One way is to check for evidence. If there's no historical, scientific or real - life evidence to support the events in the story, it's likely a not true story. Like a story about a city floating in the sky. There are no such cities in reality, so it's a fictional, not true story. Also, if the story has a lot of magical or supernatural elements that have no basis in our known world, it's a good indication that it's not a true story.
You can look for consistency in details. If the story has consistent and plausible details throughout, it might be true.
Another way is to consider the emotional authenticity. A true war story often conveys genuine emotions and experiences that ring true. And see if multiple independent sources tell a similar account.
A true war story often has a raw and unfiltered quality. It shows the complexity and ambiguity of war without glorifying it. Also, if it's told by someone who was actually there, that's a good sign.
One way to tell is by the plausibility of the story. If it seems too far - fetched and doesn't fit with what we know about human nature, society, or historical context, it might not be truly based on a true story. However, if the story contains elements that are typical of real - life situations, like complex relationships, moral dilemmas, and real - world consequences, and it has a connection to real events or people that can be traced, then it is likely based on a true story.
One way is to look at the source. If it comes from reliable historical records or first - hand accounts, it's likely a true story. If it's a work of fiction that claims to be 'based on a true story', it might mention some liberties taken in the preface or introduction. For example, a novel might say 'inspired by the events in a small town in the 1950s, but with fictional characters and added plotlines'.
Research can also give it away. If you look into the details and find that they match historical records or real - life situations, it's likely based on a true story. For instance, if a book describes a well - known historical event in great detail and with accuracy, it's probably based on it. Also, sometimes the characters in the book might be real people, which is a big clue.
Look at the details. If the details are too outlandish, like a fish that can fly over mountains, it's probably a false 'fish story'.
One way is to do some research. Look for historical records or news articles related to the events in the story. If you find similarities, it might be based on a true story.
To determine if a story is based on a true story, fiction or nonfiction, look at the details. Nonfiction stories are full of verifiable information. They might reference historical documents or real - life interviews. Fiction is pure imagination. It might be set in a made - up world or have a plot that couldn't happen in reality. A story based on a true story will have elements that are recognizable from real life. Take 'The Social Network'. It was based on the real - life creation of Facebook. Some events were dramatized, but the core of the story was true.
Examine the narrative structure. In a 'true story', the events are likely to be presented in a chronological order that follows the actual sequence of what happened. In a work 'based on true events', the structure might be more creative. For example, it could start with the climax and then go back in time. Additionally, if there are a lot of unconfirmed or made - up - sounding side plots, it's more likely to be 'based on true events' rather than a pure 'true story'.