Analyzing Non-Fictional Texts: A Comprehensive Guide

This page provides a detailed overview of non-fictional text analysis, offering valuable insights for students and writers. It covers various aspects of analysis, including text types, key elements to examine, and a step-by-step approach to effectively analyze non-fictional texts.

Types of Non-Fictional Texts

The guide begins by listing various types of non-fictional text examples, such as:

• Editorials
• News reports
• Feature stories
• Articles
• Comments
• Blogs
• Personal essays
• Biographies
• Speeches

Aspects of Analysis

When conducting a non-fictional text analysis, the following elements should be considered:

• Structure
• Use of language (stylistic devices, word choice, sentence structure, register)
• Effect on the reader
• Line of argument

Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of examining not only the content but also the argumentation, structure, and language use to understand how these aspects interact.

Typical Analysis Tasks

The document outlines common analysis tasks, such as "Examine..." and "Analyse/Analyze...". These tasks require a thorough examination of various text elements.

Step-by-Step Analysis Process

The guide provides a detailed non-fictional text analysis structure consisting of seven steps:

1. Identify the text type
2. Mark important information and make notes on content
3. Collect extracts for analysis (argumentation, stylistic devices, word choice)
4. Analyze the effects of stylistic devices and word choice
5. Examine the connection between identified effects and the author's argumentation
6. Organize findings coherently
7. Summarize findings in a short text (Introduction-main part-conclusion)

Example: When analyzing a news article, you might identify the use of objective language and factual statements to support the author's argument for credibility.

Language Support

The guide concludes with a list of useful phrases for analysis of non-fictional text, helping students articulate their findings effectively. These phrases cover various aspects of analysis, including:

• Author's techniques for emphasizing the central message
• Effects of language use
• Tone and style
• Impact on the reader

Vocabulary: Paratactical sentences: Sentences that are joined without conjunctions, often separated by commas or semicolons.

Quote: "The author uses vivid/colloquial/objective/emotive ... language"

This comprehensive guide equips students with the necessary tools and techniques to conduct a thorough non-fictional text analysis, enhancing their critical reading and analytical skills.