needed

After you’ve overhauled your rough draft and made it into a near-final draft, give your essay to somebody you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them look it over for technical errors and offer you feedback on its content and overall structure.

Use this feedback to make any last-minute changes or edits. If necessary, repeat steps 5 and 6. You want to be extra sure that your essay is perfect before you submit it to colleges!

Recap: From College Essay Topics to Great College Essays

Many different kinds of college application essay topics can get you into a great college. But this doesn’t make it any easier to choose the best topic for you .

In general, the best college essay topics have the following qualities :

  • They’re specific
  • They show who you are
  • They’re meaningful to you
  • They’re unique
  • They clearly answer the question

If you ever need help coming up with an idea of what to write for your essay, just refer to the list of 53 examples of college essay topics above to get your brain juices flowing.

Once you’ve got an essay topic picked out, follow these six steps for turning your topic into an unforgettable personal statement :

  • Write down all the details
  • Figure out your focus and approach
  • Structure your narrative
  • Write a rough draft
  • Edit, revise, and proofread
  • Get feedback and tweak as needed

And with that, I wish you the best of luck on your college essays!

What’s Next?

Writing a college essay is no simple task. Get expert college essay tips with our guides on how to come up with great college essay ideas and how to write a college essay, step by step .

You can also check out this huge list of college essay prompts  to get a feel for what types of questions you'll be expected to answer on your applications.

Want to see examples of college essays that absolutely rocked? You're in luck because we've got a collection of 100+ real college essay examples right here on our blog!

Want to write the perfect college application essay?   We can help.   Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges.   Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

personal life essay ideas

Imagine yourself facing a blank page, ready to fill it with your memories and imagination. What story will you tell today?

As students, you often have to write narratives that capture people's attention. But with so many stories to choose from, where do you start? How do you find the perfect topic that will grab our readers' interest and make them think?

Join our essay service experts as we explore 200 topics for college where stories are waiting to be told, and experiences are ready to be shared. From everyday events to unforgettable moments, each topic is a chance to connect with your readers and make them feel something.

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Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

After exploring how students write narrative paragraphs, we've put together a list of narrative essay topics designed specifically for college and school students. This list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one that speaks to you!

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

How about delving into captivating literacy narrative essay topics designed specifically for college-level writing? Exciting, isn't it?

  • How did a childhood book shape your view of the world?
  • What challenges did you face when learning to read in a second language?
  • How has storytelling within your family influenced your literacy journey?
  • Can you recall a pivotal moment that ignited your love for reading?
  • How did a specific teacher inspire your passion for literature?
  • Have you ever encountered a character in a book who profoundly impacted your perspective on life?
  • What role did writing play in helping you navigate a difficult period in your life?
  • How has your relationship with technology affected your reading habits?
  • What cultural or historical event sparked your interest in a particular genre of literature?
  • How has poetry shaped your understanding of language and emotion?
  • Have you ever experienced a breakthrough moment in your writing process?
  • How has reading aloud impacted your comprehension and enjoyment of literature?
  • Can you recall a time when a book challenged your beliefs or worldview?
  • How has participating in a book club enriched your reading experience?
  • What strategies have you developed to overcome reading difficulties or distractions?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and craft compelling personal narratives with these essay ideas.

  • How did a specific friendship shape who you are today?
  • Can you recount a moment that strengthened your bond with a family member?
  • What challenges have you faced in maintaining a long-distance relationship?
  • How has a mentor influenced your personal and professional development?
  • Have you experienced a betrayal in a relationship? How did it impact you?
  • Can you describe a memorable conflict resolution process within a relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a pet affected your emotional well-being?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a romantic relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a sibling evolved over time?
  • Can you recall a time when you had to set boundaries in a friendship?
  • How has volunteering or community involvement enriched your relationships?
  • What cultural differences have influenced your relationships with others?
  • Can you share a moment when you felt truly understood by someone?
  • How has technology affected the dynamics of your relationships?
  • Have you ever experienced a reconciliation that transformed a strained relationship?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Consider the beauty of sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner through these ideas for personal narrative essays.

  • What was the most valuable lesson you learned outside of the classroom?
  • Can you recount a moment when a teacher's unconventional method transformed your understanding of a subject?
  • How has a field trip or experiential learning opportunity impacted your education?
  • What challenges have you faced in balancing extracurricular activities with academics?
  • Have you ever had a "Eureka!" moment while studying? Describe it.
  • How has learning a new skill outside of school influenced your academic performance?
  • Can you recall a time when a peer's perspective challenged your own understanding of a topic?
  • How has technology enhanced or hindered your learning experience?
  • What role does creativity play in your approach to learning?
  • Have you ever experienced a setback that ultimately propelled you forward academically?
  • How has your cultural background influenced your learning style?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for yourself within an educational setting?
  • How has mentorship shaped your educational journey?
  • What strategies have you employed to overcome academic challenges or obstacles?
  • Can you reflect on a time when failure taught you a valuable lesson about learning?

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Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

Why not ignite your creativity with a range of narrative essay topics, from extraordinary moments to everyday experiences?

  • How has a moment of failure ultimately led to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you recount a pivotal decision that significantly altered the course of your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a crossroads or major life transition?
  • How has your perspective on success evolved over time?
  • Can you reflect on a time when you had to confront and overcome a deeply held fear?
  • What role has gratitude played in shaping your outlook on life?
  • How have your values and beliefs been influenced by significant life experiences?
  • Can you describe a moment when you found clarity and purpose amidst chaos or uncertainty?
  • What impact has traveling to a new place had on your understanding of the world and yourself?
  • How has adversity strengthened your character and determination?
  • Can you recall a time when a random act of kindness profoundly impacted your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships?
  • How has practicing mindfulness or self-reflection enhanced your well-being and happiness?
  • Can you reflect on a period of personal transformation or self-discovery?
  • How have you found meaning and fulfillment in pursuing your passions and interests?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Engaging your readers with narrative essays on culture and society is a great way to spark interest, offering captivating ideas for exploration.

  • How has your family's unique culinary heritage influenced your cultural identity?
  • Can you reflect on a specific cultural artifact or heirloom that holds deep significance for your family?
  • What challenges have you faced in preserving traditional customs while adapting to modern societal expectations?
  • How has a local festival or celebration revealed the intricacies of your community's cultural tapestry?
  • Can you recount a moment when you navigated a cultural clash between your upbringing and the dominant culture?
  • How has your experience as a first-generation immigrant shaped your understanding of cultural assimilation?
  • What lessons have you learned from participating in intercultural exchange programs or initiatives?
  • Can you describe a unique cultural practice or tradition within your community that outsiders might find intriguing or misunderstood?
  • How has the revitalization of indigenous languages contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage in your region?
  • Can you reflect on a personal journey of reconnecting with your cultural roots after a period of assimilation or disconnection?
  • What role does storytelling play in passing down cultural wisdom and values within your family or community?
  • How has the portrayal of your culture in mainstream media affected your sense of belonging and self-perception?
  • Can you recount a moment when you challenged cultural stereotypes through creative expression or advocacy?
  • How has the migration of a specific cultural group enriched the social fabric and economic landscape of your community?
  • What initiatives or grassroots movements are currently underway to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in your society?

Since you're working on essays, we think it's suitable to suggest you learn more about the case study format , which is another common college assignment.

Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Wow your readers by turning your passions and hobbies into compelling narrative essay topics that will get them thinking.

  • How has your passion for urban gardening transformed neglected spaces in your community?
  • Can you recount a thrilling adventure from your hobby of urban exploration?
  • What lessons have you learned from restoring vintage motorcycles in your spare time?
  • How has your fascination with birdwatching deepened your connection to nature and conservation efforts?
  • Can you describe a memorable moment from your hobby of foraging wild edibles in the wilderness?
  • What unique skills have you developed through your hobby of beekeeping, and how have they impacted your daily life?
  • How has your interest in historical reenactment brought the past to life in unexpected ways?
  • Can you reflect on a transformative experience from your hobby of landscape photography?
  • What insights have you gained from practicing the art of bonsai cultivation and nurturing miniature ecosystems?
  • How has your passion for stargazing inspired awe and wonder in the vastness of the universe?
  • Can you recount a challenging project from your hobby of woodworking and the satisfaction it brought upon completion?
  • What cultural connections have you discovered through your hobby of traditional folk dancing?
  • How has your interest in sustainable fashion influenced your consumer habits and environmental awareness?
  • Can you describe a moment of serenity and mindfulness experienced while practicing the art of tea ceremony?
  • How has your hobby of letterpress printing preserved the tactile beauty of handmade craftsmanship in a digital age?

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life is full of unexpected twists that can lead to life-changing moments. Take a look at these narrative essay titles for stories that have had a lasting impact on your life.

  • How did surviving a natural disaster reshape your perspective on life?
  • Can you recall a single conversation that drastically altered the course of your life?
  • What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue your dreams against all odds?
  • How did a chance encounter lead to a life-changing friendship or partnership?
  • Can you reflect on the decision that transformed your career trajectory?
  • What profound lesson did you learn from facing a life-threatening illness or injury?
  • How did traveling to a new country open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities?
  • Can you recount the moment when you discovered your true passion or calling in life?
  • What was the turning point that allowed you to break free from a toxic relationship or environment?
  • How did experiencing failure or rejection ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you describe the moment when you found the strength to overcome a deep-seated fear or insecurity?
  • What life-changing realization did you have while experiencing a period of solitude or introspection?
  • How did a profound act of kindness from a stranger restore your faith in humanity?
  • Can you reflect on the moment when you forgave someone who had deeply hurt you, and how it changed your perspective on forgiveness?
  • What pivotal decision did you make that allowed you to reclaim control over your own happiness and destiny?

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Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Consider creating intriguing titles for your narrative essay ideas by exploring thrilling travel adventures.

  • Can you recount a memorable encounter with wildlife during your solo hiking adventure?
  • How did a spontaneous decision to explore an unfamiliar city lead to unexpected discoveries?
  • What lessons did you learn from navigating a foreign country with only a map and your instincts?
  • Can you describe the exhilaration of conquering a challenging mountain peak for the first time?
  • How did immersing yourself in a local culture during your travels broaden your perspective on the world?
  • What unexpected obstacles did you encounter while embarking on a backpacking journey through rugged terrain?
  • Can you reflect on the transformative experience of volunteering abroad in a community-driven project?
  • How did getting lost in a labyrinthine city alleyway lead to serendipitous encounters and newfound friendships?
  • What was the most memorable meal you had while sampling street food in a bustling market abroad?
  • Can you recount the adrenaline rush of participating in an extreme sports activity in a foreign land?
  • How did witnessing a breathtaking natural phenomenon during your travels leave a lasting impression on you?
  • What cultural traditions or rituals did you participate in during a homestay experience with a local family?
  • Can you describe the sense of wonder and awe you felt while exploring ancient ruins or historical sites?
  • How did navigating a language barrier challenge and ultimately enrich your travel experience?
  • What valuable life lessons did you learn from the mishaps and misadventures encountered during your journey off the beaten path?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can uncover captivating narrative essay ideas by exploring potential career paths or reminiscing about past job experiences.

  • How did a challenging project at work showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience?
  • Can you reflect on a pivotal mentorship experience that guided your career trajectory?
  • What valuable lessons did you learn from a career setback or failure, and how did it shape your future success?
  • How did a workplace conflict lead to personal growth and improved communication skills?
  • Can you recount a moment when taking a professional risk paid off in unexpected ways?
  • What insights did you gain from transitioning to a new industry or career path?
  • How did participating in a cross-functional team project enhance your collaboration and leadership abilities?
  • Can you describe the satisfaction of achieving a long-term career goal after years of hard work and perseverance?
  • What impact did a meaningful recognition or award have on your motivation and sense of accomplishment?
  • How did volunteering or pro bono work contribute to your professional development and sense of purpose?
  • Can you reflect on the decision to leave a stable job in pursuit of passion or fulfillment?
  • What strategies did you employ to navigate a toxic work environment and maintain your well-being?
  • How did a career setback lead to unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth?
  • Can you describe a moment when mentorship or sponsorship played a crucial role in advancing your career?
  • What lessons did you learn from a challenging client or customer interaction, and how did it shape your approach to customer service and relationship-building?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're not sure what to write about for your narrative essay, think back to the tough times you've had and how you managed to get through them.

  • How did you conquer a once-paralyzing fear to chase your dreams?
  • What new strengths did you discover while adapting to a physical challenge?
  • Can you recall a creative solution you used during a tough financial period?
  • When did you bravely stand against injustice, despite opposition?
  • How did overcoming a language barrier broaden your horizons?
  • What key lessons did you learn from a major setback in your life?
  • How did you manage overwhelming stress and responsibilities?
  • What inner reserves of resilience did you draw upon after personal loss?
  • Describe a time when you defied societal norms to pursue your goals.
  • Reflect on a moment when failure fueled your determination for success.
  • When did you find the courage to leave your comfort zone behind?
  • How did community support bolster you through a challenging time?
  • Share a time when self-doubt led to newfound confidence.
  • Can you recount a tragedy that spurred your personal growth?
  • What insights did overcoming a monumental obstacle reveal about life?

Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That Resonates 

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a personal story, including characters, plot, setting, and the order of events. Its main goal is to connect with readers emotionally and share a specific message or insight through the retelling of a meaningful experience.

Students write narrative essays as part of their studies for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to express themselves creatively by sharing their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Secondly, it helps them develop important writing skills like organizing ideas and thoughts effectively.

Narrative Essay topics

Choosing good narrative essay ideas involves looking at personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a simple guide to help you pick the right topic:

  • Think about significant moments in your life that had a lasting impact, such as personal growth or overcoming challenges.
  • Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise to make your story more engaging.
  • Consider what your audience would be interested in and choose topics that resonate with them.
  • Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful.
  • Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level.
  • Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics.
  • Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic that fits.
  • Get feedback from friends, peers, or instructors to see if your topics are interesting and impactful.
  • Choose topics that evoke strong emotions for a more compelling narrative.
  • Select a topic that you personally connect with to make your story authentic.

Once you've chosen a topic, brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. Follow your professor's instructions carefully and consider seeking help from our narrative essay writing service if needed.

Bring your stories to life with EssayPro. Select from a vast array of narrative essay topics and let our professionals help you weave your tales into captivating essays. Whether it's adventure, reflection, or imagination, we're here to assist.

Final Remarks

As we wrap up, our list of 200 narrative essay topics is here to fuel your creativity for your next writing project! Whether you're sharing a memorable event, reliving a childhood memory, or expressing a profound insight, crafting a narrative essay can be an uplifting experience that resonates deeply with readers.

And if you're gearing up for college admissions, why not check out our admission essay writing service ? We've already assisted countless students in securing their spots at their dream colleges, and we'd love to help you, too!

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Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

personal life essay ideas

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Identity / Personal Life

Personal Life Essay Examples

My personal ethics and its influence on my life.

People have different values, and it is very important to reflect on these different values throughout life, and to know when our values change. I developed most of my values when I was younger and I continue to keep these values, but as I am...

What I Learned About Myself: My Personal Message

“My life is my message” is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi. This quote can mean anything to anyone but to me it means everything. Every single moment, thought, image, and feeling I have created is my message. Everything I helped, complimented, joked about, and smiled...

Impact of Covid-19 on Personal Life

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on personal lives around the world. From changes in daily routines to the disruption of social interactions, the effects of the virus have been far-reaching. This essay will explore the various ways in which COVID-19 has impacted...

My Hate-love Relationship with Piano

It can sounds weird, but the piano played a big role in my life. So that was the purpose to wtite an "Piano essay" where I will share my relationship story with piano. “I really regret letting you learn the piano!” my mom yelled sitting...

Life Story Example of Personal Beliefs

To start with, this is my life story example where I want share personal experience. To start my example of life story, I lost my father when I was 4 years old. For my optimum upbringing, my mother started her own business of selling female...

The Meaning of a Good Life: a Personal Journey of Discovery

What are some of the first things that would come to your mind if you were asked, “What is a good life?” If young ones were asked this question they would say something like not going to school and eating pizza with extra cheese for...

My Autobiography: a Personal Journey to Achieving Goals

Hello everyone, my name is Lina Sha and in my autobiography essay I want to share my autobiography today. My major is hospitality of management, and I am going to transfer to UNLV next year to complete my bachelor's degree. Most of my family members,...

Dear Diary - Examples of Personal Writing

Dear Diary, I have something terrible to tell you. Wait… I haven’t even introduced myself. Let me start over…. Dear Diary, My name is Anna and I have never written in a diary before, I saw dear diary examples how to start writing, but it...

How Do I Want to Live My Life: My Vision for a Meaningful Life

According to Carl Rogers every person could achieve their Goals, Wishes, and Desires in life. It might seem easy to understand at first but, what does it really mean? One must have a deeper understanding in philosophy in order to understand Carl Rogers’ statement. We...

My Life: a Challenging Experience that Changed Me

My life essay: a challenging experience that changed me. An Erie of quiet welcomed my kin and me as we went into my grandma's home one night. As we wandered further into the calm house, scanning each space for my grandma our guiltless interest covered...

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