Test: Elements Of Nonfiction! Trivia Questions Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Michelle BYRD
M
Michelle BYRD
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 81 | Total Attempts: 62,502
| Attempts: 867 | Questions: 25
Please wait...
Question 1 / 25
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. Fact - Opinion  -  "Mrs. Smith was born on July 4, 1935".

Explanation

The statement "Mrs. Smith was born on July 4, 1935" is a fact because it can be objectively verified. It states a specific date and event that can be proven or disproven.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Test: Elements Of Nonfiction! Trivia Questions Quiz - Quiz

Explore the fundamentals of nonfiction through this engaging quiz titled 'Test: Elements of Nonfiction! Trivia Questions'. Assess your understanding of biographies, autobiographies, and the importance of factual support... see morein writing. see less

2. Nonfiction means ______________

Explanation

Nonfiction refers to literature or writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people. It presents information or tells a story about real-life events, people, or ideas. Therefore, the correct answer is "True" because nonfiction is indeed based on truth and reality.

Submit
3. The author makes a story humorous and funny because he wants to __________________.

Explanation

The author makes a story humorous and funny in order to entertain the readers. By using humor, the author aims to engage the audience and provide them with enjoyment and amusement. The humorous elements in the story are intended to evoke laughter and create a light-hearted atmosphere, making the reading experience enjoyable and entertaining.

Submit
4. When an author tries to change your opinion about something, then the author's purpose is to _______

Explanation

When an author tries to change your opinion about something, their purpose is to persuade. This means that the author is attempting to convince or influence the reader to adopt their viewpoint or belief. They may use various persuasive techniques such as presenting evidence, logical arguments, emotional appeals, or rhetorical devices to sway the reader's opinion in their favor.

Submit
5. When the author gives you factual information, the author's purpose is to ____________.

Explanation

The author's purpose is to inform when they provide factual information. This means that their main goal is to provide the reader with accurate and reliable information about a certain topic or subject. They are not trying to entertain or persuade the reader, but rather to educate and increase their knowledge on the given topic. The author may use various techniques such as presenting evidence, providing examples, or citing sources to support their factual information and ensure that the reader gains a better understanding of the subject matter.

Submit
6. Fact - Opinion  -  Between 1945 and 1960 the number of cars in the U.S. increased by 133 percent.

Explanation

The given statement can be considered a fact because it presents a verifiable piece of information about the increase in the number of cars in the U.S. between 1945 and 1960. This information can be checked and confirmed through historical records and data.

Submit
7. The primary purpose of a persuasive piece is ______________________

Explanation

A persuasive piece is written with the primary purpose of convincing or persuading the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or opinion. It aims to change the reader's existing opinion by presenting arguments, evidence, and logical reasoning in a compelling manner. The writer uses various persuasive techniques such as emotional appeals, rhetorical devices, and persuasive language to sway the reader's opinion in favor of their own. The ultimate goal is to influence the reader's beliefs or actions by presenting a persuasive argument.

Submit
8. How can you prove that the following fact is true?   Mrs. Smith's address is 636 Wilson Road.

Explanation

To prove that the fact is true, the most direct and reliable method would be to visit Mrs. Smith at the mentioned address, 636 Wilson Road. By physically going to the address, one can confirm whether Mrs. Smith resides there or not. This method eliminates any potential miscommunication or misinformation that could occur through asking someone else or making a phone call.

Submit
9. Who is the narrator of an autobiography?

Explanation

The narrator of an autobiography is the author themselves, as an autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life. It is a personal and subjective perspective, making the author the most reliable narrator for their own story.

Submit
10. Which of the following is NOT a question you should ask to find the main - or central - idea?

Explanation

The question "When did the write the selection?" is not a question you should ask to find the main idea because it focuses on the timing or timeline of when the selection was written, rather than the central theme or main point of the selection. The main idea is typically about the topic or subject matter of the selection, not the specific time it was written.

Submit
11. Nonfiction has two major types that function to "tell a story" or "to give information" about something. 

Explanation

The correct answer is Narrative and informative. Nonfiction has two major types: narrative, which tells a story, and informative, which gives information about something.

Submit
12. Which of the following summaries could describe an autobiography?

Explanation

The correct answer is Helen Keller writing about her difficulties of being blind all her life. This summary describes an autobiography because it is about Helen Keller, the author, writing about her own experiences and struggles with being blind.

Submit
13. To support a main idea, writers often use __________________

Explanation

Writers often use facts and details to help prove their point when supporting a main idea. By providing factual information and specific details, writers can strengthen their argument and make it more convincing to the reader. This approach adds credibility and evidence to the main idea, making it more persuasive. Using opinions and details may introduce bias and subjective viewpoints, while summaries of details may not provide enough evidence to support the main idea effectively. Therefore, the most effective method is to use facts and details.

Submit
14. Which text structure is most likely to be found in a textbook?

Explanation

A textbook typically includes various text structures to organize and present information effectively. A table of contents is commonly found at the beginning of the textbook, providing an overview of the chapters and topics covered. Subheadings are used within chapters to divide the content into smaller sections and help readers navigate through the material. Bold print is often used to highlight key terms or important information within the text. Therefore, all of the above options - table of contents, subheadings, and bold print - are likely to be found in a textbook.

Submit
15. Which of the following text structures  are most likely to be found in a news related article?

Explanation

Headings are most likely to be found in a news-related article. Headings are used to break down the content into different sections and provide a brief overview of each section. In news articles, headings help readers quickly understand the main points of the article and navigate through the information easily. They allow readers to skim the article and decide which sections they want to read in detail. Therefore, headings are a common text structure in news articles.

Submit
16. Fact - Opinion     -  "Mrs. Barnes is married to handsome man".

Explanation

The statement "Mrs. Barnes is married to a handsome man" is an opinion because it is a subjective statement that expresses the speaker's personal belief or judgment. The term "handsome" is a subjective quality that can vary from person to person, making it a matter of opinion rather than an objective fact.

Submit
17. To change a word's meaning, you can add a prefix _______________.

Explanation

To change a word's meaning, you can add a prefix to the beginning of the word. Adding a prefix to the beginning of a word can alter its meaning and create a new word with a different definition. This is a common linguistic practice used to modify the original meaning of a word.

Submit
18. Choose the correct TEXT STRUCTURE which BEST describes the paragraph below:   The Cretaceous Period was filled with dangerous predators, but two of the most feared hunters were the tyrannosaurs rex and the velociraptor.  The tyrannosaurs rex was one of the largest carnivores to ever walk the Earth.  He was 20 feet tall and weighed seven tons.  His jaws could crush down with 3,000 lbs. of force, enough to smash the bones of his prey.  The velociraptor was very small compared to rex.  Raptors only stood three feet tall and were seven feet long, weighing merely 35 pounds.  But the velociraptor was fast.  Scientists think that raptors could run 24 miles per hour and turn on a dime.  Both dinosaurs used their jaws to kill prey, but the raptor had a secret weapon: a retractable toe claw that he pulled out like a knife to slash at his prey.  Both dinosaurs had eyes on the front of their heads, which helped them track prey.  If these two dinosaurs had fought, it would be difficult to say which would win; however since raptors died over ten million years before the first tyrannosaurs was born, scientists don't believe such a fight ever occurred.

Explanation

The paragraph compares and contrasts the characteristics of the tyrannosaurs rex and the velociraptor. It provides information about their size, weight, strength, speed, and hunting techniques. The paragraph also highlights the differences in their physical features and mentions that they both had eyes on the front of their heads. Additionally, it mentions that while it is difficult to determine who would win in a fight between the two, scientists believe that such a fight never occurred due to the time gap between their existence.

Submit
19. Choose the TEXT STRUCTURE that BEST describes the paragraph below:   There are many theories about why the dinosaurs vanished from the planet.  One theory that many people believe is that a gigantic meteorite smashed into the Earth.  Scientists believe that the meteorite was very big and that the impact may have produced a large dust cloud that covered the Earth for many years.  The dust cloud may have caused plants to not receive sunlight and the large plant eaters, or herbivores, may have died off, followed by the large meat eaters, or carnivores.  This theory may or may not be true, but it is one explanation as to why these giant reptiles no longer inhabit the Earth.  

Explanation

The paragraph discusses a theory about why dinosaurs vanished from the planet. It explains that the theory suggests a meteorite impact caused a dust cloud that covered the Earth, leading to the extinction of plants and eventually the herbivores and carnivores. The paragraph presents a cause (meteorite impact) and its effect (extinction of dinosaurs), making it an example of cause/effect text structure.

Submit
20. Which of the following kinds of selections do NOT tell a story?

Explanation

Persuasive selections do not tell a story because their main purpose is to convince or persuade the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. Unlike narrative, descriptive, and fiction selections, which involve storytelling and the development of characters and plot, persuasive selections focus on presenting arguments, evidence, and reasoning to influence the reader's opinion or behavior.

Submit
21. A biography describes _______________

Explanation

A biography describes the childhood experiences, family, and career life of an individual written by someone else. It provides a detailed account of the person's life, highlighting their important milestones, achievements, and impact on others. The purpose of a biography is to provide an objective and comprehensive overview of the person's life, offering insights into their character, accomplishments, and contributions to society.

Submit
22. What is meant by the term TONE?

Explanation

The term TONE refers to the writer's attitude toward the subject, reader, or himself/herself. It is the way in which the writer conveys their emotions and opinions through their writing. The tone can be conveyed through the choice of words, the use of figurative language, and the overall style of the writing. It helps to create a certain atmosphere or mood for the reader and influences how they perceive the content.

Submit
23. The primary purpose of an expository piece is to do which of the following?

Explanation

The primary purpose of an expository piece is to give out factual information. Expository writing aims to provide clear and objective explanations or descriptions of a particular subject or topic. It focuses on presenting facts, evidence, and logical arguments to inform and educate the reader. The goal is not to persuade or entertain, but rather to help the reader understand the main idea or concept being discussed.

Submit
24. What is meant by TEXT STRUCTURES in a nonfiction piece do?

Explanation

Text structures in a nonfiction piece refer to how the information within the written text is organized. This includes the way the text is structured, such as using headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and other organizational features to present the information in a logical and coherent manner. Understanding text structures helps readers to navigate the text, identify key ideas, and comprehend the content more effectively. It allows the reader to follow the author's intended flow of information and aids in better understanding the overall message of the nonfiction piece.

Submit
25. What is meant by an OBJECTIVE SUMMARY?

Explanation

An objective summary is a concise statement or paragraph that provides a brief overview of a selection without including irrelevant details or personal opinions. It focuses on presenting the main points and essential information about the subject matter, allowing readers to grasp the key ideas without being influenced by the writer's feelings or biases. The objective summary aims to provide an unbiased and factual representation of the text, enabling readers to understand the main content without unnecessary distractions.

Submit
View My Results

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 18, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 21, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Michelle BYRD
Cancel
  • All
    All (25)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Fact - Opinion  -  "Mrs. Smith was born on July 4,...
Nonfiction means ______________
The author makes a story humorous and funny because he wants to...
When an author tries to change your opinion about something, then the...
When the author gives you factual information, the author's...
Fact - Opinion  -  Between 1945 and 1960 the number of cars...
The primary purpose of a persuasive piece is ______________________
How can you prove that the following fact is true? ...
Who is the narrator of an autobiography?
Which of the following is NOT a question you should ask to find the...
Nonfiction has two major types that function to "tell a...
Which of the following summaries could describe an autobiography?
To support a main idea, writers often use __________________
Which text structure is most likely to be found in a textbook?
Which of the following text structures  are most likely to be...
Fact - Opinion     -  "Mrs. Barnes is...
To change a word's meaning, you can add a prefix _______________.
Choose the correct TEXT STRUCTURE which BEST describes the paragraph...
Choose the TEXT STRUCTURE that BEST describes the paragraph below: ...
Which of the following kinds of selections do NOT tell a story?
A biography describes _______________
What is meant by the term TONE?
The primary purpose of an expository piece is to do which of the...
What is meant by TEXT STRUCTURES in a nonfiction piece do?
What is meant by an OBJECTIVE SUMMARY?
Alert!

Advertisement