Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Topical vs. Narrative (Some Thoughts)

Hi, All: Here are some thoughts on the two organization methods: Topical vs Narrative.

Question: Which one should you use for your paper?

I think it depends a lot on what you are comfortable with as a writer. If you like telling a story and there is a clear event going on with a specific timeline, then narrative usually works best. If you are aiming for a more informative, less personal experience of a place or activity, go with topical. I've seen students do great work with topical essays and narratives, although narrative can sometimes go long and can get a little too personal. The profile is not about you, but your perspective on the place or event, so be cautious with narrative. The paper usually ends up as a blend, but try to start with one for your outline

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