1. Genre Essay
Mrs. Duffey
8C ELA

2. What is a Genre
A 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.

3. Common Literary Genres
Action/Adventure
Realism
Mystery
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Historical
Classic

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Science Fiction
Science Fiction Science 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Introduction Hook Sentence Introduce the book and author
Thesis 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.”

13. 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.

14. Restate your thesis in other words.
Conclusion
Restate your thesis in other words.
Recap on the most important items of your essay.
Finish with a strong sentence.

15. 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.