Fiction vs Non Fiction
Is this fiction or non-fiction?
Bees are important insects that help plants grow. As bees move from flower to flower, they collect nectar and spread pollen. This process helps fruits, vegetables, and flowers grow. Without bees, many of the foods we eat would be harder to find.
Non-fiction!
Would we look for the main idea or the theme in this passage?
The old backpack squeaked when Eli opened it at the library. Inside, he found a folded map that glowed softly in the dim light. A note on the corner read, Follow where curiosity leads. Eli smiled, slung the backpack over his shoulder, and stepped outside, ready to discover where the map would take him.
The theme, because this passage is fictional
Is this fiction or non-fiction?
Lena found a tiny door at the base of her old oak tree. When she knocked, it slowly opened, and a mouse wearing a blue hat waved hello. “We’ve been waiting for you,” he said. Lena smiled, knowing this day was about to become her favorite adventure yet.
Fiction!
Would we look for main idea or theme in this passage?
Water is one of the most important resources on Earth. All living things need water to survive, including plants, animals, and people. Humans use water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and growing food. Even though most of Earth is covered in water, only a small amount is safe for people to drink.
The main idea, because this is a non-fiction passage.
What do we look for in fictional texts?
- Theme
- Plot (conflict and resolution) (beginning, middle, end)
- Setting
- Character (and Character Perspective)
- Figurative Language
Main idea or theme? What is the main idea/theme?
Rainforests are important to the health of our planet and us. They provide homes for millions of plants and animals that live nowhere else. Rainforests also help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Many plants found in rainforests are used to create treatments for illnesses, helping doctors keep people healthy.
Main Idea (non-fiction text)
Main idea is that rainforests are important to protect because of all the benefits they give us.
What do we look for when we read non-fiction texts?
- Central Idea/Main Idea
- Text Structure (Chronological, Cause-Effect, Compare Contrast, Problem Solution, Description)
- Argument/Claim/Opinion
- Evidence (facts, relevant details)
- Author's Purpose and Perspective
Main idea or theme? What is the main idea or theme?
Marcus wanted to quit the soccer team after missing an easy goal. At the next practice, he felt embarrassed and stayed quiet. He did not want to participate and risk messing up again. His coach sat down and reminded him that mistakes help players improve. Marcus continued to attend practice and accepted the feedback from his teammates. During the final game, a penalty kick was called. Marcus took a deep breath and stepped towards the ball and watched it soar into the top corner, brushing past the goalie's gloved hands and into the net. The team had won!
Theme (fiction text)
The theme is to learn from mistakes and continue to improve.
Is this fiction or non-fiction?
The Moon is Earth’s closest neighbor in space. It does not make its own light, but it reflects light from the Sun. The Moon’s gravity helps control the ocean tides on Earth. People first walked on the Moon in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission.
Non-fiction!
Main idea or theme? What is the main idea or theme?
Every Saturday morning, Nora watched her grandmother polish the old piano, even though no one played it anymore. When Nora asked why, her grandmother just smiled and said, “Some things deserve care, even when they’re quiet.” Years later, after her grandmother was gone, Nora opened the piano and found sheet music filled with notes and handwritten reminders. As she began to play, Nora finally understood why the piano had never been forgotten.
Theme: (fiction text)
Theme is to cherish the past and take care of important things.