READING NONFICTION

Types and Purposes

WHAT IS NONFICTION?

The subject of nonfiction is realThe author writes about actual

persons, places and events.The writer may just report factsThe writer may also include

personal opinionsOften there is a mixture of bothReaders must read critically

CRITICAL READING

Look at writer’s backgroundLook at writer’s purposeLook at writer’s attitudeLook at writer’s audience

JOURNALISM

•Newspapers

•Magazines

•Online sources

TYPES OF JOURNALISM

InterviewsColumnsReviewsArticlesEditorialsEditorial Cartoons

ESSAYS

TYPES OF ESSAYS

•Formal Essay

•A writing style on a serious topic in a serious manner, usually tightly prepared and organized.

•Informal Essay

•A writing style on any topic in a light, humorous, amusing manner; often loosely organized, rambling and casual in approach.

OTHER TYPES OF ESSAYS

Comparison and Contrast EssaysPersuasive EssaysCause and Effect Essays

DIARIES AND JOURNALS

Diaries: a private form of writing with no further intended audienceJournals: varying styles and topics. Give a glimpse of the writer’s value of his or her world

LETTERSPrivate LettersPublic LetterLetters can Reveal characterExpress opinionsAsk for

informationGive 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

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Written by the subject for publicationAuthor has some purpose for writingTo teachTo arouse awarenessTo warnSimply to entertain

MEMOIRS

A TYPE OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL WRITING, DEALING WITH THE RECOLLECTIONS OF IMPORTANT PEOPLE OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN A PART OF OR HAVE WITNESSED SIGNIFICANT EVENTS.

CONSIDERED BOTH AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

BIOGRAPHY

The accurate presentation of a life story from birth to death of an individual.Historical biographies include strands of an individual’s life interwoven with historical persons, places and events.

OTHER TYPES OF NONFICTION

SpeechesHistorical WritingScience WritingTechnical writingWriting onlineMiscellaneous writing