Nonfiction Basics
Claims
Vocabulary In Context
Nonfiction Advanced
Using Evidence
100
What are the two types of nonfiction?
Expository and narrative
100
What is a claim?
Your central argument
100
Identify the word "brisk": Jamie had a hard time keeping up with her mom, who was walking at a very brisk pace.
Quick, fast
100
What is an example of expository nonfiction?
Textbook, advertisement, pamphlet, news article, etc.
100
What does ICE stand for when incorporating a quote?
I = Introduce; C = Cite; E = Explain
200
What is expository nonfiction?
Nonfiction that shares information on a topic; Standard nonfiction focusing on facts, figures, etc.
200
What is a synonym for claim?
Thesis or main idea
200
Identify the word "vague": She does not communicate with me so I only have a vague idea as to how I can help.
Unclear
200
What is an example of narrative nonfiction?
Biography, autobiography, memoir, diary, etc.
200
What is the proper way to cite the following: 72% of all-girls schools outperform their coed counterparts. New York Times, Author: Sam Jones
As stated in The New York Times, "72% of all-girls schools outperform their coed counterparts" (Jones).
300
What is a text feature?
A visual "add on" to the page; Bulleted lists, bold words, subtitles, etc.
300
What is a counterclaim?
The viewpoint of the opposing or opposite side
300
Identify the word "clamor": The principal came into the study hall and began yelling, "You students better quiet all of that clamor and shut your mouths. Don't you know that people are trying to sleep in here?"
Noise, disruption
300
What is an example of nonfiction that exists outside of school?
An advertisement, a news report, the newspaper, etc.
300
Why is it important to include evidence in your essay?
To prove that your claim is true
400
What is author's purpose?
The reason an author is writing
400
What is the claim of the following paragraph: Competitive sports in schools are an issue across America. While some argue that sports help kids stay active, others believe they foster bullying and negativity. Competitive sports are essential in schools because they truly grow teamwork and help students set goals.
Competitive sports are essential in schools because they truly grow teamwork and help students set goals.
400
Identify the word "furtively": After Mom found the devoured cake, the dog crouched furtively behind the couch.
Secretive; Attempting to avoid notice
400
What is an example of a text feature?
Bulleted list, bold words, subtitles, subheadings, etc.
400
What is the evidence used in the following paragraph? Once a child discovers the wonders of reading, they are sure to come across words they don’t know. When this happens, silent reading will surely help because they can go over words they do know, and learn as they go. This really helps since classwork reading may be harder for lower level readers and they have many words they don’t understand as opposed to learning a couple new words a day. They need practice in order to read better so if students are not surrounded by reading then they will not get better. In a research evaluation by Chow & Chou, 9th grade students were allowed 10 minutes each day to silent read and improved their reading skills by the end of the year (4). This is solid proof that having time to read in class is a benefit to everyone.
In a research evaluation by Chow & Chou, 9th grade students were allowed 10 minutes each day to silent read and improved their reading skills by the end of the year (4).
500
List the three potential author's purposes.
To entertain, To persuade, To inform
500
What is the claim of the following introductory paragraph? Have you ever wondered why so many students at South are sluggish and lethargic? Are they just lazy and unmotivated? No, most of them probably suffer from lack of sleep, caused by biological clocks that are set to a different schedule than their classes. Teenagers have a physiological need to stay up later and sleep longer than pre-adolescents, yet the daily schedule of the school runs oblivious to this.
The school day needs to reflect child development.
500
Identify the word "prodigy": The music teacher didn't usually take such young children, but when he saw the four year old play Beethoven's 5th without missing a note, he had to make an exception for this prodigy.
Young genius
500
What does it mean for an argument to be "sound"?
Reasonable, it makes sense, etc.
500
What is the counterclaim to the following claim/argument?
School lunches need to eliminate unhealthy foods because they encourage obesity and poor eating habits.
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