Writing Non-Fiction

1. Writing Non-Fiction This icon indicates that detailed teacher’s notes are available in the Notes Page. This icon indicates the slide contains activities created in Flash. These activities are not editable. For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

2. Writing non-fiction Non-fiction writing usually aims to inform or persuade the reader. Although there are times when factual writing can be entertaining, this is not usually a non-fiction writer’s main purpose. Non-fiction writing is writing which is true and based on real life facts. Can you think of any examples of non-fiction writing? • What about: • atlases • biographies • travel guides • cook books • DIY manuals?

3. The structure of non-fiction texts • Factual writing requires a rigid, carefully considered structure. This structure consists of: • short linked paragraphs • logical stages to help the reader to follow • specialized yet clear language. Can you think of any examples of non-fiction books you have read? Why did you read them?

4. Specialized vocabulary Before beginning to write any non-fiction piece, you must know your subject. Any given subject has its own jargon or specialized vocabulary which a writer must use if they’re to inform or persuade a reader. To know this specialized vocabulary it is important to read around your subject and then use a dictionary to look up any words if you are unsure of their meanings. The stock price of PG Harod’s shot up yesterday after the company’s CEO announced the company would be merging. Who might use such jargon?

5. Specialized vocabulary

6. Specialized vocabulary Brainstorm all the specialized language you can think of, linked to fashion and clothes. Now do some reading and research to find more useful jargon connected to this subject area. Can you write a short introduction to fashion in 2004?

7. Logical stages Factual writing must be easy to follow if people are to learn from it. For that reason you must try to plan your writing so that there are clear stages to your discussion.

8. Logical stages Do you know a recipe? Write it using logical stages to help your reader to understand the instructions better. The recipe can be as simple or complicated as you wish. How would you make a toasted cheese sandwich or a fried breakfast? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

9. Logical stages How would you travel from the classroom you are in now to your front door at home? Give someone directions using logical stages to help your reader to understand the instructions better. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Images Non-fiction writers often use maps, diagrams and pictures to make their meaning more clear. This helps the reader to visualize what they are being told. It can also help to engage the attention of those readers who find pure black and white text difficult to get through. Make a list of any non-fiction writing which benefits from the use of images. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Adverts Advertising is one type of non-fiction writing which heavily relies on pictures. This is because consumers are more likely to want to buy a product they can see. What kinds of pictures could you add to the advert below? For Sale 2 Bedroom House with beautiful garden in prime location.

12. Structuring your writing Writing in logical stages is not too difficult when you are creating a set of instructions. Often you can use numbers or bullet points to structure your work. However, creating a coherent order for your writing is less obvious when the subject matter does not demand it. For example, if you were asked to write an essay, the order would be dictated by the decisions you make as a writer, not by the material you are writing. Firstly you will need to group the points you are making together into basic categories.

13. Structuring your writing If you were asked to write a guide to your nearest town or city, you may well come up with the categories below. What kinds of things would you include under each category?

14. Structuring your writing Once you have decided on all the information you are going to include, you need to create a logical structure to your writing. How would you order the categories for the guide to your town or city? You can include other categories of your own. • history • eating • leisure • transport • shopping

15. Structuring your writing • Write a guide to your nearest town or city thinking carefully about the structure of your writing. • Think about: • the specialized language you are using • the order of your categories • your choice of maps, pictures and diagrams.