Ch 2: AP English: Prose Nonfiction
About This Chapter
AP English: Prose Nonfiction - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
There are many different works that fit into the category of nonfiction. This chapter will cover the two kinds of nonfiction, literary and informational, and the several pieces of writing that fall under these types. The major terms covered in these lessons will pop up in the chapter's self-assessment quizzes. The fun lessons explore the following:
- How informed opinion, persuasion and fact are different
- The various works that can be considered autobiographical
- The kind of nonfiction that editorials and articles come under
- Different kinds of business documents
Video | Objective |
---|---|
What is Nonfiction? | Understand what it means when a work is considered nonfiction. |
Fact vs. Persuasion vs. Informed Opinion in Nonfiction | Examine what fact, informed opinion and persuasion entail. |
Types of Nonfiction: Literary Nonfiction (Essays, Journals, Diaries, Letters, Reference Books & Reviews) | Learn about a variety of different works that are literary nonfiction. |
Types of Nonfiction: Literary Nonfiction (Biographies & Autobiographies) | Explore the content of biographies and autobiographies. |
Types of Nonfiction: Informational Text (Editorials, Articles & Speeches) | Investigate forms of informational text. |
Types of Nonfiction: Business Documents (Policies, Procedure Manuals & Employee Programs) | Study various examples of business documents. |
The Viewing Component and Commentary | Evaluate commentary as well as viewing components. |

1. What Is Nonfiction? - Definition & Examples
There are a wide variety of genres of literature, but most can be separated into two categories. Watch this video lesson to learn about one of those categories: nonfiction.

2. Fact vs. Persuasion vs. Informed Opinion in Nonfiction
How do you know what to believe and what to doubt? Watch this video lesson to learn how to differentiate between facts, persuasion, and informed opinions.

3. Literary Nonfiction: Essays, Diaries, Letters, & More
Watch this video lesson to explore the world of literary nonfiction. You will learn the similarities and differences between journals, diaries, memoirs and much more.

4. Literary Nonfiction: Biographies & Autobiographies
Literary nonfiction consists of many types of writing. Two of the most popular types are biographies and autobiographies. Watch this video lesson to learn more about these two types.

5. Informational Text: Editorials, Articles, Speeches & More
Informational nonfiction is a large category that includes various types of writing. Learn about two of those types, articles and speeches, in this video lesson.

6. Business Documents: Policies, Procedure Manuals & More
While letters and memos may be purpose written for businesses, plenty of other documents are used as well. In this lesson we'll take a look at policies, procedure manuals, and employee training programs.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the AP English Language: Exam Prep course
- AP English: Reading Essays - Basics
- AP English: Rhetorical Devices
- AP English: Beginning the Writing Process
- AP English: Writing & Structuring an Essay
- AP English: Writing Revision and Skill Development
- AP English - Essay Basics: Conventions in Essay Writing
- AP English: Grammar Review
- AP English: Using Source Materials