Find below narrative essay Questions and Answers that you can use to practice.
Questions
- Write a story to illustrate the saying: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”
- Narrate an incident in which you were wrongly accused of something you did not do and how you eventually proved your innocence.
- Write a story that ends with the statement: “That was the happiest day of my life.”
- Relate an experience that shows the importance of obeying instructions.
- Narrate the events that led to a misunderstanding between you and your best friend and how it was finally resolved.
- Write a story to illustrate the saying: “A stitch in time saves nine.”
- Narrate an incident that nearly caused you great embarrassment and how you managed to overcome it.
- Write a story in which a false alarm created panic.
- Narrate an event in which someone you trusted disappointed you.
- Write a story that ends with the statement: “I learnt a bitter lesson that day.”
Answers
UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN
The day I became Senior Prefect of my school was the happiest day of my life—or so I thought. Standing on the assembly ground, wearing the shining badge on my chest, I could feel the eyes of over two thousand students fixed on me. Some admired me, some envied me, while others waited to see me fail. At that moment, I remembered the popular saying: heavy is the head that wears the crown. I did not yet know how true it was.
At first, everything went smoothly. Teachers respected me, students greeted me with admiration, and even the principal would occasionally call me “Mr. Senior Prefect.” I felt on top of the world. But gradually, the responsibilities began to weigh heavily on me.
My troubles started when a group of notorious students deliberately disobeyed school rules. As Senior Prefect, I was expected to bring them to order. But among them was Tunde, the son of a highly influential politician in the state. Any time I wrote his name for punishment, the teacher in charge would smile awkwardly and tear the report sheet. Soon, Tunde began to boast openly: “Not even the Senior Prefect can touch me!”
I felt humiliated, but I could not give up. My reputation was at stake. One Friday afternoon, I caught Tunde and his gang sneaking out of the school compound during prep. I quickly reported them to the principal. To my surprise, the principal summoned me the next day and warned me sternly: “Be careful how you handle such matters. Some students are untouchable.” I walked out of his office with tears in my eyes.
From that day, I lost sleep. Some students accused me of being weak; others said I was a coward. Even my close friends began to avoid me, thinking I was a failure. Yet, if I punished Tunde, I would be in trouble with the authorities; and if I ignored him, I would lose my respect as Senior Prefect. I was trapped between two hard choices.
The breaking point came during the inter-house sports. Tunde and his friends attempted to cheat by bringing in boys from outside the school to compete. I stood my ground and insisted they would not participate. The entire stadium became noisy. The principal looked at me, unsure of what to say. For the first time, I realized that leadership is not about pleasure but about sacrifice and courage. I announced firmly, “Only registered students will compete, or the event will not continue.”
After a long silence, the principal reluctantly supported me. Tunde was furious, but I had saved the reputation of the school. Although I faced threats and intimidation afterwards, I knew I had done the right thing.
That night, lying on my bed, I could not sleep. I thought about all the insults, the pressure, and the burden that came with leadership. Then the saying struck me again: Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Moral Lesson:
Leadership is not about comfort or popularity; it is about responsibility, sacrifice, and standing for the truth, even when it is difficult.
Comment
This essay meets WAEC standard because:
- It tells a clear and engaging story.
- It is well organized (beginning, conflict, climax, resolution, lesson).
- It uses good grammar and expressions.
- It ends with a moral lesson tied to the proverb.
THE DAY I WAS WRONGFULLY ACCUSED
It was a bright Monday morning when the unexpected happened. I had just walked into the classroom, arranging my books for the first lesson, when my class teacher stormed in, her face dark with anger. She was holding a piece of paper in her hand. Without a word of greeting, she looked straight at me and said, “So, you are the one who stole the examination questions from the staffroom!”
My heart froze. I could hardly believe my ears. Me? Steal examination questions? The whole class turned to stare at me as though I had suddenly grown horns. My best friend whispered, “This is serious, Tayo.” At that moment, I felt as if the ground should open and swallow me.
Apparently, someone had sneaked into the staffroom over the weekend and stolen the English examination questions. A crumpled piece of the paper had been found under my desk that morning. To everyone, that was enough evidence. I tried to explain that I had no idea how it got there, but my teacher silenced me. She ordered me to follow her to the principal’s office.
As we walked down the corridor, I heard students whispering and pointing fingers. Some said, “I always knew he was too smart to be honest.” Others muttered, “So he has been cheating all this while!” Tears stung my eyes. I had worked hard for my grades, and now my integrity was being dragged in the mud.
In the principal’s office, I was questioned like a criminal. “Tell us the truth,” the principal demanded. “Who gave you access to the staffroom?” I insisted I knew nothing about the stolen questions, but my words sounded weak compared to the evidence against me. Just when I thought my world was collapsing, a twist occurred.
One of the cleaners, Mr. Musa, entered the office. He overheard the conversation and suddenly spoke up. “Sir, I think I know what happened. On Saturday, I saw Tunde from SS2 loitering around this block. He ran away when he noticed me. Later, I found a piece of paper in the dustbin near this classroom.”
The principal sent for Tunde immediately. After much denial, he finally confessed. He had stolen the question papers but, afraid of being caught, he had planted part of it under my desk to divert suspicion. My name was instantly cleared, and Tunde was handed over to the disciplinary committee.
The principal turned to me with an apologetic look. “We are sorry, Ade. It seems you were wrongly accused.” Though relieved, I could not hide the pain I felt at being humiliated before the whole school.
From that day, I learnt that life can be unfair, but the truth always finds a way to reveal itself. Being falsely accused was bitter, but the sweetness of being vindicated was even greater.
Moral Lesson:
Truth is like the sun; no matter how long it is hidden, it will surely shine again.
Comment
This essay meets WAEC narrative expectations: clear sequence, suspense, emotional appeal, moral lesson, and strong conclusion.
THE DAY I MADE MY PARENTS PROUD
It was the morning of our school’s inter-house sports competition. The entire atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Students were dressed in colourful house jerseys, the school band was already beating their drums, and the parents’ stand was filled with cheering mothers and fathers waving flags.
I belonged to Red House, and I had been selected to run the 400 metres race. My heart pounded as I laced my spikes. Everyone knew that Blue House had the best runners, especially Bode, the tall and swift athlete who had never lost a race. Whispers went around: “Bode will win again.” Still, I silently prayed for courage.
When the announcer called for the 400 metres race, I walked onto the track, my legs trembling. The starter raised his pistol, and before I could blink, “Paah!” the race had begun. Bode sprang ahead, his long strides swallowing the track. I pushed myself, focusing on each step, ignoring the roar of the crowd.
By the 200-metre mark, my chest burned like fire. Bode was still in the lead, but I noticed he had begun to slow down slightly. “This is my chance,” I told myself. Summoning strength I did not know I had, I increased my pace. The crowd’s noise grew louder. I heard my mates shouting, “Go, Tunde, go!”
At the last bend, I was neck and neck with Bode. My legs felt like lead, but the thought of victory kept me going. With one final burst of speed, I overtook him just a few metres before the finish line. The stadium erupted in wild cheers as I crossed the line first.
I collapsed on the track, gasping for breath. My teammates lifted me onto their shoulders, chanting my name. When I looked into the stands, I saw my parents smiling and clapping, their faces beaming with pride. My mother even wiped tears from her eyes.
At that moment, I realised that all the early morning training sessions, the sweat, and the sacrifices had been worth it. I had brought glory to my house, my school, and most importantly, my family.
As I received the gold medal and stood on the podium, my heart swelled with joy. Truly, that was the happiest day of my life.
Comment
This essay meets WAEC standards: suspense, vivid description, emotional tone, clear structure, and the moral of perseverance and determination.
THE DAY I LEARNT TO OBEY INSTRUCTIONS
It was a hot Saturday morning, and my parents had travelled for a wedding. Before leaving, my mother gave me strict instructions: “Do not go near the river. Stay at home and complete your homework. We shall be back in the evening.” I nodded obediently, but deep inside, I had other plans.
The truth was that some of my friends had invited me to join them at the river to swim and play football by the bank. The thought of cooling off in the water and enjoying the fun was too tempting to resist. As soon as my parents’ car disappeared from sight, I abandoned my books and dashed off to meet my friends.
At first, everything went smoothly. We laughed, splashed water at each other, and raced from one end of the riverbank to the other. Then, I foolishly decided to swim across to the deeper side. My friends warned me, “Tunde, don’t go too far; the current is strong.” But I ignored them.
Halfway across, I realised I was in serious trouble. The water pulled me deeper, and no matter how hard I kicked, I could not make progress. My chest tightened, and water rushed into my nose and mouth. Panic seized me, and I began to shout for help. My friends, terrified, ran to call a fisherman who was mending his net nearby.
The fisherman wasted no time. With strong strokes, he swam towards me and dragged me back to safety. By the time we reached the shore, I was coughing and trembling. My friends looked at me with pity and relief, while the fisherman scolded me bitterly. “Young boy, why disobey your parents? You could have died today!”
When my parents returned in the evening and heard the story, their faces were filled with disappointment. My mother said softly but firmly, “You see why we warn you? Obedience is for your safety, not for our gain.” I bowed my head in shame, tears streaming down my face.
That incident left a permanent mark on my heart. From that day, I realised that instructions are like protective fences. They are not meant to restrict our joy but to preserve our lives.
Moral Lesson
Disobedience may look exciting at first, but its consequences can be bitter. Obeying instructions is always safer and wiser.
Comment
This essay has suspense, vivid description, dialogue, climax, resolution, and a moral lesson—exactly what WAEC examiners look for.
WHEN FRIENDSHIP WAS TESTED
My best friend, Chika, and I had been inseparable since Junior Secondary School. We shared everything—notes, secrets, even pocket money. Many people in our class used to call us “twins.” I never imagined that anything could come between us until an unfortunate incident nearly shattered our friendship.
It happened during the second term in SS2. Our English teacher had announced that there would be a debate competition, and each house was to nominate a representative. I was chosen to represent Blue House, while Chika was selected for Green House. At first, we were both excited and promised to help each other prepare, even though we were on opposing sides.
The day of the debate came. The hall was packed with students and teachers. When it was my turn to speak, I gave my points confidently, and the audience applauded. Then Chika mounted the stage. Instead of sticking to his points, he suddenly attacked me personally, saying, “Some people think they are smarter than everyone else, but they are nothing without borrowed notes.”
My jaw dropped. I could hardly believe my ears. Everyone in the hall turned to look at me. His words felt like a knife piercing my chest. Was this the same Chika I called my brother? I kept my composure, finished my argument, and the competition ended with Blue House emerging as the winner.
But from that day, I stopped talking to him. I ignored his greetings, avoided his company, and returned his notebooks without opening them. Deep inside, I missed him terribly, but my pride would not allow me to forgive so easily.
After two weeks of cold silence, something unexpected happened. One evening, Chika came to my house. He looked genuinely sorry. “Tunde, please forgive me,” he said, almost in tears. “I didn’t mean what I said. I was carried away by the heat of the debate. I only wanted to win, not to hurt you.”
Hearing those words, I felt a lump in my throat. I realised I had also been stubborn. Slowly, I extended my hand, and he grasped it firmly. We both laughed, and the heavy cloud of bitterness finally lifted. Our friendship was restored stronger than before.
Moral Lesson
True friendship may be tested by misunderstandings, but forgiveness and humility are the keys to healing and reconciliation.
Comment
This essay meets WAEC standards: it has a clear conflict, climax, emotional depth, and resolution with a moral lesson.
THE LEAKING ROOF
The rainy season had just begun in our town. One evening, as my mother and I sat in the sitting room, we noticed a small leak in the ceiling. Water was dripping slowly into a bucket we quickly placed underneath. My mother sighed and said, “We must get a carpenter to fix this roof before it gets worse.”
But my father, who had just returned from work, waved his hand dismissively. “It is only a small hole,” he said. “Let us manage it until next month. I don’t want to waste money on carpenters now.”
Days passed, and each time it rained, we would hear the familiar plop, plop of water dripping into the bucket. My mother reminded my father again and again, but he kept postponing the repair.
One fateful night, a heavy downpour began. The thunder roared, and the wind howled. Suddenly, the little leak that seemed harmless turned into a steady stream. Water gushed into the sitting room, soaking the chairs, books, and carpet. Before long, part of the ceiling gave way, and the room became a flood.
We spent the entire night scooping water with bowls and moving soaked furniture out of the house. The next morning, the sight was heartbreaking. The sofa was ruined, my father’s important documents were drenched, and the television was no longer working. What could have been solved with a few thousand naira had now become a disaster that cost a fortune.
My father finally called a carpenter, who shook his head in pity. “If you had called me earlier,” he said, “I would have patched this roof with a small piece of zinc. Now, we have to replace half of it.”
That day, my father admitted his mistake and said to me, “Truly, a stitch in time saves nine.”
Moral Lesson
Neglecting small problems often leads to bigger troubles. It is wiser to address issues early before they grow out of control.
Comment
This essay demonstrates creativity, organisation, clear expression, and a moral lesson—qualities WAEC examiners reward.
THE DAY I BELIEVED IN MIRACLES
I never believed in miracles until that day. For me, miracles were stories told in religious books or exaggerated tales from old women in the village. But all of that changed one sunny afternoon in July.
My mother was very sick. She had been battling a strange illness for weeks. We had visited hospitals, taken medicines, and even tried local herbs, but her condition worsened. She grew thinner by the day and could hardly walk. The doctors said she needed urgent surgery, but the cost was far beyond what my family could afford.
I watched helplessly as my mother lay on the bed, breathing weakly. My father tried to stay strong, but I could see the pain in his eyes. We prayed every night, but hope was fading.
On the morning of that unforgettable day, my father left the house to see a wealthy family friend, hoping he could lend us some money. My siblings and I stayed with my mother, fanning her gently as she dozed. Suddenly, she began gasping for breath. Panic filled the room. We thought we were about to lose her.
At that very moment, a knock came on the door. I rushed to open it, and there stood a tall man in a crisp white shirt. He introduced himself as a doctor who had just moved into our street. He said he noticed my father earlier, running frantically and asking for help, and felt compelled to check what was wrong.
The stranger stepped inside, examined my mother, and immediately began first aid treatment. He stabilised her breathing and even brought along some medicines. Later, he accompanied us to the hospital where he worked. To our astonishment, he arranged for the surgery at no cost, saying he would take care of the bill through a medical charity programme.
My mother’s surgery was successful. Within weeks, she was strong enough to walk around again. Whenever I saw her smiling and cooking in the kitchen, I could not help but remember that fateful knock on our door.
That day, I realised that miracles are not always about the skies opening or fire falling from heaven. Sometimes, they come through kind strangers, unexpected help, and acts of mercy.
Moral Lesson
Miracles do happen—often through people we least expect. We should never lose hope, even in the darkest times.
Comment
This essay demonstrates creativity, emotional depth, organised narration, and clear moral insight—all key to WAEC essay excellence.
THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET
Life is full of memorable moments, both joyful and painful, but one particular day remains forever etched in my memory—the day our house caught fire.
It was a bright Saturday morning. My siblings and I had just finished our chores, and my mother was cooking in the kitchen. My father had gone to the market to buy foodstuffs. Everything seemed normal until we heard my younger sister screaming from the kitchen. Smoke was rising from the gas cooker. In her panic, she had spilled oil near the flame, and before anyone could react, the fire spread rapidly.
We tried pouring water, but it only worsened the flames. My mother shouted for everyone to run outside. In a matter of minutes, thick black smoke engulfed the sitting room. Neighbours rushed to help, forming a chain with buckets of water, but the fire was too strong. I stood trembling, clutching my younger brother’s hand, as I watched our belongings being reduced to ashes.
The most frightening moment was when we realised my little cousin, Tunde, was still inside. He had been asleep in one of the rooms. My heart sank as I heard him crying faintly. Before anyone could stop me, I dashed into the burning house. Covering my nose with a wet cloth, I managed to find him, lifted him onto my back, and ran out just as part of the ceiling collapsed.
The crowd outside cheered when they saw us. My mother hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face. Though we lost many of our possessions that day, I was grateful that no life was lost. The fire service later arrived to put out the remaining flames, but the damage had already been done.
That night, as we sat under a neighbour’s roof, I realised how quickly life could change. In just one moment, everything we owned was gone. But I also learned that courage, love, and unity are more valuable than material things.
Moral Lesson
Life’s possessions can be replaced, but human lives cannot. We must cherish loved ones above material wealth and always value safety precautions.
Comment
This essay combines vivid description, strong emotions, dramatic events, and a clear lesson—exactly what WAEC expects in a high-scoring narrative.
THE EMBARRASSING SPEECH
I had never felt so embarrassed in my life until that unforgettable day in school. It was the day our principal asked me to give a welcome speech during the inter-school debate competition.
I had always been a bright student, but public speaking terrified me. My teacher believed I was the best person to represent our class, so I was given a well-written speech to memorise. I practised in front of the mirror and even rehearsed with my siblings at home. By the night before the programme, I was confident I could do it.
The following morning, our school hall was filled with students, teachers, parents, and guests from different schools. My name was announced, and I walked up to the podium with shaky legs. The microphone felt cold in my hands. At first, I managed to say, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” and the audience responded warmly. But suddenly, my mind went completely blank. The words I had memorised so well disappeared as though they had been erased.
Beads of sweat gathered on my forehead. My classmates were staring at me, and I could hear whispers and giggles from the audience. My lips trembled as I stammered, repeating “Good morning… good morning…” over and over. The hall erupted in laughter. I wished the ground would open and swallow me.
Just when I thought I could not continue, our English teacher walked quietly to the stage and whispered the first few lines of the speech in my ear. Like a miracle, the rest of the words returned. I gathered my courage, adjusted the microphone, and continued with renewed confidence. By the time I finished, the audience clapped politely, but I knew the damage had already been done.
That day, I learned two lessons: never underestimate the power of stage fright, and always have a backup plan in case memory fails. Though the embarrassment haunted me for weeks, it also inspired me to practise harder and eventually overcome my fear of public speaking.
Moral Lesson
Embarrassment can be painful, but it also teaches valuable lessons. With persistence and practice, weaknesses can be turned into strengths.
Comment
This essay shows narrative flow, emotional honesty, organisation, and a moral reflection—qualities that WAEC examiners reward highly.
THE WEB OF LIES
Lying may seem harmless at first, but I learned the hard way that one lie often leads to another until it traps you like a spider’s web.
It happened during my final year in secondary school. Our mathematics teacher had given us a surprise test, but I had not prepared. When the papers were collected, I realised I had scored very poorly. Fear gripped me, because my father was very strict about academic performance.
That evening, when my father asked if I had written any test, I shook my head and said, “No, Daddy, we didn’t write any test today.” He believed me, but that was the beginning of my trouble.
Two weeks later, the teacher distributed the marked scripts. My low score stared back at me like a scarlet letter. When he instructed us to take the scripts home for our parents to sign, my heart raced. Instead of confessing, I forged my father’s signature with a pen and returned the paper the next day.
Unfortunately for me, my father visited the school a week later to pay my fees. While there, the teacher thanked him for signing the test paper. My father was confused. “Which test paper?” he asked. The truth came out in the open, and my shame was complete.
At home that evening, I faced my father’s disappointment. He was less angry about my poor performance than about the lies I had told. “If you had been honest,” he said, “we could have worked together to improve your mathematics. But now, you have betrayed my trust.” His words pierced my heart more than any punishment.
From that day, I resolved never to tell lies again. I realised that one lie may save you temporarily, but it will eventually destroy your reputation and trust.
Moral Lesson
Lies may seem like an escape route, but they only lead to greater trouble. Honesty builds trust, while lies destroy it.
Comment
This essay illustrates a clear theme, realistic events, logical sequence, emotional impact, and a strong moral lesson—all key ingredients of a high-quality WAEC narrative essay.