Which of the following best defines genre?

The concept of genre refers to a category or classification that organizes literary works based on certain shared characteristics, themes, or styles. This encompasses a wide range of categories, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and more, each further divided into sub-genres like science fiction, mystery, or historical fiction. Understanding genre allows readers to anticipate the kind of content and structure they can expect from a work, thus enhancing their reading experience and comprehension.

In contrast to other choices, which focus on specific techniques, character types, or poetic forms, the definition of genre as a category provides a broad framework for how literature is organized and understood. This classification is fundamental in both academic discussions of literature as well as in general reading and writing practices.