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Contributor: Alison Weiss. Lesson ID: 10823
Look at a newspaper. What is the difference between the news and the comics? News is nonfiction because it is not made up. Watch videos and work on fun online projects to learn the nonfiction genres!
Both fit into the same type of genre or type of literature.
Newspapers are mostly comprised — or made up — of nonfiction articles about current events.
The cartoon section is not, however, nonfiction.
Nonfiction literature can be separated into sub-genres or categories, just like fiction. Being able to determine a piece of literature's genre may help you notice patterns common with that genre, and could also help you better comprehend what you read.
Before going on, if you missed or would like to review the Related Lesson about fiction in our Genre series, you can find it in the right-hand sidebar.
Watch this video, called Sparkley Barkley's Fiction Vs. Non-Fiction, to see the difference between fiction and nonfiction texts:
Here are the most popular non-fiction genres along with a few examples!
Expository Essay
An expository essay presents information about a theme, or big idea. The author has done some research, and is sharing information. The writer may also share his or her opinion on the topic.
Here is an example of an expository paragraph:
The Labrador Retriever is America's most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, playful, and smart. They are medium-to-large-sized dogs and weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be yellow, black, or chocolate brown. They are friendly with people, other dogs, and other animals, even cats! They like to run and play fetch. They especially love getting in water and swimming. Labs make great pets!
Biography
A biography tells the true story of another person's life. Biographies are often written in 3rd person.
Listen to this biography story called A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr:
Autobiography
An autobiography tells the true story of the author's life. Autobiographies are usually written in 1st person.
News Article / Story
A news story gives important information about a recent event.
Informational Text
An informational text gives information on a specific topic, or gives instructions on how to do something. In an informational text, the author does not give his or her opinion.
Watch the Nonfiction Genres Powerpoint 2012 video below to see some examples of the nonfiction genres above:
Continue on to the Got It? section to practice online and on paper!
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