Literary Genres - ESL worksheet by allop - Free Printable

Here is the completed Genre and Subgenre Worksheet 4, with answers and explanations for each item:

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1. *The Man behind the Moon* by Shelton Pacer
*This text tells the true life story of Richard Proctor, who argued in the 1870s that the dark spots on the Moon's surface were craters formed by collision, not volcanoes as previously believed.*

- Genre: Nonfiction
- Subgenre: Biography

Explain your Answer:
This book is nonfiction because it presents a true account of a real person’s life. Specifically, it is a biography since it focuses on the life and achievements of Richard Proctor, a historical figure.

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2. *The Basketball Player* by Terry Rudder
*Chris Bosworth has just moved from the farm to the city, and he may be the most awkward freshman in the history of high school: he is lanky, unfashionable, and his voice keeps changing pitch when the teacher calls on him in class. When Chris starts playing for the underdog basketball team for the school, things start to change for him in a big way.*

- Genre: Fiction
- Subgenre: Realistic fiction

Explain your Answer:
This is fiction because it is a made-up story, but it is realistic fiction because it portrays everyday life and challenges (like adjusting to high school and fitting in) in a believable way, without supernatural or fantastical elements.

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3. *Cordwood Pete* retold and illustrated by C.G. Mills
*Mills retells the stories of Cordwood Pete, younger brother of Paul Bunyan. Unlike Paul, who grew to be a giant, Cordwood Pete was a mere 4 feet 9 inches. Pete's growth was stunted because he could never get enough to eat with Paul eating everything in site. What Cordwood Pete lacks in size, he makes up in speed: he's fast enough to cut 50 square miles in a single day!*

- Genre: Folklore
- Subgenre: Tall tale

Explain your Answer:
This is folklore because it is a traditional story passed down through generations. It is specifically a tall tale because it features exaggerated events and characters (like cutting 50 square miles in a day), typical of American folk legends like those involving Paul Bunyan.

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4. *Science is Fun* by Allan Mallon
*This exciting science text teaches you to conduct scientific experiments using common household items.*

- Genre: Nonfiction
- Subgenre: Informational writing

Explain your Answer:
This is nonfiction because it provides factual content about science. It falls under informational writing because its purpose is to teach readers how to perform experiments, offering instructions and knowledge in a clear, educational format.

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✔ Summary of Answers:

| Text | Genre | Subgenre |
|------|-------|----------|
| 1. *The Man behind the Moon* | Nonfiction | Biography |
| 2. *The Basketball Player* | Fiction | Realistic fiction |
| 3. *Cordwood Pete* | Folklore | Tall tale |
| 4. *Science is Fun* | Nonfiction | Informational writing |

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