English Learning Content: Writing Non-Fiction

Current Situation

Non-fiction is a type of writing that deals with real events, facts, and true information. Unlike fiction, which tells imaginary stories, non-fiction aims to inform, explain, or describe something that is true. It helps us learn about the world, history, science, people’s lives, and how things work.

Common examples of non-fiction include biographies (stories of real people’s lives), history books, science texts, news articles, how-to guides (like Bob’s pancake book!), and documentaries. The main goal of non-fiction is to provide accurate and truthful information, even if it’s presented in an engaging and interesting way.

Key Phrases

• mountain of books: a very large pile of books. “I have a mountain of books to read for my history class.”
• non-fiction book: a book based on facts and real information, not imagination. “I prefer reading a non-fiction book about animals over a fantasy novel.”
• harder than it looks: more difficult than one initially thought or imagined. “Learning to play the guitar is harder than it looks.”
• What’s it about?: a common question asking for the topic or subject of something. “I saw a new movie trailer. What’s it about?”
• historical facts: true pieces of information related to history or past events. “Our teacher shared some interesting historical facts about ancient Egypt.”
• struggling with: having difficulty or problems with something. “She is struggling with her math homework.”
• a bit dry: a little boring or uninteresting. “The lecture was a bit dry, but the topic was important.”
• That’s the trick: that’s the secret, the clever method, or the key skill needed to do something well. “Learning a new language is hard, but practicing every day – that’s the trick.”
• stick to the truth: to only say or write what is real and accurate, not invent things. “When you tell the story, please stick to the truth.”
• good point: a valid and sensible idea, argument, or observation. “You said we need more time for research; that’s a good point.”
• masterpiece: a work of outstanding skill, quality, or artistry. “The artist spent years creating this beautiful masterpiece.”

Grammar Points

1. The Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple to talk about facts, general truths, habits, and things that happen regularly.

• Facts/General Truths: “It is harder than it looks.” “Facts can be a bit dry.” “Vikings were early flippers.” (Note: “were” is past tense of “be,” used for a historical fact).
• Habits/Regular Actions: “I keep wanting to invent…” (a repeated desire).

Structure: Subject + Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)

Example: I write. He writes. Facts are important.

2. Wh-Questions

We use ‘Wh-words’ (who, what, where, when, why, how) to ask for specific information.

• What: Asks about a thing or action. “What’s that mountain of books doing…?” (What is) “What’s it about?”
• Who: Asks about a person. “Who invented the first pan?”

Structure: Wh-word + (auxiliary verb like do/does/is/are) + Subject + Main Verb?

Example: What is your name? Where do you live?

3. Imperatives

We use imperatives to give commands, instructions, advice, or make requests.

• Giving Advice/Instruction: “Stick to the truth…” “Just remember, Bob: facts, fun…”
• Making Suggestions: “Find a fun way to say it!”

Structure: Base form of the verb (without a subject)

Example: Read the book. Be careful. Don’t forget your keys.

4. The Verb “To Be” (Present Simple)

The verb “to be” is one of the most important verbs in English. It changes form based on the subject.

• I am: “I am trying to write…”
• You/We/They are: “Are you building…?” “Facts are important.”
• He/She/It is: “It is harder.” “What’s it is about?” “It’s is a guide.”

Example: I am happy. You are a student. She is my friend.