Analysing Non-Fiction (EdExcel)

Non-fiction texts

Texts based on factual information designed to inform, persuade, advise, or entertain.

Audience

The intended readers for a text, whose characteristics influence the writing style and content.

Analytical Questions

Questions that guide the analysis of non-fiction texts, focusing on purpose, audience, structure, language, and representation.

Form

The type of text, such as an article, speech, or essay, which influences reader expectations and writer choices.

Structure

How a text is organized, including overall layout and the use of paragraphs, headings, and visuals.

Lexis

Word choice in a text, which can convey connotations, levels of formality, and emotional impact.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through language, sentence structure, and choice of words.

Perspective

The point of view from which the text is written, affecting its bias and representation.

Social Context

The social issues, attitudes, and groups relevant to the text's creation and interpretation.

Cultural Context

The impact of cultural values, norms, and beliefs on the writer and audience's understanding of the text.

PEE/PEAL/PETAL

Frameworks for structuring analysis in paragraphs, including Point, Evidence, Explanation/Analysis, and Link.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions posed to engage the reader and provoke thought, often used in persuasive texts.

Emotive Language

Word choices aimed at evoking emotions from the reader, such as sympathy or anger.

Bias

A tendency to present a particular viewpoint unfairly, which can affect the text's objectivity.

Connotation

The implied or associated meaning of a word, which can affect tone and emotional impact.

Historical Context

The historical events or trends relevant when the text was written, influencing its meaning.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about a group or individual presented in a text.

Inform

To convey facts, explain ideas, educate the reader. Look for clear factual language, statistics, examples, and explanations.

Persuade

To convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. Identify persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, emotive language, appeals to authority, repetition).

Advise

To guide the reader, offer recommendations, or provide instructions. Note the tone (authoritative, encouraging, cautionary), and the use of direct address (e.g., "you").

Entertain

To engage the reader's interest, evoke emotions, and provide enjoyment. Look for humour, anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and engaging narrative techniques.

Describe

To create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, focusing on sensory details and imagery.

Reflect

To share personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences, often with a contemplative tone.