In nonfiction, the subject matter is factual. The writer of nonfiction writes about actual people, places, and things.

 Essays  Persuasive  Informative  Expository (explaining)  Journals  Diaries  Documetaries  Histories  Scientific Papers  Photographs  Biographies  Textbooks  Manuals/blueprints  Travel Books  Technical documentation  Journalism  Newspaper Articles  Editorials (opinions)  Magazine Articles  News Broadcasts

 As long as writing has existed, nonfiction has existed.  The first biographies- written to glorify heroes & leaders --only the subject's good acts.  By the 1800's-- biographers include the subject's weaknesses, also.  The first great modern biography  By James Boswell (English) The Life of Johnson  about his friend Samuel Johnson, writer of one of the earliest English dictionaries.  Modern biographies --true to the subject's personality and history. Are well-researched and objective.  Characters, Plot, and Setting. Like fiction, nonfiction has characters, plot, and setting., but they’re real, not made up.  Subject --The main character in an autobiography or other non-fiction piece  Purpose --Different types of nonfiction have different purposes: inform, persuade, entertain, move  Tone--The writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter – just as important in non-fiction as in fiction  Credibility is the main issue in Non-fiction. A writer must guard his/her credibility

Didacticism – when writing is designed or intended to teach or make moral observations It is hard for some authors not to preach, especially when the subject is important. If the facts are carefully arranged, the evidence gathers and builds to prove the point, and preaching becomes unnecessary. If there are differing theories or evidence, then the author needs to address them. Propaganda: is used in persuasion if the tactics used are sly, deceitful or overly sentimental. Oversimplified, tricky or one-sided arguments are propaganda. A repeated image is also a means of propaganda. Objectivity--Creators of non fiction have the obligation of being objective. The creator must sort through information and decide what to include or omit. Both sides must be considered and included in arguments. Objectivity is related to reliability.

 A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study.  These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.  Some types of primary sources include:  ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records  CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art  RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings, photos, documents  What is a secondary source? A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.  Some types of secondary sources include:  PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias

 Examples of primary sources include:  Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII  The Constitution of U.S.- U.S.History  A journal article reporting NEW research or findings  Weavings and pottery - Native American history  Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece  Examples of secondary sources include:  A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings  A history textbook  A book about the effects of WWI

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