When you want to learn about a topic, you look for informational texts and videos about the topic. These forms of media are designed to explain and inform readers. Because they’re written to be as objective as possible, they won’t help you understand the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about the topic.
While informational texts deliver only factual details, fictional texts often include a little in-depth factual information about a topic. This doesn’t mean, though, that all the details in fictional texts are made up.
For instance, writers of historical fiction try to present historical information accurately, even though their purpose is to tell an engaging story, not to inform you about a topic. In any fiction story, though, “accuracy” is about more than just the facts. To make a story convincing, writers try to describe the story’s details as they would be seen through the eyes of the characters. Click each detail below to read an example of this careful selection from Esperanza Rising.
Because of Esperanza’s sheltered background, she does not see the peasants the same way that Miguel does.
Because Esperanza is young and immature, she does not know or understand things that more mature characters do.
Esperanza’s mother refuses Luis’ marriage proposal. Although Esperanza expresses dislike for her uncles, neither she nor her mother (nor readers) realize until later how vengeful the men can be.
Another factor that writers consider when selecting details for a story is the level of specificity. Only very specific words create the kinds of vivid images that will help readers experience the story along with the characters. Sensory details are useful for this purpose because they name a specific sight, sound, smell, taste, or texture.
In the next chapter of Esperanza Rising, you’ll see the immigration process through an immigrant’s eyes. Think about what you might learn about immigration if you were Esperanza. Then, answer the questions below.
When Esperanza has to present her papers to the border agent, what is she likely to focus on?
When you see something from a character’s perspective, you read about the details that he or she experiences.
When you see something from a character’s perspective, you read about the details that he or she experiences.
Which detail is Esperanza more likely to notice?
Informational texts are more likely to provide factual details, such as what text is included on visas and how the documents look.
Informational texts are more likely to provide factual details, such as what text is included on visas and how the documents look.
Because of her background, what is Esperanza more likely to pay attention to?
Because Esperanza has been privileged all her life, she is likely to notice those who are given special treatment. This is particularly true because she is no longer being treated this way.
Because Esperanza has been privileged all her life, she is likely to notice those who are given special treatment. This is particularly true because she is no longer being treated this way.
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