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Common Book Project
2008 Common Book
Supplemental Materials
Introduction to non-fiction
Non-fiction
writing is based on real events. You may think you are more familiar with
fiction writing, which is created from the author’s imagination (novels, short
stories, poetry, and drama). However, on a daily basis, you probably encounter
more non-fiction than fiction writing, for example: biographies,
autobiographies, textbooks, research articles, newspaper and magazine writing,
personal essays, advertisements, posters, leaflets, and brochures.
What’s the purpose of non-fiction writing?
Non-fiction has a wide range of uses and a single work may combine several.
Common purposes include:
• to inform
• to persuade
• to explain
• to advise
• to instruct
• to entertain
Questions for reading and studying this
year’s Common Book:
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What themes did you find in Nine Hills to Nambonkaha (Note: A theme is a primary focus or idea.)
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What is the purpose of this book?
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Did the way in which the author presented
the material help the book achieve its purpose? Explain.
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How did the author’s presentation or
writing style capture and hold your attention?
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Did the writer use facts to support her
information? What kinds of factual material did she use?
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Did the writer use other people’s opinions
in the book?
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What type of language and vocabulary did
the author use (e.g., formal, informal, conversational, complex, or a
combination)? Identify examples.
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Did the title of the book work? Did it
make you curious about the book? Why or why not?
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After you read the book, did you think the
title was appropriate?
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What did you learn from reading this book?
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How will information from the book help you
succeed academically?
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