Fiction and Non-fiction

What are we learning today?

You will learn how fiction and non-fiction are different. You will also learn how to read a text on your own.

Explanation

• Non-fiction gives facts, dates and real people. Its purpose is to inform. A biography is non-fiction.
• Fiction has invented people, dialogue and feelings. Its purpose is to entertain. A novel is fiction.
• Reading plan: first look at the title. Then read for the story. Then read again for the details.
• Quick tip: scan to find the right part, then read it carefully.

Examples

1. George Eliot died in 1880. This is non-fiction.
2. "Oh, Maggie, you'll be in trouble!" exclaimed Tom. This is fiction.
3. A timetable is non-fiction. A fairy tale is fiction.

Remember!

• Non-fiction informs. Fiction entertains.
• Read once for the story. Read again for the details.

Check yourself

1. Which text gives dates: a biography or a novel?
2. What is the purpose of fiction?
3. What should you do first to find the right part of a text?