What is Nonfiction? NonFiction includes, but is NOT limited to:
Biography/Autobiography
Textbooks and other Informational Writing
Documentaries (film)
How-To
Self-Help
Cultural Studies
Art/Music/Movie/Theatre reviews
Essays
There are several nonfiction reading & responding options on this page (scroll down to Table of Contents).
Plus, here's a page for Bio Shorts (short biographies)
and a page for short NF readings.
In addition, there are these OTHER pages of alternative reading: Documentaries and Podcasts. Click to see what options you have there!
Table of Contents of This Page
From any newspaper or magazine, choose a non-fiction article and read it, then complete this form for up to 3 English points (reading and writing categories).
The ALC gets a daily Star Tribune newspaper, or you can find online newspapers (although many ask you to pay).
I keep the newspapers and many of the magazines in my "English" room at the ALC; just ask!
There are three to choose from, depending on the type of non-fiction book you choose.
Non-Fiction A: Read log while you read, then write an essay (template included). 40 points.
Non-Fiction B: Read log while you read, then complete the graphic organizer included. 30 points.
Biography/Autobiography: Read log while you read, then create a newspaper about the person who's the subject of the book you read. 40 points.
Non-Fiction A Non-Fiction B
Documentary Summary
Each Summary worth up to 5 points
Response pdf (open, make a copy, share your copy with me when done)
Resources:
For 2-4 points, depending.
We will provide a news article and accompanying work (usually a short "quiz" and a graphic organizeer). You can even tell us what topics you're interested in!
This book is a group of non-fiction essays written by Jim Northrup, an Anishinaabe writer from Minnesota's Fond du Lac Reservation. He's very well known in northern Minnesota, and across the United States.
Mr. Northrup writes with humor (and sometimes bitter humor) with a keen eye about what it means to be a modern Indian and Veteran living in the world today.
1. Read the essay and annotate (take notes on your Questions, Predictions, Evaluations, Connections, Comments) using either notebook paper, sticky notes, or an annotation sheet (below in files). You should have approximately 15 annotations per essay. THIS PART IS WORTH 2 POINTS.
2. Look up FIVE words that are new to you, or used in a new way. Complete the Vocab Sheet (below in files). THIS PART IS WORTH 1 POINT.
3. Write your own response to Northrup's essay: Do you agree? Disagree? What did you like the most? What, if anything, offended you? Have you experienced something similar?
Your response should be word-processed, spelled correctly, have indented paragraphs, and your name and date at the top. You should have at least five paragraphs, and it should be edited and double-spaced. THIS PART IS WORTH 3 POINTS.
Vocabulary Log: Also required!
Choose which method of annotating you wish: You have TWO options: