What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Creative non-fiction includes essays, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, and narrative journalism

Scene-setting uses sensory detail to immerse the reader in a real place or event

Narrative structure (beginning, complication, resolution) can be applied to true stories

The writer's voice and point of view shape how real events are interpreted and presented

The ethical responsibility to truth and accuracy distinguishes it from fiction

Key Vocabulary

Creative non-fiction

Writing that uses literary techniques to tell true stories

Scene-setting

Using vivid sensory detail to establish a place, time, or atmosphere

Narrative journalism

Journalism that tells a true story using fictional narrative techniques

Ethical responsibility

The writer's obligation to represent facts and people honestly and fairly

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Creative non-fiction differs from fiction because:

It uses no literary techniques It is based on factual events and real people It does not have a narrator It is always written in third person

Question 2

Scene-setting in creative non-fiction serves to:

Confuse the reader Replace factual information Immerse the reader in a real environment using sensory detail Make the text shorter

Question 3

The ethical responsibility in creative non-fiction requires writers to:

Only write about famous people Avoid all literary techniques Exaggerate events for dramatic effect Accurately represent facts and treat real people fairly

Creative Non-Fiction Craft