Comparing Literary Non-Fiction with Non-Fiction

This section explains Comparing Literary Non-Fiction with Non-Fiction. Non-fiction and literary non-fiction share some common techniques and often focus on similar subjects. However, the way writers approach their subjects can differ significantly depending on the form of writing and the purpose behind it.

When comparing these two types of texts, it's important to consider the following elements:

• Writer’s Viewpoint and Perspective: How does the writer present their own opinions or ideas about the subject? Are they more objective or subjective?
• Attitude and Tone: What is the writer’s attitude towards the subject matter? Is it serious, humorous, or critical? The tone of the piece will reveal this.
• Context: The time period or cultural context in which the piece was written can heavily influence the writer's viewpoint and the style of writing. For instance, a 19th-century text might exhibit different attitudes towards social norms or technology compared to a modern piece.
• Purpose: What is the writer trying to achieve? Is the writing intended to inform, entertain, persuade, or a mixture of these?

Comparing Two Non-Fiction Texts: The Topic of Food and Nutrition

Let's explore two non-fiction texts that discuss food and nutrition but from different perspectives and time periods. One is a contemporary article from a popular magazine, and the other is an informational pamphlet from the early 20th century. By comparing the writers’ methods, tones, and the purpose of their writing, we can see how their approaches to food and nutrition differ.

Extract 1: Contemporary Magazine Article

Source: "The Rise of Plant-Based Diets" by Meryl Greers, Wellness Magazine, 2025.

Over the past decade, plant-based diets have skyrocketed in popularity. Celebrities, athletes, and even medical professionals are advocating for plant-based eating, citing its health benefits, such as improved heart health and weight loss. Unlike traditional vegetarianism, plant-based eating goes beyond simply avoiding meat. It focuses on eating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, that provide the body with necessary nutrients without the processed additives found in many modern foods.

Advocates of the plant-based lifestyle argue that it is not only beneficial for health but also for the environment, with plant-based diets contributing to a lower carbon footprint. While it’s not for everyone, the health benefits cannot be ignored, and more people are turning to plant-based options as they look to improve their diet and lifestyle. But it’s important to note that while plant-based eating can have great benefits, it’s crucial to ensure that all nutritional needs are being met, particularly with regard to vitamin B12, iron, and protein.

Extract 2: Informational Pamphlet on Nutrition

Source: "Proper Diet for a Healthy Life", Public Health Bulletin, 1910

The key to maintaining good health lies in the careful selection and preparation of food. A balanced diet must include an appropriate variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vegetables. It is important to note that while meat provides the body with valuable protein and energy, it must be consumed in moderation. A diet that consists predominantly of meat may lead to digestive issues and affect the proper functioning of the kidneys.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to the diet, providing the body with vital vitamins and minerals. However, one must be cautious in selecting these, as improperly prepared or spoiled produce can lead to digestive distress or illness. It is also critical to avoid excessive intake of sweets or foods high in sugar, as they can result in weight gain and other health problems.

It is also worth noting that clean drinking water is essential for good digestion and bodily function. Avoid heavy meals late in the evening, as digestion is slowed during sleep and the body may fail to properly process the food consumed.

Analysis: Similarities Between the Texts

• Topic: Both extracts focus on food and nutrition, advising the reader on what to eat for better health. While the first extract focuses on modern plant-based eating, the second focuses on a more traditional approach to diet from the early 20th century.
• Health Focus: Both texts emphasise health benefits and the importance of diet in maintaining well-being. The contemporary article speaks to the benefits of a plant-based diet for heart health and weight loss, while the pamphlet mentions the importance of balance and moderation in one’s diet.
• Nutritional Information: Both texts include practical advice on specific nutrients or food groups. The article highlights the need to ensure the proper intake of nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and protein, while the pamphlet stresses the balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Analysis: Differences Between the Texts

Form and Purpose:

• Extract 1 is from a modern magazine article, written with the purpose of informing and persuading the reader to consider plant-based diets. It also aims to entertain, appealing to the reader’s lifestyle and cultural trends.
• Extract 2 is an informational pamphlet from a public health publication. It aims to educate the public on general nutrition principles, offering a more formal, detached tone with the goal of promoting healthy eating habits and avoiding harm.

Tone and Attitude:

• The tone of the magazine article is conversational and enthusiastic. Phrases like “skyrocketed in popularity” and “health benefits cannot be ignored” suggest the writer is encouraging the reader to embrace a plant-based diet and see it as a modern, positive change.
• The tone of the pamphlet, on the other hand, is much more authoritative and advisory, with phrases like "it is important to note" and "one must be cautious." This tone reflects the more formal, practical nature of the time period, focusing on balanced health and moderation rather than promoting a specific diet trend.

Perspective and Writer’s Approach:

• The magazine article adopts a subjective perspective, presenting a trendy viewpoint on plant-based eating. It is celebratory of the lifestyle and its benefits, presenting both the health and environmental advantages.
• The pamphlet is much more neutral and pragmatic. It gives advice on what should be eaten in moderation (such as meat and sweets) and highlights the importance of a balanced approach. There is no enthusiasm for a particular diet; rather, it stresses overall well-being.

Language and Diction:

• The magazine article uses modern, informal language and colloquial expressions. For example, “skyrocketed in popularity” and “not for everyone” are familiar phrases that make the article accessible to a wide audience. The positive, almost sales-like language conveys the advantages of a plant-based diet in an engaging way.
• In contrast, the pamphlet uses more formal and cautious language, with words like “moderation,” “essential,” and “avoid excessive intake” that indicate a more measured and reserved approach. The writer presents the facts in a neutral, informative manner without attempting to persuade the reader toward any one diet.

Structure:

• The magazine article is more dynamic and fluid, presenting information in shorter paragraphs and using a conversational style. It moves between different aspects of the topic (health benefits, environmental impact, practical advice) quickly to keep the reader’s interest.
• The pamphlet is structured in a more traditional, detailed manner, providing clear and direct advice with fewer anecdotes or engaging stories. The tone is instructive, focusing on specific rules and guidelines for healthy eating.

Time and Context:

• The magazine article is written in the 21st century, where plant-based diets are trendy and heavily marketed. It reflects modern concerns such as environmental sustainability, celebrity endorsements, and cutting-edge health trends.
• The pamphlet comes from the early 20th century, a time when nutrition advice was more focused on basic dietary balance and avoiding extremes. It reflects the attitudes of the time, which were more conservative and cautious about dietary changes, advocating moderation in all things.

Conclusion

When comparing these two non-fiction texts, we can see that the magazine article uses a persuasive, informal, and modern tone to encourage readers to embrace plant-based diets as a trend that benefits health and the environment. It relies on contemporary language, personal appeal, and modern concerns. On the other hand, the informational pamphlet adopts a neutral, authoritative tone to educate readers on the basic principles of nutrition, using more formal language and a balanced perspective.

Both texts aim to inform the reader, but their methods, tones, and approaches to the subject of food and nutrition differ significantly due to their differing purposes, target audiences, and historical contexts.