1. For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.
Writing Non-Fiction
This presentation has been designed to teach Objective Wr11, suggesting methods for structuring non-fiction texts.
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For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

2. Writing non-fiction
Non-fiction writing usually aims to inform or persuade the reader. Although there are times when factual writing can be entertaining, this is not usually a non-fiction writer’s main purpose.
Non-fiction writing is writing which is true and based on real life facts. Can you think of any examples of non-fiction writing?
What about:
atlases
biographies
travel guides
cook books
DIY manuals?

3. The structure of non-fiction texts
Factual writing requires a rigid, carefully considered structure. This structure consists of:
short linked paragraphs
logical stages to help the reader to follow
specialized yet clear language.
Can you think of any examples of non-fiction books you have read?
Why did you read them?
These questions could lead to a quick class discussion with students sharing their experiences of reading non-fiction.

4. Specialized vocabulary
Before beginning to write any non-fiction piece, you must know your subject. Any given subject has its own jargon or specialized vocabulary which a writer must use if they’re to inform or persuade a reader.
To know this specialized vocabulary it is important to read around your subject and then use a dictionary to look up any words if you are unsure of their meanings.
The stock price of PG Harod’s shot up yesterday after the company’s CEO announced the company would be merging.
An account/bank worker might use this jargon which is financial.
Who might use such jargon?

5. Specialized vocabulary

6. Specialized vocabulary
Brainstorm all the specialized language you can think of, linked to fashion and clothes.
Click to reveal second task which can be set as an extension for homework. This teaches students to use their reading to inform their writing.
Now do some reading and research to find more useful jargon connected to this subject area. Can you write a short introduction to fashion in 2004?

7. Logical stages
Factual writing must be easy to follow if people are to learn from it. For that reason you must try to plan your writing so that there are clear stages to your discussion.

8. Logical stages
Do you know a recipe? Write it using logical stages to help your reader to understand the instructions better.
The recipe can be as simple or complicated as you wish. How would you make a toasted cheese sandwich or a fried breakfast?
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Click to reveal hint.

9. Logical stages
How would you travel from the classroom you are in now to your front door at home? Give someone directions using logical stages to help your reader to understand the instructions better.
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This is an alternative to the previous screen.

10. Images
Non-fiction writers often use maps, diagrams and pictures to make their meaning more clear. This helps the reader to visualize what they are being told. It can also help to engage the attention of those readers who find pure black and white text difficult to get through.
Make a list of any non-fiction writing which benefits from the use of images.
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Students may suggest:
Cook Books
Atlases
Instruction manuals
Brochures and other sales leaflets
Popular Magazines
Science books

11. 2 Bedroom House with beautiful garden in prime location.
Adverts
Advertising is one type of non-fiction writing which heavily relies on pictures. This is because consumers are more likely to want to buy a product they can see.
What kinds of pictures could you add to the advert below?
For Sale
2 Bedroom House with beautiful garden in prime location.
You may suggest a picture of the house, one of a bedroom, and one of the garden.

12. Structuring your writing
Writing in logical stages is not too difficult when you are creating a set of instructions. Often you can use numbers or bullet points to structure your work.
However, creating a coherent order for your writing is less obvious when the subject matter does not demand it. For example, if you were asked to write an essay, the order would be dictated by the decisions you make as a writer, not by the material you are writing.
Firstly you will need to group the points you are making together into basic categories.

13. Structuring your writing
If you were asked to write a guide to your nearest town or city, you may well come up with the categories below.
What kinds of things would you include under each category?
History
Eating
Leisure
Transport
Shopping
Students’ responses can be written on the board under the appropriate heading.

14. Structuring your writing
Once you have decided on all the information you are going to include, you need to create a logical structure to your writing. How would you order the categories for the guide to your town or city? You can include other categories of your own.
history
eating
leisure
transport
shopping

15. Structuring your writing
Write a guide to your nearest town or city thinking carefully about the structure of your writing.
Think about:
the specialized language you are using
the order of your categories
your choice of maps, pictures and diagrams.
Teachers can use the space here to help the class to plan and make notes. Teachers may also wish to prescribe a different topic for students to write on.