what is the difference between fiction & non- fiction?

What is the difference between Fiction & Non-

Fiction?

Fiction is:• writing which comes from author’s

imagination• May have realistic elements

It’s Purpose, you ask?•To entertain, of course!

Types of FictionRealistic Fiction

• Fiction that tells about people, places, or events that could happen

Science Fiction• Based on scientific fact that usually takes

place in the near or distant future

Historical Fiction• Sets characters against historical

backdrop and contains details about this time period

Fantasy• Tells about people / events which are

impossible in the real world

Folktale• Story of people or places handed down

from past and written down

Fable• Short, simple tale that teaches a moral. • Characters are animals

Myth• Traditional story involving gods,

goddesses, & heroes which explain something or tell about a historical event

Legend• Based on history or actual hero• Passed down orally, then written down

Non-Fiction is:• based on facts• describes real events, people & ideas• great deal of information to be understood

and remembered• may share some elements of fiction

It’s Purpose, you ask?• To inform, explain, describe, or persuade

1st Form of NonfictionLiterary Nonfiction

•has some elements of fiction (might use vivid descriptions, a dramatic writing style, or poetic language)

Biography – Lit. NF• Story of another person’s life

Autobiography- Lit. NF• Story about one’s entire life written by

themselves

Personal Narrative / Memoir – lit. NF

• an account of a few events of a person’s life.• relates an event, incident, or experience to

his/her own life• written in 1st person

Letters – lit. NF• Written communications from person to

person

Essays and Articles – lit. NF• Brief works about a specific topic

Reviews – lit. NF• Tell what is good and what is bad about a

movie, performance, book, etc.

Reports – lit. NF• Give info. about a topics explored through

research

2nd Form of NonfictionFunctional Texts

•Give instructions, show directions, explain rules, provide other types of info. to help you complete procedures•Often contain graphics and illustrations

Recipes, Menus – Functional

Directions

• Tell how to operate or assemble equipment

Schedules• Tell when events take place

Brochures

• Use pictures and text to advertise places or events.

Maps

Applications• Written requests to an authority

3rd form of NonfictionInformational•Material which provides the reader with information about a specific topic

textbooks

reference materialencyclopedia