Genre EssayMrs. Duffey

8C ELA

What is a GenreA genre is a category of artistic

works: one of the categories, based on form, style, or subject matter, into which artistic works of all kinds can be divided.

A literary genre is a category of literary composition. Genres may be determined by literary technique, tone, content.

Common Literary Genres

Action/Adventure Realism Mystery Science Fiction Fantasy Historical Classic

Action/ Adventure

Action/Adventure in which action takes a lead role.

Adventure stories are often out of doors, physical and sometimes violent. Plot is more important than character or theme, as the reader wonders what will happen next!

Realism

Realism Realistic stories candidly treat the problems

that belong specifically to young adult's in today's world. Realism introduces young readers to sibling rivalry, moving, running away, adjusting to a single-parent family, death, divorce, adoption, drugs, alcohol, puberty, pregnancy, sexuality, religion, illness, handicaps and suicide.

Mystery

Mystery Stories in which the element of mystery or

terror plays a major part. Mysteries are tales of crime, or feature strange or frightening adventure. Many stories of this genre feature a detective trying to catch the criminal. Mystery novels involve situations that are puzzling, and difficult to explain.

Science Fiction

Science FictionScience Fiction examines worlds based on technology and invention that might be possible in the future (or other time). Whether visiting new planets, dealing with an environment gone awry, or dealing with a race that has extra-sensory perception, all of these stories depends on the suspension of some disbelief and the potential for the technology to exist in some form.

Fantasy

Fantasy Fantasy novels feature unreal creatures and

settings. The worlds created in fantasy stories obey rules created by the author - they may be magical. Fantasies might contain wizards, dragons, faeries, trolls. Fantasies can be light hearted adventures, or comic stories, or frightening horror stories.

Historical

Historical Fiction fiction presents a story that doesn't conflict

with historical records. It portrays characters realistically, presents authentic settings, historical facts, accurate information through illustrations, and avoids stereotypes and myths. Historical fiction can take you back in time to read of people, places and events rooted in our history.

Classic

Has no perfect definition Has a timeless theme Usually is listed on the Canon Examples:

Great Gatsby Of Mice and Men Romeo and Juliet Pride and Prejudice

Expectations for the Essay

One essay must be turned in 1 week prior to the end of the marking period. Essays may be turned in early.

Each essay must be typed, in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. Do not change margins or settings. The paper will have a heading with your name, date, period and the title Genre Essay.

The essay should be a minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 300.

Introduction

Hook SentenceIntroduce the book and authorThesis Sentence (last sentence of the

paragraph). Example: “The book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, is an example of realistic fiction because although it is not a true story it is very possible that this situation could have happened.”

Body

A brief summary of your story. This should be no more than 4 to 5 sentences.

Explain your genre. What is it? What does a book need in order to be put in that genre?

Explain why your book is in that category.

Conclusion

Restate your thesis in other words.

Recap on the most important items of your essay.

Finish with a strong sentence.

Things to Avoid

Do not use sentences like, “I am going to tell you…” or “So now I’ve explained…”

Do not use words like, “gonna”, “wanna” etc… These are not real words.

Do not turn in a paper you have not read at least 2-3 times.