A Good Story

Don't stories contain information too?

Most stories do contain information. However, they also include something that informational texts do not include--made-up details. When you read a fictional story, you know that some details will be fictional and some may be factual, but you can't always tell which details fit into each category.

The use of only facts is the most important way in which informational texts are different from fiction. A fiction writer wants to tell you an entertaining story, but writers of informational texts want to inform you about a topic. Therefore, fiction describes events that didn’t really happen, while informational texts are supposed to be completely true and accurate.

Take a look at this excerpt from a book written as a set of letters. As you read, think about whether the excerpt is an example of fiction or informational text. Does the example provide factual information, or does it seem like part of a made-up story? Hint: Think about who is "speaking."

excerpt from Letters from a Cat

Cat My Dear Helen,

I know that's how to begin a letter since I jumped up on your mother's writing table just now and looked. I have felt very sad ever since you left yesterday, so I went into the garden, curled up under the rosebush, and caught some flies. There is a kind of fly around that rosebush that I like better than any other. I've noticed, though, that you never eat flies yourself--or rats or mice. In fact, you don't seem to like them at all! But don't worry. I'll never let a rat or a mouse touch anything of yours as long as I live.

I've had so many good naps in your lap, and you always save scraps for me. I really miss you. When are you coming back?

Question

Who is speaking in this story?

a cat

Question

What makes this excerpt an example of fiction?

This is a made-up story told from a cat's perspective. It's fiction because cats can't write or speak English.