Writing Non-Fiction
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Specialized vocabulary
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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?
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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.
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Logical stages
Do you know a recipe? Write it using logical
stages to help your reader to understand the
instructions
better.
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The recipe
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can be as
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simple or
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complicated
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as you wish.
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How would
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you make a
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toasted
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cheese
________________________________________________
sandwich or a
________________________________________________
fried
breakfast?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
History
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Eating
Leisure
Transport
Shopping
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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
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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.
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