Understanding Fiction and Nonfiction

Understanding Fiction and Nonfiction

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Today, we will look at two important words: Fiction and Nonfiction. Both words talk about different kinds of stories.

The History

The word Fiction comes from a Latin word “fictio,” which means “a making or feigning.” The word Nonfiction was first used in the 1800s. It simply adds “non-” to “fiction,” meaning “not fiction.”

How to Use Them

Fiction means made-up stories. These stories are not real and are created from someone’s imagination. Books like fairy tales, novels, and fantasy are fiction.

Nonfiction is about real things. These are true stories about real people, places, or events. Books like biographies, history books, and science books are nonfiction.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of the “F” in Fiction as standing for “Fake” – it is not real. For Nonfiction, remember the “Non-” means “not” – it is not fake, it is true.

Example Sentences for Fiction

• Harry Potter is a fiction book.
• She likes to read fiction stories before bed.
• That TV show is pure fiction.
• They are writing a fiction novel together.
• The tale of the talking dog is fiction.

Example Sentences for Nonfiction

• The book about space is nonfiction.
• She enjoys nonfiction more than novels.
• This documentary is nonfiction.
• He is reading a nonfiction biography of a president.
• The history book is full of nonfiction stories.

Summary

Fiction means made-up, not real, or fake stories. Stories from the imagination.

Nonfiction means real, true, or factual stories. Stories based on real events or facts.

Remember, “F” in Fiction is for “Fake,” and “Non-” in Nonfiction means “Not” fake.