This document provides descriptions of different fiction genres including classics, fantasy, science fiction, horror/supernatural, realistic fiction, romance, historical fiction, and mystery. It then has a 7 question multiple choice quiz to test the reader's knowledge of the genres. The genres are defined with 1-2 sentences describing common characteristics. For example, classics are defined as books written before the 20th century that have stood the test of time, while fantasy includes magical creatures and the personification of objects. The document concludes by congratulating the reader on learning about the genres and encouraging them to find a book in a genre that interests them.

1. Characteristics of
Fiction Genres
By Mr. Havanko
Tilden Elementary Center
Hamburg Area School District

2. Table of Contents
Choose a Fiction Genre from the table below.
Classics Fantasy
Science Fiction Horror/Supernatural
Realistic Fiction Romance
Historical Fiction Mystery
Test Your Knowledge with the Fiction Genre Quiz!
Next Slide

3. Classics
• A book that has stood the test of time; written
before the 20th century
• Classics include folktales,
fairy tales, fables, and myths
Table of Contents Next Slide

4. Fantasy
• Humorous tales told in slapstick nature
• Have talking beasts
• Inanimate objects are personified
• Blatant exaggeration
• Pure fantasy
Table of Contents Next Slide

5. Science Fiction
• Almost all the other genres are part of it
• Space travel
• Time travel
• Planet population
• Discoveries & Inventions
• Aliens landing
Table of Contents Next Slide

6. Horror/Supernatural
• Will feature haunted houses
• Darkness is usually essential
• Hero is usually oblivious to evil
• Someone sells out to evil
• Rituals or ceremonies are essential
• May contain family curses/pacts
with the devil
Table of Contents Next Slide

7. Realistic Fiction
• The reader could experience the same events
as the characters
• Deals with issues perceived to be
problems in real life
• Provides reader with a window to
the world and a mirror to
him/herself
Table of Contents Next Slide

8. Romance
• Something usually has to be overcome
• Storytelling is generally found
in fairy tales
• Contains wish fulfillment
• Includes happy endings
• Wisdom is a byproduct
Table of Contents Next Slide

9. Historical Fiction
• Generally the plot and theme surround war
• Characters reflect the values of the
period and social issues
• Looks for historical accuracy
• The plot and theme are credible
for that time
Table of Contents Next Slide

10. Mystery
• Generally a good story with beginning, middle,
and end
• Set in an orderly world where
reason and virtue and a bit of luck
triumphs for the good guys
• Usually the protagonist gets
involved in the crime
Table of Contents

11. Test Your Knowledge
Question #1
Which genre contains talking beasts, magical
creatures, and witches or wizards?
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Romance
Mystery
Table of Contents Next Question

12. Test Your Knowledge
Question #2
Which genre contains space travel, time travel,
or planet population?
Horror/Supernatural
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Mystery
Table of Contents Next Question

13. Test Your Knowledge
Question #3
Darkness is essential in this genre.
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Horror/Supernatural
Table of Contents Next Question

14. Test Your Knowledge
Question #4
Generally, the plot and theme surround war in
this genre.
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Romance
Science Fiction
Table of Contents Next Question

15. Test Your Knowledge
Question #5
Which genre has the protagonist getting
involved with solving a crime?
Mystery
Science Fiction
Romance
Classics
Table of Contents Next Question

16. Test Your Knowledge
Question #6
Books that have withheld the test of time.
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction
Classics
Mystery
Table of Contents Next Question

17. Test Your Knowledge
Question #7
This genre deals with issues perceived to be
problems in real life.
Horror/Supernatural
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Mystery
Table of Contents Next

18. Correct!
Great Job! You really know your stuff!
Go to the Next Question!

19. Correct!
Another great answer!
Keep up the good work!
Go to the Next Question!

20. Correct!
Wow, you’re on fire today!
Go to the Next Question!

21. Correct!
You’re amazing! Don’t quit now!
Go to the Next Question!

22. Correct!
Outstanding! You’re a Pro at this!
Go to the Next Question!

23. Correct!
You’ve done this before, haven’t you?
Great Job!
Go to the Next Question!

24. Correct!
You did an incredible job! Well done!
Go to The End!

25. Oops!
Not to worry.
Go back and try it again.

26. Congratulations!
You did an amazing job with learning about
all of these different genres.
Now go find a book that has a genre of
storytelling that really interests you!

27. Credits
• LIB 585 Children’s Literature
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Photos from TitlePeak, Follett Software
Company