Reading Different Story Types
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What you will learn
- 1Distinguish fiction (made-up stories) from nonfiction (books about real things)
- 2Identify clue words and features that signal fiction or nonfiction
- 3Recognize that both fiction and nonfiction are valuable types of reading
Mini Lesson
Every book you pick up is either fiction or nonfiction. These are the two main types of reading — and knowing which one you are reading helps you know what to expect and how to read it.
Fiction — made-up stories
- Fiction is invented — the author made it up.
- It has characters, a setting, and a plot (a beginning, middle, and end).
- Things can happen that are impossible in real life — animals can talk, people can fly, magic is real.
- The goal is to entertain you and take you to another world.
- Examples: fairy tales, adventure stories, talking-animal books, fantasy, fables.
Nonfiction — real information
- Nonfiction is true — it is about real people, places, animals, or events.
- It often has headings, labels, diagrams, and facts.
- Things must be accurate — the author cannot invent information.
- The goal is to inform you — to teach you something real.
- Examples: animal fact books, science books, biographies, how-to books.
Clue words to spot each type
- Fiction clues: once upon a time · one day · he said · she dreamed · magic · castle · talking animals
- Nonfiction clues: facts about · did you know · the largest · scientists say · how to · photographs
Words to know
Fiction
A made-up story invented by the author — characters, plot, can include impossible events
e.g. Fairy tales, adventure stories, talking-animal books, fantasy.
Nonfiction
Writing about real things — true facts about real people, places, animals, or events
e.g. Animal fact books, science books, biographies, how-to books.
Clue word
A word or phrase that signals whether a book is fiction or nonfiction
e.g. "Once upon a time" → fiction. "Did you know" → nonfiction.
Ask yourself: "Is this story made up, or is it about something real? Could it really happen?"
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