One way to tell is by looking at the sources. Nonfiction essays usually rely on real - life data, facts, and research. For example, a scientific essay about climate change will cite numerous studies. Fiction essays, on the other hand, are often products of the author's imagination. They may have made - up characters, settings, and events. Another clue is the language used. Nonfiction tends to use more formal and objective language, while fiction can be more creative and emotional in its expression.
Well, nonfiction essays often deal with real - world topics like politics, history, or current affairs. They are grounded in reality. Fiction essays might have a more dreamy or fantastical quality. A nonfiction essay will probably have footnotes or references if it's academic or research - based. Fiction essays don't need such things. Also, the narrative structure in fiction can be more flexible and creative, while nonfiction usually follows a more logical and structured pattern to present facts clearly.