Genres and literature
Genre means: a category (class), or the type of writing style or format.
Mrs. Kovacs
What are the five basic genres of literature?
II. 5 Basic Types
A. Fiction
B. Nonfiction
C. Poetry
D. Plays
E. Folktales
Fiction• A made up story
• Can tell about things that could happen
• Is read for fun
• Characters may be like real people or imaginary
Genre – SubcategoriesFICTION
–Folktales
–Fantasy
–Mystery
–Poetry
–Historical Fiction
–Realistic Fiction
–Traditional Literature
• Takes place in the PAST
• Revolves around a historical event
HISTORICAL FICTION
REALISTIC FICTION• A story that could happen
• Usually takes place in the present
• Plot, character, & setting are believable
1.Usually takes place in the future
2. Involves advanced technology 3. May take place in outer space
Science Fiction
Fantasy1. Contains magic or special powers
2. May contain animals that speak
3. Couldn’t possibly happen!
4. Usually has a good vs. evil conflict
Mystery
1. May involve a crime that needs to be solved
2. Includes secret that need to be unraveled
FOLKTALE• A traditional story that tries to explain or understand
the world or nature.
• Handed down from generation to generation usually by oral retelling.
• Has a moral (lesson) to learned from
• Folktales are part of many different cultures
• Can have key phrases such as
“Once Upon a Time”
POETRY
• Writing that reaches people’s emotions
• Can be written in short verses
• When read aloud, it has a rhythm
• Sometimes words rhyme or have a sound pattern
POETRY• THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF
POETRY:
Limerick Lyric Ode
Shape Haiku Free verse
Diamante Cinquan Ballad
acrostic
Genre – Subcategories NON-FICTION
•Informational
•“How to” books
•Arts and crafts books
•Biographies