Genres and literature

Genre means: a category (class), or the type of writing style or format.

Mrs. Kovacs

All categories of books or stories can be called either :

fiction or non-fiction.

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”

FOLKTALE

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

NAME THE TYPES OF FICTION

NON-FICTION

Non-Fiction

•Has facts that can be checked and proven

•The author is an expert on this information.

Genre – Subcategories NON-FICTION

•Informational

•“How to” books

•Arts and crafts books

•Biographies