Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Creative
Nonfiction
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Principles, Elements,
Techniques and Device of
Creative Nonfiction
Creative Nonfiction – Grade 12
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Principles, Elements, Techniques and Device of Creative
Nonfiction
First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.
Creative
Nonfiction
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Principles, Elements,
Techniques and Device of
Creative Nonfiction
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
5
For the learner:
The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
6
Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
7
What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
to analyze and interpret factual/nonfiction aspects in the text. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language
used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
What I Know
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
8
4. Which literary device used step-by-step in literature to highlight and explains
the details about the character?
a. Plot c. Characterization
b. Conflict d. Exposition
6. Which element in creative nonfiction is used to identify from whose angle the
story is being told?
a. Point of View c. Perspective
b. Dialogue d. Scene
7. What is known to be a Point of View where the character himself is telling the
story?
a. limited point of view
b. first-person point of view
c. second-person point of view
d. omniscient first-person point of view
9. Which among the following refers to the use of words in a way that deviates
from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated
meaning, colorful writing, clarifying or evocative comparison?
a. Imagery
b. Dialogue
c. Symbolism
d. Figurative Language
10. What is called as a language that invokes the reader’s sense of sight, smell,
taste, touch and hearing?
a. Imagery
b. Dialogue
c. Symbolism
d. Figurative Language
9
Lesson
Elements of Creative
1 Nonfiction
What’s In
Activity 1. Match Up
Direction: Match the column A with column B. Write the letter of your answer in the
blank provided.
Column A Column B
10
What’s New
Creative Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction merges the boundaries between literary art (fiction, poetry)
and research nonfiction (statistical, fact-filled, run of the mill journalism). It is writing
composed of the real or of facts, that employs the same literary devices as fiction
such as setting, voice/tone, character development, etc. This makes it different (more
“creative”) than standard nonfiction writing.
Activity 2. Spot On
Direction: Find and encircle the literary elements in the grid. Look for them in all
directions.
A D F G H K L O Y R E G A M I F D S A C
P O I U Y T R K E W Q Z X C V B N M H Q
N A R R A T I O N Q A L K P A H Q A X W
A H Q Y Z A R Q Y W P M J O S B R Z C E
D I A L O G U E M E S L H I F A E P V R
R J Z U X D T A Y R D N O U C V R L B T
T K X I T H E M E T F B O T G C T K N Y
Y L G O C R U R T Y G V E Y Z X Y J M U
U S C E N E I S R U H R G R X Z U H A I
I E H P V T O D E I J C F E C D I G S O
O T N A B Y P F I G U R A T I V E F D P
P T M S N U A L A N G U A G E S O D F Q
A I B D M I S C W O K X D W V A P S G A
S N T F L O D V Q P L Z S Q B N L A H S
D G Y G A P F P O I N T A O F M V I E W
Z X C V B N M A S D F G H J K L Q W Y R
11
What is It
Elements of Nonfiction
Nonfiction includes true stories about real people, places and experiences. It
also includes practical writing that informs about something and persuasive writing
that urges to think or act in a certain way but for it be compelling, the authors use
the same literary elements as fiction.
The following is a list of most common literary devices that writers incorporate into
their nonfiction writing.
❖ Plot
It is a term used in literature to refer to the chronology of interrelated events
that make up a story. The writer sequences the events in such as fashion that
will make the story appeal to the readers.
It is a piece of literature is the time and place in which the story takes place.
The definition of setting can also include social statuses, weather, historical
period and details about immediate surroundings. It can be fictional or real or
a combination of both.
❖ Theme
❖ Characters
These are real people, animals and other beings that give life which the
authors describe. It includes physical descriptions, personality traits and
detailed histories which the reader can relate to.
❖ Point of View
It is the perspective from which a story is narrated. The following are the types
of point of view
A. When a character in the story is telling story, it is first-person point of view.
B. When the story is told by a narrator outside of the story, it is called third-
person point of view.
C. When the narrator knows what is going on in the minds of all the character
at all times. It is called omniscient or limited point of view.
12
❖ Dialogue
❖ Figurative Language
It refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order
and meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing,
clarifying or evocative comparison. It uses an ordinary sentence to refer to
something without directly stating it.
❖ Imagery
It is a language that invokes the reader’s sense of sight, smell, taste, touch
and hearing
❖ Symbolism
What’s More
This time, let us check your understanding about elements of creative nonfiction.
Activity 3. Accentuate It
Direction: Creative nonfiction is the literature of fact. Yet, the creative nonfiction
utilizes many literary devices of fiction writing. The following is a list of the most
common literary devices that writers incorporate into their nonfiction writing. Give
the purpose of each literary devices.
1. Plot and __________________________________________________
Plot Structure _______________________________________________________
2. Character __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. Setting __________________________________________________
and scene __________________________________________________
4. Dialogue __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
5. Theme __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
13
6. Symbolism __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
7. Figurative __________________________________________________
Language __________________________________________________
8. Imagery __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Activity 4. Clear Up
Direction: Write True if the statement if true or False if the statement if not true.
________ 1. Plot serves as a framework for the story.
________ 2. The third element of plot is the conflict.
________ 3. Only abstract things are symbolized.
________ 4. Setting is always located in the author’s home.
________ 5 Symbols are used to represent some things indirectly.
_________ 6. Perspective identifies from whose angle the story is being told.
_________ 7. Dialogue refers to the verbal exchange between the characters.
_________ 8. Symbolism is created when abstract things are concretized.
_________ 9. Theme is the supporting idea of an entire literary work.
_________ 10. Third person point of view is used in personal narrative.
14
What I Can Do
15
3. In a vague setting I was
singing “7 rings” with
Ariana Grande, until the
volume continuously hit the
maximum. It was 3:30 AM,
as flashed on my phone. I
turned off the noisy alarm
and gaped at the ceiling.
With a deep sigh, I stood up
from the fortress and did
my usual morning routine,
except taking a bath
because the water was
frigid.
4. Quarantine protocols made me explore the world of social media. Facebook is my favorite
stomping ground. The moment I open my eyes every morning, I grab my phone, turn the Wi-
Fi on, and reload my newsfeed, hoping for interesting things to pop up. Unnoticing the clock
is at 12 noon already. After eating my lunch and doing some chores, I rush to my bed, grab
my phone, and the cycle goes on till I close my eyes to sleep. I can feel my back aches and eyes
strain, but I have nowhere to go—netizens are my new neighborhood. I was used to that routine
since the lockdowns were imposed. Until a trending video passed by my timeline—a couple
who met by chance at TikTok.
Who does not know TikTok? Almost everyone uploads their videos on TikTok and hop on the
trends. I sometimes laugh at netizens who try hard doing some dance craze. Such a bandwagon
jumper. But when I saw that unexpected couple from TikTok, without hesitation, I installed
mine. They first met in the comments section, so I looked for my ideal one and commented on
all the videos he uploaded.
I always ponder on a flirtatious approach before commenting. At first, he replied a “heart”
emoji. I could not contain myself. I already dreamt of us as a couple. But that was all. Not even
a “hi” or “thank you.” My heart sank. I think not everyone is lucky to find a pair in this
pandemic. I went back to my hideaway—Facebook. My boring routine was back for a moment,
until I found the Omegle queen, John Fedellaga, a vlogger who makes video calls through
Omegle and have conversations with different people across the globe. Out of the billion
population worldwide, maybe Omegle may lead me to one, just one. Or at least I’ve someone
to talk to.
Omegle randomly pairs you with someone, using anonymous names “You,” “Stranger 1,”
“Stranger 2,” and so on. They say strangers are the best people to talk to; they do not judge.
The lesser they know about me, the more interested they are to listen to my stories. The idea
was not wrong at first. I had someone to converse with, sharing hobbies, interests, idols, even
fashion standards. Not until they demanded for naked photos in exchange for their Instagram
accounts so I could have their personal info. Worse, some were doing obscene things right in
16
front of me. Since then, I ended using Omegle. Yet it did not stop me from looking for
someone’s attention.
I tried Tinder, an application like a brochure of cosmetics, where you choose whom to like and
not out of all the available, and if he matched “you,” luck is on your side, but not on me. The
same with what I did on TikTok, I commented on my crush’s post on Instagram—still, no
response. Desperately, I called anyone randomly, either Facebook or mobile phone just to find
my significant other. The quarantine period burdened me to look for someone via social media.
I know I am not alone. Everyone is flexing their relationship in social media. I thought there is
a race of having a love life in these pandemic times. I often read stories about how COVID-19
connects people, but the more I tried to connect to people, the more I lost myself, and forgot
all that I have.
In November 2020, I was messaged by my high school friend, asking me how I was doing.
That one chat made me realize that I got busy looking for someone disregarding the people
close to me. That one chat made me looked at myself in the mirror, and it reflected a desperate
man. It was a dramatic scenario, but it helped me breathe after being greedy of something I
already have—someone, somebody. I always clamor about the slow and instability of internet
connection, yet I was already disconnected from reality. The calendar has just started, and so
must I. “Being better” is such an overused line, but I should be. And being better starts with
appreciating the things around me, and myself more than anything else.
Source: Personal Blog: Daniel Rosales, https://www.facebook.com/ilovesuhoverymuch
What is the theme of this story? __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
When a fork touches a sweet, sticky, tomato-based pasta, twirl it, all you hear is the sloppy
gluey noise, shoot it in your mouth, slurping it the more—there is no way I will not be drooling
for another plate of spaghetti. Since then, pasta is life, spaghetti is lifer. Birthdays, Christmas,
New Year’s Day, and anniversaries even for the dead ones, spaghetti is the menu I am
anticipating. I believe when celebrating a special occasion, it should be paired with a hot,
meaty, and saucy spaghetti, and that is perfectly enough. But when the quarantine period
started, my fondness towards spaghetti faded as if my palate favorite became a simple menu.
Sour spaghetti. Currently, I am living in Intramuros to pursue my college degree. June 10,
2019, the day I took my first step in Manila from General Santos City. I was only expecting
one person—he who contacted and gave me the opportunity to study in a prestigious school.
That same man introduced to me how an authentic spaghetti is cooked. A kilo of tomato plus
three cloves of garlic sautéed in adequate amount of olive oil, then add the cooked and salted
pasta. Voila! The sourness of tomatoes is just perfect with the pasta. While eating, he will talk
about how Italians appreciate pasta even the simplest way of cooking it, just cheese and oil.
And I was just there at the table listening to his stories. Sadly, I will not be able to hear more
17
of his tales. Face masks muted us. Social distancing created walls. And him cooking his version
of spaghetti is almost impossible. And that sour became bland.
Bland spaghetti. I missed eating Jolly spaghetti. Instead of ordering, I decided to cook for
myself. I bought the Filipino-style sauce packed with pasta and cheese. When I was about to
pour the sauce on the pan, my hand slipped, and the sweet sauce scattered on the stove like a
splash of blood. I was left laughing with the blushing pasta I forced to eat with a ketchup, tons
of ketchup. I was reminded of the last time I had a Jolly spaghetti. It was January of 2020 with
my classmate, the closest friend I have in a circle of three. We were served with a pasta skimped
of sauce. But we did not mind its tastelessness, all we did was laugh, share stories, and stare at
the cute manager of the Jollibee. Now, us talking, even in video calls is controlled to none.
Aside from the unstable connection, our data is allotted for online class. Worse was our school
decided to cut down student assistants, and unfortunately, she was one of them. We are now
totally separated, and I can now distinguish a bland spaghetti to a sweet one.
Sweet spaghetti. When my fork touches a sweet, sticky, tomato-based pasta, twirl it, all I hear
is the sloppy gluey noise, shoot it in my mouth, slurping it the more—there is no way I will not
be drooling for another plate of spaghetti, my mom’s spaghetti. On occasions or not, she will
never thrift us with all the needed ingredients. I could have tasted it once again if only lockdown
was not imposed during 2020 Christmas break. No matter how many kilos of sauce I will be
using to achieve my palate’s craving, it just can’t. I miss home as much as I miss eating
spaghetti with my family and friends. I miss my mom as much as I miss her version of
spaghetti—the one I grew up with. Whenever a spaghetti is served, I feel no joy nor excitement.
I just eat it like the way I eat any menu.
Source: Personal Blog: Daniel Rosales, https://www.facebook.com/ilovesuhoverymuch
Name at least one action/ object in the story that depict a symbolic
meaning?_________________________________________________________
Assessment
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
18
2. Which element of a creative nonfiction text is defined as the logical
arrangement of events?
a. Characters c. Plot
b. Atmosphere d. Dialogue
6. Which element in creative nonfiction is used to identify from whose angle the
story is being told?
a. Point of View c. Perspective
b. Dialogue d. Scene
7. What is known to be a Point of View where the character himself is telling the
story?
a. limited point of view
b. first-person point of view
c. second-person point of view
d. omniscient first-person point of view
9. Which among the following refers to the use of words in a way that deviates
from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated
meaning, colorful writing, clarifying or evocative comparison?
a. Imagery
b. Dialogue
c. Symbolism
d. Figurative Language
19
10. What is called as a language that invokes the reader’s sense of sight, smell,
taste, touch and hearing?
a. Imagery
b. Dialogue
c. Symbolism
d. Figurative Language
Additional Activities
Choose one creative nonfiction story to analyze. Fill the table below with your answer.
Notice
Setting
Characters
Theme
Plot
Symbols and
Symbolism
20
21
Personal Blog: Daniel Rosales, https://www.facebook.com/ilovesuhoverymuch
Corporation, 2014
Menoy, Jesus Z. Creative Nonfiction. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing
References
Assessment
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. A
6. A
7. B
8. B
9. D
10.A
What I Know What's In What I Have
1. A 1. F Learned
2. C 2. C
1. True
3. D 3. D
2. False
4. A 4. C
3. False
5. A 5. B
4. False
6. A 6. A
5. True
7. B
6. False
8. B
7. True
9. D
8. True
10.A
9. False
10.False
Answer Key
DISCLAIMER
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN
with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal.
Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning
Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material to be used by all
learners in Region XII in all public schools beginning SY 2020-2021. The
process of LR development was observed in the production of this module.
This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback, comments, and
recommendations
22