Blog #9 Non-fiction and Fiction Text

Differentiating between nonfiction and fiction texts is a critical skill all readers need. For English Language Learners, the differences must be clearly illustrated. The list of text features for non-fiction text is much longer than fiction texts. We need to teach ESL students to navigate the complexity of non-fiction texts. Below is a graphic organizer that could be used as a pre-assessment and a post assessment. I would also have students create a resource (either using technology or a different way) that illustrates the differences between the two texts. I could even see students working in groups to create examples of fiction and non-fiction texts.
These are the differences I would teach students:


Narrative

• character
• setting
• problem
• events
• solution
• story elements
• chronological text structure 

Expository:

• different text structures
• categorization
• alphabetical
• process
• clarification
• cyclical
• cause/effect
• question/answer
• table of contents
• glossary
• headings
• pictures/captions
• diagrams
• artifacts
• pictures and photographs
• maps
• graphs

I often have bold print, a glossary, or an index. Who am I?	I usually have colorful illustrations instead of photographs. Who am I?
I have to be read beginning to end if you want my story to make sense. Who am I?	If you want real information on a topic, I’m the one you need. Who am I?
You can often find fun features like maps, graphs, captions, or diagrams on my pages. Who am I?	I do not have a table of contents, index, or glossary. Who am I?
I often have a main character or two, a setting, a sequence of events, and problem to solve. Who am I?	My story is pretend and written for fun. Who am I?
I usually have photographs instead of drawings. Who am I?	My story is non-fiction and you do not have to read me from beginning to end for my story to make sense. Instead, you can use my table of contents or my index to get the exact information you are looking for. Who am I?