Analysing Non-Fiction (OCR)

Non-fiction Texts

Texts based on factual information aiming to inform, persuade, or describe real events, people, and ideas.

Purpose of Non-fiction: To Inform

To provide facts, explain ideas, or give instructions, such as in news reports and articles.

Purpose of Non-fiction: To Persuade

To convince the reader to agree with a particular viewpoint or take action, such as in opinion pieces and speeches.

Purpose of Non-fiction: To Describe

To create a vivid picture of a person, place, event, or idea, often used in travel writing and biographies.

Purpose of Non-fiction: To Advise

To offer guidance or recommendations, seen in advice columns and self-help articles.

Purpose of Non-fiction: To Entertain

Some non-fiction is written to entertain while remaining factual, such as humorous essays.

Examples of Non-fiction Forms

Includes articles, speeches, letters, autobiographies, travel writing, essays, websites/blogs, and leaflets.

Key Analytical Skill: Purpose

Identifying what the writer is trying to achieve through the text.

Key Analytical Skill: Audience

Understanding who the text is written for.

How to Identify Audience

Consider the publication/source, language level, content, and any direct address.

How to Identify Context

Look for dates, locations, references to events, and consider the historical and cultural background.

Key Analytical Skill: Form/Genre

Recognizing the type of non-fiction text (e.g., article, speech, letter).

How to Identify Form

Consider layout, structure, and typical features of the genre.

Vocabulary in Non-fiction

Use of formal/informal, specialized, emotive, and descriptive vocabulary.

Figurative Language

Use of similes, metaphors, and other comparisons to create vivid imagery.

Rhetorical Devices

Techniques like rhetorical questions and repetition used for effect.

Tone in Non-fiction

The writer's attitude towards the subject and audience, such as serious or humorous.

Bias in Non-fiction

Determining if the text is balanced or favors a particular viewpoint.

Structural Organization

How a text is organized and how this contributes to its purpose.

Headings and Subheadings

Guide the reader and organize information within the text.

Chronological Order

Arrangement of text in time order to enhance the flow.

Opening and Closing Effects

The beginning and ending sections create specific effects and responses.

Statistics and Facts

Use of numerical data to support claims and add credibility.

Anecdotes

Short personal stories used to illustrate points and relate to readers.

Expert Testimony

Inclusion of quotes and opinions from experts to add authority.

Humour/Irony/Sarcasm

Techniques used to entertain or make a point while engaging readers.

Imagery and Figurative Language

Creating vivid images and concrete ideas through comparisons and descriptions.