Nonfiction Text Structure
True or False: A writer cannot include their own opinion when writing a nonfiction text structure.
FALSE - it can include their opinion, it just has to be about something real (aka - nonfiction)
True or False: A theme is typically written in one or two words.
FALSE - a theme is the message or lesson the character learns in the story, or what we as the reader learn as the "takeaway" or message of the story
True or False: Characterization can apply to any of the characters in the story, not just the main character.
TRUE: Characterization is how the author describes their characters in a story and can be about ANY of the characters
True or False: The main conflict in a story always involves the main character.
TRUE! Character vs. ________
What are the three main reasons an author writes?
Persuade - Inform - Entertain (P-I-E)
This text structure presents information in a series of steps or stages to explain how something is done or how it works.
Process/Sequence
What is the difference between theme and main idea?
The theme is the lesson learned and the main idea is the central point of a text
What is the definition of characterization?
The way an author describes a character's personality in a story
What is the one kind of internal conflict?
Character vs. Self
What is the likely purpose of a story titled "The Magical Adventure of Emily and the Enchanted Forest"?
a) To provide readers with factual information about forests and wildlife.
b) To entertain readers with an imaginative tale of adventure and magic.
c) To persuade readers to avoid exploring forests due to potential dangers.
d) To summarize scientific research on the ecological importance of forests.
b) To entertain readers with an imaginative tale of adventure and magic.
In an article discussing the effects of pollution on the environment, which text structure might the author use to explain how pollution harms wildlife?
a) Cause and Effect
b) Problem and Solution
c) Process/Chronological Order
d) Descriptive
e) Compare and Contrast
a) Cause and Effect
Which of these is NOT a theme statement? WHY?
1. It is important to choose your friends wisely.
2. Charlie should have stayed away from the bullies.
2. Charlie should have stayed away from the bullies.
It is not a theme statement because it uses specifics (his name) from the text.
What are ways an author reveals a character's personality in a story?
Speech, Thoughts, Effects, Actions, Looks
(STEAL)
What are two kinds of external conflicts?
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Technology
Character vs. Fate
Character vs. Supernatural
Question: What is the author's primary purpose in writing an article titled "The Importance of Recycling"?
a) To entertain readers with humorous anecdotes about recycling.
b) To inform readers about the benefits of recycling and encourage environmental awareness.
c) To persuade readers to avoid recycling and embrace wasteful habits.
d) To summarize the history of recycling practices in different cultures.
b) To inform readers about the benefits of recycling and encourage environmental awareness.
Provide an example that would fall into the category of Compare and Contrast.
Middle School Students vs. Elementary
Polar Bears vs. Grizzly Bears
Television vs. Movies
Vacations vs. Field Trips
In which of the following stories is the theme of friendship most prominently portrayed?
A) A story where a group of classmates compete against each other in a science fair.
B) A story where a character learns the importance of honesty after telling a lie.
C) A story where two siblings overcome their differences to rescue their lost pet.
D) A story where a character discovers their hidden talent and becomes successful
C) A story where two siblings overcome their differences to rescue their lost pet.
How can a character's actions reveal their traits in a story? For example, if a character does something, what trait would we describe them as for it?
If a character stands up against a bully, they may be brave or courageous.
If a character steals, they may lack honesty and integrity.
How can conflict drive the plot of a story?
--Without a conflict, there is no plot
--The conflict drives the character's actions & therefore drives the plot
Question: What is the author's likely purpose in writing a speech titled "The Importance of Volunteering in Our Community"?
a) To entertain listeners with jokes and anecdotes about volunteering experiences.
b) To inform listeners about the history of volunteering in the community.
c) To persuade listeners to become actively involved in volunteering activities for the betterment of society.
d) To summarize the financial benefits of volunteering for individuals and organizations.
c) To persuade listeners to become actively involved in volunteering activities for the betterment of society.
Using the text structure, Cause and Effect, provide one example an author could write about using this strategy. (an example we haven't talked about yet).
what smoking does to your lungs
addiction to technology and its effect on mental health
staying up late playing video games made a student fail a test
What is the theme of the book "Rebound" by Kwame Alexander?
the journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity
Describe an action from a character in Rebound and what it tells us about their personality.
Skinny stealing bottles from Mrs. Wilson shows he is mischievous.
Charlie getting upset at his mom for not buying him an expensive pair of shoes shows he is spoiled.
CJ calling to check-in with Charlie over the summer shows us she's a supportive friend.
Think of ANY story we've read as a class this year. Give a brief explanation of the main conflict and then answer what kind of conflict it would be. (Character vs. ______)
Rebound
Adom Appiah
Zoo Complicated
Derrick Rose
Julia Moves to the United States
You must provide two reasons why animals should or should not be in zoos. One must be for FOR animals in zoos, the other must be AGAINST animals in zoos.
For: prevent species extinction, treat injured animals, educate people about animals, etc.
Against: preserving their natural habitats, the mistreatment of the animals, irregular behaviors of animals in captivity, etc.