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L.1 Reading literature - realistic fiction

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What is realistic fiction?

Realistic fiction is a type of story that is made up, but it could really happen in real life. The characters, settings, and events feel believable and are similar to what you might experience or see around you.

Examples:
  • A story about a new student trying to make friends at school
  • A family moving to a new town and adjusting to changes
  • Two kids working together to solve a problem in their neighborhood
Note

Even though the story is fiction, everything in it should feel like it could really happen in the real world.

Identifying characters in realistic fiction

Characters in realistic fiction are people you can imagine knowing. They have strengths, weaknesses, feelings, and relationships, just like real people do.

Examples:
  • A fifth grader who worries about fitting in at school
  • A younger sibling who feels left out
  • A parent who works hard to support the family
Note

Pay attention to what characters say, think, and do. These details help you understand who they are and why they act the way they do.

Understanding setting in realistic fiction

The setting is where and when the story takes place. In realistic fiction, the setting is a place that could exist in real life, such as a school, a park, or a family home.

Examples:
  • A playground where kids meet after school
  • A classroom where students work on a project
  • A grocery store where a family shops for dinner
Note

The setting can affect the mood of the story and the choices characters make. Ask yourself how the setting influences what happens.

Recognizing themes in realistic fiction

A theme is the main message or lesson in a story. In realistic fiction, themes are often about everyday problems and how people solve them or learn from them.

Examples of themes:
  • Friendship and loyalty
  • Honesty and trust
  • Overcoming challenges
Note

To find the theme, think about what the character learned or how the character changed by the end of the story.

Strategies for reading realistic fiction

When reading realistic fiction, use strategies that help you better understand and connect with the story. These strategies allow you to think like the characters and make predictions about what might happen next.

Strategies:
  • Visualize the scenes as if you were there
  • Make connections to your own life experiences
  • Ask questions about why characters make certain choices
  • Summarize the story in your own words
Note

Using reading strategies helps you understand the story more deeply and prepares you to explain it to others.