Look at the cover or the book description. If it mentions things like 'based on a true story' or'real - life events', it's likely nonfiction. If it has elements like 'fantasy world' or'made - up characters', it's probably fiction.
Look at the content. If it has made - up characters and events that couldn't happen in real life, it's probably fiction. If it's about real people, places, or events, it's nonfiction.
Look at the cover or the blurb. If it mentions something like 'based on a true story', it's likely nonfiction. If it has elements like 'a world of magic' or 'fictional characters', it's probably fiction.
One easy way is to look at the sources. If a novel cites a lot of real - world references, research, and historical data, it's likely nonfiction. For example, if it mentions specific historical documents or interviews with real people. Fiction usually doesn't have such real - world sourcing. Another way is to check if the characters are real - life figures. If they are, it could be nonfiction, but if they are made - up names, it's probably fiction.
Check for elements like real - world references. Nonfiction will often mention real places, people, and events that can be verified. Fiction might create fictional locations or use real - world names in a made - up context. For example, a nonfiction book about a city will give accurate details about its geography and history, while a fictional story set in that city might add magical elements that don't exist in reality.
One easy way is to look at the cover or the book description. If it mentions real - life events, people, or topics like history or science, it's likely nonfiction. If it has elements like magic, made - up characters in a fictional world, it's probably fiction.
Look at the content. If it has things like dragons and wizards, it's probably fiction. If it's about real events like World War II, it's nonfiction.
One way to distinguish is by the content. In historical fiction, there is a combination of historical accuracy in terms of the period, like the way people dressed, the social norms, and fictional elements like the main characters' personal stories. Fiction is just pure creativity, like a story set in a world where gravity works backwards. Nonfiction is full of real - world information. It could be about the economy, politics, or any real - life topic. Another way is the language used. Nonfiction may use more technical or formal language when presenting facts. Historical fiction may have a more narrative and descriptive style while still incorporating historical details. Fiction has a very open - ended style as it's all about the author's imagination.
Check the genre labels. Genres like 'fantasy', 'science fiction', 'romance' are usually fiction. Genres such as 'biography', 'history', 'self - help' are typically nonfiction. Also, the cover design can sometimes give a clue. Fiction books might have more imaginative or artistic covers, while nonfiction often has a more straightforward design related to the topic.
Look at the content. If it's about real people, places, and events, it's probably nonfiction. If it's full of made - up characters and situations, it's fiction.
Look at the characters. In fiction, characters are often created from the author's imagination, like wizards or time - traveling heroes. In nonfiction, characters are real people. Also, check the events. Fictional events can be highly imaginative, but nonfiction events are based on real - life occurrences.