Do you ever feel misunderstood or judged for something? A narrative essay about being judged gives you the opportunity to narrate your story, contemplate your experience, and grow to see how it has impacted your person today. It’s personal, raw, and a great way to build a rapport with readers. But how do you write one well? Let’s go through it step by step so you can write a great, authentic narrative — an essay that is definitely you.
What Is a Narrative Essay?
Before jumping into your story, let us first define a narrative essay. A narrative essay is a type of writing in which you describe a specific event or experience. It is often conversational in the first person, keeping it personal and engaging. A narrative essay is not simply a list of facts or an argument for a point—it’s sharing your journey, your emotions, and the lessons learned along the way. It is more personal than other essays.
When you write about being judged, you’re not just retelling the moment; you write with the wisdom you now have.
Choosing the Right Experience
Picking the right experience to write about is the first step. In writing a narrative essay about being judged, you would want to choose an event that has left a lasting impression on you. It could be:
- A time when someone judged you based on your image.
- A moment when you had to defend a choice or belief that you were critiqued for.
- An experience when you have felt not listened to or not taken seriously.
Pick something you could discuss in your sleep, but that still has layers. There should be a beginning, middle, and end to the event, clear emotions, and lessons that you can share.
How to Structure Your Narrative Essay
The structure of a narrative essay is very clear. Here’s a simple framework for structuring your story:
1. Introduction
You want an engaging hook to capture your reader’s attention. It could be a question, a statement that packs a punch, or a picture of the moment when you were judged. For example:
“Have you ever walked into a room and felt everyone’s eyes on you, taking in your features and making assumptions about who you are, without speaking a word?”
After the hook, provide a glimpse of the experience you’ll write about and why it matters to you.
2. Body Paragraphs
Body of your essay (Split into 2–3 paragraphs):
- Paragraph 1: The Event
Describe what happened. Don’t be vague about details; Who was involved? What was said or done? What was the feeling at the moment?
- Paragraph 2: Your Reaction
Examine your initial reaction. Were you hurt, angry, confused? How did you deal with it? Do not be afraid to share your feelings.
- Paragraph 3: The Reflection
Look back on the experience. What did you learn from it? How did it influence how you saw or acted in the world? This is where you apply your unique experience to a larger message and make your readers relate.
3. Conclusion
End your essay with a reflection of how this experience changed your life. This could be a bang conclusion that leaves a closing statement to ponder.
How to Write a Narrative Essay About Being Judged
Below are ways to make your essay unforgettable:
1. Be Honest
The best part of a narrative essay is the reality. Be honest about your feelings and reactions. If you were stung or shamed, acknowledge that. Readers relate to vulnerability.
2. Show, Don’t Tell
Rather than simply narrating events, describe them. Blue frame: Instead of, “I felt judged,” describe what they looked like or said or did that made you feel that way.
3. Focus on Emotions
Your essay should pull at heartstrings. Use descriptive language and help the reader experience what you did — whether it was anger, sadness, or, finally, pride.
4. Keep It Relatable
Your story is personal, but look for ways to relate to universal themes. Since most of us have at some point felt judged, show the universality of misconception and evolution.
5. Edit and Revise
The first draft won’t be perfect, so don’t expect it to be. After the initial draft, allow it to rest and then reread it with new eyes. In particular, seek opportunities to improve clarity, tighten sentences, and incorporate more vivid details.
A Sample Outline
Here’s a quick example of the structure you might give your essay:
- Introduction
Hook: “I didn’t wear the hijab to school until my junior year, not knowing when I did that it would be the focus of so many unwanted stares and whispers.”
Overarching guidance: Paint the picture of what it feels like to be judged and how it affects you emotionally.
- Body Paragraphs
Paragraph 1: Who was there, what day it was, and when exactly did you feel judged?
Paragraph 2: What you felt at that moment, and what you did — did you fight back, did you say nothing, did you walk away?
Paragraph 3: Write about how you were changed by the experience. Did that make you more confident? More empathetic?
- Conclusion
End with a lesson on what you learned and how you feel about the judgment and assumptions of others now.
Why Write About Being Judged?
There are two reasons that writing about being judged is impactful. First, it helps you work through your feelings and be able to view the experience in perspective. Second, it can inspire and comfort people who have felt the same way. Your story can demonstrate to readers that they are not alone and remind them that understanding and empathy can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
A narrative essay on being judged can be difficult to write, but it’s rewarded in the end. Sharing your story offers readers perspective on your world and a frame through which to see things differently. Stick to a simple structure, be honest, and think about the feelings underpinning your experience.
Ready to get started? Choose your time, grab a pen (or keyboard), and start telling your story. You may be shocked at how powerful your words are.