English Essentials - Nailing Non-Fiction - 'Big Picture' Questions to Ask in Non-fiction Analysis (Stage 4, Years/Grades

This lesson explores the analysis of non-fiction texts, focusing on the author's purpose, which can be to inform or persuade. It distinguishes between informing and persuading, using examples like George Orwell's essays. The lesson also covers discussion texts, which aim to inform without persuasion, and the use of appeals—logos, ethos, and pathos—in non-fiction. Pathos, in particular, is highlighted through examples like the 1968 Olympics protest. The lesson concludes with a preview of future topics on non-fiction forms and techniques.

What is the primary purpose of non-fiction writing?

• To create fictional worlds

• To entertain

• To inform or persuade

• To confuse

Which of the following is NOT an example of a non-fiction text?

• News article

• Fantasy novel

• Memoir

• Documentary

How does persuasion differ from informing in non-fiction?

• Informing is always biased

• Informing is about spreading misinformation

• Persuasion aims to convince, even without guaranteed truth

• Persuasion involves teaching facts

What was George Orwell's essay 'The Sporting Spirit' trying to persuade readers about?

• The history of sports

• The importance of exercise

• The dangers of sports promoting violence and nationalism

• The benefits of sports

What is the main characteristic of a discussion in non-fiction?

• It is always biased

• It persuades the reader to one side

• It presents multiple sides without a verdict

• It only informs about facts

Which type of appeal relies on logic and reason?

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Logos

• Mythos

What is an example of an appeal to ethos?

• Using emotional stories

• Citing expert opinions

• Creating hypothetical scenarios

• Presenting statistics

Which appeal is most likely to use emotional imagery?

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Logos

• Chronos

What was the impact of the 1968 Olympics protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos?

• It was ignored by the public

• It was a celebration of sports

• It raised awareness for racial equality

• It was a protest against the Olympics

What will the next lesson focus on?

• The history of non-fiction

• Different forms of non-fiction and their techniques

• Fictional writing techniques

• The art of storytelling