Fiction and Nonfiction

Fiction and Nonfiction

What's the difference?

Open Ended

In your own words, define the term "fiction". (What is fiction?)

Open Ended

In your own words, define the word "nonfiction". (What is it?)

Which one is "true"?

Often, students get the impression that nonfiction is "true" and fiction is fake. This isn't accurate. The difference between fiction and nonfiction is how the author goes about conveying his/her message. It's up to the reader to decide if what they've read contains truth.

Special Qualities of Fiction

• Fictional stories are invented by the author.

  The writer speaks THROUGH CHARACTERS, telling their story.

• Fiction is usually written in the past tense, but seems like it's happening in the present

Special Qualities of Fiction (continued)

• When reading fiction, the reader can take part in the story- you're immersed in the world of the book!

• Fiction can be "true" in its answers to questions such as: What are people like? Why do they behave the way they do? What do we all have in common?

Open Ended

What is the name of a fiction story or novel that you've especially enjoyed? What "truth" did you learn from it? (A theme or message...)

Special Qualities of NONFiction

• The writer of nonfiction speaks for him or herself, directly addressing the reader.

• Nonfiction can be written about any subject, real or imaginary, and can contain information, theories ideas, and opinions that may or may not be true.

Special Qualities of NONFiction

• Nonfiction puts readers and writers in a 1:1 relationship. Good readers ask questions and draw their own conclusions.

• The truth of nonfiction depends upon the knowledge and intent of the individual writer and can't be taken for granted by the reader.

Open Ended

What nonfiction have you read that taught you something important? (Article, nonfiction book, essay, memoir, blog entry, etc.)

In other words....

• In Fiction-- the writer presents a world that the readers enters. Fiction is based on its characters (human beings!) The messages in fiction are about human nature.

• In Nonfiction-- the writer speaks for him/herself on a topic that's informative or personal/persuasive, giving facts, ideas, or opinions that may or may not be true.

The responsibility is ours as readers!

Good readers, whether you're reading fiction or nonfiction, think carefully about the messages conveyed. Is there bias? Can the message be backed up? What is the writers reason (intent) for writing?