Literary Subgenres
This subgenre of fiction usually includes magic, dragons, and imaginary worlds like in Harry Potter.
What is fantasy
"Once upon a time, a clever rabbit challenged a fierce lion to a race. The lion laughed, but the rabbit had a trick up his sleeve."
What is a fable
This type of story teaches a moral or lesson and often has talking animals, like in The Tortoise and the Hare.
What is fable
"After the year 3035, humans lived on floating cities above Earth. Kira used her robot-powered boots to fly between towers, but today, something was wrong—gravity was changing."
What is the subgenre of this passage?
A. Fantasy
B. Science Fiction
C. Historical Fiction
D. Realistic Fiction
"As Maya walked into the classroom with her head down and shoulders slumped, she barely mumbled 'good morning.' She didn’t look at anyone and sat in the back."
What can you infer about how Maya is feeling?
What is sad or upset
This subgenre often involves solving a crime or a puzzle, like in Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys.
What is mystery
"Long ago, in a village near the sea, people believed that storms were caused by the anger of the sea god. They left gifts at the shore to calm his rage."
What is myth
These stories are made up but based on real people or events, like the tale of Robin Hood.
What is legend
"It was 1775, and Anna had to hide her family’s secret messages in the lining of her dress. She walked past British soldiers, pretending to be just another girl going to market."
What is the subgenre of this passage?
A. Science Fiction
B. Realistic Fiction
C. Historical Fiction
D. Fantasy
What is historical fiction
"The cafeteria smelled like pizza, but Sam pushed his tray away. His face was pale, and he held his stomach while slowly walking to the nurse's office."
What can you infer is happening to Sam?
What is he is feeling sick
This subgenre is based on things that could really happen and includes realistic characters and settings.
What is realistic fiction
"Anansi the Spider loved to play tricks. One day, he tried to steal all the world’s wisdom and keep it for himself—but things didn’t go as planned."
What is folk tale
This kind of story explains how something in nature came to be, like Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky.
What is myth
"Tyrese didn't want to move to a new school. He missed his friends and hated being the new kid. But after joining the soccer team, he started to feel like he belonged."
What is the subgenre of this passage?
A. Realistic Fiction
B. Historical Fiction
C. Science Fiction
D. Fantasy
What is realistic fiction
"Bats can find their way in complete darkness using sound instead of sight. This special ability is called echolocation. When a bat sends out sound waves, they bounce off objects and return to the bat, helping it know where things are—even in caves or at night."
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is bats use echolocation to find their way in the dark?
This subgenre takes place in the past and includes real historical events, like Number the Stars.
What is historical fiction
"People say that Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor. No one knows if he really lived, but his story has been told for hundreds of years."
What is legend
This type of tale is known for exaggeration and features characters like Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill.
What is tall tale
"The kingdom of Eloria was hidden behind a wall of mist. Only those with dragonblood could pass through. When Aria touched the gate, it glowed with ancient runes and opened silently."
What is the subgenre of this passage?
A. Fantasy
B. Science Fiction
C. Historical Fiction
D. Legend
What is fantasy
"Even though Lila’s ankle hurt, she kept running. Her team was behind, and she knew they needed her. As she reached the finish line, her teammates cheered."
What can you infer about Lila?
What is she is determined or brave?
This nonfiction subgenre tells the story of a real person's life, written by someone else.
What is biography
"Paul Bunyan was so big, he used a pine tree as a toothpick. His blue ox, Babe, could plow a whole field in one step!"
What is tall tale
These traditional stories are passed down by word of mouth and come from different cultures, like Anansi the Spider.
What is folk tale
"Kai built a time-traveling wristwatch out of old computer parts. When he tested it, he landed in ancient Egypt—and had to fix the watch before the pharaoh noticed he was from the future."
What is the subgenre of this passage?
A. Historical Fiction
B. Fantasy
C. Science Fiction
D. Tall Tale
What is science fiction
"Recycling helps protect the planet. By turning old materials into new products, we use fewer natural resources and create less waste. Everyone can help by recycling paper, plastic, and metal."
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is recycling is important and helps protect the Earth?