Elements of Non Fiction

Purpose What is their intent? Who are they writing for?

Chronological Presents events in the order in which they happen.

Spatial Describes items as they appear in space Example Left to right

Compare and Contrast Groups ideas based on their similarities and differences.

Cause and Effect Explains how one event causes another.

Problem and Solution Examines a problem and proposes ways to solve it.

Narrative Nonfiction A literary work that tells a story Direct and Indirect characterization reveals the personalities of real people. Vivid descriptions and figurative language that describes real places and real historical eras and customs. Pacing and organization describes actual events.

Types of Nonfiction Expository Persuasive Argumentative Descriptive Narrative Reflective Humorous Analytical

Expository Purpose – Presents facts and ideas or explains a process. Example – Online article that explores ways to keep your dog healthy.

Persuasive Purpose- Convince readers to take an action or adopt a point of view. Example – A speech urging the audience to adopt a pet.

Argumentative Purpose - Creates a healthy debate on the particular topic that you're writing on and allow the reader to form his or her own opinion as well. Example – An essay on adopting an animal or purchasing it from a breeder.

Narrative Purpose – Tells the story of a real-life experience. Example – Essay about a dog who saved a person’s life.

Descriptive Purpose – Provide a vivid picture of something. Example – Essay about a writers favorite pet.

Reflective Purpose – Explain the writers insights about an event or experience. Example- Essay describing lessons about life the writer learned from owning a pet.

Humorous Purpose – To entertain and amuse. Example – An article about the challenges of training very spirited puppy.

Analytical Purpose – To break a large idea into parts to show how the parts work as a whole. Example – An article that discusses the criteria used for judging champion show dogs.

Analyzing Structure and Relationships IF A TEXT HAS section headings. IT IS PROBABLY ORGANIZED by topic. ITS PURPOSE MAY BE to inform and to describe.

IF A TEXT HAS steps or dates IT IS PROBABLY ORGANIZED in order time ITS PURPOSE MAY BE to tell a story or explain a process

IF A TEXT IS ABOUT The Civil War IT MIGHT SHOW what events and ideas cause the war and who suffered during the war

IF A TEXT IS ABOUT The author’s life as a spy IT MIGHT SHOW what caused her career choice and how her actions affected others.

IF A TEXT IS ABOUT Social Networks IT MIGHT SHOW how they have impacted users’ and why they have become so popular