Non-Fiction Texts unit
Fiction Non Fiction
*Made up, not real *Real, factual
*For entertainment *To inform, to give facts
*Contains a plot, a climax, and a resolution *Contains a main ideas and supporting
details
*Contains made up characters and events *Contains actual people and events
Examples: Examples:
*Science Fiction *News stories
*Historically based fiction- this is based on real *Text Books
events but adds some things that are not real and *News papers
did not really happen. *Research papers
*Fantasy *Biographies
*Fairy Tales *Autobiographies
*Harry Potter *Diary of Anne Frank
*Where the Red Fern Grows *The Life of Benjamin Franklin
Fiction Non Fiction
*Made up, not real *Real, factual
*For entertainment *To inform, to give facts
*Contains a plot, a climax, and a resolution *Contains a main ideas and supporting
details
*Contains made up characters and events *Contains actual people and events
Examples: Examples:
*Science Fiction *News stories
*Historically based fiction- this is based on real *Text Books
events but adds some things that are not real and *News papers
did not really happen. *Research papers
*Fantasy *Biographies
*Fairy Tales *Autobiographies
*Harry Potter *Diary of Anne Frank
*Where the Red Fern Grows *The Life of Benjamin Franklin
Figurative Language
Story Elements Unit
Story Elements Notes for Test
Plot
is the series of
events that occur in a story.
Exposition the beginning, it introduces the characters, setting, and main conflict of the story.
Conflict is the problem
Complications more problems
Rising action It includes details about how the characters react to the conflict and cope with the problem. Includes complications that make the original problem harder to solve.
Climax- Marks the turning point in a story, the most exciting point
Falling Action includes information about what happens to the characters after they face the story's main conflict. This is where most of the problems (conflicts) get solved.
Resolution It explains how the main conflict is resolved and what happens to the characters as the story ends.
Conflict is the problem in the story.
Internal Conflict–fighting with self
External Conflict- fighting with things other than self
Types of Conflict
Character vs Character Two characters are fighting in some way. Arguing, shoving, ignoring
Character vs Self A conflict within one’s self – fighting with your own emotions
Character vs Nature A character is against odds of nature. Tornado, snowstorm…
Character vs Society A character is against the values, or the teachings of the society. Or a group of people and their ways. –Auguring with the school board
Character vs Technology A character is against new technology. Computers, printer, robots
Setting the place, time, and weather.. The when and where a story takes place.
Character Traits a special quality or something special about someone's personality.
Motives what causes someone to act in a certain way. It can be an emotion, desire, need, etc. A motivation is the reason
we do something.
Protagonist The main character in a story.
Antagonist The character or thing against the main character in a story.
Setting - The when and where a story takes place. (Time of day, climate, location, century...)
Theme is the most important message in a story could be called the moral or life lesson.
Mood the atmosphere that a writer creates for a reader. Tone the author’s attitude toward the subject
Flashback is an event that takes place before the timeline of the story.
Foreshadow happens when future events in a story, gives the reader clues about what will happen next in a story.
Predictions A smart guess of what may happen next.
Inferences Evidence based guesses about a story, using clues the author gives.
Difference: Predictions are guesses of what may happen later. Inferences are guesses of what is going on right now.
Point of View the side from which a story is told. It can affect how facts are shown and how we look at the characters.
1st Person POV uses "I" or "we." It is often used when someone is stating an opinion or sharing a feeling.
2nd Person POV uses the word "you." Second person is a good choice when giving directions or anytime you're speaking
directly to someone. It is almost never used to tell a story.
3rd Person POV Limited uses "he," "she," or "they." Sometimes, "it" is used when talking about a thing instead of a
person. The narrator is a non-participant but only knows the thoughts and feelings of a single character. In other words,
the narrator's knowledge of the situation is limited only to one character.
3rd Person POV Omniscient uses "he," "she," or "they." Sometimes, "it" is used when talking about a thing instead of a
person. The writer is a non-participant but is able to see into and have unlimited knowledge about any or all of the
characters. From this angle, the author can roam anywhere, see anything, and comment on or interpret events at will. (God
like)
NON-FICTION
Summary is a shorter way to tell the events or details of a passage. Only the most important details are conveyed.
Paraphrase put the text in your own words.
Main Idea of a passage is the idea that most of the passage covers.
Supporting Detail Sentences the sentences that explain, describe, or support the main idea.
Relevant Details are related details that develop and explain the main idea.
Nonessential Information added information you do not need
Essential Information Important information
Bias if the person has a strong feeling either for or against something
Exposition the beginning, it introduces the characters, setting, and main conflict of the story.
Conflict is the problem
Complications more problems
Rising action It includes details about how the characters react to the conflict and cope with the problem. Includes complications that make the original problem harder to solve.
Climax- Marks the turning point in a story, the most exciting point
Falling Action includes information about what happens to the characters after they face the story's main conflict. This is where most of the problems (conflicts) get solved.
Resolution It explains how the main conflict is resolved and what happens to the characters as the story ends.
Conflict is the problem in the story.
Internal Conflict–fighting with self
External Conflict- fighting with things other than self
Types of Conflict
Character vs Character Two characters are fighting in some way. Arguing, shoving, ignoring
Character vs Self A conflict within one’s self – fighting with your own emotions
Character vs Nature A character is against odds of nature. Tornado, snowstorm…
Character vs Society A character is against the values, or the teachings of the society. Or a group of people and their ways. –Auguring with the school board
Character vs Technology A character is against new technology. Computers, printer, robots
Setting the place, time, and weather.. The when and where a story takes place.
Character Traits a special quality or something special about someone's personality.
Motives what causes someone to act in a certain way. It can be an emotion, desire, need, etc. A motivation is the reason
we do something.
Protagonist The main character in a story.
Antagonist The character or thing against the main character in a story.
Setting - The when and where a story takes place. (Time of day, climate, location, century...)
Theme is the most important message in a story could be called the moral or life lesson.
Mood the atmosphere that a writer creates for a reader. Tone the author’s attitude toward the subject
Flashback is an event that takes place before the timeline of the story.
Foreshadow happens when future events in a story, gives the reader clues about what will happen next in a story.
Predictions A smart guess of what may happen next.
Inferences Evidence based guesses about a story, using clues the author gives.
Difference: Predictions are guesses of what may happen later. Inferences are guesses of what is going on right now.
Point of View the side from which a story is told. It can affect how facts are shown and how we look at the characters.
1st Person POV uses "I" or "we." It is often used when someone is stating an opinion or sharing a feeling.
2nd Person POV uses the word "you." Second person is a good choice when giving directions or anytime you're speaking
directly to someone. It is almost never used to tell a story.
3rd Person POV Limited uses "he," "she," or "they." Sometimes, "it" is used when talking about a thing instead of a
person. The narrator is a non-participant but only knows the thoughts and feelings of a single character. In other words,
the narrator's knowledge of the situation is limited only to one character.
3rd Person POV Omniscient uses "he," "she," or "they." Sometimes, "it" is used when talking about a thing instead of a
person. The writer is a non-participant but is able to see into and have unlimited knowledge about any or all of the
characters. From this angle, the author can roam anywhere, see anything, and comment on or interpret events at will. (God
like)
NON-FICTION
Summary is a shorter way to tell the events or details of a passage. Only the most important details are conveyed.
Paraphrase put the text in your own words.
Main Idea of a passage is the idea that most of the passage covers.
Supporting Detail Sentences the sentences that explain, describe, or support the main idea.
Relevant Details are related details that develop and explain the main idea.
Nonessential Information added information you do not need
Essential Information Important information
Bias if the person has a strong feeling either for or against something
Propaganda Notes
Author's Influence Sometimes, what you see is NOT what you get.
Authors sometimes use special techniques to try and influence your thinking. You might think you're reading a simple article about the benefits of drinking water daily. But you might actually be reading a sales pitch that's trying to get you to buy a certain brand of bottled water.
As you read, it's good to be on the lookout for techniques that a writer might be using to try and influence you.
Bias A person who prefers one thing above another has a bias. As you read, see if you can find any author bias. Does the author seem to favor, or like, some things more than others? Maybe the author has written about several famous athletes, but you can tell the author really likes one of the athletes the best. The author is showing a bias.
Propaganda Propaganda is a technique used to influence people. If you feel an author is trying to influence you in a certain direction by telling you "Everybody else owns and enjoys riding a scooter," or "These popular singers wear our brand of clothing," or something along those lines, the author is probably using propaganda.
Stereotype Stereotyping is taking a quality of one individual and applying it to every individual in the group. Let's say you have a friend who wears glasses and is very interested in science. If you decide that all people who wear glasses are interested in science based on your one friend, you are stereotyping. Be on the watch for stereotypes authors might use on purpose or without even knowing it.
Media Technique Have you ever watched a commercial for a candy bar and suddenly felt a craving for chocolate? Have you ever watched a movie and been startled by a sudden loud bang? People who create audiovisual presentations can use special colors, camera angles, and sounds to influence you. Be aware of different media techniques used to affect you in a certain way.
example:
"Let's go get a brisket sandwich from Al's BBQ," Sharla said.
"No, I don't eat barbeque anymore. I got sick from some barbeque once, and now I can't even stand the smell of it." April replied.
Why has April developed a bias against barbeque?
She has a bias because she got sick from some barbeque. She doesn't like to eat or smell barbeque anymore because it reminds her of the time she got sick.
Propaganda: What is it? Who uses it? When is it used? Why is it effective? How can propaganda be dangerous? Bias: What does it mean when an author has a bias? How can you tell if an author has a bias? Why must you be careful when reading passages that have a bias? How can an author persuade you with their bias? Bandwagon /Peer pressure Everyone is doing it so should you. You wont be cool if you don’t do it,(buy it) too.
Testimonial - A famous person endorses an idea, a product, a candidate. If you like that person you should agree with their choices.
Loaded words- Uses emotionally charged words to create a strong positive or negative reaction.
Patriotism - Appeals to your sense of duty, your love of your country.
Most people do not want to be unpatriotic so they buy products that represent America.
Stereo types/ Broad generalizations – Claims that something is true for all members of a group.
Oversimplification – Making complicated topics seem simpler than they are.
Unsupported claims – Someone saying something is true but they do not give evidence to support it.
Appeal to ignorance - Suggest if something has not been proven to be false then it has to be true.
Circular thinking – Uses the claim as the foundation of truth.
Either / or argument –Assumes there are only two arguments. (Everything is black or white no gray areas)
Red herring – Changes the subject to distract the reader/ viewer from the subject.
Straw man - Dismissing the other person’s argument as ridiculous. Misrepresenting the other person’s argument.
Scare tactics – The use of fear to get people to take action.
Plain-folks appeal - This idea, product, or person is associated with normal, everyday people and activities.
Other ways advertisers try to persuade you Catch phrases – Slogans that advertisers use so you will remember their company.
Catchy tunes – Songs about the product that get stuck in your head and you remember.
Repetition – Repeating the same thing over and over in hopes that you will remember it.
Humor – Making the commercials funny so you will remember them. Promotions – Giving away something for free, at a discounted price, or coupons in order to get you to try or buy the product.
Advertisers also think about placement and audience. Why?
Author's Influence Sometimes, what you see is NOT what you get.
Authors sometimes use special techniques to try and influence your thinking. You might think you're reading a simple article about the benefits of drinking water daily. But you might actually be reading a sales pitch that's trying to get you to buy a certain brand of bottled water.
As you read, it's good to be on the lookout for techniques that a writer might be using to try and influence you.
Bias A person who prefers one thing above another has a bias. As you read, see if you can find any author bias. Does the author seem to favor, or like, some things more than others? Maybe the author has written about several famous athletes, but you can tell the author really likes one of the athletes the best. The author is showing a bias.
Propaganda Propaganda is a technique used to influence people. If you feel an author is trying to influence you in a certain direction by telling you "Everybody else owns and enjoys riding a scooter," or "These popular singers wear our brand of clothing," or something along those lines, the author is probably using propaganda.
Stereotype Stereotyping is taking a quality of one individual and applying it to every individual in the group. Let's say you have a friend who wears glasses and is very interested in science. If you decide that all people who wear glasses are interested in science based on your one friend, you are stereotyping. Be on the watch for stereotypes authors might use on purpose or without even knowing it.
Media Technique Have you ever watched a commercial for a candy bar and suddenly felt a craving for chocolate? Have you ever watched a movie and been startled by a sudden loud bang? People who create audiovisual presentations can use special colors, camera angles, and sounds to influence you. Be aware of different media techniques used to affect you in a certain way.
example:
"Let's go get a brisket sandwich from Al's BBQ," Sharla said.
"No, I don't eat barbeque anymore. I got sick from some barbeque once, and now I can't even stand the smell of it." April replied.
Why has April developed a bias against barbeque?
She has a bias because she got sick from some barbeque. She doesn't like to eat or smell barbeque anymore because it reminds her of the time she got sick.
Propaganda: What is it? Who uses it? When is it used? Why is it effective? How can propaganda be dangerous? Bias: What does it mean when an author has a bias? How can you tell if an author has a bias? Why must you be careful when reading passages that have a bias? How can an author persuade you with their bias? Bandwagon /Peer pressure Everyone is doing it so should you. You wont be cool if you don’t do it,(buy it) too.
Testimonial - A famous person endorses an idea, a product, a candidate. If you like that person you should agree with their choices.
Loaded words- Uses emotionally charged words to create a strong positive or negative reaction.
Patriotism - Appeals to your sense of duty, your love of your country.
Most people do not want to be unpatriotic so they buy products that represent America.
Stereo types/ Broad generalizations – Claims that something is true for all members of a group.
Oversimplification – Making complicated topics seem simpler than they are.
Unsupported claims – Someone saying something is true but they do not give evidence to support it.
Appeal to ignorance - Suggest if something has not been proven to be false then it has to be true.
Circular thinking – Uses the claim as the foundation of truth.
Either / or argument –Assumes there are only two arguments. (Everything is black or white no gray areas)
Red herring – Changes the subject to distract the reader/ viewer from the subject.
Straw man - Dismissing the other person’s argument as ridiculous. Misrepresenting the other person’s argument.
Scare tactics – The use of fear to get people to take action.
Plain-folks appeal - This idea, product, or person is associated with normal, everyday people and activities.
Other ways advertisers try to persuade you Catch phrases – Slogans that advertisers use so you will remember their company.
Catchy tunes – Songs about the product that get stuck in your head and you remember.
Repetition – Repeating the same thing over and over in hopes that you will remember it.
Humor – Making the commercials funny so you will remember them. Promotions – Giving away something for free, at a discounted price, or coupons in order to get you to try or buy the product.
Advertisers also think about placement and audience. Why?