Reading & Understanding Non-fictional Texts

English I

Understanding Non-fictionTo better understand and clarify your thinking about non-fictional texts, the student should analyze:

a) Author’s Purpose (Inform, persuade, etc.)b) Central Idea/Message

a) Stated messages? b) What inferences can you make? (What is implied?)

c) Support (details, explanations, examples, etc.)d) Organization/ Connections (How is the information organized? ) e) New concepts/vocabulary contained in piecef) Author’s Point of View (Is he/she subjective or objective?)

RESPONSE: Now, where can you take the ‘conversation,’ or how can you use/apply the ideas?

Non-fiction Questions Always answer these questions:

• What is the author’s point?• How does he/she support it?• How does he/she organize it?• Why does it matter? (What is the

significance to life around us?)• Were there words, ideas, or other

information that was entirely new to you, and how should you work with that information?

Non-fiction Terms (p. 496 & 516-517)1. Theme:2. Tone:3. Diction:4. Connotation:5. Denotation:6. Mood:7. Logical appeals:8. Emotional appeals:9. Loaded words:

10. Anecdote:11. Fallacy:12. Generalization:13. Call to action:14. Credibility:15. Author’s Purpose:16. Testimonial:17. Overstatement:18. Understatement:19. Sarcasm:

We will practice analysis of non-fiction by reading essays, articles, letters, and other non-fiction literature, looking at visuals, watching videos, perhaps even listening to radio documentaries and podcasts.

In each case, we break down the information using our worksheet, and consider how we might respond to that information.

Our response should NOT be a summary, but rather a reply.

Today we will read an article and analyze each of the literary techniques found in it.

1. First, using the cart provided, re-write each literary term definition using your own words & understanding.

2. Once you feel as though you have a clear understanding of each term, read the assigned article, “How Much Is That Doggie?” and highlight or underline the primary ideas.

3. Complete your term chart by providing evidence from the texts of each literary technique found in the text.

*We will continue with this activity tomorrow.