Introduction to
Literary Genres
Literature
any written or spoken work that expresses
ideas, emotions, or tells stories using
artistic and imaginative language
Examples:
A short story that teaches a lesson
A poem about friendship
A legend or folktale
Purposes of Literature:
To entertain
To teach
To express
To preserve
Forms of Literature:
1. Prose
Written in paragraphs and sentences; tells
stories or shares information.
Examples: short stories, novels,
essays, biographies
Forms of Literature:
2. Poetry
Written in lines and stanzas; often uses
rhythm, imagery, and emotion.
Examples: sonnets, haikus,
song lyrics
Forms of Literature:
3. Drama
presents a narrative through the enactment of
characters on a stage, often involving dialogue,
actions, and conflicts that unfold in front of an
audience.
Examples: sonnets, haikus,
song lyrics
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Introduction to Literary
Genres
Literary Genre
a category or type of
literature that shares specific
features, structure, and
purpose.
Why Is It Important
to Learn About
Literary Genres?
Helps readers understand
author intent and text structure
Enables students to analyze and
appreciate literary forms more
deeply
Provides writers with tools to
choose the most appropriate style
and techniques for their purpose
Builds a foundation for writing in
the Creative Nonfiction genre by
comparing it with others
01
Warm-up Activity:
“Fact, Fiction, or Fusion
Think-Pair-Share + Mystery Reveal
01
Genres & Their
Fiction
Literature based on imagined events
and characters.
Key Features
Plot, setting, character development,
theme
Examples:
Short stories, novels
Poetry
A literary form that expresses
ideas and emotions through
rhythm, imagery, and figurative
language
Key features: Line/stanza
structure, sound devices,
metaphors
Examples:
Haiku
Free verse
Sonnets
Drama
Literature written to
be performed,
focusing on
characters and
dialogue
Key Features:
Dialogue, stage
directions,
acts/scenes
Examples:
Play
Scripts
Creative Nonfiction
A genre that uses literary
techniques to tell
true stories
Key Features
Real events
Personal voice
Vivid imagery,
Narrative structure
Examples
Memoirs
Literary essays
Travel writing
What is Genre?
from the French genre meaning
“kind” or “type”. It is type or
category of literature with specific
features in form, style, and purpose.
Purpose and Function of
Genres Genres guide how
writers create and how
readers understand texts.
What Makes Creative
Nonfiction Unique?
Creative nonfiction tells true
stories using literary
techniques like imagery and
personal voice.
Comparison of Genres
Genres like fiction, poetry,
and CNF can share
techniques but differ in
purpose and truthfulness.
Real–Life Application
Creative nonfiction
turns personal or real
experiences into
meaningful stories.
3. Creative Nonfiction
Examples:
Memoirs
Autobiographical Essays
Personal Narratives
Literary Journalism
1
BLENDING FACTS WITH
Key NARRATIVE STYLE
Concepts of Creative nonfiction
Creative presents real events,
Nonfiction
people, and facts using
storytelling techniques.
EXPRESSING PERSONAL
2
VOICE
Key
Concepts of The writer’s unique
Creative perspective, tone, and
Nonfiction personality are present in
the writing.
3
STRUCTURING A STORY
Key FROM REAL EVENTS
Concepts of
Creative Organizing real-life
Nonfiction experiences using a
narrative structure
01
g
based on Literary
1. Content
Fiction: Imagined events, invented characters,
made-up settings.
Expository Nonfiction: Purely factual and
objective; no embellishment or opinion.
Creative Nonfiction: Factual content but told
like a story using literary elements.
2. Language
Fiction: Artistic, imaginative, often figurative; may
include symbolism and metaphor.
Expository Nonfiction: Clear, precise, and formal;
uses technical or academic vocabulary.
Creative Nonfiction: Descriptive and expressive;
blends vivid imagery with factual language to evoke
emotion.
3. Voice
Fiction: The narrator's voice may be first-person or
third-person; often separate from the author.
Expository Nonfiction: Objective and impersonal;
the writer is often “invisible.”
Creative Nonfiction: Personal, reflective, and
authentic; the writer’s personality and experiences
are present and central to the piece.
4. Structure
Fiction: Traditional story arc (introduction, rising
action, climax, falling action, resolution).
Expository Nonfiction: Organized by logic (cause-
effect, problem-solution, compare-contrast).
Creative Nonfiction: Uses narrative structure but
based on true events; can include scenes,
flashbacks, and internal reflection.
5. Narrative Intent
Fiction: To entertain, explore human experience, or
convey themes imaginatively.
Expository Nonfiction: To inform, explain, or
persuade with facts and logic.
Creative Nonfiction: To tell a true story in an
emotionally meaningful way combining truth and
creativity to move the reader.
Summary Points
Genres help organize and
interpret texts.
CNF is real but told with
creativity and emotion.
Writers choose genres based on
message and purpose.
Exit Ticket:
Write 2–3 sentences about
how creative nonfiction can be
used to tell your own story.
