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N.1 Understand real life and fiction

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Understanding Real Life and Fiction

Real life means events and actions that can actually happen. Fiction means events and actions that are made up in a story.

Examples:
  • Real life: A boy rides his bike to school.
  • Fiction: A dog drives a bus to the park.
Remember!

Ask yourself: Could this really happen in the world we live in? If yes, it is real life. If not, it is fiction.

Looking for Clues in the Story

Writers give hints that show whether a story is based on real events or imagination.

How it works:
  • If characters talk to animals and the animals talk back, it is a clue the story is fiction.
  • If people go to school, cook dinner, or take a bus, these are clues it could be real life.
Tip

Look at what the characters do, where they are, and what happens next to decide if it is real or made up.

Comparing with What You Know

Think about your own life and what you have learned about the world. Compare the events in the story to real-life facts.

Example:
  • You know people can ride bikes → If a character rides a bike, it could be real life.
  • You know people cannot fly without machines → If a character flies by flapping arms, it is fiction.
Helpful Hint

Use your knowledge of the real world to help decide if the events in the story could really happen.

Spotting Make-Believe Elements

Some stories have magic, talking animals, or impossible events that make them fiction.

Examples:
  • A cat plays the piano and sings a song → Fiction
  • A farmer plants seeds and grows vegetables → Real life
Keep in Mind

If something in the story breaks the rules of nature or science, it is probably fiction.

Why It Matters

Knowing the difference between real life and fiction helps readers understand stories better and choose the right kind of book for what they want to learn or enjoy.

Example:
  • Reading real-life stories can teach about history, science, or everyday life.
  • Reading fiction can spark imagination and creativity.
Final Thought

Both real life and fiction stories are valuable. Learning to tell them apart is an important reading skill.

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