How to Read Nonfiction

Nonfiction is the genre classification of any text that is based on facts. The subject of nonfiction is real. Nonfiction can range from a physics textbook to an article in a fashion magazine.

Things You'll Need

• Nonfiction text
• Pen or highlighter
• Notepaper (optional)
• Dictionary/other references (optional)

Instructions

Understand Your Topic

1. Have a fair idea of the topic of your nonfiction text. If it is unfamiliar to you, do an Internet search for a few key words in the title or introduction of the text. Research key ideas online or in an encyclopedia and look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary.

2. 

   Highlight or underline key ideas or passages as you read. Additionally, it is a good idea to take notes in the margins of the text or on notepaper about things you find important or want to research later. Post-it notes are also helpful to mark specific pages or sections you wish to revisit.

3. Identify the type of nonfiction you are reading and the writer's purpose. Is the writer presenting a personal narrative or anecdote, as in a memoir? Is he giving his own opinion on a current or historical event, established belief or controversial issue? Or is the writer simply providing information in an expository manner to educate the reader?

4. Reread difficult passages or, if necessary, the entire piece. Your notes will be helpful. Consider possible parallels to other text you have read. Read critically and question the ideas the author is presenting. Are there flaws in his reasoning?

5. Review your understanding of the text. Can you explain the main ideas of the text you have just read? What was the author's purpose in writing the piece? What did you learn from your reading? If you looked up unfamiliar words, do you remember what they mean?

Tips & Warnings

• Break up larger text into smaller sections.

References

• Reading Nonfiction
• Nonfiction Reading Techniques

Resources

• Resource For Key Terms & Different Types of Non-Fiction