College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What kind of structure does a narrative essay often have?

1. chronological

2. compare-and-contrast

3. expository

4. problem-solution

The correct answer is: chronological

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a story, often with a focus on a specific event or experience from the author's life. A chronological structure is often used in narrative essays because it follows the order of events as they happened, helping to create a clear narrative arc. This is different from a compare-and-contrast structure, which would focus on discussing the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Expository structure is more commonly seen in informational essays and focuses on explaining or informing the reader about a particular topic. A problem-solution structure is often used in persuasive or argumentative essays, where the writer presents a problem and then offers a solution. In contrast, a narrative essay typically does not have the goal of persuading the reader, but rather of engaging them in a personal story. Therefore, a chronological structure is the most appropriate for a narrative essay.