What is the difference between narrative and non-narrative text? Texts are organized to help readers understand the information, but narrative and non-narrative texts do this in different ways. A narrative text tells a story. Even if events are told in something like a flashback, the underlying plot is basically arranged in order. Narratives also have at least one lead character who has thoughts, feelings and experiences. The writer wants us to connect with that character and care about what he or she is going through. Reading this kind of text comes naturally to us because it is the same way we tell each other about our own experiences. Non-narrative texts might not be arranged in order. Some give us the main idea, then the details. Others are arranged as cause-and-effect. Dictionaries and encyclopedias are in alphabetical order. As well, non-narratives are less personal than narrative texts because they don’t use characters to draw us in. Some people find it harder to read this kind of text, while others enjoy reading for facts and information. Technology and the media often mix and match the way information is presented. For example, a newspaper article might have a narrative that tells a story alongside a non-narrative that offers information in a different way. A technical manual could start with a short narrative to highlight a point, followed by an explanation of how something works, as well as a chart and a graph. In today’s world, we need to be ready to use different reading skills at almost the same time. |