CREATIVE NONFICTION - Theme and Techniques (Lesson 1)

Teacher Diane Reyes

1 Feb 202206:06

Summary

TLDRThis creative non-fiction class introduces the concept of analyzing female techniques in texts. It defines non-fiction as compositions based on factual information, distinct from fictional narratives. The class covers various types of creative non-fiction, including personal essays, literary journalism, biographies, travel writing, and food writing. It emphasizes the importance of the five R's: real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing. The lesson also explores literary devices such as storytelling, character development, and theme, highlighting the significance of central ideas and constructing paragraphs to support the broader message of the text.

Takeaways

📚 Non-fiction is a broad category of compositions that are not based on fictional stories, including history, biography, instructional, humor, and philosophical texts.
🔍 Creative non-fiction involves incorporating factual information and personal experiences into writing, often using essay formats such as procedural, personal, literary, and descriptive essays.
📝 The five R's of creative non-fiction are real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and thorough preparation.
🎨 Common literary devices used in non-fiction writing include storytelling, character development, setting, plot structure, and figurative language.
👤 Personal essays are written from the first-person perspective, focusing on personal experiences and lessons learned.
🗞️ Literary journalism essays explore issues or topics using literary devices similar to those used in fiction.
📖 Biographies tell the story of a person's life from birth to the present, also from the first-person perspective.
🌍 Travel writing involves narrating travel experiences using literary techniques and figurative language.
🍽️ Food writing crafts stories about food and cuisine, potentially leading to reviews and recommendations.
🏛️ Profiles construct life stories of people using literary devices to explore themes and provide insights.
🧵 Theme in non-fiction is the overarching message or idea that ties together the narrative, often supported by central ideas and key points throughout the text.
📐 Techniques of fiction used in non-fiction include setting, narrative arc, point of view, character development, vivid description, and the use of imagery and theme.
🌟 Personal reflection involves the writer's thoughts, feelings, opinions, and personal perspective, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
📝 Word choice or diction is crucial in non-fiction writing, with an emphasis on originality, connotation, and avoiding clichés and jargon.
🎼 Lyrical language techniques such as repetition, parallel structure, rhyme, alliteration, and assonance can enhance the sensory imagery in non-fiction writing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of today's creative non-fiction class?
-The main focus of today's class is to analyze the techniques used in a particular text, specifically focusing on the portrayal of female characters in non-fiction writing.
What is the definition of non-fiction according to the class?
-Non-fiction is a broad category of compositions that includes all books not established in a fictional account, incorporating factual information and not fictional stories.
How can creative non-fiction be classified?
-Creative non-fiction can be classified into various forms such as history, biography, instructional writing, humor, and philosophical essays.
What is the core element of non-fiction writing?
-The core element of non-fiction writing is fact, which means factual information must be included in the piece rather than made-up information.
Why is research important in non-fiction writing?
-Research is important in non-fiction writing to provide accurate and reliable information that can be used in the non-fiction piece.
What are the common literary devices used in non-fiction writing?
-Common literary devices in non-fiction writing include storytelling or narration, character or characterization, setting, plot and plot structure, figurative language, imagery, angle or point of view, dialogue, and theme.
What are the five R's of creative non-fiction?
-The five R's of creative non-fiction are real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing.
What is a personal essay in the context of creative non-fiction?
-A personal essay in creative non-fiction is a piece where the writer uses information based on personal experience or a single event that leads to significant personal meaning or a lesson learned, using the first person narrative.
What is the role of theme in non-fiction writing?
-In non-fiction writing, theme serves as the broader message of the story, running throughout the text and providing a central idea that all details support.
How can the main idea of a paragraph support the central idea of the whole text in non-fiction?
-In non-fiction, each paragraph has its own main idea that is used to support the central idea of the whole text. The main idea of a paragraph must be associated with supporting information and evidences to strengthen the overall central idea.
What are some of the techniques of fiction that can be used in non-fiction writing?
-Some techniques of fiction used in non-fiction writing include setting, narrative arc, point of view, character development, vivid description, use of imagery, theme, and poetic devices such as figurative language, simile, metaphor, symbolism, personification, and sensory imagery.
Why is personal reflection important in non-fiction writing?
-Personal reflection is important in non-fiction writing as it allows the writer to express personal thoughts, feelings, opinions, and ruminations, adding a personal perspective and depth to the narrative.
What is the significance of word choice or diction in non-fiction writing?
-Word choice or diction is significant in non-fiction writing to ensure the use of language is fresh and original, making notes of connotation and selecting words with the best meaning, while avoiding cliches and jargon.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction

This paragraph introduces the concept of creative non-fiction, emphasizing its distinction from fictional narratives by its reliance on factual information. It outlines the various forms of non-fiction, such as history, biography, instructional texts, and essays, which can encompass humor, philosophy, and personal insights. The paragraph also highlights the importance of research in providing accurate and reliable information for non-fiction writing. Furthermore, it discusses the common literary devices used in non-fiction writing, including storytelling, character development, setting, plot structure, and figurative language. The 'five R's of creative non-fiction'—real life reflection, research, reading, and writing—are introduced as key components of the genre.

05:01

🎨 Literary Techniques in Non-Fiction Writing

The second paragraph delves into the specific techniques and elements that enrich non-fiction writing, making it engaging and informative. It discusses the use of imagery, both literal and figurative, to create vivid descriptions and evoke emotions. The paragraph also touches on the significance of theme in conveying the broader message of the text. Additionally, it covers poetic devices such as simile, metaphor, symbolism, and personification, which can enhance the literary quality of non-fiction. Personal reflection, perspective, and word choice are emphasized as crucial for adding depth and originality to the writing. The paragraph concludes with a mention of lyrical language techniques like repetition, parallel structure, rhyme, and alliteration, which contribute to the musicality and rhythm of the text.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Creative Non-fiction

Creative non-fiction is a genre of writing that uses literary techniques to present factual information. It is not a fictional narrative but rather a true story told with the richness and depth of fiction. In the video, this term is central as it sets the stage for the discussion of various techniques used in non-fiction writing to make it engaging and insightful.

💡Theme

Theme in literature refers to the underlying message or main idea that a writer explores throughout a text. In the context of the video, theme is defined as 'a thread that runs throughout a whole book in a literary text,' emphasizing its importance in creative non-fiction as it provides a unifying concept that ties the narrative together.

💡Central Ideas

Central ideas are the most important concepts in a text, representing the key points the author wants to convey. The video explains that these ideas are essential in non-fiction writing, as they form the backbone of the narrative and are supported by details that help to clarify and expand upon them.

💡Factual Information

Factual information refers to data or details that are based on reality and can be verified. The video emphasizes the importance of including factual information in non-fiction writing, distinguishing it from fictional storytelling by its commitment to truth and accuracy.

💡Research

Research is the process of gathering information and conducting investigations to provide a foundation for writing. In the video, research is highlighted as a critical component of non-fiction writing, ensuring that the content is accurate, reliable, and well-informed.

💡Personal Experience

Personal experience refers to the writer's own encounters, observations, and reflections. The video mentions that personal experience is a significant source of content in creative non-fiction, allowing the writer to share their unique perspective and insights with the reader.

💡Essay Format

Essay format is a common way to structure written works, especially in non-fiction, where ideas are presented and explored in a logical and coherent manner. The video lists various types of essays, such as procedural, personal, literary, and descriptive essays, which are all forms of creative non-fiction.

💡Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques used by writers to enhance their work, making it more expressive and engaging. The video lists several literary devices, such as storytelling, character development, and figurative language, which are incorporated into non-fiction writing to add depth and richness to the narrative.

💡Five R's of Creative Non-fiction

The Five R's is a mnemonic device introduced in the video to summarize key aspects of creative non-fiction writing: real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing. These elements are essential for creating a well-rounded and impactful piece of non-fiction.

💡Narrative Arc

A narrative arc refers to the structure of a story, which typically includes an inciting incident, conflict, climax, and resolution. The video mentions this concept as one of the techniques of fiction used in non-fiction writing to create a compelling narrative that guides the reader through the story.

💡Point of View

Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told, such as first person (I), second person (you), or third person (he/she). The video discusses the importance of point of view in non-fiction writing, as it determines how the story is presented and the relationship between the writer and the reader.

💡Lyrical Language

Lyrical language is a style of writing that uses repetition, rhythm, and other poetic techniques to create a musical quality in the text. The video touches on the use of lyrical language in non-fiction to enhance the emotional impact and aesthetic appeal of the writing.

Highlights

Introduction to the theme and techniques of creative non-fiction writing.

Definition of non-fiction as compositions not based on fictional accounts.

Creative non-fiction can include history, biography, instructional texts, humor, and philosophical inquiries.

The importance of factual information in non-fiction writing.

The role of research in providing accurate and reliable information for non-fiction.

Incorporating personal experience and opinion in non-fiction writing.

Common formats for creative non-fiction outputs, such as essays.

Literary devices used in non-fiction writing, including storytelling, character development, and setting.

The five R's of creative non-fiction: real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing.

Types of creative non-fiction, including personal essays, literary journalism, biographies, travel writing, and food writing.

Green's definition of theme as a thread running throughout a literary text.

Identification of central ideas and key points in non-fiction texts.

Constructing paragraphs in non-fiction with a clear main idea and supporting evidence.

Techniques of fiction applicable to non-fiction, such as setting, narrative arc, and point of view.

The use of vivid description, imagery, and figurative language to enhance non-fiction writing.

The significance of personal reflection, perspective, and stream of consciousness in non-fiction.

The importance of word choice and diction in creating fresh and original language.

Lyrical language techniques such as repetition, parallel structure, rhyme, alliteration, and assonance.

Conclusion and appreciation for the learners' engagement in the creative non-fiction class.