Exploring Genres: Fiction vs Non-Fiction
Year 7 English Understanding the difference between fiction and non-fiction texts Developing genre identification skills
Learning Objectives
Define and differentiate between fiction and non-fiction genres Identify key characteristics of fiction and non-fiction texts Develop confidence in classifying texts based on genre features Articulate one fact learned about each genre
Starter Activity: Genre Detective Quiz
{"left":"Read 10 short text excerpts\nDecide: Fiction or Non-Fiction?","right":"Justify your choices with evidence\nWork independently for 10 minutes"}
What Do You Think?
{"left":"What does 'fiction' mean to you?\nWhat does 'non-fiction' mean to you?","right":"Can you give examples of each?"}
Defining Fiction vs Non-Fiction
{"left":"Fiction: Stories created from imagination\nNovels, short stories, fantasy tales\nCharacters and events are made up\nPurpose: to entertain and explore ideas","right":"Non-fiction: Factual texts based on reality\nBiographies, newspapers, textbooks\nInformation is real and verifiable\nPurpose: to inform, explain, or persuade"}
Fiction Characteristics
Imaginative storylines and plots Fictional characters with personalities Creative settings (real or imagined) Descriptive and emotive language Dialogue between characters Themes explored through narrative
Non-Fiction Characteristics
Factual information and real events Real people, places, and situations Clear, informative language Evidence and examples to support points Organized structure (headings, subheadings) Purpose to inform or persuade
Text Analysis Challenge
Work in pairs Examine 4 text excerpts (2 fiction, 2 non-fiction) Identify genre characteristics Use guiding questions to analyze language and purpose
Guiding Questions for Analysis
Is the story or information real or imagined? What is the main purpose? (entertain, inform, persuade) What language features stand out? Who is the intended audience? How is the text structured? What evidence supports your genre identification?
Remember This Key Point
Fiction tells us what might happen. Non-fiction tells us what did happen or what is happening.
Reflection and Sharing
Write on index cards: One fact you learned about fiction One fact you learned about non-fiction Share your facts with the class Ask any remaining questions
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Fiction = Imagination and creativity Non-fiction = Facts and real information Both genres have unique characteristics and purposes Practice identifying genres in your daily reading Next lesson: Exploring non-fiction narratives in depth Homework: Find one fiction and one non-fiction text at home