Chapter Eleven. Nonfiction

Nonfiction

Nonfiction includes narrative and expository  approaches in the form of biography, autobiography, and memoirs.  So, there is not one set way or template for nonfiction.  The following is criteria that will help you evaluate nonfiction:

1. What are the qualifications of the author? What gives the author the knowledge to write this piece. How realiable is he?
2. Are the facts accurate? It can't be considered nonfiction if the facts are not correct.
3. What is the purpose and scope of the book? What is this book targetting? You have to think of the intended purpose.
4. How does the organization of the book assist readers in locating information? Is it written in a manner that will help readers find information easily?
5. What role do visuals play? How interesting are the visuals and are they helpful?

Questions to Ask Students about Nonfiction:

Tell how this book would be different if it had been written 50 years earlier or 50 years later.

Describe your favorite illustrations. Which illustration do you wish you had done yourself? Why?

Would this book make a good documentary? Why?

Explain what you think the author did to research and write this book.

How would this book be different if it had been written for an adult? For a

kindergarten student?

What kind of teacher do you think the author would make?

If you had a chance to interview the authors of this book, what would you

ask them?

Describe three facts, theories, or incidents that you found particularly inter-

esting. Tell why.

Examine the title and jacket of this book. Do they present a fair representa-

tion of the contents of the book?

Select the book you think was the most well written. Pretend a book company is considering publishing this book and you must defend this book. Describe what you would say to persuade them of its value in learning.