Nonfiction Texts

Structures
Structure
-the way something is built or organized and
the relationship between the parts

The following parts of nonfiction text structure:
*Genre *Organization *Features
*Language
Structure Part 1: Genre
a category of writing or art that has a particular
set of common characteristics
Genre
literary nonfiction
biographies or autobiographies
diary entries, letters, memoirs, journals
instructions, instruction manuals
research paper
reporting
essay
Structure Part 2: Features
a special section included in some texts

FRONT OF THE TEXT BACK OF THE TEXT OTHER LOCATIONS
Table of Contents
Prologue
Foreword
Preface
Appendix
Epilogue
Index
Glossary
Reference List
Footnotes
Captions
In-text citations
Headings/Subheadings
Features
Table of Contents: a listing of key topics usually
arranged by chapter

Prologue: an introduction usually written by the
author that sets up the story in some way
Features
Preface: the authors explanation of something outside of
the book that answers a question such as why the book
was written or how the author stumbled upon the storys
key point.

Foreward: an opening statement usually writing by
someone other than the author to give credibility to the
texts author or a stamp of approval to the work
Features
glossary: a specialized dictionary of terms used
in the text
reference list: a list of sources cited or
additional resources presented in an official
format such as MLA
appendix: a section or table of additional
information at the end of a book
Features
epilogue: a section at the end of a text that
serve as a conclusion or final commentary

index: an alphabetical list that references topics
mentioned in the text itself
Features
Footnotes: a piece of information printed at the bottom of
the page
Captions: a title or brief explanation appended to an article,
illustration, cartoon, or poster
In-text citations:a brief mention in the text of your paper that
leads the reader to the complete information about that
reference
Headings/Subheadings: the main title or subordinate title of
a section of text
Structure: Part 3: Organization
the format, order, or arrangement of the
information within the text

*chronological order *compare/contrast
*classification *cause/effect *division
*order of importance
Organization
Chronological Order: the presentation of
information in time order
This structure answers questions like the
following:
1. What happened first?
2. What happened next?
3. When did the event happen?
Organization
ORDER of IMPORTANCE COMPARE/CONTRAST
the presentation of information in order of
rank or significance
the presentation of information in a manner
that shows how objects or concepts are
similar and different
Answers questions like the following:
1. Which point is the most important?
2. Why is one aspect more vital than the
other?
3. What makes one part more valuable
than other parts?
Answers questions like the folllowing:
1. What do these ideas have in
common?
2. How are they concepts different?
Organization
Division- writing
that takes ONE topic
and breaks it into
parts for discussion
Classification- writing that takes multiple
items and place those items into categories.
Organization
Cause and Effect: writing that makes a direct
connection between why things occur and the
outcomes.
Answers questions like the following:
1. Why did it happen?
2. What are the results of this event?
Structure Part 4: Language
A writers use of language is the crafty way the
writer puts words together for a specific
purpose.

Pathos Ethos
Logos
Subjective
Objective
Language
Subjective Language
writing that expresses
beliefs, opinions and
perspectives

The birthday bash wasnt as fun as it
was last year. I didnt like the music,
and my friends werent there.
Objective Language- writing that portrays facts
without bias


Fifty people attended the birthday
bash. It began at six and ended at
nine. Parents were there to
supervise.
Language
Pathos (feelings): The writer uses language to
evoke feelings or thoughts from the audience.
---emotions/imagination---
You are so attractive that I can picture you in
this gorgeous car. Make your friends jealous!
Logos (logic): The writer uses language to
focus on the information through data,
statistics, examples, etc. to persuade the
audience.
---consistency/logic---
This car travels 40 miles on one gallon of gas
and ranks #1 for safety. It would work for you.
Language
Ethos (character): The writer focuses on
expertise, character and reputation to persuade
the audience.
---credibility/trust---
I have been the successful owner of this car
dealership for 30 years. Would I lie to you?