by Bruce Cabell
Teacher/Author/Creator
Nonfiction writing doesn't have a list of elements in the same way fiction does. It differs from fiction writing in several ways:
1) The people, places, events, and ideas are true.
2) Nonfiction presents facts and information, describes true-life experiences, or discusses ideas.
There are many different types of nonfiction writing… each one having a purpose and features to achieve the purpose. For example, in a science or social studies book, the purpose is to inform and writing may consist of text features such as: table of contents, headings, bold and italic fonts to indicate important words, maps, charts, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate information, captions, labels, glossary, index, etc.
Furthermore, writers need to choose the text type that matches their purpose and should identify the audience in which to address. Below is a list of purposes and text types.
Purposes:
Inform- to provide the reader with information (describe, explain, summarize).
Persuade- to convince the reader to take action or accept your point of view.
Instruct- to tell the reader how to do something.
Narrate- draws the reader into an event or sequence of events.
Respond- to express ideas about a topic or written text.
Text Types:
Poster
Procedure
Directions
Letter
Flowchart
Poem
Sign
Recipe
Review
Brochure
Advertisement
Report
Question and Answer
Biographies and Autobiographies
To conclude, any type of writing that is based on facts and information is considered nonfiction. Nonfiction makes up about 80-90 percent of adult reading.
Children come to school ready to share facts and information that they've learned from books, newspapers, magazines, TV, and the internet. They enjoy informative writing because it provides them the opportunity to share their topic of interest.
Display reports, biographies, newspapers, magazines, recipes, nonfiction books, and how-to articles at home. When modeling informative writing, show how research is usually required. Then, demonstrate how the information is organized and clear. This will show your children how much easier it is to read and understand.
Below, are the components of an informative beginning to a five paragraph essay:
1) An interesting lead- grab your reader's attention by using a question, fact, description, or quote.
2) A thesis statement- it is the main idea.
3) Three facts supporting the thesis statement.
4) A concluding sentence rephrasing the thesis statement.
Note: Utilize organizers to enhance the five paragraph essay. In addition, to practice informative beginnings, create an organizer similar to the narrative beginnings under Writing Tip #2. This activity will be great practice, but a little more difficult because your children will have to connect all four components that center on the same topic.
An example of an informative beginning: The Game of Soccer
(Interesting lead) Would you like to participate in a sport that gets you into shape? If your answer to this question is "Yes" then I have a game for you. (Thesis statement) Soccer has many positive and physical benefits. (Facts) Taking part in this sport will strengthen your heart, increase bone strength, and improve your mental ability. (Concluding sentence) Therefore, soccer provides many healthy benefits for you!
We know the purpose of writing an opinion piece is to convince your audience to accept your point of view. Listen to your children during the day. Many share opinions and reasons without realizing the fact that they are learning the art of persuasion. It is important to point out these examples during your genre study. For instance, "Jill, I noticed you were trying to convince your friends to play tag instead of kickball. You said you needed more children to play kickball so you thought tag would be a better game for today. Do you know you were trying to convince your friends?" Continuing to share real-life examples will help your children tremendously as they begin to compose.
When you begin opinion piece writing, display different examples such as editorials, advertisements, and book/movie reviews. Also, make sure your children know the difference between fact and opinion.
Below, are the components of an opinion beginning to a five paragraph essay:
1) An interesting lead- grab your reader's attention by using a question, fact, description, or quote.
2) A thesis statement- it is the main idea.
3) Three arguments/reasons supporting the thesis statement.
4) A concluding sentence rephrasing the thesis statement.
An example of an opinion beginning: Book- When Sophie Gets Angry
(Interesting lead) Don't miss reading the wonderful story of, When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Bang.
(Thesis statement) Why? Sophie is a character that you can easily relate to. (Arguments) Now, relating to Sophie as a character is followed by my three simple reasons. She gets angry, cries, and then feels better in the end. (Concluding sentence) So pick up this book, read it and try to connect with Sophie.
Note: You may have a few writers who will not be able to write a five paragraph essay. If you have to modify this piece of writing, please do. If some students compose a three paragraph essay due to their writing skills, there is nothing wrong with that. ☺ You do what's best for your children!
Opinion Writing
by Bruce Cabell
Opinion Writing
Is trying to convince
All of the people
In your audience.
And if you're thinking
Your opinions are strong
Your audience may feel
You are right or you are wrong.
So imagine the people
Who thought they knew
That convincing their audience
Was easy to do.
Now presidents will attempt
To deliver a speech
While authors and editors
Will write and will preach.
Plus there are people
Who want to sell
Their creative products
And do it well.
In many newspapers
Magazines and TV
There are advertisements
Who want you to believe.
So now's the time
To hear your view
So choose a topic
That's thrilling to you.
Then begin to think
Of the pros and cons
Of your chosen topic
You decided to write on.
And please make sure
Your arguments are facts
Since your readers may question
As they're on the attack.
First start the intro
With an interesting lead
Because your readers' attention
Is what you will need.
How about a question
Description or quote?
If you're not sure what to choose
They all have my vote.
Next you will write
Your point of view
Or your thesis statement
Either one you can use.
Then write three arguments
To take a stand
And tell how you feel
The best way that you can.
Finish the intro
By rephrasing your view
And saying it differently
Is what you should do.
Now comes the body
Paragraphs two, three, and four
Restate each argument
Before you write more.
Plus for every argument
Make sure you write
Supporting details
To defend your fight.
And at the end of each paragraph
Make sure you check
That each ending sentence
Transitions to the next.
Writing the conclusion
Is what you'll do last
"Will you sum it up now?"
Is what your teacher will ask.
Repeat your thesis
And your arguments too
But rephrase what you said
And then you continue.
To finish your essay
Please take heed
Connect a strong sentence
Back to your interesting lead.
So was Opinion Writing
Difficult to learn?
And if you're feeling this way
Are you concerned?
Try not to worry
Just do your best
And continue to practice
At your teacher's request.
Bruce Cabell is a teacher, author, and creator. He was a classroom teacher for over 27 years. He taught kindergarten, first, and third grade in Connecticut. Bruce has mentored numerous young teachers as well as modeled many writing strategies and skills for classroom teachers. His passion for writing has resulted in his first unique creation, Writing Organizer Fold-Outs for grades 2-5. Visit Creative Teaching Press at www.creativeteaching.com to view these wonderful all-in-one resource writing tools.
Teacher/Author/Creator
Writing Tip #4 - Nonfiction Writing
Nonfiction writing doesn't have a list of elements in the same way fiction does. It differs from fiction writing in several ways:
1) The people, places, events, and ideas are true.
2) Nonfiction presents facts and information, describes true-life experiences, or discusses ideas.
There are many different types of nonfiction writing… each one having a purpose and features to achieve the purpose. For example, in a science or social studies book, the purpose is to inform and writing may consist of text features such as: table of contents, headings, bold and italic fonts to indicate important words, maps, charts, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate information, captions, labels, glossary, index, etc.
Furthermore, writers need to choose the text type that matches their purpose and should identify the audience in which to address. Below is a list of purposes and text types.
Purposes:
Inform- to provide the reader with information (describe, explain, summarize).
Persuade- to convince the reader to take action or accept your point of view.
Instruct- to tell the reader how to do something.
Narrate- draws the reader into an event or sequence of events.
Respond- to express ideas about a topic or written text.
Text Types:
Poster
Procedure
Directions
Letter
Flowchart
Poem
Sign
Recipe
Review
Brochure
Advertisement
Report
Question and Answer
Biographies and Autobiographies
To conclude, any type of writing that is based on facts and information is considered nonfiction. Nonfiction makes up about 80-90 percent of adult reading.
Nonfiction Writing- Informative Beginnings
Children come to school ready to share facts and information that they've learned from books, newspapers, magazines, TV, and the internet. They enjoy informative writing because it provides them the opportunity to share their topic of interest.
Display reports, biographies, newspapers, magazines, recipes, nonfiction books, and how-to articles at home. When modeling informative writing, show how research is usually required. Then, demonstrate how the information is organized and clear. This will show your children how much easier it is to read and understand.
Below, are the components of an informative beginning to a five paragraph essay:
1) An interesting lead- grab your reader's attention by using a question, fact, description, or quote.
2) A thesis statement- it is the main idea.
3) Three facts supporting the thesis statement.
4) A concluding sentence rephrasing the thesis statement.
Note: Utilize organizers to enhance the five paragraph essay. In addition, to practice informative beginnings, create an organizer similar to the narrative beginnings under Writing Tip #2. This activity will be great practice, but a little more difficult because your children will have to connect all four components that center on the same topic.
An example of an informative beginning: The Game of Soccer
(Interesting lead) Would you like to participate in a sport that gets you into shape? If your answer to this question is "Yes" then I have a game for you. (Thesis statement) Soccer has many positive and physical benefits. (Facts) Taking part in this sport will strengthen your heart, increase bone strength, and improve your mental ability. (Concluding sentence) Therefore, soccer provides many healthy benefits for you!
Informative Writing
by Bruce Cabell
Informative Writing
Explains and defines
Informs and clarifies
Plus instructs at times.
And this writing genre
Has several styles
So I'll list a few
That I've just compiled.
Newsletters and articles
Plus essays too
Research papers and instructions
Are examples for you.
And Informative Writing
Is the need to report
On the choice of topic
You'll want to support.
I'll focus on one
Just for today
So let me explain
The Informative Essay.
This form of writing
Is such a great feat
Since it consists of five paragraphs
When it is complete.
First comes the intro
That's paragraph one
Next is the body
And last the conclusion.
So choose a topic
You'd like to pursue
One that's exciting
And interesting to you.
Now you are ready
To write the lead
So hook your readers
Before you proceed.
Begin with a quote
Description or fact
If you choose one of these
You're on the right track.
Then tell your readers
How you feel
By recording three facts
You think are ideal.
Now finish the intro
As you write your essay
By rephrasing the thesis
A different way.
Next is the body
So take each fact
And turn each one into
Its own paragraph.
Plus for every fact
That you restate
Support it with details
To elaborate.
To finish each paragraph
Make sure you check
That each ending sentence
Transitions to the next.
And for each paragraph
I would expect
Linking words and phrases
To help them connect.
Last the conclusion
So it depends on you
To sum it all up
In your essay debut.
Restate your thesis
Then the facts
But use different words
To be exact.
Let's end your essay
And make it appealing
With a strong closing sentence
And an emotional feeling.
So was it easy
Or was it fun?
Well… try not to worry
Because your essay is done.
by Bruce Cabell
Informative Writing
Explains and defines
Informs and clarifies
Plus instructs at times.
And this writing genre
Has several styles
So I'll list a few
That I've just compiled.
Newsletters and articles
Plus essays too
Research papers and instructions
Are examples for you.
And Informative Writing
Is the need to report
On the choice of topic
You'll want to support.
I'll focus on one
Just for today
So let me explain
The Informative Essay.
This form of writing
Is such a great feat
Since it consists of five paragraphs
When it is complete.
First comes the intro
That's paragraph one
Next is the body
And last the conclusion.
So choose a topic
You'd like to pursue
One that's exciting
And interesting to you.
Now you are ready
To write the lead
So hook your readers
Before you proceed.
Begin with a quote
Description or fact
If you choose one of these
You're on the right track.
Then tell your readers
How you feel
By recording three facts
You think are ideal.
Now finish the intro
As you write your essay
By rephrasing the thesis
A different way.
Next is the body
So take each fact
And turn each one into
Its own paragraph.
Plus for every fact
That you restate
Support it with details
To elaborate.
To finish each paragraph
Make sure you check
That each ending sentence
Transitions to the next.
And for each paragraph
I would expect
Linking words and phrases
To help them connect.
Last the conclusion
So it depends on you
To sum it all up
In your essay debut.
Restate your thesis
Then the facts
But use different words
To be exact.
Let's end your essay
And make it appealing
With a strong closing sentence
And an emotional feeling.
So was it easy
Or was it fun?
Well… try not to worry
Because your essay is done.
Nonfiction Writing- Opinion Beginnings
We know the purpose of writing an opinion piece is to convince your audience to accept your point of view. Listen to your children during the day. Many share opinions and reasons without realizing the fact that they are learning the art of persuasion. It is important to point out these examples during your genre study. For instance, "Jill, I noticed you were trying to convince your friends to play tag instead of kickball. You said you needed more children to play kickball so you thought tag would be a better game for today. Do you know you were trying to convince your friends?" Continuing to share real-life examples will help your children tremendously as they begin to compose.
When you begin opinion piece writing, display different examples such as editorials, advertisements, and book/movie reviews. Also, make sure your children know the difference between fact and opinion.
Below, are the components of an opinion beginning to a five paragraph essay:
1) An interesting lead- grab your reader's attention by using a question, fact, description, or quote.
2) A thesis statement- it is the main idea.
3) Three arguments/reasons supporting the thesis statement.
4) A concluding sentence rephrasing the thesis statement.
An example of an opinion beginning: Book- When Sophie Gets Angry
(Interesting lead) Don't miss reading the wonderful story of, When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Bang.
(Thesis statement) Why? Sophie is a character that you can easily relate to. (Arguments) Now, relating to Sophie as a character is followed by my three simple reasons. She gets angry, cries, and then feels better in the end. (Concluding sentence) So pick up this book, read it and try to connect with Sophie.
Note: You may have a few writers who will not be able to write a five paragraph essay. If you have to modify this piece of writing, please do. If some students compose a three paragraph essay due to their writing skills, there is nothing wrong with that. ☺ You do what's best for your children!
Opinion Writing
by Bruce Cabell
Opinion Writing
Is trying to convince
All of the people
In your audience.
And if you're thinking
Your opinions are strong
Your audience may feel
You are right or you are wrong.
So imagine the people
Who thought they knew
That convincing their audience
Was easy to do.
Now presidents will attempt
To deliver a speech
While authors and editors
Will write and will preach.
Plus there are people
Who want to sell
Their creative products
And do it well.
In many newspapers
Magazines and TV
There are advertisements
Who want you to believe.
So now's the time
To hear your view
So choose a topic
That's thrilling to you.
Then begin to think
Of the pros and cons
Of your chosen topic
You decided to write on.
And please make sure
Your arguments are facts
Since your readers may question
As they're on the attack.
First start the intro
With an interesting lead
Because your readers' attention
Is what you will need.
How about a question
Description or quote?
If you're not sure what to choose
They all have my vote.
Next you will write
Your point of view
Or your thesis statement
Either one you can use.
Then write three arguments
To take a stand
And tell how you feel
The best way that you can.
Finish the intro
By rephrasing your view
And saying it differently
Is what you should do.
Now comes the body
Paragraphs two, three, and four
Restate each argument
Before you write more.
Plus for every argument
Make sure you write
Supporting details
To defend your fight.
And at the end of each paragraph
Make sure you check
That each ending sentence
Transitions to the next.
Writing the conclusion
Is what you'll do last
"Will you sum it up now?"
Is what your teacher will ask.
Repeat your thesis
And your arguments too
But rephrase what you said
And then you continue.
To finish your essay
Please take heed
Connect a strong sentence
Back to your interesting lead.
So was Opinion Writing
Difficult to learn?
And if you're feeling this way
Are you concerned?
Try not to worry
Just do your best
And continue to practice
At your teacher's request.
Bruce Cabell is a teacher, author, and creator. He was a classroom teacher for over 27 years. He taught kindergarten, first, and third grade in Connecticut. Bruce has mentored numerous young teachers as well as modeled many writing strategies and skills for classroom teachers. His passion for writing has resulted in his first unique creation, Writing Organizer Fold-Outs for grades 2-5. Visit Creative Teaching Press at www.creativeteaching.com to view these wonderful all-in-one resource writing tools.
