Analysing Non-Fiction (WJEC)

Target Audience

The specific group of people that a non-fiction text is aimed at, such as the general public, specialists, or young people.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions asked for effect that do not require an answer, used to engage the audience.

Overt Bias

Clearly stated opinions or preferences in a text that indicate the writer's slant.

Context of Reception

How a non-fiction text is perceived and understood by its original audience and a modern audience.

Emotional Appeals

The use of emotional language to persuade readers, often prioritizing feelings over reasoned arguments.

Selective Use of Evidence

Presenting only the evidence that supports the writer's viewpoint while ignoring contradictory information.

Figurative Language

Language that employs metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech for effect, enhancing meaning beyond the literal.

Formal

Serious, objective, respectful, avoids slang and contractions, complex sentence structures.

Informal

Casual, conversational, friendly, uses slang and contractions, simpler sentence structures.

Ironic

Subtle form of sarcasm, involves a contrast between expectation and reality, can be humorous or critical.

Personification

Makes inanimate objects or abstract concepts seem alive and relatable, can create humor or emphasize a particular quality.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis.

Anecdotes

Short, engaging stories used to illustrate a point.

Statistics

Numerical data used to support claims.

Headings and subheadings

How do they guide the reader and organize information?

Subtle Bias

Less obvious, conveyed through word choice, selection of information, or tone.

To Inform

To present facts, explain, educate, or provide information.

To Persuade

To convince the reader to agree with a viewpoint or take action.

To Argue

To present a case for or against a particular idea or issue, often with reasoned evidence.

To Advise

To offer guidance, recommendations, or suggestions.

To Entertain

To amuse, engage, or provide enjoyment (though non-fiction often has other primary purposes alongside entertainment).

To Describe

To create a vivid picture of a person, place, event, or idea.

To Reflect

To share personal thoughts, experiences, or insights.