Pass Check: Non-Fiction Reading
Compare and analyse non-fiction sources for language, viewpoint and writer's methods.
Non-fiction
Writing based on real events, facts or opinions, e.g. articles, letters, speeches, autobiographies.
Viewpoint
The writer's attitude or opinion towards their subject, shown through word choice and tone.
Synthesis
Combining information or ideas from more than one source into a single response.
Bias
A one-sided or unfair slant in a text, often shown through selective facts or emotive language.
Fact versus opinion
A fact can be proven true; an opinion is a personal judgement or belief that cannot be proven.
Tone
The writer's attitude conveyed through word choice, e.g. mocking, sincere, urgent.
Comparison
Identifying similarities and differences between two texts, e.g. in viewpoint or method.
Source
One of the two (or more) non-fiction texts given in the exam paper to read and analyse.
Quick check
Mixed quiz
1. In a persuasive speech, the strongest point is often placed last for effect. What is this structural technique called?
2. Which of these texts is most likely to contain the writer's personal memories?
3. Read this 21st century letter to a local newspaper: 'I urge every resident to attend Tuesday's meeting, because our children's safety depends on it.' What technique is used in 'our children's safety depends on it'?
4. In a persuasive letter, why might a writer use the phrase 'surely you agree'?
5. A speech begins: 'Friends, we stand today at a turning point for our town.' Who is most likely the audience?
6. A review states: 'The restaurant charges £45 for a main course.' Is this fact or opinion?
7. Read this 19th century extract from a letter to a newspaper: 'I have seen with my own eyes the children of this parish labouring twelve hours a day in conditions no gentleman would tolerate for his dog.' What is the writer's viewpoint?
8. Comparing a 19th century travel account and a 21st century travel blog about the same city, both praise the architecture but the 21st century blog adds practical tips like 'book tickets online to skip the queue'. What does this show about writer's purpose?