PRESENTATION OUTLINE
narrative nonfiction writing- a STORY that is TRUE, but reads like fiction and contains elements of fiction, such as
characters, setting, plot. Examples of narrative nonfiction include biography and autobiography.
biography- a type of narrative nonfiction that tells a story of a person’s life, written by ANOTHER
AUTHOR.
autobiography- a type of narrative nonfiction that tells a story of one’s life, written by THAT person.
autobiography- a type of narrative nonfiction that tells a story of one’s life, written by THAT person.
memoir- an account of one's personal life and experiences; usually about a specific event or
short period of time within a person’s life.
Memoirs are a TYPE of autobiography, but are about a SHORT period of time or SPECIFIC event.
memoir- an account of one's personal life and experiences; usually about a specific event or
short period of time within a person’s life.
Memoirs are a TYPE of autobiography, but are about a SHORT period of time or SPECIFIC event.
expository writing- a type of informational writing that EXPLAINS something or SETS FORTH THE MEANING
or purpose of a particular subject.
functional text- texts encountered in the everyday world that provide necessary information, such as
traffic signs, menus, weather forecasts, advertisements, directions, food labels, job applications,
warranties, prescription labels, etc.
personal essay- personal writing that addresses a topic in the writer’s life; it contains both fact and opinion. Can be either narrative or expository.
author’s purpose- the author’s REASON for writing. *For instance, to ENTERTAIN, to INSTRUCT, to INFORM, to
PERSUADE , to DESCRIBE, or to EXPLAIN.
bias/ viewpoint- the author’s personal belief/perspective toward a topic. This subjectivity affects the accuracy of the information.
mood- the emotional atmosphere produced in the audience; how the audience (reader) feels.
tone- the author’s attitude toward his/her subject, e.g. serious, sarcastic, objective, enthusiastic, humorous, hostile, disapproving, personal, impersonal, etc.; not to be confused with mood
source- the print, electronic, and personal resources or media where an author finds information to include in writing.
“credible” source- a source that contains information that is accurate and believable.
validity-- accuracy and trustworthiness of a text. Students should consider:
fact- a statement that includes information that can be “verified” (proven true.)
opinion- a statement that cannot be “verified” (proven true) based on one’s own beliefs.
explicit information- ideas and understandings which are DIRECTLY or FULLY stated in the text.
implied/implicit information—ideas and understandings which are NOT directly or fully stated in a text.
text structure- how a text is arranged or organized to help a reader monitor his/her comprehension.
There are TWO TYPES:
internal text structure (also known as organizational pattern)
external text structure (also known as text features). Includes:
topic- the subject of a piece of text
main idea – the author’s overall idea in a text
supporting details- evidence an author uses to strengthen the main idea
summary – an expression that includes the author’s main idea and essential supporting details from a text
