What is the difference between Fiction & Non-Fiction?

Fiction is: It’s Purpose, you ask? writing which comes from author’s imagination May have realistic elements It’s Purpose, you ask? To entertain, of course!

Types of Fiction Realistic Fiction Fiction that tells about people, places, or events that could happen

Science Fiction Based on scientific fact that usually takes place in the near or distant future

Historical Fiction Sets characters against historical backdrop and contains details about this time period

Fantasy Tells about people / events which are impossible in the real world

Folktale Story of people or places handed down from past and written down

Fable Short, simple tale that teaches a moral. Characters are animals

Myth Traditional story involving gods, goddesses, & heroes which explain something or tell about a historical event

Legend Based on history or actual hero Passed down orally, then written down

Dystopian Propaganda is use to control citizens of the society Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society Citizens live in a dehumanized state

Non-Fiction is: It’s Purpose, you ask? based on facts describes real events, people & ideas great deal of information to be understood and remembered may share some elements of fiction It’s Purpose, you ask? To inform, explain, describe, or persuade

1st Form of Nonfiction Literary Nonfiction has some elements of fiction (might use vivid descriptions, a dramatic writing style, or poetic language)

Biography – Lit. NF Story of another person’s life

Autobiography- Lit. NF Story about one’s entire life written by themselves

Personal Narrative / Memoir – lit. NF an account of a few events of a person’s life. relates an event, incident, or experience to his/her own life written in 1st person

Letters – lit. NF Written communications from person to person

Essays and Articles – lit. NF Brief works about a specific topic

Reviews – lit. NF Tell what is good and what is bad about a movie, performance, book, etc.

Reports – lit. NF Give info. about topics explored through research

2nd Form of Nonfiction Functional Texts Give instructions, show directions, explain rules, provide other types of info. to help you complete procedures Often contain graphics and illustrations

Recipes, Menus – Functional

Directions Tell how to operate or assemble equipment

Schedules Tell when events take place

Brochures Use pictures and text to advertise places or events.

Maps

Applications Written requests to an authority

3rd form of Nonfiction Informational Material which provides the reader with information about a specific topic textbooks reference material encyclopedia