Non-Fiction Comprehension

Non-fiction passages appear frequently in the CEM 11+ exam. Unlike fiction, non-fiction is based on real events, facts, and ideas. In this lesson, you will learn how to read, understand, and answer questions about non-fiction texts with confidence.

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What Is Non-Fiction?

Non-fiction is writing about real things — facts, events, people, places, and ideas. The CEM exam may use a wide variety of non-fiction texts, including:

Type	Example
Newspaper or magazine article	A report about a scientific discovery or a community event
Biography or autobiography	An account of a real person's life
Diary or journal	A personal record of events and thoughts
Letter	A formal or informal letter about a real topic
Informational text	An encyclopaedia entry, leaflet, or textbook passage
Speech or transcript	A persuasive or informative speech
Travel writing	An account of visiting a new place

CEM tip: The passage may come from a source you have never encountered before. Do not worry — the skills you need are the same regardless of the topic.

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How Non-Fiction Differs from Fiction

Feature	Fiction	Non-Fiction
Purpose	To entertain, to explore ideas through story	To inform, persuade, argue, explain, or describe
Content	Imaginary characters and events	Real facts, events, and people
Language	Often descriptive and figurative	Often clear, precise, and factual (but can also be persuasive or emotive)
Structure	Plot, chapters, scenes	Paragraphs, headings, subheadings, bullet points

However, non-fiction can also use literary techniques. A travel writer might use vivid descriptions, a speech might use rhetorical devices, and a newspaper article might use emotive language to influence your opinion.

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Key Skills for Non-Fiction Comprehension

1. Identifying the purpose

Every non-fiction text has a purpose — the reason it was written. Ask yourself: Why did the writer write this?

Purpose	What the writer is trying to do	Example
Inform	Give facts and information	A textbook entry about volcanoes
Persuade	Convince the reader to agree with a viewpoint	A letter arguing for longer school breaks
Explain	Help the reader understand how or why something works	An article about how recycling helps the planet
Describe	Paint a vivid picture of a place, person, or event	Travel writing about a visit to the rainforest
Argue	Present a case for or against something	An opinion piece about banning homework

2. Finding key information

Non-fiction texts are packed with facts and details. You need to be able to locate specific information quickly.

Strategy: Scan the text for key words from the question. Non-fiction texts often have a logical structure (chronological order, cause and effect, or grouped by topic), which can help you find information faster.

3. Distinguishing fact from opinion

This is a very important skill, especially in CEM exams.

Type	What it is	Example
Fact	Something that can be proved true	"The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long."
Opinion	Someone's personal view or belief	"The Great Wall of China is the most amazing structure ever built."

Tip: Look for clue words. Opinions often include words like "I think", "I believe", "best", "worst", "should", or "in my opinion".