Fiction Verses Non-Fiction By: Miss Pankowski & Mrs. Mitchell
Objectives Identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Identify the elements of fiction as applied to a short story. Differentiate a fiction and nonfiction book.
Elements of Fiction
Fiction Fiction = A story from an authors imagination. Two Forms 1.Short Story Can easily be read in one sitting Explores one topic 2.Novel Has a longer more complicated plot
4 Components of Fiction Plot = Characters = Setting = Theme = The events of the story Characters = The people, animals, or imaginary characters in the story Setting = The time and place where the story occurs. Theme = The main message in the story.
Elements of Non-Fiction
WHAT IS NONFICTION? The subject of nonfiction is real The author writes about actual persons, places and events. The writer may just report facts The writer may also include personal opinions Often there is a mixture of both Readers must read critically
CRITICAL READING Look at writer’s background Look at writer’s purpose Look at writer’s attitude Look at writer’s audience
PERSONAL CHRONICLES
DIARIES AND JOURNALS Diaries: a private form of writing with no further intended audience Journals: varying styles and topics. Give a glimpse of the writer’s value of his or her world
LETTERS Private Letters Public Letter Letters can Reveal character Express opinions Ask for information Give information Audience and Purpose influence tone.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS Personal Reflections must be memorable and significant and : Give character insight Lead to an unexpected conclusion Show how a lesson was learned Awaken feeling of pity, compassion, joy and nostalgia
Biography Written about a person’s life or one main event Has a plot Can be read in one sitting or have many chapters Historical biographies include strands of an individual’s life interwoven with historical persons, places and events.
Autobiography The biography of a person written by himself or herself. Has a plot Can be read in one sitting or have many chapters Author has some purpose for writing To teach To gain awareness To warn Simply to entertain
MEMOIRS A type of autobiographical writing, dealing with the recollections of prominent people or people who have been a part of or have witnessed significant events. Considered both autobiographical and historical.
Encyclopedia Information organized by topic Topics organized alphabetically The entries are short Used for research
JOURNALISM Newspapers Magazines Online sources
TYPES OF JOURNALISM Interviews Columns Reviews Articles Editorials Editorial Cartoons
News Paper Articles Short Can be read in one sitting Articles Focuses on one topic or main idea
Essay Can be based on research or personal experience Can be read in one sitting Written in paragraph form, usually five or more
TYPES OF ESSAYS Formal Essay A prose discussion on a serious topic in a serious manner, usually rigidly structured and organized. Informal Essay A prose discussion on any topic in a light, humorous, amusing manner; often loosely organized, rambling and casual in approach.
CHARACTERISTICS of an Essay The Formal Essay Purpose: to inform, explain, convince Tone: serious, rhetorical, balanced The Informal Essay Narrative structure Tone: conversational, sometimes witty and humorous
HUMOR AND THE ESSAY Wit Humor Incongruity The unexpected Exaggeration Ability to show, with sympathy, the things in life and human behavior that are funny.
OTHER TYPES OF ESSAYS Comparison and Contrast Essays Persuasive Essays Cause and Effect Essays
Interview Recorded word for word Can be read in one sitting May be written in bullet format or like a drama
Textbook Information organized by topic Used for reference to inform Organized chronologically (by time) or by topic
OTHER TYPES OF NONFICTION Speeches Historical Writing Science Writing Technical writing Writing online Miscellaneous writing
ELEMENTS OF NONFICTION Characters, Plot, and Setting. Like fiction– but all are real Person in autobiography or biography called a subject Purpose – changes the style and tone of the piece Tone (author’s attitude toward the topic) -based on purpose and audience.
HOW TO READ NONFICTION Try to separate facts from opinions. The writer has chosen facts that present a certain picture of the subject. Think about what might be missing as well as what is there.
MORE READING TIPS Think about the writer's purpose. Is the writer trying to win you over to his or her opinion? Learn to appreciate how well a writer says something, even when you don't agree. Be a critical reader.
FINAL READING TIPS Be aware of the writer's tone. Pay attention to what the author reveals about himself or herself – especially true in autobiography
Questions?