Reading Nonfiction

Reading Nonfiction

Strategies for Success

Research shows that being a skillful nonfiction reader pays off.

on standardized tests in all levels and kinds of education in our future lives beyond schooling

So it’s important to study nonfiction.

How many types of nonfiction do you ordinarily read?

Let’s do a survey . . .

Types of Nonfiction

Newspaper/Magazine– Interviews– Columns – Reviews– Articles – Editorials– Editorial cartoons

Diaries & Journals– Diaries-

private writing with no intended audience

– Journals-provide a glimpse of the writer’s world

Types of Nonfiction

Letters– Public– Private

Biography Autobiography Personal Reflections (i.e.

inspirational essays like you might find in Chicken Soup for Soul book, devotionals, etc.)

Speeches Historical Writing Science Writing Technical Writing

(manuals, directions, etc.)

Writing on-line

Reading nonfiction can be challenging

Comprehending the ideas may be tricky Remembering what we have read may be

difficult Figuring out what the nonfiction we read has to

do with our own lives may be hard.

Nonfiction–Reading Skills

Successful readers of non fiction follow the same basic pattern every time they face a new text.

Successful readers focus on 5 key elements.1. Text Features2. Background Knowledge3. Vocabulary4. Organization5. Comprehension

Key Element #1: Text Features

Common Text Features Include: Headings: Information is often grouped, or

organized, in sections. Headings provide a title for each section. These titles give you a clue to the main idea of that section.

Graphic Aids: Nonfiction may include illustrations, photographs, charts, graphs, and maps.

Common Text Features continued…

Captions: Captions are the words next to the graphic aids that tell you about what you see. Sometimes they add surprising details.

Definitions: Nonfiction may include special vocabulary. These words are often defined in the text or in footnotes at the bottom of the page.

Sidebars: Sidebars contain information dealing with a sidelight, or tidbit, from the main article. Sidebars are pulled off to the side of the article.

Type Treatment: Words or ideas may be highlighted by using special type treatments. These include boldface and italics.

How many text features do you see?

Key Element #2: Background Knowledge

The most important habit in reading nonfiction is connecting the new information to what we already know.

Be sure to read ALL background information presented when you read a nonfiction selection.

Test questions frequently incorporate background information into questions just to assess how careful a reader you are.

Where would you find background information in a nonfiction selection?

Background Knowledge continued…

In your textbook background information might be presented on the page before or after the selection.

On CATS questions you often find it in italics before the main reading section.

Often your teacher provides background information.

Background Knowledge continued…

A Smart Chart includes KWL but adds a column called Background where you add information provided by a teacher or by the text.

K W L Background

What We Know What We Want to Know

What We Learned

Info given before we read

Review Question: Where would you find information for the “Background” column?

Key Element #3: Vocabulary

Always check the meaning of words footnoted in the text.

Use a dictionary to look up words you do not know. Use context clues to infer (guess) the meaning from

the text. Pay attention to root words, suffixes and prefixes.[We will practice using context clues and word parts

throughout our course.]

Vocabulary

Make learning new words a priority in your life. It will pay off. You can…

Read More Often. Work Crosswords Puzzles. Play Word Games—Scrabble,

Boggle, Upwards, etc. Learn a Word-a-Week from the Dictionary. Build your vocabulary and help feed the world

at http://www.freerice.com. Be Aware of New Words You Encounter.

http://www.freerice.com/

Key Element #4:Organizational Patterns in Nonfiction

If you can figure out how a text is organized, you can get the point more quickly and better understand what your read.

Nonfiction is usually organized according to 5 particular patterns:

1. Sequential 2. Cause & Effect3. Comparison/Contrast4. Main Idea & Supporting Details5. Question & Answer

Organization: 3 Sequence Patterns

a. Chronological Sequence: organizes events in the order in which they occur

b. Spatial Sequence: organizes items or people in space, top to bottom, left to right, front to back, etc

c. Order of Importance Sequence: organizes items, people or events according to rank or importance, such as most to least important, most to least powerful

Transitions Used in Sequencing

Chronological: after, before, between, earlier, formerly, later, longer than, meanwhile, since

Spatial: above, adjacent to, behind, below, beyond, in front of, nearby, next to, north (or south, east, west of), opposite to, over, through, within

Order of Importance: first, second etc., next, last, finally, more importantly, more significantly, above all, primarily

(A handout is available with these words.)

Try to identify the sequence here.

Now with Mrs. Lanin’s love for the theater, came also the desire for jewelry. She began to adorn her ears with huge rhinestones, which glittered and sparkled like real diamonds. Around her neck she wore strings of false pearls, on her arms bracelets of imitation gold . . .

Chronological, Spatial, or Order of Importance?

Practice Question #1

Try to identify the sequence here

Now with Mrs. Lanin’s love for the theater, came also the desire for jewelry. She began to adorn her ears with huge rhinestones, which glittered and sparkled like real diamonds. Around her neck she wore strings of false pearls, on her arms bracelets of imitation gold . . .

Spatial



Mr. Duggan gave Bob a list of chores to do. “I know you may not finish all of them,” he said. “But the lawn absolutely has to be mowed. That’s the most important thing. If you have time, trim the shrubbery in front of the house. That’s the next item on my list. The vegetable garden has a lot of weeds in it, but weeding is the least important chore on my list. The weeds can wait until next week, if necessary.”

Chronological, Spatial, or Order of Importance?



Mr. Duggan gave Bob a list of chores to do. “I know you may not finish all of them,” he said. “But the lawn absolutely has to be mowed. That’s the most important thing. If you have time, trim the shrubbery in front of the house. That’s the next item on my list. The vegetable garden has a lot of weeds in it, but weeding is the least important chore on my list. The weeds can wait until next week, if necessary.”

Order of Importance


What words signal the type of sequence?

“Quick, come with me, I have a nice corner in the little fitting room facing the street. It’s poorly lit? You don’t like being with your back to the light? But it’s the best place for trying on hats! Your silhouette is projected on the window, . . . And, you see, you're between Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Smith.”



“Quick, come with me, I have a nice corner in the little fitting room facing the street. It’s poorly lit? You don’t like being with your back to the light? But it’s the best place for trying on hats! Your silhouette is projected on the window, . . . And, you see, you're between Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Smith.”

What type of sequence is this?Spatial



Monica thought about the qualities she was looking for in a friend. The most important was loyalty, because without it, friendship cannot exist. Next she valued common interests– hobbies and activities that she and a friend could share. An easy-going manner was next on Monica’s list; she felt uncomfortable with people who were rigid and inflexible. Finally, Monica wanted a friend who attended her school, so that the two of them could share that important part of their lives.



Monica thought about the qualities she was looking for in a friend. The most important was loyalty, because without it, friendship cannot exist. Next she valued common interests– hobbies and activities that she and a friend could share. An easy-going manner was next on Monica’s list; she felt uncomfortable with people who were rigid and inflexible. Finally, Monica wanted a friend who attended her school, so that the two of them could share that important part of their lives.

What type of sequence is this?Order of Importance



During dinner I could tell Mom and Mr. Smith had things to talk about, so after the pie and ice cream, I excused myself and went to Mom’s room to watch TV. Only I couldn’t make my eyes focus, so I crossed the hall to my room, and recreated my messes. Once I had everything in my order, though, I put things back the way Mom had had them when she cleaned the room earlier this morning.



During dinner I could tell Mom and Mr. Smith had things to talk about, so after the pie and ice cream, I excused myself and went to Mom’s room to watch TV. Only I couldn’t make my eyes focus, so I crossed the hall to my room, and recreated my messes. Once I had everything in my order, though, I put things back the way Mom had had them when she cleaned the room earlier this morning.

What type of sequence is this?Chronological


Organization: Sequence Patterns

1. Chronological: Used in history texts, biography, and narrative works

2. Spatial: Used in description

3. Order of Importance: Used in persuasion, history, science

Cause & Effect Pattern

Shows a relationship between a result and the events that led up to it.

A cause is an event, action, situation, or feeling that makes another event, action, situation, or feeling happen.

An effect is a result of a cause.

Cause & Effect Pattern

Key words: because, as a result, therefore, that is why , since, so, so that, for this reason, consequently

Identify the Key words in the passage on the next slide

In recent decades, cities have grown so large that now about 50% of the Earth's population lives in urban areas. There are several reasons for this occurrence. First, many factory jobs have been created. These jobs, with their promise of a better material life, attracted many people from rural areas. Second, many schools were built so that the children of the new factory laborers could be educated. The promise of a better education persuaded many families to leave farming communities and move to the cities. Finally, as the cities grew, people established places of leisure, entertainment, and culture, such as sports stadiums, theaters, and museums. For many people, these facilities made city life appear more interesting than life on the farm, and therefore drew them away from rural communities.


•Using the space on your note-taking guide, make a Cause-Effect graphic organizer like the one below.

* You will fill it in as you view the next slide.

effectCause

CauseCause


In recent decades, cities have grown so large that now about 50% of the Earth's population lives in urban areas. There are several reasons for this occurrence. First, many factory jobs have been created. These jobs, with their promise of a better material life, attracted many people from rural areas. Second, many schools were built to educate the children of the new factory laborers. The promise of a better education persuaded many families to leave farming communities and move to the cities. Finally, as the cities grew, people established places of leisure, entertainment, and culture, such as sports stadiums, theaters, and museums. For many people, these facilities made city life appear more interesting than life on the farm, and therefore drew them away from rural communities


Factory jobs attracted people.

Places of leisure, entertainment, &

culture made city life seem more interesting Effect

Better schools attracted people to move to cities.

Cities have grown

very largeEffect

Causes

How did you do?

Let’s try another one.

Read the paragraph on the next slide.

Identify the key transitions.

Label the effect and its causes on a cause-effect graphic organizer.

Be careful, some “causes” are the “effect” of other causes.

There are several possible reasons why my father is in excellent health, even though he is over eighty years of age. For one thing, he is in excellent condition because he has stopped smoking cigarettes. He quit smoking cigarettes because whenever he climbed stairs he would invariably stop several times and cough loudly. His good health is also a consequence of his cutting down on the wrong kinds of foods. For example, whereas before he would eat fatty red meat and deep-fried dishes several times a week, nowadays he seldom does so. He has more energy as a result. He is also in good physical shape due to his devotion to exercise. He swims three times a week at the local gym, and on sunny days he prefers to walk home rather than take the bus. So my father is in better shape than some of his children are!


Effect 1.Effect 2.


There are several possible reasons why my father is in excellent health, even though he is over eighty years of age. For one thing, he is in excellent condition because he has stopped smoking cigarettes. He quit smoking cigarettes because whenever he climbed stairs he would invariably stop several times and cough loudly. His good health is also a consequence of his cutting down on the wrong kinds of foods. For example, whereas before he would eat fatty red meat and deep-fried dishes several times a week, nowadays he seldom does so. He has more energy as a result. He is also in good physical shape due to his devotion to exercise. He swims three times a week at the local gym, and on sunny days he prefers to walk home rather than take the bus. So my father is in better shape than some of his children are!


1. My father is in excellent health

2. My father is in better shape than

his children

He is devoted

to exercise

he has stopped smoking cigarettes

He has more energy

When he climbed stairs he would

cough

He cut down on the wrong kinds of foods


Comparison/Contrast Pattern

Used to show similarities or differences in people, places, events, ideas, or objects in order to make some point

Comparison words: similarly, just as, both, in common, also, too

Contrast words: on the other hand, in contrast to, however, different, instead of, not, rather than, but, unlike

Comparison/Contrast Pattern

In each practice question that follows, locate key signal words and identify the organizational pattern as either comparison or contrast.

My hometown and my college town have several things in common. First, both are small rural communities. For example, my hometown, Gridlock, has a population of only about 10,000 people. Similarly, my college town, Subnormal, consists of about 11,000 local residents. This population swells to 15,000 people when the college students are attending classes. A second way in which these two towns are similar is that they are both located in rural areas. Gridlock is surrounded by many acres of farmland which is devoted mainly to growing corn and soybeans. In the same way, Subnormal lies in the center of farmland which is used to raise hogs and cattle. Thirdly, both of these towns are similar in that both contain college campuses. Gridlock, for example, is home to Neutron College, which is famous for its Agricultural Economics program as well as for its annual Corn-Watching Festival. Likewise, the town of Subnormal boasts the beautiful campus of Quark College, which is well known for its Agricultural Engineering department and also for its yearly Hog-Calling Contest.

Comparison or Contrast?


My hometown and my college town have several things in common. First, both are small rural communities. For example, my hometown, Gridlock, has a population of only about 10,000 people. Similarly, my college town, Subnormal, consists of about 11,000 local residents. This population swells to 15,000 people when the college students are attending classes. A second way in which these two towns are similar is that they are both located in rural areas. Gridlock is surrounded by many acres of farmland which is devoted mainly to growing corn and soybeans. In the same way, Subnormal lies in the center of farmland which is used to raise hogs and cattle . Thirdly, both of these towns are similar in that both contain college campuses. Gridlock, for example, is home to Neutron College, which is famous for its Agricultural Economics program as well as for its annual Corn-Watching Festival. Likewise, the town of Subnormal boasts the beautiful campus of Quark College, which is well known for its Agricultural Engineering department and also for its yearly Hog-Calling Contest. Comparison


Even though Arizona and Rhode Island are both states of the U.S., they are strikingly different in many ways. For example, the physical size of each state is different. Arizona is large, having an area of 114,000 square miles, whereas Rhode Island is only about a tenth the size, having an area of only 1,214 square miles. Another difference is in the size of the population of each state. Arizona has about four million people living in it, but Rhode Island has less than one million. The two states also differ in the kinds of natural environments that each has. For example, Arizona is a very dry state, consisting of large desert areas that do not receive much rainfall every year. However, Rhode Island is located in a temperate zone and receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year. In addition, while Arizona is a landlocked state and thus has no seashore, Rhode Island lies on the Atlantic Ocean and does have a significant coastline.

Comparison or Contrast?


Even though Arizona and Rhode Island are both states of the U.S., they are strikingly different in many ways. For example, the physical size of each state is different. Arizona is large, having an area of 114,000 square miles, whereas Rhode Island is only about a tenth the size, having an area of only 1,214 square miles. Another difference is in the size of the population of each state. Arizona has about four million people living in it, but Rhode Island has less than one million. The two states also differ in the kinds of natural environments that each has. For example, Arizona is a very dry state, consisting of large desert areas that do not receive much rainfall every year. However, Rhode Island is located in a temperate zone and receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year. In addition, while Arizona is a landlocked state and thus has no seashore, Rhode Island lies on the Atlantic Ocean and does have a significant coastline. contrast


Even though we come from different cultures, my wife and I are alike in several ways. For one thing, we are both thirty-two years old. In fact, our birthdays are in the same month, hers on July 10 and mine on July 20. Another similarity is that we both grew up in large cities. Helene was born and raised in Paris and I come from Yokohama. Third, our hobbies are alike too. My wife devotes a lot of her free time to playing jazz piano. Likewise, I like to spend time after work strumming my guitar. A more important similarity concerns our values. For example, Helene has strong opinions about educating our children and raising them to know right from wrong. I feel the same. Our children should receive a good education and also have strong moral training. Comparison or Contrast?


Even though we come from different cultures, my wife and I are alike in several ways. For one thing, we are both thirty-two years old. In fact, our birthdays are in the same month, hers on July 10 and mine on July 20. Another similarity is that we both grew up in large cities. Helene was born and raised in Paris and I come from Yokohama. Third, our hobbies are alike too. My wife devotes a lot of her free time to playing jazz piano. Likewise, I like to spend time after work strumming my guitar. A more important similarity concerns our values. For example, Helene has strong opinions about educating our children and raising them to know right from wrong. I feel the same. Our children should receive a good education and also have strong moral training. Comparison


Main Idea & Supporting Details

Clarifies generalizations with specific information

Used in persuasion to prove points Used in all description (settings, characters,

feelings, etc) in order to “show, not tell”

Main Idea & Supporting Details

Key Transitions to look forFirst, second, additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Transitions in this pattern indicate elaboration and further detail.

Notice some transitions are used in other patterns, especially sequence patterns and cause & effect.

The paragraph structure of main idea and supporting detail paragraphs will include…

A topic sentence stating the central idea.– The topic sentence can be anywhere in the

paragraph, but usually at the beginning or end

Other sentences supplying main pointsMain points supported by details, such as

examples, definitions, explanations, anecdotes, or other information.

Topic Sentence

supporting details supporting details

MainPoint

MainPoint

Summarizing thought,Transition Sentence

Lead

Body

Conclusion

Main Idea and Supporting Point Graphic Organizer

Now let’s see if we can map a paragraphs structure. We will

Identify main points Identify supporting details Create a graphic organizer, based on the one

below to organize the information

.

There are three major airports near Washington, D.C., but the traveler to Washington should be careful about which one he or she chooses. First, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which is located near the city of Baltimore, is a good international airport. However, it is not the best choice for a traveler who wants to visit Washington. One reason is that it is relatively far from the city of Washington itself. Moreover, a passenger bus trip between Baltimore and Washington is somewhat expensive. Dulles International Airport is a slightly better choice, since it is located closer to the city. On the other hand, if a traveler arrives in the early evening, he or she will encounter rush-hour traffic, which is not a good way to begin a trip to the city. The best choice may be Washington-Reagan National Airport. There are two reasons for this. First, this airport is the closest to the city. Second, it is located on the Metro train system, which is a convenient method of transportation, allowing a visitor to travel almost anywhere he or she likes in the city of Washington.

What are the key signal words?


There are three major airports near Washington, D.C., but the traveler to Washington should be careful about which one he or she chooses. First, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which is located near the city of Baltimore, is a good international airport. However, it is not the best choice for a traveler who wants to visit Washington. One reason is that it is relatively far from the city of Washington itself. Moreover, a passenger bus trip between Baltimore and Washington is somewhat expensive. Dulles International Airport is a slightly better choice, since it is located closer to the city. On the other hand, if a traveler arrives in the early evening, he or she will encounter rush-hour traffic, which is not a good way to begin a trip to the city. The best choice may be Washington-Reagan National Airport. There are two reasons for this. First, this airport is the closest to the city. Second, it is located on the Metro train system, which is a convenient method of transportation, allowing a visitor to travel almost anywhere he or she likes in the city of Washington


There are three major airports near Washington, D.C., but the traveler to Washington should be careful about which one he or she

chooses.

Baltimore International Dulles International Washington-Reagan National

Closer to Washington

Rush hourTraffic can

be bad

Near the metro train

Closest to the city

Far from city of

Washington Bus ride is expensive

Question & Answer Pattern

Defining the Question & Answer Pattern– The writer asks a series of questions and then

provides the answers.– The pattern may be used to organize works of

nonfiction but not paragraphs alone.

This pattern pulls the reader into the piece by addressing him directly.

Common uses of the Question & Answer Pattern

FAQ’s Interviews in magazines Answering Disagreements Dispelling Myths or Misunderstandings

Question & Answer Example:

How Do you Know If Someone Likes you?If s/he treats you with courtesy and respect, then

s/he likes you. If s/he appears to be shy around you, then s/he probably likes you. If s/he makes an effort to be where you are, to go to the places where s/he knows you'll be, s/he probably likes you. Usually, it’s fairly easy to tell.

What’s the Best Way To Ask Someone Out?There is no best way to ask someone out. Just

relax, be polite, take a deep breath, and do it! And if s/he turns you down, don't worry. It obviously wasn't meant to be. You're young and you've got plenty of time to find the right one.

Key Element #5: Comprehension

Skillful readers of nonfictiona. ask themselves whether they understand

the meaning of what they have read.b. reread sectionsc. take notes as they read to help them stay

focused d. look for main ideas and author purpose

So what have we learned?

Keys to Nonfiction# 1 Reading Text features is

essential to understanding nonfiction and is frequently tested on.

# 2 Connecting new information to Background information we already know is the most important process in reading nonfiction.

# 2. Background (cont)– Be sure to read ALL

background information when you read a nonfiction selection.

– Pay attention to background provided by your teacher.

# 3 Vocabulary is crucial.– Read all foot notes.– Use context clues– Apply knowledge of

prefixes and suffixes

So what have we learned? (cont.)

#3 cont.Vocabulary is important since

you can’t comprehend anything when you don’t know what it says.

#4 Skillful readers look for organizational patterns when reading nonfiction

a. Nonfiction relies on 5 main organizational patterns.

b. Organizational Patterns include

– Sequential Chronological Spatial Order of Importance

– Cause & Effect– Comparison - Contrast– Main Idea & Supporting

Details– Question & Answer

So what have we learned? (cont.)

# 5. Comprehension of nonfiction requires

– asking yourself if you understand what you’ve read.

– rereading sections– taking notes as you read – looking for main ideas

and author purpose

We will practice more reading strategies as we continue with nonfiction.

Remember: The ability to read and understand nonfiction leads to success in other areas of life.

Reading Nonfiction

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Transcript of Reading Nonfiction