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1Navigating Non Fiction Text & Identifying Features

Effectively Using Non-fiction Text

Non-fiction texts, also called expository text, provide information.  Its purpose is to explain, inform, or persuade.

 4 ways in which non-fiction text is challenging:

• Content requires a high level of abstract thinking. 
• Vocabulary consists of specialized terms unique to the topic that readers don’t normally encounter in fictional texts or conversations.  Many of the terms have unfamiliar meanings, such as the earth’s crust.
• Text features look different on a page when compared to fictional texts.  Where fictional texts are usually only interrupted by a chapter title or an illustration, non-fictional texts often contains headings and subheadings, pronunciations in parentheses, labels, footnotes, and a variety of graphics in many different places on the page. 
• Text structure is organized differently as well.  Where fictional texts usually contain a plot, which flows from one event to another, non-fictional texts usually segment information into various topics.  Readers must figure out the organization of the information in order to comprehend the connections of the ideas presented.

 6 ways content is commonly structured:

• Cause and effect
• Compare and contrast
• Problem/solution
• Sequence or time order
• Listing or description
• Combination of the above

Why Nonfiction is Important:

• Comprehension of text is important for school success
• Critical for success on standardized tests
• Provides access to a large body of important and useful information for use not only in school, but to develop lifelong learning habits, pursue individual interests, gain necessary skills, and become well-informed and responsible citizens.

How can we be good readers of non-fiction text?  Use the following strategies for approaching non-fiction text:

• Learn to preview the text before reading
• Learn how to use various text features such as graphs, charts, diagrams, timelines, etc.
• Learn how to identify the text structure to promote understanding and retention.

Things to Look for When Previewing a Non-Fiction Text:        

• Read over title, headings and subheadings found. 
• Use a KWL or some type of graphic organizer to encourage thinking on what is already known about the subject or topic. 

Questions you might ask yourself (Activating Schema/Making Predictions):  What have I already read or heard about this topic?  Where do I remember studying it?  Have I seen anything related to the topic?  How will learning about this topic help me in the future?  Are there any connections between it and something that I will do in the future?

• Predict the content based on what you have seen.
• Look at the pictures/illustrations.  Do they tell me anything about what I am going to read?  Read the captions underneath them.  Does this information connect to what I already know? 
• Look at the questions at the end of the chapter.  Read them over.  Do they give me an idea of what I might learn?
• The main goal in previewing is to activate prior knowledge and to begin thinking of connections you can make to this new material.  It sets the stage, like reading a review of a book or a short summary of a more-detailed article. 

Some features which you will want to look for:

• • Headings and subheadings
  • Use of bold-face print
  • Diagrams
  • Charts
  • Maps
  • Timelines
  • Graphs

The 5 Most Common Structures of Nonfiction

And Signal Words to Help Identify Them

Just like fiction, which has plot structures such as flashbacks or foreshadowing that students must learn and recognize, nonfiction text has basic structures, as well.  Many times an author will use multiple structures in a single text depending on his purpose.  Five kinds of text structures, or patterns of organization, are commonly found in informational texts:

1.  Description or listing provides information, such as facts, characteristics, and attributes about a subject, event, person, or concept.  This organization is the most common pattern found in textbooks. It is often used at the beginning of a text to introduce the topic or provide background information. Here is an example:

The dinosaurs were four to eight feet long, about the size of kangaroos.  They had small heads and long necks, and they walked on two or four legs.

Signal Words:  to begin with, for example, for instance, most important, in front, beside, near

2.  Sequence or time order presents a series of events that take place in a time order.  The author traces the sequence or the steps in the process.   Time order structure is usually found in social studies texts.  Sequence structures are often used in science texts to explain a procedure.  An example is:

Trouble had been brewing for more than 10 years.  In 1763 Britain defeated France in the French and Indian War.  Britain then tried to tighten control over its 13 American colonies and tax the colonies more heavily.

Signal Words:  first, second, third, before, on (date), not long after, after that, next, at the same time, finally, then, following

3.  Compare and contrast points out the likenesses and/or differences between two or more subjects.  This structure often appears in the middle or ending of a text after two or more subjects have been explained individually.  A sample of this structure could be:

The cheetah can run 70 mph.  In the 1996 Olympic Games, Michael Johnson set a world record and captured the gold medal when he ran 200 meters in 19.32 seconds.  That’s 23 mph.

Signal Words:  like, unlike, but, in contrast, on the other hand, however, both, also, too, as well as

4.  Cause and effect attempts to explain why something happens; how facts or events (causes) lead to other facts or events (effects).  A single cause often has several effects.  Also a single event may have several causes.  This paragraph describes causes and effects:

As the left plate slides down into the earth, it enters the hot mantle.  Rocks in the sliding plate begin to melt, and they form magma.

5.  Problem and solution describes a problem and presents one or more solutions to that problem.  The following is an example:

Environmentalists are battling to save remaining native species.  Scientists and private citizens are attempting to preserve 4,000 acres on the island of Hawaii by literally fencing them off against alien invader species.

Signal Words for both Cause and Effect and Problem and Solution:  therefore, consequently, so, this led to, as a result, because, if …then

Source:  Content adapted from Boynton, A & Blevins, W. (2003) Teaching Students to Read Nonfiction.  New York:  Scholastic Professional Books. Pp. 14 & 15. 

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2What is a research paper? What are the guidelines?

Research Paper Requirements

 What is a research paper?  It is a well-documented report that presents gathered information in an organized manner from various sources.

What are the required components of the 7^th grade research paper?

• Title page
• Title of Report
• Student name
• Teacher Name
• Date
• Period

• Outline
• Linear outline with topics and supporting details

• Essay

• 2 ½-3 double-spaced pages  

• Introduction

• Thesis

• Body

• Conclusion

• Internal citations throughout essay

Bibliography (Citation Page)--

• Alphabetical order
• At least 2 MLA Citations

Note Cards--

•  MINIMUM 15 note cards--electronic or hard copies

• MINIMUM 2 bibliography cards--see above

• 1 Fact/Question per note card

• Page number from book, article, webpage, etc where information was gathered.

• Category
• Card number

• Electronic Copy: Optional 
• Disc/Email/Flash drive

Print Copy-- What are the Typing guidelines?

• 12 point font--arial, times new roman, etc.  
• Double spaced
• No bold print

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3Rubric-- How will I be graded for my work?

Research Paper Final Rubric—FYI!

3-- Excellent     2-- Average      1 --Work Needed     0 -- Not present

CONTENT

______The essay gives a thorough explanation of your person

______ Research supports and gives clarity to your thesis statement

______ All quoted, paraphrased, and summarized research is correctly cited

______ Essay transitions smoothly from one subtopic to the next

______ Topic is clearly and thoroughly explained using research and organized writing                                  

______ Essay is easy to follow

_______/18

FORMAT / MECHANICS

______ Essay is organized including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion

______ Introductory paragraph includes an attention grabber

______ Body paragraphs are clearly organized by subtopics

______ Each body paragraph has a strong topic sentence & an obvious but smooth transition sentence

______ Conclusion paragraph begins with a transition signaling the end of the essay

______ Conclusion paragraph ends with a memorable ending while restating information from the essay

______ All research is cited correctly using the MLA format within the text

______ Essay is two and a half to three pages long

______ Pages are numbered correctly with the student last name on each appropriate page

______ Font is size 12, Times New Roman or Book Antiqua and is double-spaced

______ Grammatical errors not present (including run-ons, fragments, comma splices)

______ No spelling errors

______ No capitalization errors

______ No punctuation errors (including within citations)

______ Paragraphs are spaced correctly (no extra spaces between)

______ Essay contains correctly indented paragraphs

______ Properly formatted cover sheet is present

______/51

REFERENCE LIST/BIBLIOGRAPHY

______ All research used is cited in the reference list (bibliography)

______ Correct MLA format is used for in-text citations –used recommended on-line resources

_______/6

Total POINTS POSSIBLE 75                                    POINTS RECEIVED ______

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4What are the steps I will follow to complete my paper?

Writing a Research Paper

Grade 7

Mrs. Lockwood

Grade 7 Research Project – Step By Step

1. Brainstorm a list of people that you would like to research & generate a list of questions that you could answer
2. Do preliminary research to determine whether you can find enough information on your topic
3. Narrow you topic –lock in your choice
4. Formulate a list of thought-provoking questions that you would like to answer and your audience would enjoy reading the answers to—you need a minimum of 3 sets of 5 questions (one set for each of the body paragraphs)
5. Complete your research by selecting resources—you should have a minimum of 2 from the approved sources list
6. Create bibliography cards for each resource.
7. Answer each of your questions on separate note cards (be sure to cite your resources) in phrases or paraphrased sentences.  ***Be sure you get the same answers from multiple resources! 
8. Sort your note cards & create sub-topics (remember that you need to have enough information for 3 body paragraphs!)
9. Create an outline from your note cards
10. Create an introduction & write a conclusion
11. Use your outline to draft your body paragraphs--first draft
12. Blend/edit your paragraphs--second draft
13.   Peer edit for any final changes
14. Present your final product – in writing 

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6What type of resources should I use?

Students will use at least 2 of the following resources for his/her research:

• Book
• With 1 author
• With 2 authors
• With multiple authors or editors 
• Encyclopedia/Reference book
• www.powerlibrary.net
• CD Rom
• Interview
• TV/Video Program
• Scholarly journal
• Magazine/Periodical

*The internet can be used as a secondary source... but a minimum of 2 print sources must be located.  The availability information should be researched prior to choosing a final topic this is the PRIMARY REASON for preliminary research!

Resources

You are responsible for finding at least two different sources from the list provide that deal directly with the person you have chosen to research. 

In addition to these resources, resources can be from scholarly journals, magazines, or newspapers.  Sources found entirely from the internet will not be accepted.

*Wikipedia will not be recognized as an encyclopedia resource

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7What is plagarism? How can it effect my grade? How will my teacher know if I copy someone else's work?

A Note About Plagiarism

Your research paper is collaboration between you and your sources. To be fair and honest, you must indicate when you borrow another writer's ideas or words. You do this by documenting, or citing, your sources. "Citing your sources" means nothing more than telling your reader whose ideas or words you have used and where you found them. To use someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit is dishonest. It is called plagiarism. Plagiarism is very serious. 

Two different acts are considered plagiarism: (1) borrowing someone's ideas, information, or words without citing the source and (2) citing the source, but paraphrasing the source too closely, without using quotation marks to indicate that words and phrases have been borrowed. 

You must, of course, document all direct quotations. You must also document any ideas borrowed from a source: paraphrases of sentences, summaries of paragraphs or chapters, statistics or little-known facts, and tables, graphs, or diagrams. 

The only exception is common knowledge or information that your readers could find in any number of general sources because it is commonly known.  For example, everyone knows that Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky. It is common knowledge and would not have to be cited.  

In summary:  Do not plagiarize. Document all quotations and borrowed ideas. Avoid paraphrases that closely resemble your sources. *

* The text of this section is adapted from Hacker, Diana.  The Bedford Handbook for Writers. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martin's Press, 1991. 

Plagiarism will result in a 0 grade for the portion(s) of this project that are affected.

I will check your work (or portions of it) at the following site--

http://www.dustball.com/cs/plagiarism.checker/

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8Citations for my bibliography: How can I give proper credit to my sources?

There are MANY online resources to help you with MLA style citations.  We will do practice with this in class.  You can use these links for MORE help if you have specific questions about how to cite your sources.  Some of these links will even do it for you if you provide the proper information!

http://www.easybib.com/

http://citationmachine.net/

http://www.writecheck.com/static/resources.html

http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/apa/index.htm#contents2

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

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9How will I use peer editing in the writing process?

Language Arts 7

Biographical Research Project Peer Editing Checklist

Use the following checklist to help you evaluate your partner’s writing.  Remember to offer 2 constructive suggestions and point out 2 parts you especially like.

Your Name ___________  Your Partner’s Name _________________

1. Can you identify the main idea or thesis in this essay?  Yes/No

1. Is the thesis underlined or highlighted?  Yes/No

1. Does the thesis contain the author’s topic and their opinion about subject?  Yes/No

1. Does this biography have an introduction?  Yes/No

1. Does the introduction give an outline of who the author is going to talk about?  Yes/No

1. Is the writing clear, legible, and understandable?  Yes/No

1. Are there parts of the essay that are unclear?  If so, underline them and put a question mark next to the passage.

1. Does the biography have a clearly organized middle section, with ideas separated into paragraphs?  Yes/No

1. Does each paragraph begin with a topic sentence?  Yes/No

1. Does each paragraph end with a transition sentence, smoothly connecting the ideas of the previous paragraph to the next?  Yes/No

1. Does the biography contain interesting or colorful language and strong vocabulary?  Yes/No

1. If the biography contains little interesting language, circle 10 nouns, verbs, or adjectives that you think could be changed for stronger words.

1. Does the biography contain facts about several areas of the subject’s life?  Yes/No

1. Does the biography go in chronological order?  Yes/No

1. Does the biography have a concluding paragraph?  Yes/No

1. Does the conclusion restate the main points of the biography in a new way and give a sense of completion to the biography?  Yes/No

1. Does this biographical research paper leave out answers to any important questions that YOU, the reader, have?  Yes/No

If so, what are the questions? ____________________________________________

2 pieces of constructive criticism:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 things I especially like:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, go over this with an adult and be sure to make all necessary corrections before turning in your second draft. 

Have an adult sign this form, and staple it to your second draft when you turn it in on ___________________________________________. 

Parent/Guardian Signature ________

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10What information should I know from this jog?

Quiz on Research Paper Criteria & Guidelines

After completing the web quest I have created for you, you should be able to answer the following questions.  This will be graded!

• What type of research paper will you write? ______________________________
• How many pages does it need to be? _______________
• What size font will you use? _______________
• How many PRINT resources are you required to find? __________
• Can you use Wikipedia as one of your primary encyclopedia resources? _________
• What other types of sources can you use besides books and encyclopedias? Name at least 2.
• _____________________________________________________________________________________
•  
• How many points will your final paper be worth? ______________
• How will your paper be graded?  __________________
• What is plagiarism? _______________________________________________________________
• Do you have to have note cards?  __________________ 
• If so, how many? ______________
• At what point should you do your preliminary research?  ___________________________________________
• Why do preliminary research? __________________________________________________
• How many steps are there to writing your paper? ____________________________
• How can you be sure you don’t plagiarize? _____________________________________
• Can you work with a partner? _________________________________
• How will you be graded if you work with a partner? __________________________
• Can you get all of your information from the Internet? ________________________
• What are 3 of the most common mistakes students make when writing an essay? ______________________________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________________________________
• What mistake would you most likely make? _________________________________________________________________________________________
• What step(s) can you/will you take to make sure you don’t make that mistake? ______________________________________________________________________________
• How will your grade be affected if you plagiarize? _______________________________
• What does non-fiction text have to do with your research paper?
• _________________________________________________________________________________________
• Do you need a title page? _______________ If so, what should be on it?
• _________________________________________________________________________________________
• When will you do your outline? ____________________________________________________
• What type of citations are you required to use? __________________________________
• What will be at the END of your paper? ___________________________________________
• Where do parenthetical citations belong? _________________________________________
• How will you use peer editing in your writing process?  _________________________
• __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
•  What will YOU do to ensure your success in this project?
• __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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